Pixel 5 vs Pixel 8 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Google Pixel 8 & Google Pixel 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Google Pixel 8 rather than the Google Pixel 5.

Why Do I Recommend The Google Pixel 8?

  • The Google Pixel 8 has a powerful Tensor G3 chip for faster performance, enhanced AI features like Magic Editor, and smoother multitasking, compared to the Pixel 5’s mid-range Snapdragon 765G.
  • Google Pixel 8 features a 120Hz Actua OLED display that delivers smoother scrolling, better responsiveness, and brighter visuals up to 2000 nits for outdoor readability, compared to the Pixel 5’s 90Hz OLED screen.
  • It includes a 50MP main camera sensor that captures sharper photos, improved low-light shots, and more accurate skin tones, compared to the Pixel 5’s older 12.2MP camera.
  • The Google Pixel 8 has a larger 4575mAh battery that provides longer usage time throughout the day with more efficient power management, compared to the smaller 4080mAh battery in the Pixel 5.
  • Google Pixel 8 supports 27W wired and 18W wireless charging that reduces overall charging time and improves convenience, compared to the Pixel 5’s 18W wired and 12W wireless charging.
  • It comes with an under-display fingerprint sensor and secure face unlock that allow flexible, fast, and secure biometric authentication, while the Pixel 5 only supports rear fingerprint unlock.
  • The Google Pixel 8 features 7 years of Android and security updates that ensure extended device longevity, new features, and protection, compared to 3 years of updates on the Pixel 5.
  • Google Pixel 8 includes upgraded connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and mmWave 5G that enables faster data transfer, more reliable wireless audio, and broader 5G coverage, compared to the older standards in the Pixel 5.

Maybe the Google Pixel 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Google Pixel 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8Google Pixel 5
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G3Snapdragon 765G
GPUImmortalis-G715sAdreno 620
Operating System (at Launch)Android 14Android 11
Software Support7 years OS & security updates3 years OS, 3 years security
Display TypeActua OLEDOLED
Display Size6.2 inches6.0 inches
Refresh Rate120Hz adaptive90Hz
Brightness (Peak)2000 nits~700 nits
HDR SupportHDR10+, Always-on + High Brightness ModeHDR10+, Always-on display
Build MaterialGorilla Glass Victus front/back + aluminum frameRecycled aluminum with bio-resin coating
Dimensions (mm)150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9144.7 x 70.4 x 8
Weight187g151g
Rear CamerasDual: 50MP (wide), 12MPDual: 12.2MP (wide), 16MP
Front Camera10.5MP8MP
Camera FeaturesMagic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Real ToneNight Sight, Portrait Light, HDR+
Face UnlockYesNo
Fingerprint SensorUnder-display opticalRear-mounted
Battery Capacity4575 mAh4080 mAh
Wired Charging27W18W
Wireless Charging18W12W
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesNo
RAM8GB LPDDR5x8GB LPDDR4x
Storage Options128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)128GB (UFS 2.1)
Connectivity5G Sub-6 / mmWave5G Sub-6
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0
UWB SupportYesNo
AudioStereo speakers + Spatial AudioStereo speakers
Security ChipTitan M2Titan M
PriceCheck Pixel 8 PriceCheck Pixel 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • OLED Display: Both phones feature an OLED display, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors for a rich and immersive visual experience during media consumption and everyday use.
  • HDR10+ Support: Each model supports HDR10+, enhancing video playback with improved contrast and brightness for compatible content, making visuals appear more dynamic and true to life.
  • Always-On Display: Both devices include an always-on display, allowing users to see time, notifications, and other glanceable information without unlocking the phone.
  • IP68 Water and Dust Resistance: Each phone is rated IP68, providing protection against dust and submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, which ensures durability in various conditions.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both smartphones feature stereo speakers that produce a more balanced and spacious audio experience, improving media playback and speakerphone calls.
  • NFC Connectivity: Each model supports NFC, enabling contactless payments and quick wireless pairing with compatible devices using Google Pay and other services.
  • Reverse Wireless Charging: Both devices support reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches by placing them on the back of the phone.
  • Dual SIM Support: Both phones include dual SIM capability with one physical Nano SIM and one eSIM, giving users flexibility for personal and business numbers or international travel.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Each model includes Bluetooth 5.x, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection to headphones, wearables, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
  • Titan Security Chip: Both phones integrate Google’s Titan security chip (Titan M in Pixel 5, Titan M2 in Pixel 8), securing sensitive data and strengthening overall device protection.

Common Features

FeatureGoogle Pixel 8Google Pixel 5
Display TypeOLEDOLED
HDR SupportHDR10+HDR10+
Always‑On DisplayYesYes
IP RatingIP68 water & dust resistanceIP68 water & dust resistance
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
USB‑C PortUSB‑CUSB‑C
NFCYesYes
BluetoothBluetooth 5.xBluetooth 5.3
Wi‑FiDual-band Wi‑FiDual-band + newer (Wi‑Fi 7)
GPS & GNSSDual-band GNSSDual-band GNSS
SensorsAmbient light, proximity, accel., gyro…Same set of sensors
Titan Security ChipTitan MTitan M2
Reverse Wireless Chg.YesYes
Dual‑SIM SupporteSIM + Nano‑SIMeSIM + Nano‑SIM
Price Check Pixel 8 Price Check Pixel 5 Price

FAQ

Does the Google Pixel 8 have better performance than the Pixel 5?
Yes, the Pixel 8 features the Google Tensor G3 chip, which is significantly more powerful and AI-optimized compared to the mid-range Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 5, resulting in smoother performance and faster processing.

Is the Pixel 8 camera better than the Pixel 5’s?
Yes, the Pixel 8 has a 50MP main sensor and newer computational photography features, offering much sharper images, better low-light performance, and advanced editing tools like Magic Editor.

Do both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 5 have OLED displays?
Yes, both devices use OLED display technology, providing deep contrast, vibrant colors, and energy-efficient performance.

What is the difference in display refresh rate between the two?
The Pixel 5 supports up to 90Hz, while the Pixel 8 features an adaptive 60–120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel smoother.

Does the Pixel 8 support Face Unlock?
Yes, the Pixel 8 includes Face Unlock using its front camera, while the Pixel 5 only supports fingerprint authentication via a rear sensor.

How do the battery sizes compare between Pixel 8 and Pixel 5?
The Pixel 8 has a larger 4575mAh battery, compared to the Pixel 5’s 4080mAh, which can lead to better battery endurance depending on usage.

Which device supports faster charging speeds?
The Pixel 8 supports 27W wired and 18W wireless charging, whereas the Pixel 5 is limited to 18W wired and 12W wireless charging.

Do both phones support reverse wireless charging?
Yes, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 5 allow reverse wireless charging to power accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.

Are both phones water and dust resistant?
Yes, both have an IP68 rating, making them resistant to dust and capable of withstanding submersion in water.

Is the Pixel 8 heavier than the Pixel 5?
Yes, the Pixel 8 weighs 187g, which is heavier than the 151g Pixel 5 due to its glass back and larger battery.

What kind of fingerprint sensor does the Pixel 8 use?
The Pixel 8 uses an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, while the Pixel 5 uses a physical fingerprint scanner on the back.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both phones support 5G, but the Pixel 8 includes mmWave support in more regions, along with additional enhancements like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.

How much software support does each phone receive?
The Pixel 5 received 3 years of updates and is now nearing end-of-life, while the Pixel 8 is promised 7 years of OS and security updates through 2030.

Do both phones have stereo speakers?
Yes, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 5 are equipped with stereo speakers, providing immersive sound for media and calls.

Can both phones be used with dual SIMs?
Yes, both phones support dual SIM functionality via one Nano-SIM and one eSIM, which is useful for international travel or managing multiple numbers.

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