The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the latest in Google’s flagship Pixel series, released in late 2023. It boasts cutting-edge hardware and software, including the Google Tensor G3 chip, upgraded camera system, and Android 14. While the Pixel 8 Pro is praised for its excellent performance and features like AI-driven photo editing, long-term software support, and a beautiful 6.7-inch OLED display, it is not without its fair share of problems.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the common issues, bugs, and drawbacks that early adopters and long-term users have encountered with the Pixel 8 Pro, and whether these issues make it a dealbreaker for potential buyers.
1. Display Issues: Flickering and Burn-In
The Pixel 8 Pro features an advanced LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and vibrant colors. However, some users have reported issues such as screen flickering and concerns about burn-in.
Common display problems include:
- Flickering at low brightness levels: Some users report flickering when the screen brightness is set to very low, particularly in dark environments.
- Screen burn-in: As with other OLED displays, there is a risk of burn-in if static images (like navigation bars) are displayed for long periods.
Possible solutions:
- For screen flickering, adjusting the refresh rate or disabling adaptive brightness in settings has worked for some users.
- To prevent burn-in, avoid keeping static images on the screen for extended periods and lower the screen brightness where possible.
User experience:
“The display is amazing overall, but the flickering at low brightness is a little annoying when I’m reading in the dark. I hope a software update can fix this.”
2. Battery Life and Charging Concerns
The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 5050mAh battery, which should provide solid battery life. However, some users report that real-world usage doesn't always meet expectations, with issues related to battery drain and charging performance.
Reported battery issues:
- Faster-than-expected battery drain during regular usage, especially with the display set to 120Hz.
- Overheating during charging, especially with wireless chargers or high-wattage fast chargers.
- Slow wireless charging speeds compared to other flagships.
Workarounds:
- Limit background apps and use the adaptive battery feature to extend battery life.
- Stick to wired charging with the official charger for faster and more reliable charging speeds.
- Disable the always-on display to save power.
3. Overheating During Intensive Use
Though the Google Tensor G3 chip is designed to handle intensive tasks, some users have reported overheating issues, especially during gaming, video recording, or when using 5G.
Common overheating triggers:
- Extended gaming sessions or running high-end apps for prolonged periods.
- 4K or 8K video recording causing the device to get uncomfortably warm.
- Using 5G for long periods, especially in areas with poor signal coverage.
Solutions:
- Reduce gaming graphics settings or play in shorter sessions to minimize heat buildup.
- Use Wi-Fi over 5G when possible to reduce heat generated from the modem.
- Allow the phone to cool down between tasks and avoid charging while gaming or recording.
User complaints:
“The phone heats up pretty quickly when I play graphically intensive games or record 4K videos. I’m concerned about how it might affect the long-term health of the device.”
4. Camera Performance: Bugs and App Crashes
The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera is one of its key selling points, thanks to its 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide camera, and AI-driven features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur. However, even with these powerful tools, some users have encountered camera-related bugs.
Reported camera issues include:
- App crashes or freezes while switching between camera modes (from photo to video or between different lenses).
- Lens flare or distortion in images when shooting in certain lighting conditions, such as direct sunlight.
- Shutter lag, where the photo is captured slightly after pressing the shutter button, leading to missed moments or blurred photos.
Potential fixes:
- Clear the camera app cache to improve stability.
- Restart the phone if the app crashes frequently.
- A future software update may address these stability and performance issues.
5. Software Bugs and Performance Issues
Although Android 14 on the Pixel 8 Pro offers a near-stock experience, some users have reported various software bugs and glitches that affect the device’s performance.
Common software issues include:
- Bluetooth connectivity problems, particularly with wireless headphones and car systems.
- Wi-Fi drops or inconsistent connections when switching between different networks.
- UI glitches or stuttering in animations, even with the powerful Tensor G3 chip.
Workarounds:
- Reset network settings if you’re facing Bluetooth or Wi-Fi issues.
- Disable background app activity for smoother performance.
- Keep the phone updated to the latest version of Android, as Google regularly releases bug fixes.
6. Fingerprint Sensor and Face Unlock Inconsistencies
The in-display fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro has seen improvements over previous models, but some users still report inconsistencies in recognition speed and accuracy. Additionally, the face unlock feature, though convenient, struggles in low-light conditions.
Fingerprint sensor issues:
- Fingerprint recognition fails after a few attempts, requiring a re-scan.
- Sensor speed varies depending on screen brightness and lighting conditions.
Face unlock challenges:
- Poor performance in low-light conditions, particularly when not using the always-on display.
Troubleshooting:
- Re-register your fingerprints in brighter environments for better accuracy.
- Use the fingerprint sensor as a backup for face unlock in low-light conditions.
- Ensure that adaptive brightness and the always-on display are configured to improve sensor response.
Conclusion: Is the Google Pixel 8 Pro Worth Buying?
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is undoubtedly a flagship phone that excels in many areas, from its impressive AI-enhanced camera features to its clean, intuitive software experience with long-term Android support. However, like any device, it has its drawbacks, with reports of battery life issues, overheating, and software bugs.
If you are looking for a pure Android experience with the latest in AI photography and a commitment to five years of updates, the Pixel 8 Pro remains a solid choice. The issues reported thus far are relatively minor and likely to be addressed through future software updates.
However, if you are concerned about potential overheating during intensive tasks or want a more consistent battery life, you might want to consider alternative flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or the iPhone 15 Pro. Both offer reliable performance, excellent cameras, and long battery life with fewer reports of overheating or display issues.
In conclusion, the Pixel 8 Pro is worthy of consideration for those who prioritize software updates, camera performance, and Google’s ecosystem, but other options may provide a more well-rounded experience for users who prefer reliability over cutting-edge features.