Why The Google Pixel 8 Pro Is The Smartest Pixel Purchase Right Now
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I enjoy using my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. It’s the company’s best Pixel in years, and it checks all the boxes for a flagship phone in 2025. Google addressed user concerns, providing more reliable connectivity and a gorgeous display. However, with premium specs comes a premium price tag, and while frequent sales help, the Pixel 9 Pro XL still takes a toll on your wallet.
Thankfully, you can get many of the improvements Google has made with recent Pixels for far less money. You can buy a new Pixel 8 Pro for around $600. It’s more than you’d pay for a Pixel 9a, but you pick up a few flagship features along the way. If you’re a Pixel fan on a budget but still want a smartphone that punches above its weight, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth looking at in 2025.
Read our review
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: The best big Android phone
Google’s big flagship earns its $100 price bump and then some
Plenty still prefer the older Pixel design
Premium materials and a fantastic display
I appreciate what Google did with the Pixel 9a, and it’s the best $500 you can spend on a smartphone right now — it’s a complete experience. However, it’s easy to see where Google compromised to bring down the price tag. It feels alright in the hand, but it’s nothing compared to the premium build of the Pixel 8 Pro. Last year’s Google flagship features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. It feels fantastic in the hand, and I’ve carried my Pixel 8 Pro without a case for over a year without any issues. I like the Pixel 9 Pro XL design, but I understand why people still prefer the curved back glass of the Pixel 8 Pro.
I kept seeing benchmark comparisons that had no relevance to real-world usage.
The Pixel 8 Pro was also the year Google debuted its Super Actua display technology, marking a reversal of years of subpar panels on its devices. I recently used the Pixel 2 XL again, and was surprised how much I enjoyed the screen. I forgot that Google could fit its phones with excellent displays until the Pixel 8 Pro arrived. It features a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display that refreshes at 120Hz. It doesn’t get as bright as this year’s Google flagship, but you’ll rarely have issues viewing your Pixel 8 Pro outdoors.
We overestimate how much performance we need
The Tensor G3 gets the job done
I recall being frustrated by the noise surrounding the Tensor G3 when the Pixel 8 Pro was released. I kept seeing benchmark comparisons that had no relevance to real-world usage. Google wasn’t interested in adding the most horsepower to its chipset; it wanted to focus on the user experience. It’s something Google does well. I don’t think any Android manufacturer has outlined a helpful path for AI, but Google’s makes more sense than most. Google’s software is a selling point. Android 15 is running well on the Pixel 8 Pro, and I always miss Pixel software extras like Now Playing whenever I’m not using a Google smartphone.
Google also addressed most of the overheating concerns people had with previous Tensor chipsets. I never experienced abnormal heating with my Pixel 8 Pro. It helps keep performance smooth, but it also leads to longer battery life. I can easily get 8 or 9 hours of screen time with my Pixel 8 Pro on a single charge, something I couldn’t claim with previous Pixels. It comes with 12GB of RAM, so that future Google Gemini features should run smoothly. And, with 6 years of support remaining, it’s not a question of whether your Pixel will get new updates.
The Pixel 8 Pro is better for shutterbugs
A cheaper price also doesn’t hurt
I wound up using the 48MP 5x optical zoom on my Pixel 8 Pro more than I thought. It’s fantastic for capturing images of wildlife. I recently moved closer to the woods, and snapping a shot of the annoying woodpecker outside my bedroom window is much easier with the 5x optical. The Pixel 9a camera is still excellent, but the Pixel 8 Pro offers more versatility in the types of images you can produce.
Price is also a significant factor in my recommendation of the Pixel 8 Pro in 2025. For $600, you’re getting a lot of smartphone, with software support that will go on for years. We’re starting to see the first generation of devices promised 7 years of support become excellent values on the secondary market. A new Pixel 8 Pro costs $600, but refurbished examples can save you even more.
It’s a good time to be a buyer
Smartphones are in a fantastic position for consumers at the moment. It used to be that if we wanted premium performance and high-quality build materials, we were stuck paying over $1,000. Now, with an impressive crop of midrange smartphones and older flagships receiving longer support, we have our choice of excellent devices for almost half the price. If you like Pixels and saving money, the Pixel 8 Pro will do the job.
- SoC
- Google Tensor G3
- RAM
- 12GB
- Storage
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Battery
- 5,050mAh
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is still a good deal in 2025, with plenty of software support and a premium flagship experience. The Tensor G3 is powerful enough for most tasks, and you’ll enjoy plenty of Pixel extras on Android 15. If you’re in the market for a Pixel but don’t want to pay flagship prices, the Pixel 8 Pro is worth a look.
