Is the Google Pixel 8 Still Worth It in 2025? Honest Pros & Cons Review
Contents
- 1 💡 Looking for a flagship experience on a budget in 2025? The Google Pixel 8 might just be your best bet — or is it already outdated?
- 2 📱 Quick Overview
- 3 ✅ Why Pixel 8 Is Still Worth Buying in 2025
- 4 ❌ Reasons You Might Skip It in 2025
- 5 🤔 So, Is It Still Worth It?
- 6 📈 Pixel 8 Price Trend (2023–2025)
- 7 🔁 Pixel 8 vs Pixel 9 – Should You Wait?
- 8 🔍 FAQ
- 9 🛒 Where to Buy
💡 Looking for a flagship experience on a budget in 2025? The Google Pixel 8 might just be your best bet — or is it already outdated?
📱 Quick Overview
Release Date: October 2023
Original Price: $699
Current Price in 2025: ~$450 (new) / ~$350 (refurbished)
OS: Android 14 (upgradable to Android 15+)
Processor: Google Tensor G3
Camera: Dual rear (50MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide)
Display: 6.2-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Battery: 4,485 mAh
✅ Why Pixel 8 Is Still Worth Buying in 2025
1. 📸 Excellent Camera for the Price
Pixel 8 still delivers one of the best smartphone cameras in its price range, thanks to Google’s computational photography. Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Real Tone are industry-leading — even two years after launch.
2. 🔄 Software Support Until 2030
With Google’s new 7-year update promise, the Pixel 8 is guaranteed major Android updates, security patches, and feature drops until 2030 — that’s unheard of in Android world!
Pixel 8’s long-term software support is a major win. For more devices with extended updates, don’t miss our Best Phones with Long Software Updates in 2025.
3. 💰 More Affordable Than Ever
Prices have dropped significantly. You can find brand-new units for under $500, and certified refurbished for around $350.
Looking for other flagship options under $400? We’ve rounded up the top picks in our Flagship Killers Under $400 – 2025 Edition.“
4. 📲 Compact & Comfortable
At 6.2 inches, the Pixel 8 feels great in hand — perfect for those who dislike giant phones.
5. 🔐 Clean Android Experience
If you love Pixel’s bloat-free software, fast updates, and exclusive features like Recorder, Call Screen, and Magic Eraser — Pixel 8 still delivers all of that smoothly.
❌ Reasons You Might Skip It in 2025
1. ⚙️ Not Future-Proof in Hardware
The Tensor G3 is decent, but it’s not as efficient or powerful as Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the newer Tensor G4 in the upcoming Pixel 9.
2. 🔋 Battery Life Is Just Okay
It lasts a day, but not more. If you’re a heavy user, you might need a power bank.
While the Pixel 8 performs well in many areas, its battery life is just average in 2025 standards. If you’re someone who needs a phone that truly lasts all day and beyond, take a look at our Top 6 Best Phones with Long Battery Life in 2025 — perfect for heavy users and travelers.
3. 🔥 Pixel 9 Is Around the Corner
Pixel 9 is rumored to bring a smaller size with even better efficiency, a new design, and better thermals — for around the same price (once deals roll in).
🤔 So, Is It Still Worth It?
Yes — if you want a flagship camera and long software support under $500.
No — if you want the latest hardware or best gaming performance.
📈 Pixel 8 Price Trend (2023–2025)
| Timeframe | New Price | Refurbished Price |
|---|---|---|
| Launch (2023) | $699 | – |
| Mid-2024 | $549 | $400 |
| Early 2025 | ~$450 | ~$350 |
🔁 Pixel 8 vs Pixel 9 – Should You Wait?
Check out our full comparison:
👉 Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8 (2025) – Specs, Design & More
🔍 FAQ
Q: How long will Pixel 8 get updates?
A: Google promises updates until October 2030 (7 years total).
Q: Is the Pixel 8 still fast in 2025?
A: Yes, for daily use, photography, and productivity. Not ideal for high-end gaming.
Q: Does Pixel 8 support Android 15?
A: Yes. It’s already included in Android 15 Beta as of early 2025.
🛒 Where to Buy
Amazon – New for ~$450
Google Store – If still available
Best Buy – Look for open-box deals
Swappa / eBay – Refurbished under $400