Pixel 8 Pro Review: Sky-High Zooms, Majorelle Blues and AI Magic in Marrakech
A High-Flying Review of Google’s latest phone…
Standing before a slowly inflating hot air balloon in the vast expanse of the desert just outside Marrakech, I am filled with a blend of anticipation and apprehension. It’s 5am and my fear of heights is at an all time high. Yet the promise of capturing incredible memories on the new Google Pixel 8 Pro is fueling my determination.
This is no mere bucket list ticking exercise, but a meticulously planned journey with Google to explore the capabilities of their latest innovation. Clutching my beige-hued smartphone tightly, I whispered to myself, "just think of the content." Four burly balloon pilots hoist me into the wicker basket, and as I see the terracotta buildings and crumbling Kasbahs turn into miniatures, the opportunity to document this experience was worth facing my fears.
“The phone's camera revealed a stunning level of detail, transforming a simple drink into a visual symphony.”
Joined by Jazmin Kopotsha of Stylist and Natasha Bird, former digital editor of Elle, we were set for an unparalleled adventure. The journey that unfolds over the next three days is designed to immerse us in the world of the Pixel 8 Pro, showcasing its groundbreaking features through a series of captivating activities and breathtaking landscapes. Rick Osterloh, Google's senior vice president of devices and services described it as "the first phone built for the generative AI era," and he is not wrong.
Each moment of the press trip offers a new facet of the Pixel 8 Pro to explore. On our inaugural evening in Marrakesh, I found myself enamored with the Macro Focus Lens' prowess. Capturing the intricate sugar crystals adorning my cocktail's dried lime slice, the phone's camera revealed a stunning level of detail, transforming a simple drink into a visual symphony.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Macro Focus Lens captured even the most minute details of my gin basil smash
Day two brought with it the anticipation of a hot air balloon ride. Despite my acrophobia (aka irrational fear of heights) the experience was nothing short of magical. Floating above the desert, we had ample opportunity to test the Super Res Zoom feature, capturing breathtakingly high quality images of distant balloons and enjoying an utterly-Instagramable breakfast amidst the clouds.
Kris Jenner works hard but the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Super Zoom works harder…
Our final day was spent engaging in one of my new favourite activities, pottery. The activity took place at the women-run Atelier Lamsaty, founded by the four sisters Karima, Amal, Wafa, and Asma in 2019. The workshop is a haven for creativity, offering everything necessary to craft pottery and ceramics from scratch. Here, the Pixel 8 Pro's slow-motion capabilities shone, capturing every delicate nuance of our hands shaping the clay.
“From the minute I arrived in Marrakech, the phone proved to be an indispensable companion.”
Yet, it was my return to the Jardin Majorelle that truly showed off what the camera’s AI features could do. Since my first visit to the gardens when I was 18, I have been captivated by its history and the iconic Majorelle Blue, a legacy of the French painter Jacques Majorelle.
The gardens, now teeming with visitors, contrasted sharply with my memories but this bustling atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop to experiment with the Pixel 8 Pro's Magic Eraser feature. With its AI-driven prowess, I could effortlessly remove any tourists in the background of my photos, allowing me to capture a serene moment by a blue water fountain, devoid of any distractions. The result was a picture that not only showcased the garden's vivid colors but also demonstrated the phone's ability to create perfect moments from the ‘imperfect.’
Its clear that the Google Pixel 8 Pro is more than just a technological advancement; it's a gateway to experiencing and capturing the world in ways previously unimaginable. From the minute I arrived in Marrakech, the phone proved to be an indispensable companion. The Pixel 8 Pro stood as a testament to Google's vision of a world where technology enhances our experiences, creativity, and connections. In the vast desert, floating above the earth, or shaping clay with skilled artisans, the Pixel 8 Pro was there, proving itself to be truly built for the generative AI era and beyond.
My Top 5 Favourite Features of the Google Pixel 8 Pro:
Embarking on a journey with the Pixel 8 Pro has uncovered a medley of features that redefine what we can expect from a smartphone camera. Here are my top five features that stand out for their innovation and utility…
1) Super Res Zoom
This isn't just any zoom feature. The Super Res Zoom on the Pixel 8 Pro is a masterful blend of hardware prowess, advanced software, and machine learning magic. It allows you to zoom in up to 20x or 30x without sacrificing the crispness and detail of your images. Whether you're capturing the intricate patterns of a distant building or the delicate features of wildlife, the Super Res Zoom brings the faraway close with astonishing clarity.
2) Macro Focus Lens
The evolution from the Pixel 7 Pro is stark. With a 48 MP ultra-wide lens that absorbs 105% more light and boasts a 30% closer focus capability, the Macro Focus feature of the Pixel 8 Pro elevates close-up photography to an art form. The result? Stunningly detailed shots that highlight the subtle textures and colors of your subject, all while enveloped in a beautifully artistic blur.
3) Google Lens
A tried and true favorite, Google Lens remains an indispensable tool in my digital arsenal. Whether I'm on the hunt for a new outfit, seeking the perfect color match, or simply exploring the world around me, Google Lens acts as my visual search engine. It bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms, making shopping, discovery, and exploration as simple as pointing and shooting.
4) Magic Eraser
In a world cluttered with distractions, the Magic Eraser feature is a breath of fresh air. Leveraging AI, it identifies and suggests removal of unwanted elements in your photos—be it a random person photobombing your perfect shot, unsightly power lines, or poles. With a few taps, your photos are transformed, focusing on what truly matters and bringing your photographic vision to life.
5) Google Assistant Summarize
In the fast-paced world we navigate, efficiency is key. The Google Assistant Summarise feature is akin to having a personal reading assistant. Too busy to dive into a lengthy article? A simple tap on "summarise" and the Pixel 8 Pro delivers a concise overview of the text. It's like having the ability to speed-read, ensuring you're always informed, even when time is of the essence.
