Google Pixel 8 Series May Feature a 120Hz Display and Other Notable Upgrades
Introduction to Google Pixel 8 Series
Rumors about the much-anticipated Google Pixel 8 series have surfaced gradually, even though the smartphone’s official launch is at least four months away. Among these rumors include information about the upcoming device’s display, Tensor G3 chip, camera specifications, brightness levels, peak brightness, refresh rate, and more.
Display Specifications for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8 Display Size and Refresh Rate
Recent leaks from Android Authority corroborate previous information suggesting that the Google Pixel 8 will feature a 6.17-inch display. This size indicates a slight reduction compared to the present 6.3-inch, 90Hz panel used on the Google Pixel 7. The most significant update reportedly coming to the new device is a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, putting it on par with the top Android smartphones currently available in the market. This upgrade will follow Google’s move to introduce a 90Hz screen on its mid-range offering, the Pixel 7a.
Increasing Corner Radius for Rounded Design
In addition to decreasing display size, Google also plans to double the corner radius of the upcoming device. This change would make the phone’s display rounder at its corners.
Enhanced Peak Brightness Levels
Sources within Android Authority reported that during HDR content viewing, the peak brightness level of the Pixel 8 display would significantly increase to 1,400 nits from its current level of 1,000 nits in the preceding model. Although Google is allegedly testing panels from BOE and Samsung for its smaller Pixel phones, it remains uncertain if both companies will supply screens for retail units.
Upcoming Google Pixel 8 Pro Specifications
Unchanged Display Size but Flatter Edges
As for the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the device is expected to maintain its current display size of 6.7 inches. However, it will abandon the curved edges in favor of a screen with flat sides. This change should reduce accidental touches and make screen protectors easier to find for users.
Improved Brightness during HDR Content Viewing
The peak brightness level of the Pixel 8 Pro during HDR content viewing is said to experience an increase from 1,400 nits to 1,600 nits.
Larger Corner Radius for the Pixel 8 Pro
Similar to its non-Pro counterpart, the Pixel 8 Pro will reportedly have its corner radius more than doubled compared to the previous model (115px vs. 50px on the Pixel 7 Pro).
More Variable Refresh Rate and Lower Screen Resolution
While the refresh rate remains the same at 120Hz, the new Samsung panel for Google Pixel 8 Pro will support a more variable refresh rate, with smoother fluctuations between 60Hz and 120Hz. The device’s display can also drop its refresh rate as low as 5Hz, potentially leading to improved battery life.
The display resolution is slated to decline slightly from a current resolution of 3120×1080 on the Pixel 7 Pro to 2992×1344 on the upcoming Google Pixel 8 Pro. Although this change may cause a reduction in pixel density from 512 PPI down to 490 PPI, it’s unlikely that it would impact real-world screen sharpness.
Final thoughts
Although Google has not previously incorporated top-tier displays into its Pixel phones, leaked information about the imminent Google Pixel 8 series reveals some optimizations that could enhance daily usage for customers eager to experience improvements in display size, peak brightness levels, corner radius changes, and refresh rates.
Pixel enthusiasts can expect more details about Google’s upcoming smartphones through various leaks leading up to their official unveiling, anticipated later this year.