Google’s upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro could come with seven years of software support, according to a leaked list of specs published by 91Mobiles. This would be a significant improvement over last year’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, which Google has said it will support with five years of security patches, including three years of major Android updates.
It’s unclear whether Google will offer seven years of major Android OS updates for the phones, or whether the figure just refers to seven years of security patches. However, even if it’s only the latter, it would still be better than the five years that both Samsung promises for its latest Galaxy S23 phones and OnePlus promises for this year’s OnePlus 11.
Seven years of support would also approach the length of support offered by Fairphone, the sustainable smartphone manufacturer which makes a big deal out of the longevity of its phones. Fairphone says it plans to support its latest Fairphone 5 with eight years of security patches, though it’s pushing for ten years of support as a stretch goal.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are rumored to be powered by a new Tensor G3 processor paired with 8GB of RAM on the Pixel 8 and 12GB on the 8 Pro. In terms of storage, the 8 will reportedly come with a choice of 128GB or 256GB, while the 8 Pro could come with up to 512GB, or even 1TB in the US. The Pixel 8 is said to have a 4575mAh battery that can fast charge at up to 27W, while the 8 Pro’s is slightly bigger at 5050mAh, and can apparently fast charge at 30W. Both are rumored to come with support for Qi wireless charging and IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Around back, the Pixel 8 could have a pair of cameras, a 50-megapixel main and a 12-megapixel ultrawide, while the 8 Pro could have three cameras: a 50-megapixel main, 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 48-megapixel telephoto with up to a 30x zoom. This updated camera hardware will reportedly be joined by an upgraded suite of AI camera software according to an earlier leak from 91Mobiles including a new Night Sight mode for video, and more manual photography controls.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to be officially announced on October 4th, so we’ll know more about their specs and pricing then. However, if the rumors are true, the Pixel 8 series could be some of the most attractive smartphones on the market for those looking for long-term software support.
