The Google Pixel 8 Pro, renowned for its exceptional camera capabilities, offers outstanding photographic quality with its AI functions, precision in reproducing skin tones, capturing intricate details, and handling lighting conditions. Despite its strengths, the question remains: Is it the best camera phone of 2023?
While the Pixel 8 Pro faces fierce competition, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google aims to continue its winning streak after the Pixel 7 Pro secured the title of the best smartphone for photography last year.
Assessment by DXOMark:
DXOMark, a globally recognized platform for mobile device analysis, delved into the capabilities and limitations of the Google Pixel 8 Pro. While the device boasts 12 strengths and 5 weaknesses, the ultimate goal is to determine whether it outshines its competitors and, in particular, the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Strengths:
- Excellent color reproduction in photos and videos, both in outdoor and low-light conditions.
- Precise representation of skin tones.
- Fast and accurate autofocus.
- Exceptional exposure in photos and videos.
- High detail level across various zoom settings.
- Effective optical stabilization in all lighting conditions.
- Front camera excels in reproducing color.
- High-texture level and impressive autofocus on the front camera.
- Natural and pleasing audio quality during recordings.
- Excellent quality for recording concerts.
Despite these noteworthy features, the Google Pixel 8 Pro faces strong competition and must contend with certain drawbacks, including moments of detail loss, slight inaccuracies in portrait mode’s bokeh effect, minimal noise in low-light videos, variable sharpness between video frames, and limited audio zoom capabilities.
And the Best Camera Phone of 2023 Is…
DXOMark’s verdict crowns the Huawei P60 Pro as the mobile phone with the best camera of 2023. Huawei’s P60 Pro excels in computational photography and offers a superb experience for photography and video recording. However, it’s essential to note that the P60 Pro operates without Google services and Android as its operating system. While the Google Pixel 8 Pro is an impressive contender, it falls slightly short of securing the top spot.
AI Features and Google Pixel 8 Pro:
Notably, DXOMark’s assessment doesn’t emphasize the AI capabilities of the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Google’s innovative AI features enable users to reduce ambient noise, make subtle image enhancements, and obtain flawless photos through minor adjustments. These AI functionalities have garnered praise for the device, but they are not sufficient to claim the title of the best camera phone of the year.
Conclusion:
While the Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts remarkable camera capabilities, it doesn’t clinch the title of the best camera phone of 2023. The Huawei P60 Pro takes the top spot in DXOMark’s ranking. However, it’s essential to remember that the Pixel 8 Pro’s AI features add valuable tools for enhancing photography and offer versatility in capturing stunning moments. In the end, choosing the right smartphone for your photography needs may depend on various factors beyond camera performance alone.