Google launches its £699 Pixel 8 and £999 Pixel 8 Pro smartphones with a 50MP camera, built-in thermometer, and new Best Take tool

The moment Google fans have been waiting for has finally arrived: the new Pixel 8 smartphone range has been unveiled.

The tech giant has released two new smartphones: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

The flagship devices have several impressive features, including a 50MP main camera, a built-in thermometer and a new best ‘Best Take’ tool.

But while the Pixel 8 costs £699, the Pixel 8 Pro has an eye-watering price tag of £999, making it one of Google’s most expensive handsets yet.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch screen, while the Pixel 8 Pro is slightly larger, with a 6.7-inch screen.

Both models have softer silhouettes than their predecessors, with a matte rear glass finish on the Pro and a polished rear glass on the Pixel 8.

The new devices were unveiled this afternoon during the Made by Google event in New York, where the focus was mainly on the upgraded camera systems.

Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, while the Pixel 8’s secondary ultra-wide camera has been updated with autofocus.

On the Pixel 8 Pro, every camera has gotten a boost.

“Compared to Pixel 7 Pro, the 48MP ultra-wide lens collects 105% more light and focuses 30% closer for improved Macro Focus shots with amazing aesthetic blur,” Google explains.

‘To top it all off, the 48 MP telephoto lens ensures even sharper zoomed shots in low light, even at 10x with optical quality.

“All in all, it’s our most professional camera ever.”

Users can also enjoy a range of new editing tools on the devices.

One of the most exciting tools is called Best Take and it is designed to enhance your group photos.

The tool automatically combines similar photos into one photo, so everyone looks their best in the final group photo.

Meanwhile, the Magic Editor tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to allow you to completely move where a person is in a photo.

“Magic Editor lets you perform complex edits without professional-level editing skills,” Google explains.

“Using a combination of AI techniques, including generative AI, you can edit specific parts of an image, such as the subject, sky or background, giving you even more control over the final look of your photo.”

In terms of battery, the Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, while the Pixel 8 Pro’s battery is 5,050mAh – both of which offer more than 24 hours of battery life.

Google’s facial recognition system, Face Unlock, has been available in its handsets since the launch of the Pixel.

However, this has improved thanks to the new Tensor G3 processor, meaning users can now use facial recognition to access app logins and payments.

In addition, the Pixel 8 Pro has a thermometer, allowing you to quickly measure the temperature of objects by scanning them with the device.

The Pixel 8 costs £699 and is available in Hazel, Rose and Obsidian, while the Pixel 8 Pro costs £999 and is available in Bay, Porcelain and Obsidian.

Just weeks after Apple’s new iPhone 15 range launched, comparisons are likely to be made between the competing devices.

And with the Pixel 8 priced at $699 – $100 cheaper than the iPhone 15 – fans will surely be wondering whether Google’s new offering has what it takes to be an ‘iPhone 15 killer’.

Speaking to MailOnline ahead of the launch, Thomas Husson, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester, said: ‘Despite an overall declining smartphone market, Google has slowly but surely managed to position Pixel smartphones in the high-end premium smartphone category , mainly to demonstrate Google’s ability to integrate hardware, proprietary chips, AI and software.’

However, Mr Husson claims Apple still has the edge, telling MailOnline: ‘I don’t expect the Pixel 8 to be an iPhone 15 killer.’

“The performance of the new Google smartphone will likely be close to the iPhone 15, but Google’s goal for now is to showcase Google and Android’s AI innovation rather than to steal serious market share from Apple.” , he added.