Google Pixel 8 PRO -
The Pre-Review Review
A Jonathan Black Observation
My OFFICIAL reel on the exciting 1st Day post pre-order pick-up and how deeply I'm feeling my #GooglePixel8Pro #GooglePixelWatch2 #GooglePixelBudsPro and the tech-trilogy together in action! Google Made by Google Pixel Superfans 9to5Google I'm a little upset that the night shot video ability is a mystery left out of the picture - only leaving minor traces of blog banter on its drop later this year considering that was a huge selling point for me. The camera itself is above average but to be honest, coming from my Pixel 6 Pro to the 8 Pro I'm not seeing much difference except the new interface and appearance of more options which, if you are into photography or utilize your camera will recognize the features previously available only slightly hidden or some on autopilot. Still, it is a better take and while I like the theory of the "blurred portrait mode" in video... I've yet to see it substantially produce greater than subpar results.
The processor is faster with the 3rd Gen chip and thank you Google for whatever tweaks were made in the way of temperature control. With my 6 Pro the device would get so hot that my hands would feel like they are burning, and I'd have to stop using the phone for 20 to 30 minutes. Often, even when I didn't recognize the heat, Google photos would alert me it couldn't back up photos because it was too hot.
With the 8 PRO I'll admit I've been pretty solid on my use over the last 24 hours with a mix of work, play, set up, downloading, taking photo and video footage, testing features in that category and generally pushing the poor thing to the point of exhaustion. But... it's kept up with my workload from updates as a Google Local Guide to content creation, social media uploading, music streaming, etc. Not once did it overheat and it continues to run smooth and steady as I Swype this mini review across my gboard as you're reading this.
The unit feels great in hand - better than the 6 and more intuitive overall. Granted, I've yet to scratch the surface of my day to day personal and work routines and load of data consumption so only time will tell. I won't lie when I say I've been up 24 hours straight on this thing, fiddling with the watch as well (which in all honesty I appreciate the technology and hard work that went into it but just the same I was happier with my Fitbit Charge 5) Again, this is only day one. One thing for sure and that is the charger for the watch is an evil, sick and twisted joke from the devious developers behind the lines at Google. It's hard to connect, stay connected and failed to charge my watch the first time around due to connection error. I realize it's capable of wireless charging but when I've just laid down about $1200 when all is said and done at the end of the day (before trade-in) I'm not too giddy to continue shopping for expensive accessories.
All in all I'm happy with the upgrade. Do I feel like I received the device and have the power in my hands that Google presented on the 8th in live fashion prompting me to preorder - hell no. Forgive me if this isn't what you're hoping for but I'm a realistic guy that never from giving my honest review regardless of who's listening. I'm still a Google Guy through and through and wouldn't have wanted any other model on the market. Truth is - whether the apple cult wants to admit it or not - the Pixel 8 Pro is the most advanced piece of technology you can buy in the realm of smartphones currently available on the market.
There's no debating it. It's this tech that drives me to continue to purchase Google in the first place. That said, I would have rather you pushed the launch another 3-6 months so on delivery all features advertised are actually available for use. As it feels rushed for the Android 14 release which remains a little... interesting... upgraded on my other devices. But, as I said this is still technically day 1... or day 2 and these are my observations so far. I'm sure my official review for my blog will be more interesting and less like the ramblings of an insomniac tech junkie getting his fix in the witching hour while the rest of the world sleeps soundly. So, in closing, I'll give it 9 out of 10 stars and hope for a quick release on those updates that were promised while I explore the remaining interface. And, for the love of God, what is with your aversion to allowing dual SIM capabilities for increased storage expansion?
Granted, in my 6 Pro I purchased the 256GB version and was smart enough to eat the extra $100 this time around and opt for the 512GB version but come on... you can't be hurting that badly for Google One members since most have been somewhat ushered voluntarily - to their thinking - into the 2TB tier. That's the only logical reason for ignoring the mass of fans begging and praying across social media with every viable hashtag to allow the expansion. But, by holding back, it gives no option for those of us with more data driven positions and interests. It's actually pretty brilliant on your part to be honest though I wish you could have kept the Pixel Pass program alive and running as I was looking Forward to joining in this time around.
Economic downfall be damned, excuses are empty explanations when Apple can launch the same program in the sunset of Google's and even charge slightly less while allowing for earlier upgrades. But, I can only hope there's some kind of logic around the corner. And not the kind that still has my Google Domains in limbo with Squarespace who I'm not much of a fan of. I can only guess the move there being a hope your die hard fans will make the leap to Google Cloud Domains. I won't lie and say I haven't considered it. In any event, the Pixel 8 Pro. So far so good. Let's see where we can go from here. In the meantime the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Watch 2, Buds Pro and all Pixel products are OFFICIALLY BasikBlack Approved!
This has been A Jonathan Black Observation #AJBO #BasikBlack #BasikBucks #BasikBranding #basikblackapproved #basikreview #review #pixel8pro #pixelwatch2 #googlereview #recommended
