Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Should you upgrade?

When it debuted in 2021, the Pixel 6 represented a major shift for Google as it adopted a new design language and introduced its own in-house Tensor SoC. Almost three years later, Google continues to embrace a similar philosophy. Is the latest Pixel worth an upgrade or are you better off sticking with the Pixel 6 for a bit longer? Let’s take a closer look in this Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8 comparison.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Specs

Two years is a long time when it comes to mobile hardware, though the Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 still share quite a bit of DNA. There’s the same storage configuration and RAM size, though the latter model upgrades to LPDDR5X memory. Even the battery and charging speeds aren’t all that different, though we’ll get into that a bit later. Of course one of the biggest differences is the processor powering them.

The Pixel 6 is powered by the very first Tensor SoC, which introduced a lot of great machine learning and AI features that were unrivaled at the time. While it was a solid processor, the latest Tensor G3 is a major step forward. It not only packs the latest generation of ARM CPUs and an upgraded GPU, but there’s also a new ISP and imaging DSP. There’s even a next-gen TPU, which will take machine learning to the next level. It also isn’t prone to same level of overheating issues as older Pixels with Tensor G1 and G2 chips, based on our experience reviewing the Pixel 8.

The display has also shrunk a bit since the Pixel 6 was introduced. The Pixel 8 packs a 6.2-inch OLED, which is .2-inches smaller than the two-year-old Pixel. The newer display also has improved peak brightness and a higher refresh rate.

Software support is another key difference between the two. The Pixel 8 comes with Android 14 out of the box, whereas the Pixel 6 launched with Android 12 but is currently upgradeable all the way to Android 14. They might run the same software but the Pixel 8 has the advantage of much longer support.

The Pixel 6 will likely receive its last Android update in 2024, with security patches lasting until mid-2027. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 is just starting out and will see support for OS updates, security patches, and feature drops for a total of seven years. This new update commitment is a much stronger policy than the 3 years of OS updates and five years of security patches the Pixel 6 promised.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Size comparison

The Pixel 6 is larger than the latest Pixel, measuring 158.6 x 74.8 with a thickness of 8.9mm. In contrast, the Pixel 8 shrinks down to 150.5 x 70.8 while retaining the same thickness. The smaller design also shaves off 20g from the Pixel 6, coming in at 187g total. In our Pixel 8 hands-on coverage, we immediately noticed the phone feels great. It’s not too big or too small.

Moving past the size, the design language differs as well. While both phones have a glass rear with a camera bar at the top, the Pixel 6 had a two-tone paint job that divided opinions but certainly made it stand out. The Pixel 8 replaces the glass bar with metal and positions the camera in a pill-shaped window.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Camera

While the Pixel 7 didn’t introduce significant changes to the camera experience compared to the Pixel 6, the Pixel 8 features a new main sensor. It retains the 50MP resolution but now boasts an improved aperture of ƒ/1.68, a notable upgrade from the ƒ/1.85 aperture on the Pixel 6. This enhancement delivers sharper details in well-lit conditions and improved image quality, even in low-light situations. Additionally, the 12MP ultrawide lens offers a broader field of view, now at 125.8 degrees.

In our experience this is a great camera with robust HDR, great low light snaps, and a refined color palette that makes for one of the most consistent camera packages on the market. The Pixel 8 is a major improvement over its predecessor but that is actually a compliment not an insult, considering the Pixel 6 is still a great camera phone even today.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Battery life and charging

The Pixel 6 had a 4,575mAh battery with 21W wired charging and up to 21W wireless charging with the Pixel Stand. This hasn’t changed too much for the Pixel 8. It now has a slightly larger 4,600mAh battery and faster 27W wired charging, at least. The phone takes about 77 minutes to fill up, which is faster than the Pixel 6 but still relatively sluggish compared to some of the Android phones with the best battery life. On the bright side, there’s also Adaptive Charging here which prolongs battery health during overnight power-ups.

Interestingly, it’s actually a bit slower than the Pixel 6 on the wireless front. The Pixel 8 supports up to 18W charging with the 2nd-gen Pixel Stand ($79 at Amazon), while the Pixel 6 can wirelessly charge up to 21W with the Pixel Stand.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Price and availability

The Pixel 8 sees the first major price increase for the Pixel series in years, moving up $100. Of course, you also get an improved camera, a better processor, an impressive update policy, and many other upgrades. You can currently pre-order the Pixel 8 right now, though it won’t start shipping until October 12.

The Pixel 6 ($399.99 at Amazon) can still be purchased through retailers like Amazon for as little as $350.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: Should you upgrade?

We wouldn’t imagine recommending buying a Pixel 6 in 2024 even if you can get it for cheap, as the Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon) would be a better budget pick due to longer software support. For existing Pixel 6 owners, the Pixel 8 is a pretty solid jump forward and the Pixel 9 is rumored to be a relatively minor upgrade. If you feel like you need a newer phone, it would be a decent upgrade and there are plenty of trade-in deals and promotions that can let you upgrade for free or cheap.

Do you actually need to upgrade so soon? Honestly, no. The Pixel 6 is still an excellent phone and should at least see Android 15 before it stops receiving new OS updates, with security patches to follow until late 2026. Even if the Pixel 9 isn’t rumored to be a major upgrade, there are plenty of upcoming phones on the horizon. Or if you really want a phone now and aren’t impressed by the Pixel 8, you could always pick up the Galaxy S24 ($859.99 at Amazon) instead.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 8: FAQ