Google is set to redefine smartphone photography with the upcoming release of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The tech giant is reportedly upgrading the camera sensors in these models, promising to deliver brighter and more detailed images.
The Pixel 8 series will feature the Samsung ISOCELL GN2 as the main camera sensor, replacing the GN1 used in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 lines. This new sensor is significantly larger, measuring 1/1.12 inches compared to the previous 1/1.31 inches. Despite maintaining a resolution of 50 MP, the pixel size has increased from 1.2 to 1.4 µm. This enhancement is expected to significantly improve the image quality of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
In addition to the main camera, the ultra-wide cameras on the two new Google devices will differ. The Pixel 8 will feature a 12 MP Sony IMX386 sensor, while the Pixel 8 Pro will be equipped with a more advanced 64 MP Sony IMX787 sensor. The sensor size for the Pro model is almost twice as large as its predecessor, which should significantly enhance image quality.
The Pixel 8 Pro will also inherit the periscopic telephoto module from the Pixel 7 Pro, equipped with a 48 MP ISOCELL GM5 sensor and 5x optical zoom. Furthermore, the camera will include an infrared thermometer.
Google is also reportedly adding a feature that allows users to select the level of video blur. This feature, combined with the new camera hardware and the Tensor G3 processor, is expected to significantly enhance the Pixel 8’s image level.
While the camera software for the Google Pixel 8 is still in the early stages of development, there are already some new core features being improved, such as adaptive flash and “segmented white balance”. This will allow AI to segment the current scene into different parts and then selectively apply different processing to certain parts of the image.
With these upgrades, Google is set to raise the bar in smartphone photography once again. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are expected to be announced later this year.
