According to a recent leak, the forthcoming Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones are set to showcase significant enhancements to their already renowned camera capabilities. The leak provides intricate insights into the new main sensor, exclusive upgrades reserved for the Pro model, and other noteworthy features.
Courtesy of Kamila Wojciechowska via Android Authority, a comprehensive breakdown reveals the anticipated camera features of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The most prominent revelation is the introduction of a novel primary camera sensor, the Samsung ISOCELL GN2, for both models. Serving as the successor to the GN1 utilized in Pixel 6 and 7, this 50MP sensor also finds its place in Samsung’s Galaxy S22 and S23 devices. Notably, the new sensor boasts a larger physical size, enabling it to capture approximately 35% more light in a given scene. Additionally, it incorporates advanced technical support for features like 8K video recording (supported by Tensor G3) and Staggered HDR, which has also been leaked as a forthcoming feature for the Pixel series.
Furthermore, the Pixel 8 Pro exclusively offers an upgrade in the form of an 8×8 ToF VL53L8 sensor, enhancing autofocus capabilities. While all Tensor-based Pixel phones have previously featured this sensor, the new model in the Pixel 8 Pro promises notable improvements. Another previously leaked component of the Pro model is the Melexis MLX90632 temperature sensor, which solely serves as a temperature sensor and does not incorporate thermal imaging, despite its relatively high cost.
Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will benefit from upgrades to their ultrawide cameras. The Pixel 8 Pro is expected to house the 64MP Sony IMX787 sensor for its ultrawide camera, an upgrade from the 12MP sensor utilized by Google in previous iterations. Interestingly, the leak suggests that the Pixel 7 Pro’s macro mode may not be present in this new device. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 will see its ultrawide camera upgraded to the 12MP Sony IMX386 sensor.
Reportedly, the telephoto lens of the Pixel 8 Pro, as well as the front-facing selfie shooter in both models, will remain unchanged. Additionally, software improvements are anticipated, with the Google Camera app reportedly introducing three upgrades. These include the ability to select the level of artificial bokeh in videos through the “Cinematic” mode, an “Adaptive torch” feature that adjusts the intensity of the LED flash based on the shooting scene, and “Segmentation AWB,” which uses AI to analyze different segments of an image for optimized processing.
In conclusion, the leaked details regarding the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro cameras indicate significant enhancements, such as a new main sensor, exclusive upgrades for the Pro model, and improved software features. These advancements are expected to further solidify the Pixel smartphone series’ reputation for outstanding camera performance.