Google Pixel 8 Review & In-Depth Comparison vs iPhone 15 – Best Non-Pro Phone in 2023?

In a world dominated by the iPhone 15’s popularity, can Google’s Pixel 8 stand up to the Apple juggernaut? In this comprehensive review and comparison, we’ll explore the design, display, multimedia features, performance, network capabilities, battery life, camera prowess, and the software of the Pixel 8. Additionally, we’ll pit it against the iPhone 15 to determine if it’s the best non-pro phone in 2023.

Design
The Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 both showcase refined designs, with differences in thickness, weight, materials, and button configurations. While the Pixel 8 offers a glossy glass back, the iPhone 15 boasts a frosted glass finish. The Pixel 8 is thicker and heavier, but design preferences may vary based on individual taste.

Display
Comparing the displays, the Pixel 8 edges out the iPhone 15 with a slightly larger screen and the ability to switch between 60Hz to 120Hz. The Pixel’s Always On display is a notable advantage, and its HDR10+ support provides vibrant visuals. In outdoor settings, the Pixel’s 1400 nits in HBM outshine the iPhone’s 1000 nits, enhancing visibility.

Multimedia
In the multimedia department, the Pixel 8’s stereo speakers impress despite lacking Dolby ATMOS support, outperforming the iPhone 15 in a side-by-side test. The Pixel’s compatibility with a variety of wireless audio products gives it an edge over the iPhone’s AAC limitation.

Performance
The Pixel 8, equipped with Tensor G3, competes with the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic. Benchmarks show the iPhone’s higher scores, but real-world performance reveals the Pixel’s capability for Medium+Ultra settings in games like Call of Duty Mobile, despite heating concerns. The iPhone’s A16 Bionic exhibits better thermal efficiency, highlighting an area for improvement in the Pixel.

Network
Both phones offer Wi-Fi advancements, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G support. However, the Pixel 8 faces network issues in certain areas where the iPhone 15 maintains a more stable connection, making the latter the preferred choice.

Battery
Despite the Pixel 8’s larger battery, the iPhone 15 outperforms it in real-world usage. The Pixel offers around 5 hours of screen-on time (SoT), while the iPhone consistently achieves over 6 hours. Charging times are similar, but the iPhone’s smaller battery size gives it an advantage in overall battery life.

Camera
The Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 exhibit different approaches to photography. While the iPhone captures higher resolution images by default, the Pixel’s HDR processing excels in low-light conditions. The Pixel’s ultrawide capabilities, HDR performance, and unique features like macro shots with the ultrawide lens set it apart. However, the iPhone outshines in video recording, especially in low-light scenarios.

Software & Security
The Pixel 8, running on Android with the promise of seven years of OS updates, surpasses the iPhone’s five or six years. Android 14 introduces generative AI-based wallpapers, though storage concerns are noted. The Pixel’s combination of fingerprint and face ID for secure authentication, including banking apps, positions it as a strong contender in security.

Conclusion
The Pixel 8 emerges as a formidable non-pro phone, closely competing with the iPhone 15. It excels in display quality, multimedia, and camera capabilities, offering a compelling alternative for Android enthusiasts. However, concerns about heating issues and network stability urge Google to address these aspects for a more well-rounded user experience. In the ongoing battle between iOS and Android, the Pixel 8’s longer software support and enhanced security features make it a compelling choice for users seeking a balance between performance and longevity.