Hardware

Mobile Phone

Long-term Field Test: 13.11.2023 to date

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Photo: Original box Google Pixel 8 Pro, colour: Obsidian

Mobile Phone with Privacy – thanks to GrapheneOS

The privacy-friendly mobile operating system GrapheneOS supports Verified Boot and requires a security chip that is currently only offered by Google's Pixel series (Titan M2).

Reference: At the end of this test report you will find useful websites and YouTube videos. This will be expanded from time to time. Further sources can be found in my German-language version.

Purchasing

05.11.2023: Order at amazon.de: Google Pixel 8 Pro with 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, colour: Obsidian: 1,279.00 EUR.
Delivery time: 7 working days. Payment method: Visa credit card.11.11.2023: Amazon emails: "Your order has been dispatched!".
13.11.2023: Parcel delivery to desired DHL Packstation (Pick-up machine).

Equipment

Google Pixel 8 Pro, model GC3VE with 512 GB internal storage
1 m connection cable from USB-C® to USB-C (USB 2.0)
Quick Guide
Quick Switch Adapter (USB-A to USB-C)
SIM tool (to open the SIM drawer)

Photo: Back of Google Pixel 8 Pro in box, front photo on original box (colour: obsidian)

Photo: Back of Pixel 8 Pro in box, front photo on original box (colour: obsidian)

Photo: Scope of delivery, box opened for the first time: Pixel 8 Pro still with white printed screen protector

Specs

Google Pixel 8 Pro
Modell GC3VE

Dimensions & Weight

162,6 × 76,5 × 8,8 mm (height × width × depth)
213 g

Display

6.7" full-screen display (170 mm)
Aspect ratio 20:9
Resolution: 1344 × 2992 LTPO-OLED, 489 ppi
Smooth display (1 to 120 Hz)
Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 cover glass
Always-on display with live display and Now Playing
Up to 1,600 cd/m² (HDR) and up to 2,400 cd/m² (peak brightness)
Contrast ratio: > 1,000,000:1
HDR support
Full 24-bit colour depth for 16 million colours

Battery and Charging

More than 24 hours of battery life
Up to 72 hours of battery life in extreme low-power mode

Typical capacity: 5,050 mAh (minimum capacity: 4,950 mAh)

Fast charging function – with separately available Google 30 W USB-C® charger with USB PD 3.0 (PPS) up to 50% charged in around 30 minutes

Fast wireless charging (Qi-certified)
"Share battery" function

Memory and Storage

12 GB LPDDR5X RAM
128 GB/256 GB/512 GB UFS 3.1 Storage (1 TB for USA only!)

Processor

Google Tensor G3
Titan M2 security coprocessor

Security

Hardware security on several levels:
Tensor security core, Titan M2 security chip and
Trusty (trusted execution environment)

7 years of operating system and security updates
and feature drops

On/off buttons for camera and microphone

Main Camera

50 MP wide-angle camera with Octa PD
Pixel size: 1.2 μm
Aperture: ƒ/1,68
Field of view: 82°
Image sensor size: 1/1.31"

48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Quad PD and autofocus
Pixel size: 0.8 μm
Aperture: ƒ/1,95
Field of view: 125.5°
Lens correction

48 MP camera with telephoto lens and Quad PD
Pixel size: 0.7 μm
Aperture: ƒ/2,8
Field of view: 21.8°
Optical zoom: 5x
Super-resolution zoom: up to 30x

Multi-zone laser autofocus sensor
Spectral and flicker sensor
Optical and electronic image stabilisation
for wide-angle and telephoto lens

Front Camera

10.5 MP with Dual PD
Pixel size: 1.22 μm
Aperture: ƒ/2,2
Autofocus
95° ultra-wide angle field of view

Camera Features

(only available with Google Play services installed)

Pro functions
High-resolution images
Ultra HDR
Magic editor
Best shot
Macro focus
Magic Eraser
Sharpen
Motion mode
Real Tone
Sharpener
Panorama
Manual white balance
Locked folder
Night vision mode
Astrophotography
Top Photo
Portrait mode
Portrait lighting
Super Resolution Zoom
Motion autofocus
Frequently photographed faces
Dual exposure
Live HDR+

Video

Main Camera

4K‑Videoaufnahme bei 24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps
1080p-Videoaufnahme bei 24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps
Duale Belichtung bei der Weitwinkelkamera

Front Camera

4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps

(some functions require an online connection to Google's services)

Magic audio eraser
Video optimisation
Night vision video
Macro focus video
10-bit HDR video
Movie mode
Cinema effect
Slow motion video support up to 240 fps
4K time-lapse with stabilisation
Astrophotography time-lapse
Optical image stabilisation
Double video stabilisation
4K cinema effect video stabilisation
4K video stabilisation (fixed)
1080p video stabilisation (active)
Digital zoom: up to 20x
Video formats: HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264)

Audio

Magic audio eraser
Stereo recording
Improved voice quality
Wind noise reduction
Audio zoom

Authentication

Fingerprint Unlock with under-display fingerprint sensor
Face Unlock (less secure, therefore not with GrapheneOS)
Pattern, PIN (4 or 6 digits), password

Sensors

Proximity sensor
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyrometer
magnetometer
barometer
Temperature sensor

Buttons and Ports

USB Type-C® 3.2 Gen 2
Power button
Volume controls

SIMs

Dual SIM (single nano-SIM and eSIM)
Dual eSIM (2 eSIMs without nano-SIM)

Feature is operator dependent. Not supported by all operators or in all countries. Contact mobile operator for details.

Media and Audio

Stereo speakers
3 microphones
Noise suppression
Spatial audio

Connectivity and Location

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz, 2×2 + 2×2 MIMO

Bluetooth® V5.3 with two antennas for optimised quality and connection

Ultra-wideband chip for precise distance determination and spatial perception

NFC

Google Cast

Dual-band GNSS

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou

Mobile Network

5G Sub 6 GHz

GSM/EDGE

Quad-band (850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz)

UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA

Bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19

LTE

Bands
B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/
26/28/30/32/38/40/41/42/46/48/66/71

5G Sub-6

Bands
n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/28/30/38/40/41/
66/71/75/76/77/78

Requires a 5G data plan (sold separately). 5G service and roaming not available on all carrier networks or in all areas and may vary by country. Contact operator for details. 5G service, speed and performance depend on many factors, including operator network capabilities and signal strength. Actual results may vary. Some features are not available in all areas. Data rates may apply. See g.co/pixel/networkinfo for info.

eSIM (Hardware supports Dual eSIM)

Colour

Obsidian (also available in Porcelain and Bay – max. 256 GB storage)

Hearing Aid Suitability

M3/T4 HAC rating
Google devices meet the Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements set by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Security and Operating System Updates

Pixel updates for 7 years

Materials

Scratch-resistant cover glass made from Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus 2®
Back with polished aluminium frame and rimless frosted glass made from Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2
Dust and water resistant to IP68
Fingerprint-resistant coating
100% recycled aluminium in the frame
At least 18% recycled materials by product weight

Limited Warranty

2 years

Practice

Setup

DNS Resolver + Firewall

13.11.2023: I also protect the Pixel 8 Pro with NextDNS, a DNS resolver for private DNS and firewall at DNS level.
Configuration on Google Pixel 8 Pro (no app required!):
1. Preferences → Network & Internet → Extended → Private DNS.
2. Select the option: Host name of the provider for Private DNS.
3. Enter NextDNS domain from customer menu, save, done.

Dual SIM

The Pixel 8 Pro supports Dual SIM with a SIM card tray for one nano-SIM plus an eSIM chip for tariff profiles from network operators.

Dual eSIM

Instead, you can also operate two eSIMs simultaneously (Dual eSIM) …
13.11.2023: Order a replacement eSIM for the Multicard, which was previously active as eSIM in iPhone Xs (o2 Free S Boost tariff), via “My o2” app. Good 20 minutes later, I can activate this eSIM in the Pixel 8 Pro.

I would like to use my o2 Free Unlimited Max Online tariff previously used on Pixel 7 Pro with nano-SIM card in the Pixel 8 Pro with an eSIM. I also order a replacement eSIM for this. Activation only takes 10 minutes this time.

GrapheneOS

Installation of GrapheneOS according to step-by-step instructions. The factory-installed Android OS 14 is replaced by GrapheneOS (technical term: “flashing”).

User Profiles

Also available under Android OS. Under GrapheneOS you can even create up to 31 profiles + 1 guest profile! These are completely separate areas. Useful for a device that is to be used by several people or if you want to strictly separate different apps or activities.

Most common use case: To keep the main profile Google-free, create a second user and install “sandboxed Google Play” in it. The latter is very easy thanks to the GrapheneOS repository “Apps” repository.
I have not yet created any other user profiles on the Pixel 8 Pro and use it without Google Service Framework/Google Play Services, but I do on the Pixel 7 Pro. Practical if you have a few Google-dependent apps that you rarely need and then only for a short time.

Tip

An online password vault makes handling much easier.
I actually prefer local password managers and avoid online services. But if you want to use two separate user profiles, it becomes very cumbersome.

Password-protected apps of additional user profiles cannot be used without access to the password vault of the main user profile. It does not help to pass these apps from the main user profile or even install them twice. Such apps cannot be copied together with the password. They require the credentials to be entered each time they are started. As I only use secure (very long) passwords, a password vault is a must.
I could use KeePassDX as before, but would have to copy the local KeePass file immediately after each password change using a USB memory stick/SD card in a USB card reader.

Password Manager

That's why I've been using Bitwarden, the only platform-independent open source online password manager, since March 2023. Very user-friendly and with 2FA protection very secure – therefor I am using the app Aegis Authenticator.

App Store

Thanks to GrapheneOS, your phone really belongs to you!
Your phone does not need to be activated by a manufacturer!
No forced registration and no unwanted apps!
This is a very pleasant experience!

Pros and cons at the same time: there is no pre-installed app store.
But you can install the app store you trust yourself!
Obtain software directly from the developer you trust!
However, particularly secure and hardened apps are pre-installed.

After a fresh installation, the start screen is almost empty: only the phone, SMS, settings, browser and camera are on the start bar. The gallery is the only app above it. Nothing else is visible.
Only the swipe up gesture makes all installed apps visible:
Apps: GrapheneOS repository – here you can set whether and how often updates should be checked for and whether they should be installed automatically. Google Play Services can be installed if required and then run in a non-privileged sandbox.
Auditor: test the integrity of a GrapheneOS installation. If you have a second Android smartphone available, you can install this app on it and then check the smartphone with GrapheneOS from the smartphone with stock Android or GrapheneOS. If both smartphones are running GrapheneOS, they can check each other.
Camera: the GrapheneOS camera software supplied.
Files: the file manager.
Settings: This is used to configure the entire smartphone.
Gallery: This allows you to view all the pictures, like a photo album.
Info Services: SIM Toolkit. Included on every mobile phone.
Contacts: the phone book on the smartphone.
PDF Viewer: every user needs, therefore already supplied.
Calculator: the mobile pocket calculator. Everyone needs one.
SMS/MMS: Standard app for short messages.
Telephone: Standard app for telephony.
Clock: World clock, timer, stopwatch and alarm clock.
Vanadium: privacy-friendly version of the Chromium browser.

I used Aurora Droid and Aurora Store to install apps.
These serve as a front end for repos of F-Droid and Google respectively.

The Aurora developer can no longer maintain two app stores due to time constraints – the development of Aurora Droid has been discontinued.
But I found a good alternative: Neo Store.
In the meantime, I use Obtainium instead.

Neo Store

More informative front end to the F-Droid repository. Also provides links to repos (package sources) from developers and companies that have their apps listed with F-Droid. Some of these are already set up in the app.
Other external repos, e.g. from Threema Libre, Session F-Droid and NewPipe, can be added manually.
Disadvantage compared to Aurora Droid: no barcode scanning possible.
Instead, there are these input fields:
1. Address (Web address, aka URL)
2. Fingerprint (optional)
3. Username (optional)
4. Password (optional)

Manual Addition of Package Sources needs small Modifications

Some providers enter the web address for their repo starting with fdroidrepos://
However, Aurora Droid and Neo Store expect a URL starting with https://

F-Droid uses a URL including fingerprint for the entire link
Aurora Droid and Neo Store expect fingerprint input in a separate input field

Modification explained using the Example of Threema Libre

Address (Web address; omit everything from “?fingerprint=”!)
https://releases.threema.ch/fdroid/repo
Fingerprint (omit “?fingerprint=” from URL)
5734E753899B25775D90FE85362A49866E05AC4F83C05BEF5A92880D2910639E
Username (not necessary, as it is not your own repository)
Password (not necessary, as it is not your own repository)

Once successfully added, your entry will appear in the list of package sources (repos). To ensure that it is taken into account by Neo Store for display in the app overview and for updates, simply tap on it. Done.

Then use the app selection/app search view again.
You can access the useful filter function at the top right.

Aurora Store

More informative, prettier frontend for Google's repository.
The Aurora Store shows which apps want to spy on you (trackers)!
There is a useful filter for the search:
• Google Service Framework (GSF) required
• Advertising
• free of charge

Login with

• Google
• Anonymous

Two types of registration: your own Google account or anonymous.
• Google
Anyone who has previously purchased apps from Google Play can log in with this Google account and download these apps again. Apps that have already been paid for will not be charged again.
• Anonymous
Only free apps can be downloaded or updated.

Warning

You are violating Google's Terms of Service by using the Aurora Store.
If you sign in with your own Google account, you may lose it!
• Therefore, never use Aurora Store with a Google account that you urgently need!
• Anonymous user accounts/credentials of the Aurora Store are international, that means you may be offered app versions for download that are not suitable for your country.
• To download apps previously purchased at Google Play Store, better install Sandboxed Google Play Services temporary and use Google Play.
• If you have a separate anonymous Google account, you could use this for app purchases instead.

Tip

Install as few apps as possible, because any app can theoretically become a security risk at some point. Be it through a developer's mistake or through the sale of an app or entire software forge to a dubious company (the latter has happened several times, fortunately none of my apps have been affected so far).

Obtain Apps directly from Developers

The installation and use of apps is a matter of trust.
If you don't know enough about them, you might simply trust Google Play and pay attention to a high number of downloads, star ratings and don't just read the positive reviews.

If you have been very satisfied with apps for years, you might want to know more about the people who deliver this quality at some point?
If you like to invest some time in research to get the best possible software, you will also want to find out about good developers.

Most providers of Open Source software use GitHub, GitLab or Codeberg as platform for development and distribution.

Obtainium

The Obtainium app makes it easier to install and update open source software. Instead of manually requesting the website or platform of each individual app every few days/weeks and searching for updates, let Obtainium automatically check every x hours and be notified when there are updates. Install Obtainium from GitHub and configure all your app sources once. Search function for sources at GitHub, GitLab, Codeberg and F-Droid's official repo. HTML websites with download links can also be configured.

Backup

GrapheneOS already has integrated backup software: Seedvault.
Because this software has its flaws, the developers will replace it with a better solution as soon as possible. However, this project does not seem to be a high priority.

No disadvantage, as I only use apps that save my data locally in a backup folder, from where I can back it up to the SD card.
I use Bitwarden as my password manager and Tuta for mails, calendar and contacts.

The current GrapheneOS version no longer supports data exchange with a desktop computer using MTP and PTP protocols. Their use has long been discouraged in the FAQs because you have to trust the computer. This could be contaminated with a Trojan and transfer malicious code to the smartphone. Quote:

Since you need to trust the computer, we recommend transferring the files with a flash drive or sending them to yourself via an encrypted end-to-end messaging app.

This is no real disadvantage, because it works anytime and anywhere without being dependent on a desktop computer and is ideal for anyone who does not have a desktop computer – a USB memory stick with sufficient storage space or a USB card reader with an SD card is all you need!

Tips

A small mobile USB-C card reader (with slots for microSD + SD) is more flexible and sustainable than a USB memory stick.

Perhaps you still have unworn microSD cards from your last smartphones or SD cards purchased for a camera lying unused in a drawer?

To be on the safe side, use several SD cards alternately.

If you have email with end-to-end encryption (e.g. Tuta Mail), you can send backups of up to 25 MB as email file attachments.

Battery Saving

To protect the non-self-replaceable battery, I rarely push it to its limits, as this wears it out unnecessarily.
I charge it when there is about 30% charge remaining.

If you always leave the battery almost empty and only then charge it to 100%, you are stressing it and using up a full charging cycle.

The charging electronics of current devices switch to direct power supply from the power adapter once 100% of the battery has been reached.
However, this only works with the manufacturer's original power supply unit, if they have actually implemented this function.
As I usually charge smartphone batteries via USB-C on my MacBook, I can't use this and therefore only charge up to 65–70%.

Low-Power Mode

Set Timetable

• No activation according to timetable
• Activation according to set battery level
(selectable in steps of five: 10–75%)

I have set 35%. If I do not think about charging in time, the energy consumption is already throttled and until 30% remaining charge is reached, I will (hopefully) still notice the need for charging in time.

Battery Warning

Because the BatteryBot Pro app can only warn me about values below/above five, I set it to 35%. And as soon as 65% is exceeded, I also let myself be warned and continue charging until 70% or disconnect at 66% if I won't be able to see the charging indicator afterwards.

Battery Charging Method

Slow Charging

Battery-saving slow charging: to do this, I plug the USB-A adapter of the "Long-Life Cable USB-C to USB-C 3.2" into a socket on the USB Hub D-Link DUB-H7 and the USB-C plug at the other end of the 1.2 m long nylon reinforced charging cable into the USB-C socket on the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
I haven't even tried that yet.

Fast Charging

Google's 30W USB-C power charger charges the battery of the Pixel 8 Pro within 20 min from 30% to 66%. Its temperature rose to around 35 °C within 12 min. at the beginning and remained at around 38 °C for the last 5 min.
For fast charging, also Apple's 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter is suitable or the lower front socket on the Anker PowerExpands Elite (labelled with “PD”). Or I connect the Pixel 8 Pro directly to the Apple MacBook Air M2 with the 1 m USB-C® to USB-C connection cable that comes with it. That takes a little longer, but is gentler. The battery does not get very warm (max. 33 °C, usually stays below 30 °C).

Wireless Charging

Google's Pixel Stand (2. Gen.) supports wireless charging for Pixel Pro models with 23 watts. Other Pixel models are charged with 21 watts and devices from other manufacturers are charged with up to 15 watts.

Battery Protocol

Charging Time
Battery Life (Theory)
Usage Profiles
Battery Life (Practice)
Remarks and Details
Battery Logging

After switching on the phone for the first time, the start-up procedure cannot be interrupted and the battery status is only displayed as a small symbol. That's why I can't see the battery status as a percentage. Only then can I finally switch to the percentage display.

Charging Time

You can expect these loading times – chronologically sorted.Charging times depend on how many devices are charged simultaneously with Apple's 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter.

A battery charge from 30% to 66% can therefore take 30 min. or an hour.
Source: battery log of the app BatteryBot Pro

14.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:30 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
14.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (31%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:55 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
18.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 1:13 h (31%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:56 h (29%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
20.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 1:00 h (30%–72%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
23.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:54 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
25.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:54 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
27.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:44 h (34%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.11.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:57 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
01.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 1:00 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:44 h (32%–64%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:56 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
06.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
09.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
10.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
11.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (31%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 1:09 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (34%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
14.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:54 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:55 h (31%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
18.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
20.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 1:23 h (35%–78%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
23.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 1:12 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:49 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:49 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
27.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
30.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
31.12.2023: Charging via USB-C: 0:42 h (34%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
01.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:49 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (34%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:57 h (31%–65%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
04.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–67%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:49 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
07.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:53 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
09.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
11.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
13.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
16.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
18.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (32%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (29%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (31%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
23.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (31%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:42 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
27.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:42 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
30.01.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
01.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (31%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:54 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:53 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
07.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:54 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
11.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
13.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:49 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
20.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:43 h (34%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:20 h (30%–66%)(Google USB-C Power Charger)
23.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
25.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (35%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.02.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:53 h (29%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:43 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:43 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
07.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:47 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
10.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
13.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:39 h (35%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:43 h (32%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–67%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:42 h (33%–67%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:40 h (35%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:42 h (34%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:39 h (36%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:52 h (28%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
31.03.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
04.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:53 h (30%–70%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
06.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:40 h (35%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
09.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
10.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:48 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
14.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:46 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:50 h (30%–67%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:51 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:45 h (30%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.04.2024: Charging via USB-C: 0:43 h (33%–66%)(Apple MacBook Air M2)

Battery Life (Time after Battery Charge until next Charge)

I am cautious about making statements about the regular runtime. During the setup and familiarisation phase, a smartphone is used much more intensively than later in everyday life. Hopefully, my notes will help you to assess how long the battery could last in your everyday life.

Manufacturer's information: More than 24 hours of battery life.

How long the battery lasts in practice depends very much on the usage profile. You can only get comparable values after a few weeks of use. That's why I keep a log of this for a while (see below).

Usage Profiles

• Standby
• Low Usage
• Moderate Usage
• Heavy Usage
• Extreme Usage

Hours may still change, until then initial details.

Uniform for all Profiles

Settings for night/display/mobile radio

Night

Flight and low-power mode active (about 9 hours per night).
So far, the Pixel 8 Pro has almost always consumed 3% energy.
I document any deviations.

Display

Approx. 50% brightness, automatic, switches off after 30 seconds.
Dark design. Night light 22:00–08:00. Natural colours.
Screen resolution: Full resolution (1344 × 2992 pixels).
Smooth display (refresh rate 1–120 Hz).
Always display time and information: No.
Activate display for notifications: No.

Location Determination

Generally switched off and not authorised for any app.
Exceptions: Banking app and WiFiAnalyzer only during use.
This is very battery-saving and good for privacy.

Mobile Radio

Good 5G reception (display always shows “5G” with 4–5 bars).

The Pixel 8 Pro not only supports Dual SIM with one plastic SIM card and one eSIM, but also the parallel use of two eSIM profiles (MEP).
I use my Pixel 8 Pro with Dual eSIM right from the start.

Standby

72 h (?) lying unused on the table
Bluetooth off, WLAN off
Not tested yet, because it is always used as my daily driver

Low Usage

About 48 h: E-Mails, Calendar, Web, Messaging
Bluetooth off, WLAN off

Moderate Usage

About 24 h: E-Mails, Calendar, Web, Phone calls, Messaging
Bluetooth on (for Phone calls + Voice calls via Messenger)
WLAN off

Heavy Usage

About 8 h: E-Mails, Calendar, Web, Phone calls, Messaging
Bluetooth on (for Phone calls + Voice calls via Messenger)
WLAN off

Extreme Usage

About 5:00 h (?) as WLAN Hotspot (tethering), also TV streaming
E-Mails, Calendar, Web, Phone calls, Messaging
Bluetooth on (for Phone calls + Voice calls via Messenger)
WLAN off

Logged Operating Time (Battery Life)

14.11.2023: after 08:00 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
14.11.2023: after 18:22 h at 31% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.11.2023: after 22:29 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.11.2023: after 28:01 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
18.11.2023: after 23:00 h at 31% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.11.2023: after 21:36 h at 29% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
20.11.2023: after 24:12 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.11.2023: after 42:50 h at 30% charged to 72% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
23.11.2023: after 29:29 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.11.2023: after 21:51 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
25.11.2023: after 21:13 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.11.2023: after 21:33 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
27.11.2023: after 27:27 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.11.2023: after 22:30 h at 34% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.11.2023: after 39:43 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
01.12.2023: after 32:37 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.12.2023: after 37:13 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.12.2023: after 24:38 h at 32% charged to 64% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.12.2023: after 30:33 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
06.12.2023: after 40:54 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.12.2023: after 29:06 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
09.12.2023: after 22:22 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
10.12.2023: after 19:21 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
11.12.2023: after 25:00 h at 31% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.12.2023: after 22:00 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.12.2023: after 21:09 h at 34% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
14.12.2023: after 25:59 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.12.2023: after 26:30 h at 31% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.12.2023: after 44:43 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
18.12.2023: after 39:40 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
20.12.2023: after 28:05 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.12.2023: after 26:22 h at 35% charged to 78% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
23.12.2023: after 48:04 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.12.2023: after 39:53 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.12.2023: after 26:05 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
27.12.2023: after 43:34 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.12.2023: after 30:03 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
30.12.2023: after 24:40 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
31.12.2023: after 22:28 h at 34% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
01.01.2024: after 22:28 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.01.2024: after 24:24 h at 34% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.01.2024: after 18:18 h at 31% charged to 65% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
04.01.2024: after 24:22 h at 30% charged to 67% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.01.2024: after 41:55 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
07.01.2024: after 26:31 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.01.2024: after 27:15 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
09.01.2024: after 39:49 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
11.01.2024: after 27:14 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.01.2024: after 25:23 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
13.01.2024: after 39:52 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.01.2024: after 29:41 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
16.01.2024: after 42:36 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
18.01.2024: after 29:32 h at 32% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.01.2024: after 41:59 h at 29% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.01.2024: after 24:31 h at 31% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.01.2024: after 24:46 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
23.01.2024: after 26:24 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.01.2024: after 41:21 h at 31% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.01.2024: after 29:29 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
27.01.2024: after 24:32 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.01.2024: after 42:01 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
30.01.2024: after 25:01 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
01.02.2024: after 43:43 h at 31% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.02.2024: after 47:43 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.02.2024: after 48:12 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
07.02.2024: after 50:06 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.02.2024: after 39:49 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
11.02.2024: after 50:22 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
13.02.2024: after 47:48 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.02.2024: after 50:37 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.02.2024: after 62:54 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.02.2024: after 29:01 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
20.02.2024: after 24:00 h at 34% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.02.2024: after 44:09 h at 30% charged to 66% (Google USB-C Power Charger)
23.02.2024: after 47:00 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
25.02.2024: after 23:34 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.02.2024: after 24:00 h at 35% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.02.2024: after 43:33 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.02.2024: after 21:58 h at 29% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.03.2024: after 48:49 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
03.03.2024: after 28:46 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
05.03.2024: after 44:44 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
07.03.2024: after 44:02 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.03.2024: after 28:03 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
10.03.2024: after 62:32 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
13.03.2024: after 53:28 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
15.03.2024: after 48:13 h at 35% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.03.2024: after 47:32 h at 32% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.03.2024: after 47:24 h at 30% charged to 67% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
21.03.2024: after 46:04 h at 33% charged to 67% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.03.2024: after 26:00 h at 35% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.03.2024: after 48:49 h at 34% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.03.2024: after 43:43 h at 36% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
28.03.2024: after 45:33 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
29.03.2024: after 21:43 h at 28% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
31.03.2024: after 51:48 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
02.04.2024: after 56:18 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
04.04.2024: after 52:34 h at 30% charged to 70% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
06.04.2024: after 33:38 h at 35% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
08.04.2024: after 39:39 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
09.04.2024: after 43:01 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
10.04.2024: after 26:20 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
12.04.2024: after 45:13 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
14.04.2024: after 46:13 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
17.04.2024: after 53:03 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
19.04.2024: after 64:15 h at 30% charged to 67% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
22.04.2024: after 53:00 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
24.04.2024: after 50:30 h at 30% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)
26.04.2024: after 46:48 h at 33% charged to 66% (Apple MacBook Air M2)

Remarks and Details

13.11.2023: Initial operation; the battery was about 70% charged. Sadly, the percentage display is not active ex works and it takes some time before you can finally exit the initial setup dialogue. The battery indicator was then already at 65%.
14.11.2023: Installing, setting up all the apps and optimizing the system settings took time and the display was rarely switched off, so the battery only lasted 8 hours on the first day. Still a good value for continuous use.
15.11.2023: I'm still installing and configuring apps. This consumes more energy than if everything is already set up and you only pick up the device when you need it.
17.11.2023: Approximately two hours of use as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
11.12.2023: Tested Olvid Messenger at the weekend. Consumed too much energy at first. Acceptable values after optimum configuration.
12.12.2023: Used as a Hotspot for Apple SW updates since yesterday; moved thousands of screenshots to microSD card via USB card reader today. Last night test flight mode without low-power mode: 2% energy consumption, better than before with low-power mode.
01.01.2024: Coincidentally same operating time as on the day before.
27.01.2024: Have deactivated one of the two eSIM profiles, because I suspect the higher energy consumption in Dual eSIM mode.
29.01.2024: Energy consumption is now as low as at the Pixel 7 Pro.
So I delete the deactivated eSIM profile.
30.01.2024: Energy consumption has increased again. Sadly, now it has turned out that the temporarily lower energy consumption has another reason. Even with only one eSIM, the average energy consumption is now the same as before with two eSIMs operating in parallel. Therefore I order a new eSIM for my second number to use both numbers on this phone again.
31.01.2024: Cause of higher energy consumption found: Threema app! Since the update of the Libre version has already been delayed by a few days, I'll move Threema messenger to my Pixel 7 Pro for the time being and see if its energy consumption deteriorates as well. Since I have to reinstall Threema anyway, I'll test the shop version directly from Threema. Advantages: no update delays and the app comes directly from the source.
01.02.2024: Energy consumption is much lower without Threema app.
03.02.2024: SimpleX Chat moved from Pixel 7 Pro to Pixel 8 Pro. Notification service: Periodically active (every 10 min.). Without push notification (permanently active in the background), the energy consumption is low.
18.02.2024: Have received consistent info from two competent people about battery charging technology, according to which modern charging electronics decouple the battery from the mains when 100% is reached, supply the device directly with power, thus protecting the battery. Nice theory.
22.02.2024: Google's 30W USB-C power charger, which is included with Pixel Stand, used directly for charging via USB-C cable for the first time.

07.03.2024: One of two eSIMs deactivated as a test from 00:32. Would like to know how big the difference in energy consumption really is.

10.03.2024: Both eSIMs are active again from 06:25. The energy consumption with only one active eSIM was significantly lower, but there were also three firmware updates during this time. It is therefore not yet certain whether the significantly longer battery life was due to not using dual eSIM. I will continue to monitor the energy consumption with dual eSIM.

13.03.2024: One eSIM deactivated again (after starting the battery charge). The energy consumption with dual eSIM was better than before for three days, but did not reach the values as with only one eSIM.
Energy consumption (idle mode) with Dual-eSIM in numbers:
On standby until 07.03.2024 1 % battery within 25–50 min.
From 10.03.2024 on standby 1 % battery within 50–90 min.
Energy consumption (idle mode) with one eSIM in numbers:
From 07.03.2024 on standby 1 % battery within 70–130 min.
Idle mode: Phone lies untouched on the table; only occasionally is the display touched briefly to check the battery status.

15.03.2024: Test standby mode completely without flight mode and low-power mode to find out the battery life in standby mode. Unfortunately, a new software update (Build No. 2024031400) comes in between, which is automatically downloaded and waiting to be installed. I start this installation and then also make bookings in the app “My Budget Book”. Both only take a few minutes, but affect the battery life test result.
21.03.2024: Used as a Hotspot for 1:15 h to download urgent security updates for my older devices iPhone Xs and iPhone 11 Pro.
28.03.2024: After battery charging, notification service from SimpleX Chat switched to “always active” to check the energy consumption.
29.03.2024: Notification service from SimpleX switched back to "periodically active" because the app consumes too much energy without Google's push notifications: 1% every 15 minutes in standby mode is an insane amount. So the Pixel 8 Pro will never last 24 hours! This reminds me that I have not yet tested the device migration via QR code.
Within a few minutes, SimpleX moves with all data to my iPhone 11 Pro!

04.04.2024: New test whether the energy consumption with Dual eSIM is also higher with the new firmware than by using only one eSIM. Conclusion: Significantly higher energy consumption: 1% energy loss every 15–30 min. in standby mode! Unusually bad values, so I reboot the Pixel 8 Pro. Thereafter the values are as on 13 March and I continue to monitor them …
08.04.2024: Dual-eSIM energy consumption (idle mode) in numbers:
Energy consumption in idle mode 1 % battery within approx. 50–120 min.

18.04.2024: eSIM (o2 Free Unlimited Max tariff) deactivated at 23:30.
The eSIM with my main number (o2 Free S Boost) remains active.

22.04.2024: With 38% charge remaining, I want to install Sandboxed Google Play Services and see that GrapheneOS is waiting for confirmation to restart in order to install a downloaded update. So I confirm the restart and install build no. 2024042000. I then install Sandboxed Google Play Services to test the energy consumption with Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).
25.04.2024: Energy consumption (idle mode) approx. 1% per hour, very rarely 1% for 2 hours. Sandboxed Google Play Services uninstalled.

26.04.2024: Using dual eSIM again, so 2nd eSIM activated again.

Battery Logging

I can save myself manual logging thanks to BatteryBot Pro. This app had already made battery maintenance easier for me back in 2013 (alarm times for falling below and exceeding any charge level in 5 percent steps and any temperature, battery status and log).

In addition, I take screenshots at start of charging, end of charging and at relevant status changes such as flight mode on/off in order to be able to clarify discrepancies later and in case BatteryBot Pro does not write an event in the log.

Music Player

23.11.2023: I have been using Metro on the Pixel 7 Pro since 20.03.2023. I make a data backup and copy everything to the Pixel 8 Pro. Then I listen to the first two tracks from my favourite house dance album “Felix: #1”.
Thereafter I listen to the album “Obsession - The Best Of Animotion”.
I then test the sound quality further with the two tracks “Two Minute Warning” and “Shame” from Depeche Mode's album “Construction Time Again”. Finally, I alternate between the Pixel 8 Pro and MacBook Air to listen to “Window Seat” from Bassnectar's album “Cozza Frenzy”.

As an interim result of this test report, I can attest to the uncoloured sound reproduction of the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Favourite tracks from my music collection sound as good as with other playback media.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a ruler-like frequency response right down to the low bass range.

Audio Test Equipment

As a measuring instrument, I only have my good hearing, various particularly suitable music titles (encoding with constant quality; dynamic data rate up to max. 320 kbit/s) and the Bluetooth headphones…

Apple AirPods Pro (2. Generation).
These also harmonise very well with the Google Pixe 8 Pro!

Unlike its predecessors and cheaper models, you can control it with gestures. Once set up on the iPhone or MacBook, you don't need an app for daily use with the Pixel phone. As there are also occasional firmware updates for the AirPods, you should connect them to your MacBook via cable every few weeks to receive new firmware with bug fixes or functional enhancements.

Messaging

Threema

Threema can optionally be used without personal data such as telephone number or email address. The Threema ID is sufficient!
Chats are end-to-end encrypted and phone calls are tap-proof.

Session

The Messenger Session does not use any personal data, i.e. neither telephone number nor e-mail address! There is no connection to the address book of the device! The Session ID is generated locally on the device and serves as a public key.
Chats are end-to-end encrypted and phone calls are tap-proof.
Further advantages: decentralised Onion-Routing network, free of charge.

SimpleX Chat

Privacy redefined: Other apps have user IDs.
SimpleX Chat works without these, not even with random numbers.
This increases privacy immensely.
Huge advantage over all other messengers: platform-independent local backup (database + design) makes changing devices very easy!

Telephony

14.11.2023: The acoustics are flawless. So far only one call within the Telefónica mobile network and short calls to landlines.
25.11.2023: First voice call via Session Messenger: 1:42 h, flawless.

Call Filter

Please do not disturb

This is the name of the professional call filter of Android OS.
Create various schedules with individual conditions.

Allow Calls

This can be configured in the Settings menu “Do not disturb”:

From all
Only from contacts (all saved in own address book)
Only from marked contacts (this means favourites)
Do not allow calls

Important Settings of the Phone App

At the top right, you can reach the menu for the Call List and Settings via the three vertical dots.

Settings

It is better to check and define the many useful configuration options here as soon as the phone is put into operation, as it will save a lot of time later and make it easier to use:

Display Options

Sorting of names in the address book, e.g. by last name, but name format: first name first.

Tones and Vibration

Here you set the default ringtone, select vibration settings and whether “Do not disturb” should be active during a phone call.
If, like me, you don't like haptic feedback and find vibrations rather annoying, this is one of the many hidden menus for turning off the annoying energy-consuming vibration.

Short Answers

Four SMS templates for callers who call at an inopportune moment are stored in an editable form.

Call Accounts

Settings for SIM cards used, important for Dual-SIM and SIP.
Companies or parents find the number restriction here, WLAN telephony can be preferably started via WLAN or mobile network, forwardings are defined (always/if busy/if no answer/if not reachable).

Tip

The most important thing is hidden under “Additional Settings”:
Caller ID – Show number on outgoing calls with the options:
• Network default setting (usually means “suppressed call number”!)
• suppress phone number
• show phone number

In addition, you can switch on “Call waiting” here if you do not want to miss other callers during a call and perhaps even want to toggle between them (switch back and forth).

Blocked Numbers

„Unknown” – Block calls from unidentified callers (switch on or off).
If you switch it on, also callers with suppressed call number receive a busy signal or are forwarded to the mailbox in the case of “Call forwarding on busy”.
SMS from blocked numbers are also not delivered.
Turn this off if you have a business and need to answer all calls.

Mailbox

Here, mailbox notification and setup can be achieved for each of the two SIM cards.

Operating Aids

Speech or hearing impaired people will find the TTY mode here.
TTY = Abbreviation: Telephone TYpewriter.

Info

App version, licence data, privacy policy, terms of use

Accessibility for the eternally outdated and stubborn, who you love anyway

Despite the threat of punishment by the Federal Network Agency, there are still too many dubious companies that do not comply with the law and call us with suppressed or falsified telephone numbers. That's why I don't even temporarily switch off the blocking of anonymous callers in order to be accessible to stubborn people and can no longer recommend this to others.
In the meantime, word has also got around that you can reach fewer and fewer people with a suppressed number…

For stubborn acquaintances and relatives who do not want to have the free number transfer switched on by the network operator, I would use the mailbox if necessary.
I would formulate the announcement text of the mailbox accordingly:
„… landed on the mailbox because of a suppressed call number, … please always call with activated caller ID!”

As soon as automatic diallers of dubious advertising callers start ringing at short intervals without interruption and suppress their own telephone number or transmit a faked, constantly changing telephone number, “Do not disturb” must remain active, otherwise you are no longer reachable for serious callers!

Alternatives to “Do not disturb”

Since Android OS version 6, you no longer need an app as a call filter, which serious call filter developers state in their app description!

I bought a real call filter (Advanced Call Blocker by wahooka) for my Android smartphone Samsung Galaxy Note on 12 December 2010.
Since 24.03.2011 I have been using a location and time-dependent profile control called Llama on the above-mentioned smartphone. Both are no longer available for current Android versions.

Blocking individual Phone Numbers

In Android OS, unwanted phone numbers can be blocked directly from the call list without having to save them in the address book!

Block dubious Numbers directly from the Call List

Calling up the call list
Tap the centre of the list entry of the interferer (not the handset symbol!)
A menu pops up with the options Send SMS, Block number, Call details
Tap on „Block number”
A security query appears: Block (phone number)?
„You will no longer receive calls from this number.” Cancel | Block contact

Kernel Version

5.15.149-android14-11-gffcffea08746
#1 Mon Apr 22 13:40:18 UTC 2024

Build Number

2024042200

Software

If an essential app requires Google services, you don't have to do without GrapheneOS!
Thanks to GrapheneOS, Google services don't get any special rights and run in isolation, regardless of whether they are installed in the main user profile or one of max. 31 separate user profiles…!

Tip

If your Google services-dependent apps do not need to run constantly, it is definitely worth creating a separate user profile, because then “sandboxed Google Play” does not have to run permanently in background, consuming energy…
So, for example, check your account balance briefly, make transfers if necessary and then log out again straight away!
Logging off makes the profile inactive so that none of the applications installed in it can be run. It also deletes the disk encryption keys from memory and hardware registers, returning the user profile to sleep mode.

I have always preferred open source software and therefore only had to check for banking apps, Post & DHL and my health insurance app whether they also work without Google services.
These now also run without Google Play services, which is why I haven't created any additional user profiles on the Pixel 8 Pro.

Switch from iOS to Android OS/GrapheneOS

Back in September 2021, before buying a Fairphone 3+ (with /e/OS), I had searched for and found Google-free apps.

You can find interesting and tested apps under Mobile Apps.
For apps without test report, I link to the developer's website or to f-droid.org for further information.

Display

The new touch display is great! No more curved backwards on the left and right. The touch display of the predecessor Pixel 7 Pro is also great. But in some apps you lose the data you have currently entered if you type near of an edge of the input field, which closes the input field without saving it! For me, this happened comprehensible in the My Budget Book app. Since I only use this app on the Pixel 8 Pro, this no longer happens to me.

Google rightly calls it a full-screen display, because there is only a small camera hole for selfies and make-up mirror forgetters, but no significant edge of the casing.

The factory setting is Full HD+ with 1008p, which requires less energy.
The full resolution of the 6.7-inch full-screen display is only available after activation. Menu path: Settings/Display/Screen resolution.
Here you switch from 1008p FHD+ to 1344p QHD+.

To save energy and protect the display from prying eyes, I recommend a short display switch-off time of 30 seconds.

Camera

At winter temperatures, my phone stays in the pocket to protect it. The change in temperature from the cold outside to the warm inside can lead to condensation in the device.

The quality of the camera is comparable to that of competing models and only differs by nuances. Depending on the situation, sometimes the Pixel 8 Pro and sometimes another top model is slightly better. No current smartphone camera masters all motifs perfectly.

Tip

For the best possible image quality and access to all functions, the Pixel camera requires Google's camera app. And it needs Google's Photos app for the image preview. Retouching (eraser) is easy with it.
Since the firmware update in April 2023, the camera and Photos app are working without Google Play Services/Google Services Framework!

Older versions of the Google Camera app still worked without the Google Photos app. Tapping the image preview forced the camera app to close, but this could be worked around by using a suitable gallery app. With current versions, however, you always get an error message if you try to use the Google Camera app without the Google Photos app.

14.11.2023: Uninstalled Google's camera and photos app. The pre-installed privacy-protecting camera app from GrapheneOS is sufficient for my purposes. Sometimes I use the camera of my good old iPhone 11 Pro.

Good compact or system cameras are suitable for higher demands on photo quality. These produce the best results without any software tricks. I have a Panasonic DMC-GF2 for this purpose.

Photos

There have not yet been any opportunities for good motifs.
I'll post photos later.

Leather Sleeve

For years I have been protecting every mobile phone with a customised black nappa leather bag from fitBAG (Made in Germany).

Like its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro fits perfectly in the fitBAG case of my Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (sold to wirkaufens.de)!
I had it made slightly larger so that the iPhone can be removed easily. Even with a very thin case, both devices could still fit in this fitBAG case.

Photo: black fitBAG Nappa Leather Sleeve

Photo: View inside the leather bag with lining “Microfibre Premium (IFP)”

Pros

Glass housing with excellent build quality
excellent high-resolution 6.7" full-screen display
12 GB RAM (lots of space for simultaneous app use)
Dual SIM support (1 × nano-SIM + 1 × eSIM)
Dual eSIM support (2 × eSIM w/o nano-SIM)
noise-free very good sound quality when telephoning
(supports HD Voice and HD Voice Plus = EVS)
current Bluetooth version 5.3 (very energy-saving!)
NFC support
alternative operating systems like GrapheneOS are easy to install
SW updates, security patches and feature drops for at least 7 years

Cons

Battery cannot be changed by the customer without tools
in Europe mainly available with 128 GB, but max. 512 GB storage in one colour!
Model with 512 GB storage only found on Amazon; Obsidian colour version only

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is an excellent upper-class smartphone with good features. Display and build quality are excellent and the processor performance is very good.

Alternatives

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – Glass body, angular stainless steel frame, 6 GB RAM, max. 1 TB storage, 6.7-inch OLED display, triple camera (48 MP) + Lidar, 5G, Dual eSIM
Apple iPhone 14 Pro – Glass body, angular stainless steel frame, 6 GB RAM, max. 1 TB storage, 6.1-inch OLED display, triple camera (48 MP) + Lidar, 5G, Dual eSIM
Fairphone 4 – Aluminium body, plastic back, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, max. 2 TB (microSDXC card), 6.3-inch LCD display, dual camera (48 MP WA/SWA), 5G, Dual SIM
Google Pixel 8 – Glass housing, aluminium frame, 8 GB RAM, max. 256 GB storage, 6,2-inch full-screen OLED display, dual camera (50 MP WW, 12 MP UWW), 5G, Dual eSIM
Google Pixel 7 Pro – Glass housing, aluminium frame, 12 GB RAM, max. 256 GB storage, 6,7-inch full-screen OLED display, triple camera (50 MP WW, 12 MP UWW, 48 MP TP), 5G, Dual SIM
Google Pixel 7 – Glass housing, aluminium frame, 8 GB RAM, max. 256 GB storage, 6.3-inch full-screen OLED display, dual camera (50 MP WA, 12 MP UWA), 5G, Dual SIM
Google Pixel 7a – Plastic housing, aluminium frame, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, 6.1-inch full-screen OLED display, dual camera (64 MP WA, 13 MP UWA), 5G, Dual SIM

Reference

Keyword list: 128 GB, 2010, 2013, Advantages, Alternatives, Android, App Stores, Apple MacBook Air, Apple iOS, Apps, Bands, Battery Life, Battery Performance, Battery Saving, Bluetooth, Boot, Browser, Charging Time, Chat, Computer, Conclusion, Cons, DNS, Database, Details, Domain, Download, E-Mail, EDGE, End-to-end encryption, Experience, F-Droid, Fairphone 3, Feedback, Field Test, File Manager, Firmware, GLONASS, GPS, GSM, Galileo, Germany, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Play, H.264, HD Voice, HSDPA, HSPA, HSPA+, HTML, HTTPS, Hardware, Help, Hotspot, IT, Internet, LCD, LTE, Link, Links, Long-term Field Test, MMS, Made in Germany, Mailbox, Mobile Apps, Mobile Phone, NFC, Nappa Leather Sleeve, Network, Online, Open Source, Operator, PDF, Payment Method, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Stand, Power Supply, Privacy, Pros, Pros and Cons, Providers, Purchases, QZSS, RAM, Reviews, SIM, SMS, Service, Services, Session Messenger, Smartphone, Smartphones, Software, Storage, Telephony, Tethering, Threema, Tips, Tricks, UMTS, URL, USB, Update, User, WLAN, Website, Who, eSIM, field test, fitBAG, how, iPhone, microSDXC, public key, report, why

Last edited: 26.04.2024

Hardware

Mobile Phone

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Mobile Phone with Privacy – thanks to GrapheneOS

Purchasing

Equipment

Specs

Dimensions & Weight

Display

Battery and Charging

Memory and Storage

Processor

Security

Main Camera

Front Camera

Camera Features

Video

Main Camera

Front Camera

Audio

Authentication

Sensors

Buttons and Ports

SIMs

Media and Audio

Connectivity and Location

Mobile Network

GSM/EDGE

UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA

LTE

5G Sub-6

Colour

Hearing Aid Suitability

Security and Operating System Updates

Materials

Limited Warranty

Practice

Setup

DNS Resolver + Firewall

Dual SIM

Dual eSIM

GrapheneOS

User Profiles

Tip

Password Manager

App Store

Neo Store

Manual Addition of Package Sources needs small Modifications

Modification explained using the Example of Threema Libre

Aurora Store

Login with

Warning

Tip

Obtain Apps directly from Developers

Obtainium

Backup

Tips

Battery Performance

Battery Saving

Low-Power Mode

Set Timetable

Battery Warning

Battery Charging Method

Slow Charging

Fast Charging

Wireless Charging

Battery Protocol

Charging Time

Battery Life (Time after Battery Charge until next Charge)

Usage Profiles

Uniform for all Profiles

Night

​​​​Display

Location Determination

Mobile Radio

Standby

Low Usage

Moderate Usage

Heavy Usage

Extreme Usage

Display