Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Camera Upgrades Revealed

Prepare to be amazed by the upcoming Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, as they take smartphone photography to a whole new level. Leaked information suggests that the new Tensor G3 processor will unlock an array of powerful imaging features, complementing the upgraded primary sensors on both devices.

Google's innovative Tensor G2 SoC debuted with the Pixel 7 series, revolutionizing camera capabilities. Now, the Pixel 8 series is set to maximize the potential of the high-resolution primary cameras introduced in the previous Pixel 6 models.

Read Also: Lock Screen Clock Designs and Customization Options in Android 14

Sources within Google, cited by Android Authority, confirm significant improvements to the camera systems of the Pixel 8 devices. Let's start with the primary cameras. The Samsung GN1 sensors, boasting an impressive 50 megapixels, will be replaced with slightly larger Samsung GN2 sensors, maintaining the same pixel count. With a 1.4μm pixel and 1/1.12" optical format, the GN2 offers enhanced capabilities over its predecessor, capturing 35 percent more light and delivering brighter, sharper low-light images.

Moreover, the GN2 sensor supports a maximum resolution of 8,160 x 6,144 pixels, enabling stunning 8K video recording at 30fps. Note that certain Google Camera and thermal limitations may prevent this feature from being accessible to users. Another noteworthy enhancement is the introduction of staggered HDR, minimizing ghosting in video recording.

But that's not all! The Pixel 8 Pro's ultra-wide-angle camera will also receive a significant upgrade. Replacing the current 12-megapixel Sony IMX386 sensor is the high-resolution 64-megapixel Sony IMX787 camera, equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS). This sensor, also featured in the Pixel 7a's primary camera, ensures exceptional image quality. While this means that macro mode may not be available due to hardware limitations, the overall photography experience will undoubtedly be elevated.

Speaking of upgrades, the ultra-wide-angle camera on the Pixel 8 will also receive a boost. Google has opted for a new ultra-wide sensor (Sony IMX386) borrowed from the Pixel 6 series, featuring a slightly different zoom ratio (from 0.67x to 0.55x).

The selfie cameras on both Pixel 8 devices will remain unchanged, maintaining their 11-megapixel sensors. Similarly, the Pixel 8 Pro will retain the same 5X optical telephoto camera as its predecessor. However, the source reveals that the single-point time-of-flight (ToF) sensors found in previous premium models will receive an upgrade to a more advanced 8×8 ToF VL53L8 sensor, exclusively available on the Pixel 8 Pro.

Enhancing the hardware, Google has also focused on software improvements. The Pixel 8 series introduces Adaptive Torch, dynamically adjusting flash intensity, and Segmentation AWB, enabling separate processing of different parts of an image. Additionally, users can now select the video bokeh blur level directly in the viewfinder, among other enticing features.

Furthermore, these specifications highlight a divergence in hardware between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, unlike previous models that offered similar camera setups with the addition of a telephoto camera on the Pro variant. This suggests a potential price gap between the two handsets, positioning the Pixel 8 Pro as the ultimate imaging device within the Pixel 8 series.

Comparing these remarkable upgrades to the recently unveiled Pixel Fold, Google's first foldable device, the Pixel 8 Pro promises to deliver an unparalleled imaging experience. With its advanced camera hardware and the cutting-edge Tensor G3 SoC, it surpasses the Pixel Fold's specifications. The Pixel Fold showcases.