Coca-Cola or Pepsi? Marvel or DC Comics? Adidas or Nike? iPhone or… well, exactly!
Just a few years ago, Apple smartphones didn't have exact equivalents in the Android world. All the big battles of mobile technology psychofans took place between fans of iOS and Android as a whole. If the Green Robot team had to field a specific contender, it was usually a Samsung.
And true, every year Google commissioned other manufacturers to create new models in the Nexus series, but these were rather niche devices, completely different in each generation and aimed at the biggest enthusiasts.
Google Pixel Changes the Market
Everything changed with the Pixels, devices over which Google now has almost as much control as Apple has over iPhones. Their own operating system, their own identity, unchanging year after year, and for some time now, even their own processors! Add to that amazing cameras and long update support – yes, Pixels have definitely become full-fledged equivalents of iPhones.
Millions of people value Apple smartphones precisely for their photos and regular updates, as well as for their seamless integration with other devices and the peace of mind they offer users. iPhones, on the other hand, are criticized mainly for their high prices and all sorts of limitations – both hardware and software.
How Does the Pixel 8 Pro Compare to the iPhone 15 Pro?
The Pixel 8 Pro promises everything that the iPhone 15 Pro offers, but it's a bit cheaper, and it remains Android, allowing those who wish to delve deeply into the system. In theory – the ideal, the best of both worlds. In practice, of course, not entirely, but it's still pretty good!
I like the look of the Pixels. Yes, the camera layout resembles Robocop's visor (you won't unsee it now), but at least it's one of the few phones on the market that are easily recognizable from afar. And that beautiful sky-blue color! Okay, it would be hard for you to spot it if it fell out of a longship. But it would probably survive, as it's waterproof.
Pixel 8 Pro Technical Specifications
The screen and speakers also meet expectations. The OLED display with adaptive refresh rate and HDR support is said to be even the brightest of all smartphones, but our beautiful, winter, sunless days, lasting about two hours, don't make testing easy at the moment. In any case, color reproduction and detail are fantastic, and the Pixel absolutely has nothing to be ashamed of, neither compared to the iPhone nor any Android rival.
It's not quite as magical with the speakers, as my sensitive ears prefer the sound coming from the latest iPhone or ASUS ROG smartphones. They play nicely, they're just a little short of the absolute top tier.
Well, perhaps the Pixel, recommended as one of the top phones, will start to catch up in such distinguished company over time. Just as it has lagged behind in terms of charging and battery life. It always irritates me – some decent mid-ranger for PLN 1000 gets a giant battery and charges to 100% in 30-40 minutes, while the most valued flagships are left far behind in this regard. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – an hour to full. iPhone 15 Pro – almost two. The Pixel, at around 75 minutes, is somewhere in the middle, but its battery life disappointed me somewhat. Of course, you'll get a day's use, but don't play with it for too long!
Pixel 8 Pro Software and Cameras
However, the software and cameras make up for it. The system, because it's beautiful, intuitive to use, and is set to receive updates for 7 years! This means the Pixel can serve your family for three generations before becoming outdated. The cameras, on the other hand, take beautiful photos in all lighting conditions, even with significant zoom.
Add to this new AI-powered features like removing unwanted objects from photos, improving video quality, or my favorite! One option allows you to take a series of photos with friends (or strangers, but the latter might not be happy about it) and then combine the shots where everyone had the most flattering expression into one.
Yes, this means the end of arguments like:
– DON'T POST THAT, I LOOKED BAD THERE!
– BUT I LOOKED BAD IN THAT ONE, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!
In my opinion, this is a big step forward not only for smartphone cameras but also for interpersonal relationships. Think about how many wars in history we could have avoided if this feature had been available from the beginning. On the other hand, perhaps the Vikings wouldn't have had so many excuses for conquest then…
Does the Google Pixel 8 Pro Have Any Downsides?
In the Pixels, I'm not entirely satisfied with the processor yet – Google has really insisted that "if Apple has its own, we want one too!". And unfortunately, their Tensor 3, for now, cannot compete worthily with the strongest Snapdragons or Apple's A17. You won't notice it much in everyday use, but if I were to spend almost PLN 5,000 on this model, I'd probably eventually feel a bitter taste in my mouth. For that kind of money, I expect the best – the fastest processor, the best camera, Tchibo coffee.
Oh well. The phone is still amazing, and if you'd like something like an iPhone, but suffer from iPhonophobia, Dr. Michał prescribes the Pixel! Maybe in another year or two, it will fully combine the greatest advantages of iOS and Android. Like those best facial expressions in photos.
Regardless of which phone you choose – it will work perfectly with Mobile Vikings' prepaid offer.
