Google’s new tech: How does the Pixel 8 stack up to the iPhone 15?
Google announced the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with new AI featured to the smartphone market, how does your current device stack up to the competition?
Apple’s fall device drop gets all the love, but Google wants you to remember it’s here, too — with lots of shiny new tech and some seriously impressive AI upgrades coming soon to a phone near you.
Let’s break down everything Google just announced and see how the Pixel 8 stacks up against the new iPhone 15.
I write about the latest tech gear, security alerts and digital life hacks in my daily emails. Join 600K+ who get the Current each day. It’s free!
QUICK TECH TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE PRINTER INK, AVOID MALWARE, SPEED BROWSING — AND MORE
That’s how much the Google Pixel 8 Pro costs (OK, it’s $999) — up $100 from the top-tier 7 model. For a grand, it includes Google’s zippy Tensor G3 chip and a camera good enough to rival the iPhone 15. Neat feature: Zoom Enhance lets you go in and add details after you’ve taken the shot and want to zoom in on a pic.
The other random but excellent addition is a temperature sensor that can accurately measure how hot or cold a surface, object and even your forehead.
It comes in black, porcelain and light blue—shipping expected Oct. 12.
Speaking of Google … 20 Google Search tricks, hidden utilities, games and freebies
The Pixel 8 is going up $100, too. It’s faster and slightly smaller than the 7 — and gets access to Google’s sweet new AI photo editing tools (along with the 8 Pro).
The 8 is $699, or $799 if you’re buying from Verizon. It comes in rose, black and hazel and is expected to ship on Oct. 12, too.
Hey, at least if you spend all the money, you know your phone will work for many years. Google says the 8 and 8 Pro get seven years of "OS, security, and Feature Drop updates" for both phones.
EXPOSED: UNCOVER THE TRACKING SECRETS OF APPLE AND MICROSOFT WHILE YOU WORK ON YOUR MAC OR PC
Security 101: Your phone tracks everywhere you’ve been – See (and delete) it
For most people, it comes down to what ecosystem you prefer. If you’ve been using one or the other for years, you know exactly how they work and are comfortable with the OS.
Perhaps you’re not so brand loyal. Let’s compare some specs, shall we? We’ll stick with the base models.
iPhone 15 vs. Pixel 8
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions, but on specs alone, the Pixel models are totally solid for the price. (And yes, I say that as an iPhone devotee.)
Beyond the phones, here’s what else Google is working on.
The Pixel Watch 2 looks like the original, but the insides got a significant upgrade. The improved Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor means up to 24 hours of battery life, even with the always-on display enabled.
It’s outfitted with new skin temperature and electrodermal activity sensors to tell how stressed you are, along with additional heart rate sensors for more accurate readings and automatic workout tracking.
You’re looking at $349.99 for the GPS version or $399.99 for LTE. Pick from silver and blue, silver and white, gold and hazel, or all-black.
GENIUS TECH LIFE HACKS NO ONE TELLS YOU — UNTIL NOW
The Pixel Buds are Google’s answer to the AirPods. The upgraded Buds Pro get light blue and porcelain options to match the new phones, along with audio upgrades for "fuller and clearer" sound. They’re $199.99.
It wouldn’t be 2023 if there weren’t some AI talk. Google Assistant is getting a Bard AI upgrade "in the coming months." It’ll connect with your Google apps — like Gmail, Drive and Calendar — to plan trips, caption pictures, make lists and find that dinner reservation you forgot about.
My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST PICK: 75-year-old van dweller, free Amazon movie tix & viral airplane meltdowns
Plus, heading back to the office? Here's what to know about bosses tracking you. I chat with caller Sharon from Oregon about finding good animation software for her grandson. Plus, high-speed police drones, and a heads-up: hackers are targeting travelers.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Check out my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, "Komando."
Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.
Copyright 2023, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
