With every new generation of smartphones, competition in mobile photography intensifies. Google, well known for pushing the boundaries of computational photography, continues to evolve this niche with its Pixel series. The Pixel 6, launched in 2021, redefined expectations with Google’s in-house Tensor processor and revamped camera hardware. Fast forward to the Pixel 8 Pro, released in 2023, and we’re looking at a flagship packed with refined features, AI-powered photography tools, and upgraded camera sensors.
But how much of an improvement is the Pixel 8 Pro over the Pixel 6 in real-world camera performance? In this comprehensive camera test, we take a closer look at the two phones across various shooting conditions to determine where each excels and how they differ.
The Hardware Breakdown
Before diving into samples and comparisons, it’s important to understand the hardware behind these two shooters.
- Pixel 6:
- 50 MP main sensor (f/1.85, 1/1.31″, 1.2µm)
- 12 MP ultra-wide camera
- No telephoto lens
- 8 MP front-facing camera
- Pixel 8 Pro:
- 50 MP main sensor (f/1.68, 1/1.31″, 1.2µm)
- 48 MP ultra-wide camera
- 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom
- 10.5 MP front-facing camera
While the main sensor in both devices sports similar specs, refinements in image processing such as improved white balance, HDR rendering, and skin tone accuracy have brought noticeable benefits to the Pixel 8 Pro. The addition of a telephoto lens and a more capable ultra-wide shooter make the Pixel 8 Pro a truly versatile photography tool.
Daylight Photography
In brightly lit conditions, both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 Pro perform admirably. The Pixel 6 continues to impress with high dynamic range and vibrant colors, thanks to Google’s computational photography prowess. However, the Pixel 8 Pro edges ahead with slightly more natural contrast, less over-sharpening, and better color accuracy in complex scenes.
Where the Pixel 8 Pro noticeably improves is in detail preservation and shadow recovery. The newer Tensor G3 chip and upgraded image processing engine reduce blown-out highlights and preserve finer textures in foliage and buildings.
Verdict: While both devices deliver excellent results, the Pixel 8 Pro is more consistent and renders a more natural look in daylight scenarios.
Low-Light and Night Sight
Night photography has always been a Pixel strength. The Pixel 6 had already made significant steps in reducing noise while maintaining detail in dark environments. That said, the Pixel 8 Pro showcases some major strides here with faster Night Sight capture speeds, improved tonal range, and less motion blur.
A key improvement comes from AI-assisted denoising and better exposure stacking in darker scenes. The Pixel 8 Pro manages to retain the mood of dim settings while also brightening shadows without sacrificing realism.
Verdict: The Pixel 8 Pro’s low-light performance is not only faster but also more filmic, capturing scenes with lower noise and superior depth.
Portrait Mode
The portrait mode on the Pixel 6 set a high bar with excellent edge detection and natural bokeh. However, it occasionally struggled with dynamic lighting and finer hair details. In comparison, the Pixel 8 Pro excels with improved subject separation and richer skin tones, thanks in part to its enhanced depth mapping and Real Tone advancements.
The telephoto camera on the Pixel 8 Pro also allows for more natural-looking compression and distinctive background blur, similar to DSLR aesthetics.
Things we noticed:
- The Pixel 6 can overexpose faces in harsh sunlight
- The Pixel 8 Pro delivers a more accurate sense of depth and better maintains facial detail under different lighting conditions
- Edge detection in the Pixel 8 Pro is noticeably more accurate, especially in complex hair outlines
Verdict: For those prioritizing portrait shots, the Pixel 8 Pro clearly outshines the Pixel 6 in both processing finesse and depth realism.
Zoom Capabilities
This is one area where the Pixel 8 Pro stretches well beyond the Pixel 6. The latter lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying entirely on digital zoom, which quickly deteriorates in quality. The Pixel 8 Pro, equipped with its 48 MP telephoto, achieves crisp images up to 5x optical zoom and usable details up to 20x, thanks to Super Res Zoom.
For wildlife, architecture, and candid shots from a distance, this makes a significant difference.
Verdict: The Pixel 8 Pro dominates here—Zoom photography is worlds ahead compared to the limited digital zoom on the Pixel 6.
Ultra-Wide Performance
The ultra-wide sensor on the Pixel 6 was a decent addition but lacked autofocus and suffered from lower resolution and fuzzier edges. The Pixel 8 Pro brings a much-needed upgrade, moving to a 48 MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus, macro capability, and improvements across distortion correction and sharpness.
This also allows the 8 Pro to double as a macro camera—a major usability expansion when shooting flowers, textures, or product shots.
Verdict: The ultra-wide lens on the Pixel 8 Pro adds utility, especially for creative compositions and sharp macro photography. The Pixel 6 can’t compete in this department.
Video Recording
Both devices support 4K recording at up to 60fps, but the Pixel 8 Pro brings elevated video features such as 10-bit HDR, improved wind noise reduction, and manual exposure controls.
Stabilization also sees a boost, particularly in the “Cinematic Pan” mode, where the 8 Pro delivers silky-smooth transitions and adjustments. Video focus lock and refined skin tone rendering make the Pro model an ideal choice for content creators on the go.
Pixel 8 Pro video advantages:
- 10-bit HDR video (more accurate color and depth)
- Improved dynamic range in high-contrast scenes
- AI-enhanced audio separation and wind filtering
Verdict: The Pixel 8 Pro turns mobile video into a more professional tool, while Pixel 6 sticks to the basics.
Smart Photo Tools and Software Features
Where the Pixel 8 Pro truly sets itself apart is in the range of exclusive software features, many of which are fueled by on-device AI and Google’s refined ecosystem. Tools like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser give users more power to correct imperfections and customize their moments post-capture.
Conversely, the Pixel 6, while supporting useful features like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur, lacks the more intuitive, AI-rich photo enhancement tools found in the newer device.
Verdict: The Pixel 8 Pro leverages software magic in ways the Pixel 6 simply cannot match, making it far more than just a hardware upgrade.
The Final Verdict
If you already own a Pixel 6, you’re not holding a bad camera by any means—its computational photography is still ahead of many rivals. However, in every measurable way, the Pixel 8 Pro is a clear upgrade. With enhancements in sensor quality, AI features, ultra-wide capabilities, zoom reach, and video professionalism, it represents a holistic evolution in smartphone photography.
Buy the Pixel 8 Pro if you:
- Take a lot of zoom or wide-angle shots
- Value low-light and nighttime performance
- Need creator-level video features
- Enjoy editing and enhancing photos post-capture
Stick with the Pixel 6 if you:
- Take mostly daylight photos and are satisfied with basic features
- Don’t need telephoto zoom or macro support
- Prefer solid performance without chasing new tools
Ultimately, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is one of the most advanced in the market, merging Google’s software expertise with beefed-up hardware. For those passionate about mobile photography, it’s an upgrade well