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
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 5 |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 765G |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s | Adreno 620 |
| Operating System (at Launch) | Android 14 | Android 11 |
| Software Support | 7 years OS & security updates | 3 years OS, 3 years security |
| Display Type | Actua OLED | OLED |
| Display Size | 6.2 inches | 6.0 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 90Hz |
| Brightness (Peak) | 2000 nits | ~700 nits |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Always-on + High Brightness Mode | HDR10+, Always-on display |
| Build Material | Gorilla Glass Victus front/back + aluminum frame | Recycled aluminum with bio-resin coating |
| Dimensions (mm) | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 |
| Weight | 187g | 151g |
| Rear Cameras | Dual: 50MP (wide), 12MP | Dual: 12.2MP (wide), 16MP |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 8MP |
| Camera Features | Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser, Real Tone | Night Sight, Portrait Light, HDR+ |
| Face Unlock | Yes | No |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under-display optical | Rear-mounted |
| Battery Capacity | 4575 mAh | 4080 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 27W | 18W |
| Wireless Charging | 18W | 12W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5x | 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB (UFS 2.1) |
| Connectivity | 5G Sub-6 / mmWave | 5G Sub-6 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| UWB Support | Yes | No |
| Audio | Stereo speakers + Spatial Audio | Stereo speakers |
| Security Chip | Titan M2 | Titan M |
| Price | Check Pixel 8 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Google Pixel 8 | Google Pixel 5 |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ | HDR10+ |
| Always‑On Display | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 water & dust resistance | IP68 water & dust resistance |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| USB‑C Port | USB‑C | USB‑C |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.x | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Wi‑Fi | Dual-band Wi‑Fi | Dual-band + newer (Wi‑Fi 7) |
| GPS & GNSS | Dual-band GNSS | Dual-band GNSS |
| Sensors | Ambient light, proximity, accel., gyro… | Same set of sensors |
| Titan Security Chip | Titan M | Titan M2 |
| Reverse Wireless Chg. | Yes | Yes |
| Dual‑SIM Support | eSIM + Nano‑SIM | eSIM + Nano‑SIM |
| Price | Check Pixel 8 Price | Check Pixel 5 Price |