At long last, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are here. Boasting a sleeker design, better battery life and greater durability, it's only a matter of time before they're flying off the shelves. Here's everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 8 and how to get yours on the best plan for you.
Pixel 8 plans
The Pixel 8 is available on mobile plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, with each telco offering the new handsets on 12-, 24- and 36-month repayments. A 24-month term means you take full ownership of your Pixel 8 sooner, while a 36-month term brings down your monthly cost to a more manageable amount.
36-month Pixel 8 plans
24-month Pixel 8 plans
What is the price of the Pixel 8 in Australia?
The Pixel 8 starts from $1,199 for the 128GB storage model or $1,299 for the 256GB storage model. You can compare pricing between all Pixel 8 and Pixel8 Pro storage variants below:
| Phone | RRP |
|---|---|
| Pixel 8 (128GB) | $1,199 |
| Pixel 8 (256GB) | $1,299 |
| Pixel 8 Pro (128GB) | $1,699 |
| Pixel 8 Pro (256GB) | $1,799 |
| Pixel 8 Pro (512GB) | $1,999 |
Pixel 8 features
Compared to last year's model, the Pixel 8 is what you'd hope it would be — an improved upgrade on the Pixel 7. Its camera specs are better, its battery is expected to last longer and the overall design feels more premium and well-thought-out.
Another impressive upgrade is its extended software lifecycle. Pixel 8 devices will receive seven years of operating system updates PLUS seven years of security updates. That's a significant jump from the previously offered three years of operating system updates and five years of security. This rivals Apple's strong track record of a minimum five years of post-purchase support of major operating system upgrades.
The Pixel 8 is available in a choice of Obsidian (black), Hazel (a deep grey-green), and Rose (pink).
Pixel 8 design
In terms of the phone design itself, the Pixel 8 is a little smaller once again. While Google has downsized from 6.3-inch to 6.2-inch, the refresh rate has been upped to 120Hz for a smoother feel.
Pixel 8 camera
Camera upgrades are the obvious highlight of the Pixel 8 family. This comes in the form of hardware upgrades and AI-driven software enhancements.
To start, the Pixel 8 has an upgraded 50MP primary lens with a faster aperture compared to last year's models, meaning less motion blur and better low-light photography. The Pixel 8 still has just two rear cameras, pairing the 50MP primary lens with a 12MP ultra-wide lens. As an added bonus, the ultra-wide lens is capable of a macro mode this year.
As for software, Pixel 8 owners will experience the wonder of Best Take allowing you to swap individual faces in and out from other shots on individual photos (no more "AH I blinked! ruining your photos). Then there's Magic Editor, which builds on the idea of Magic Eraser. This feature lets you move subjects around your image, remove background objects and much more. And finally, there's Video Boost which uploads your videos to Google's data centres to be edited for you into a better version. Think of automatically brightening up low-lit footage. Video Boost is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, however, and isn't available at launch.
Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro camera samples
Check out these camera samples taken on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro primary lens. Click or tap on any photo to see a larger version.
Pixel 8 battery
As for the battery, Google says both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models can last "beyond 24 hours". There's also an extreme battery-save mode said to last up to 72 hours, but this will disable functionalities like 5G. This remains unchanged from last year's models.
Pixel 8 processor
Google's in-house processor — the third-generation Tensor — continues to head up the Pixel family this year. While Google claims the Tensor G3 is faster than last year's chip, it hasn't talked up raw performance. Instead, a Google spokesperson told us that the Tensor G3 is focused on efficiency and on facilitating helpful experiences, such as the new AI camera features.
Pixel 8 5G
As with the Pixel 7 before it, the Pixel 8 comes with 5G connectivity. You can use WhistleOut's coverage checker tool to see whether 5G is available in your area. You just need to enter your address when searching for a new phone plan.
The map below show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. You can use the drop-down menu to choose between telcos.
Note: Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
Pixel 8 eSIM
Each Pixel 8 device supports eSIM but maintains a physical SIM card slot. It's basically a re-programmable SIM card that's embedded in the phone, which makes switching providers when using eSIM more convenient. You don't have to wait for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail or pick up one from a store.
| Pixel 8 | Pixel 8 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch Actua | 6.7-inch Super Actua |
| Resolution | 1080p+ | Quad HD |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 12MP | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 10.5MP |
| Processor | Tensor G3 | Tensor G3 |
| Storage | 128GB - 256GB | 128GB - 512GB |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 4,575mAh | 5,050mAh |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| 5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 + mmWave |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Thermometer | No | Yes |
| Price | From $1,199 | From $1,699 |
Pixel 8 plan providers
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are all ranging the Pixel 8. Here's a breakdown of the major benefits each provider offers:
Telstra Pixel 8 plans
Telstra's Pixel 8 plans are the priciest on the Australian market, but they do pack in a fair amount of extra benefits.
Telstra lets you pay your iPhone off over 12, 24, or 36 month periods. Each Telstra plan comes with unlimited data. This means once you use up your allowance your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps instead of you being charged for excess data.
Optus Pixel 8 plans
Optus' Pixel 8 plans come with solid data inclusions and a couple of bonus perks. It's top of the line plans also have unlimited international calls to selected destinations.
All of Optus' mobile plans are contract-free, and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.
Like Telstra, Optus' postpaid plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, your plan is slowed to 1.5Mbps.
Vodafone Pixel 8 plans
Vodafone Pixel 8 plans are the cheapest and they also come with the best bundling options.
If you have a Vodafone mobile plan, you can get most of the telco's internet plans — NBN, 5G home internet, and 4G home internet — at a discounted rate.
Vodafone customers also save when bundling multiple postpaid mobile plans. You'll get a 5% discount on your total mobile bill for each plan on your account after the first. This discount maxes out at 20% and doesn't include handset repayments.
Vodafone postpaid plans have unlimited data. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped at 2Mbps. Vodafone also has the best offer for taking your Aussie number overseas. Its $5 a day roaming lets you access your full plan inclusions overseas.
How to choose the best Pixel 8 plan for you
Here's what you should keep in mind when comparing Pixel 8 plans:
- How much data you need. Knowing how much mobile data do you use means you'll avoid overspending. There's no point in getting the plan with the largest data allowance if you only use 30GB a month.
- Repayment period. Decide whether you want to pay off your phone over a shorter 12-month period but pay more per month or opt for a longer repayment period like 24 and 36 months and lower your monthly bill.
- International roaming and other perks. Consider what international roaming inclusions you want your plan to come with and if there are any other perks you value such as free streaming subscriptions, discounts and more.
If you're having trouble deciding or want more information you can compare all of Google's Pixel devices here.
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
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