Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 Pro, a flagship smartphone that’s been making waves in the tech world, has finally arrived in Qatar. If you’re wondering about its price, you’re in the right place. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is available in Qatar starting from QAR 3,499 for the 128GB model. The 256GB version is priced at QAR 3,799, while the 512GB variant will set you back QAR 4,299. These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

Google Pixel 8 Pro Specifications

Release Date and Availability

The Google Pixel 8 Pro was officially released on October 12, 2023. It became available for pre-order in Qatar shortly after its global launch, with devices shipping to customers by the end of October 2023. The phone is now readily available in Qatar through various authorized retailers and online stores.

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design that’s both eye-catching and functional. It features a 6.7-inch display with slim bezels and a small punch-hole camera at the top center. The phone’s back is made of glass with a matte finish, which helps resist fingerprints and provides a premium feel.

One of the standout design elements is the camera bar that spans the width of the phone. This not only gives the Pixel 8 Pro a unique look but also helps it stand out from other smartphones on the market. The phone is available in three colors: Obsidian (black), Porcelain (white), and Bay (light blue).In terms of build quality, the Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, offering improved protection against drops and scratches. The phone also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Display

The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display that’s simply stunning. With a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels, everything on the screen looks crisp and clear. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which means scrolling and animations are incredibly smooth.

One of the highlights of this display is its brightness. With a peak brightness of 2400 nits, the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen is easily visible even in bright sunlight. The display also supports HDR10+, ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks when watching compatible content.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s custom-designed Tensor G3 chip. This processor is specifically optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, which play a big role in many of the phone’s features.

With 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 8 Pro can handle multitasking with ease. Whether you’re switching between apps, playing games, or editing photos, you’ll find that the phone remains responsive and snappy.

Storage options start at 128GB and go up to 512GB. It’s worth noting that the Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t have a microSD card slot, so you can’t expand the storage later. If you take a lot of photos and videos or download many apps, you might want to consider one of the higher storage options.

Camera System

The camera system on the Pixel 8 Pro is one of its standout features. It includes:

• A 50MP main camera
• A 48MP ultra-wide camera
• A 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom

On the front, there’s a 10.5MP selfie camera.But it’s not just about the hardware. Google’s computational photography algorithms take these already impressive cameras to the next level. Features like Night Sight for low-light photography, Portrait Mode for professional-looking shots with blurred backgrounds, and Magic Eraser for removing unwanted objects from your photos make the Pixel 8 Pro a photographer’s dream.

The phone can also record video in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. With features like cinematic blur and 10-bit HDR, your videos will look more professional than ever.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 5050mAh battery, which is large enough to comfortably last a full day of heavy use for most people. The phone supports 30W fast charging, which can get you from 0 to 50% battery in about 30 minutes.

Wireless charging is also supported, with speeds up to 23W when using Google’s Pixel Stand. The phone also supports reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices like wireless earbuds by placing them on the back of the phone.

Software and Features

One of the biggest selling points of Pixel phones is their software experience. The Pixel 8 Pro runs on Android 14, the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. As a Pixel device, it’s guaranteed to receive Android updates for at least seven years, ensuring you’ll always have access to the latest features and security patches.

The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a host of AI-powered features that set it apart from other Android phones. These include:

• Call Screen: This feature uses AI to screen your calls and provide you with a transcript of what the caller is saying.
• Live Translate: The phone can translate conversations in real-time across 49 languages.
• Magic Editor: An AI-powered photo editing tool that allows you to make complex edits with just a few taps.
• Best Take: This feature combines multiple group photos to create one perfect shot where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.

Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 9

The Pixel 9, released in 2024, builds upon the foundation laid by the Pixel 8 Pro. It features a slightly smaller 6.5-inch display but maintains the 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness levels. The Pixel 9 is powered by the newer Tensor G4 chip, which offers improved performance and even better AI capabilities.

However, the camera system on the Pixel 9 is similar to that of the Pixel 8 Pro, with only minor improvements in software processing. The Pixel 9 starts at a slightly higher price point of QAR 3,699 for the base model.

Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 8a

The Pixel 8a, Google’s mid-range offering, provides many of the Pixel 8 Pro’s features at a more affordable price point. It has a smaller 6.1-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate and is powered by the Tensor G3 chip, the same as the Pixel 8 Pro.

The camera system on the 8a is less advanced, with a dual-camera setup instead of the Pro’s triple-camera array. However, it still benefits from Google’s excellent computational photography. The Pixel 8a is significantly cheaper, starting at QAR 1,999, making it an attractive option for those who want the Pixel experience without the premium price tag.

Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the Pixel 8 Pro’s main competitors in the premium smartphone market. It features a larger 6.8-inch display with a higher resolution and S Pen support. The S24 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which outperforms the Tensor G3 in raw performance.

Its camera system is also more versatile, with a 200MP main camera and up to 10x optical zoom. However, the Pixel 8 Pro often produces better photos in challenging lighting conditions thanks to Google’s superior image processing. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced higher than the Pixel 8 Pro, starting at QAR 4,999 for the base model.

Pixel 8 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is another strong competitor in the premium smartphone market. It features a 6.7-inch ProMotion display with always-on capability and is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which offers excellent performance.

The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is comparable to the Pixel 8 Pro, with both phones producing excellent photos and videos. However, the Pixel 8 Pro often has an edge in low-light photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on iOS, which some users prefer over Android. It’s priced similarly to the Pixel 8 Pro, starting at QAR 3,599 for the base model.

Is the Pixel 8 Pro Worth It?

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is undoubtedly a premium smartphone that offers a lot of value for its price. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider it:

1. Excellent camera system: If photography is important to you, the Pixel 8 Pro is one of the best options on the market. Its ability to capture stunning photos in various conditions, coupled with powerful editing tools, makes it a photographer’s dream.
2. Clean Android experience: For those who prefer a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with guaranteed updates for seven years, the Pixel 8 Pro is hard to beat.
3. AI-powered features: The Pixel 8 Pro’s AI capabilities set it apart from many other smartphones, offering unique features that can make your daily life easier.
4. Beautiful display: The bright, smooth 120Hz display is excellent for everything from browsing the web to watching videos.
5. Solid performance: While it may not have the absolute fastest chip on the market, the Tensor G3 provides more than enough power for most users, especially when it comes to AI tasks.

However, there are a few reasons why you might want to consider alternatives:

1. Price: While not the most expensive flagship on the market, the Pixel 8 Pro is still a significant investment. If you don’t need all its features, you might be better off with a mid-range phone like the Pixel 8a.
2. No expandable storage: The lack of a microSD card slot means you’re stuck with the storage you buy. If you need a lot of storage, you’ll have to opt for the more expensive higher-capacity models.
3. Battery life: While the battery life is good, some competitors offer better endurance.
4. Ecosystem: If you’re already invested in another ecosystem (like Apple’s), switching to a Pixel might mean losing access to some features or apps you’re used to.

Where to Buy the Pixel 8 Pro in Qatar

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is available from several retailers in Qatar. Here are some options:

1. Ooredoo: As one of Qatar’s leading telecom providers, Ooredoo offers the Pixel 8 Pro both on contract and as a standalone purchase.
2. Vodafone Qatar: Another major telecom provider, Vodafone Qatar also stocks the Pixel 8 Pro.
3. Lulu Hypermarket: This popular retail chain often has competitive prices on electronics, including the Pixel 8 Pro.
4. Jarir Bookstore: Known for its wide range of electronics, Jarir Bookstore is another good place to check for the Pixel 8 Pro.

Remember to compare prices across different retailers, as they can vary. Also, keep an eye out for promotions or bundle deals that might offer additional value.