The Google Pixel 8 is here with a stylish but ergonomic design and powerful AI features. But it’s not all good news. Whileour review praised the feature-packed flagship, there are a few issues you should be aware of, whether you’re considering picking one up or are trying to solve problems you encountered.
We walk you through the biggest problems exclusive to the Pixel 8 (these tips can also be applied to the Pixel 8 Pro). After everything works how you want, explore some of themost important features to try on your new phone.
No mmWave support
This tip only concerns those on the fence about buying a Pixel 8. If you buy the device unlocked (for example, from the Google Store), your new Pixel 8 doesn’t have mmWave services. This can be an issue if you wantthe fastest 5G data connection.
If this is important to you, use thishandy guide from Google to check your 5G availability. Some carriers may charge for mmWave support.
Overheating
Google’s Tensor chips are prone to overheating, and the Pixel 8’s chip is no different. While we noted in our review that the Tensor G3 is better at managing temperature than its predecessors, you may notice the phone getting warm in your hand.
To avoid overheating your Pixel 8, don’t perform these tasks while charging your phone or use it in a hot environment.
Our review device never became too hot (although it did become noticeably warm in the above scenarios). Still, there’s no harm in avoiding heating your phone where possible.
Inaccurate multilingual input
This issue, while niche, can be problematic for people who use two languages on their Pixel 8 at once. In our review, we constantly encountered problems with multilingual input. The device would frequently switch to the wrong language when dictating.
Until Google updates this feature, there isn’t a distinct fix. In the meantime, we recommend sticking with one language at a time on your keyboard to reduce false positives.
Poor battery life
The jury is still out on the Pixel 8’s battery life. While our review praised the extended battery life and improved charging speed, others found it insufficient for their use.October’s Pixel Feature drop added some new featuresto help you avoid running out of charge at an inopportune moment.
Go to the Battery Saver settings on your Pixel 8, and fine-tune this tool. We recommend raising the battery level at which it automatically turns on to avoid those moments where your phone runs down to 5% or lower without you noticing.
Battery and mobile connection issues
Grouping these two problems in one place might seem odd, but the Pixel 8 ships with a new troubleshooting tool to identify and solve issues in these two areas.
You’ll find this tool in the Battery menu and the Network & Internet menu in your Settings app. When you’re in, tap the appropriate problem, and the tool attempts to resolve it. If nothing else, it can help you determine whether there is a hardware problem or if you need to manage your battery life better.
Keep your Pixel 8 in good condition
All these issues fall by the wayside if you don’t protect the phone. Make sure you pair it with one of thebest Pixel 8 cases, as these keep your phone secure and stylish. Some even offer nifty MagSafe compatibility.
