Google’s third-generation custom chipset, Tensor G3, is at the heart of the Pixel 8 Pro. It’s responsible for a lot of the new AI features on board, but Google doesn’t make any claims of better battery efficiency or heat management. On the exterior, the Pixel 8 Pro takes a departure from the standard Pixel 8 by adopting a matte finish on the back glass panel, which will come in obsidian black, porcelain, and a light blue “bay.”
Both models get a screen upgrade this year, but only the 8 Pro comes with an LTPO display (Google has decided to brand this “Super Actua”) with variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. It’s still 6.7 inches on the diagonal, but it finally ditches the curved edges for a fully flat screen. It also comes with a higher claimed peak brightness of 2,400 nits, which is — to use the technical term — hella bright. That will only kick in under very bright conditions in direct sunlight, but the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max only jump up to 2,000 nits in high brightness mode. Assuming the Pixel 8 Pro can actually keep up that level of brightness without overheating and ramping it back down, that’s impressive.