Full camera specifications alleged for Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro flagships

The release of the Pixel 8 series is a way off, with Google expected to refresh its flagship lineup in the autumn. Nonetheless, Kamila Wojciechowska has outlined the camera hardware of both models and how they will differ from each other. On the one hand, Google is reported to have equipped the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with the Samsung ISOCELL GN2, an upgrade from the ISOCELL GN1 that graced premium Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series models.

While the ISOCELL GN2 outputs at 50 MP like its predecessor, it has a larger sensor that captures 35% more light. Additionally, the ISOCELL GN2 has 1.4 μm-wide pixels, compared to 1.2 μm for the ISOCELL GN1. In theory, the Tensor G3 should allow the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to record videos at 8K and 30 FPS, although Google may disable this because of overheating concerns. Moreover, the pair will support Staggered HDR, which should improve the speed and accuracy of HDR captures compared to earlier Pixels.

On the other hand, Wojciechowska claims that Google has designed the Pixel 8 Pro with a superior ultra-wide-angle camera than its non-Pro sibling. As the image below shows, the insider lists the Pixel 8 maintains the Sony IMX386, albeit with a 0.55x optical zoom, compared to 0.67x for the Pixel 7. Likewise, Google has left the front-facing cameras in both models unchanged, which also applies to the ISOCELL GM5 that serves as the telephoto camera in the Pixel 7 Pro.

Conversely, the Pixel 8 Pro will launch with the IMX787, a 64 MP sensor that Google first used as the Pixel 7a's primary camera. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro will gain a new ToF sensor (STM VL53L8 8x8) and a rumoured FIR thermometer (Melexis MLX90632). Apparently, the Pixel 8 Pro will only use the latter for measuring body temperatures and not to improve image quality. Elsewhere, Google is said to have developed 'Adaptive torch', a feature that alters flash intensity and 'Segmentation AWB' to improve AI image processing.

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