nullThe Pixel 8's charging speed is... fine. It's not going to blow you away, but it gets the job done. If you're used to phones that charge from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes, you might be slightly disappointed.
With the right 30W charger, you'll get about 50% charge in 30 minutes, which is pretty decent for daily use. Full charge takes about an hour and 20 minutes β not terrible, but not amazing either.
Here's the catch: Google doesn't include a charger in the box. So if you don't already have a fast USB-C charger lying around, you'll need to buy one separately. Kind of annoying, honestly.
Pro tip: Any 30W USB-C charger with PD support will work great. Check out these highly-rated USB-C fast chargers β you don't have to buy Google's official one.
The wireless charging is where the Pixel 8 shines a bit more. If you have a Pixel Stand, you'll get 18W wireless charging, which is surprisingly fast for wireless. I can top up my phone pretty quickly on my desk while working.
Regular Qi chargers work too, but they're slower at 12W. Browse wireless charging pads for convenient overnight charging or desktop use.
One feature I actually use regularly: Battery Share. You can charge your wireless earbuds or even help out a friend with a dead phone by placing their device on the back of your Pixel 8. It's not fast, but it's super handy in a pinch.
For most people, the Pixel 8's charging speed is perfectly adequate. You can easily top up during coffee breaks, and overnight charging will always get you to 100%.
If you're a heavy user who drains the battery fast, you might find yourself wanting faster charging speeds. Consider a portable power bank for all-day power on the go.
Bottom line: The charging won't win any speed contests, but it's convenient and works with lots of accessories you might already have.
Here's our "TLDR" Review
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If you're still curious about the Google Pixel 8, here are some other answers you might find interesting:
Here's something that actually blew my mind about the Pixel 8: Google promised 7 years of updates. SEVEN YEARS! That's basically unheard of in the Android world.
Your Pixel 8 will get brand new Android versions until 2030. Think about that β Android 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. That's incredible longevity for any phone, let alone an Android device.
Plus you get:
Before this: Most Android phones got maybe 2-3 years of major updates. Even Samsung's flagship Galaxy phones only recently bumped up to 4 years. Google just said "hold my coffee" and went straight to 7.
Compared to iPhone: This actually matches or beats what Apple typically offers. iPhones usually get 5-6 years of updates, so Google is really pushing the envelope here.
For your wallet: You won't feel pressure to upgrade your phone every 2-3 years. This thing can legitimately last you into the next decade.
For the planet: Less electronic waste when people keep phones longer. It's actually a pretty big environmental win.
For your experience: You'll get all the latest Android features, security improvements, and Pixel-exclusive goodies for years to come.
The 7-year clock started ticking in October 2023 when the phone launched, not when you bought yours. So if you buy a Pixel 8 in 2025, you're still getting updates until 2030.
Thinking about long-term value? Browse phone cases and screen protectors to protect your investment for the long haul.
Bottom line: This is one of the most compelling reasons to choose a Pixel 8. Even if you're not a tech person who cares about the latest features, keeping your phone secure and up-to-date for 7 years is pretty amazing value.
Okay, let's settle this camera debate once and for all. Both phones take fantastic photos, but they're completely different in their approach. It's like comparing a traditional photographer to an AI wizard.
The Pixel 8 is basically showing off with its computational photography. Night mode? Absolutely crushes the iPhone 15. I'm talking brighter, more detailed shots in almost no light. It's honestly kind of ridiculous how good it is.
All those AI features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur actually work really well. I use Magic Eraser constantly to remove random people from vacation photos, and Best Take has saved me from so many group photos where someone blinked.
But here's the thing: Pixel 8 photos look very processed. They're more dramatic, more contrasty, and sometimes they don't look exactly like what you saw with your eyes.
The iPhone 15 is like that friend who's naturally photogenic. Everything just looks... right. Colors are accurate, skin tones are natural, and portraits actually look like the person you're photographing.
Video is where iPhone wins big time. The stabilization is smoother, and the overall video quality is more consistent. If you shoot a lot of video content, iPhone 15 is probably your better bet.
Selfies also look more natural on the iPhone. The Pixel 8 tends to "beautify" your face in ways you might not want.
Choose Pixel 8 if:
Choose iPhone 15 if:
Looking to enhance your mobile photography? Check out smartphone camera lenses or phone tripods for better photo stability.
Honestly? Both cameras are so good that you can't really go wrong. It's more about your personal style preference than one being objectively better than the other.
Here's the deal with Pixel 8 storage: you get what you buy, and that's it. No microSD card, no upgrades later. So choose wisely!
128GB: You'll actually get about 110GB to work with after the system takes its cut. Is that enough? Depends on how you use your phone.
256GB: About 240GB of usable space. This is the "safer" choice if you're not sure.
128GB is fine if you:
Go for 256GB if you:
Yeah, it's 2024 and Google still won't give us a microSD slot. Every other Android manufacturer is doing it, but Google says "nope." Their reasoning? They want you to use cloud storage and keep the phone's performance optimized.
Is it annoying? Absolutely. Will it stop you from buying the phone? Probably not, because everything else is so good.
Need more storage solutions? Browse cloud storage plans or portable SSDs for external storage options.
Reality check: Most people will be fine with 128GB if they're smart about it. But if you're even slightly worried about running out of space, just get the 256GB model. The peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
Bottom line: No surprises here β it's basic Android flagship storage options without the convenience of expansion. Plan accordingly!
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