The trend in the flagship market has been a shift away from smaller-sized phones, but it seems that Google is breaking away from this by offering a slightly smaller display with the upcoming Pixel 8. This goes against the expectation for larger screen sizes typically seen in high-end devices.
As we draw closer to the Google I/O 2023 event, it is expected that the Pixel 8 series will be briefly showcased before its official launch later this year. As anticipation builds, new details about the phones are emerging, with the display sizes reportedly already finalized before the big reveal.
For many years, Google’s Pixel lineup featured both a small and large version of essentially the same phone. During this period, the smaller Pixels were highly regarded as some of the best compact-sized phones on the market. However, this changed with the release of the Pixel 6 series, which showcased both the standard Pixel 6 and the larger Pixel 6 Pro with massive displays. In essence, buyers were guaranteed a minimum screen size of 6.4 inches.
The following year, there was a slight decrease in size, as the Pixel 7 was introduced with a 6.3-inch display. The phone’s slimmer design also accentuated the reduction in size to a great extent.
Rumored Pixel 8 Display Size Smaller Than Expected: Just 6.16 Inches
Despite the recent confirmation of display sizes for the Pixel 8 series, earlier rumors had suggested an even smaller display for the standard Pixel 8. Reports dating back to December 2022 had hinted at a smaller phone, and more recent leaks based on CAD designs had estimated a display size of around 6.2 inches.
A recent tweet from Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), confirms the display size for the upcoming Pixel 8 series. According to his tweet, the standard Pixel 8 will feature a 6.16-inch display, while the larger Pixel 8 Pro will have the same 6.7-inch screen size as the Pixel 7 Pro. While the 6.16-inch display on the Pixel 8 may not be a significant reduction from the Pixel 7, it will undoubtedly feel noticeably smaller when compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. Additionally, he states that production of the panels is slated to commence in May.
From DSCC's new monthly OLED smartphone service:
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) April 12, 2023
– Google Pixel 8 – 6.16", down from 6.32" on the Pixel 7
– Google Pixel 8 Pro – 6.7", same as Pixel 7 Pro
Both start panel production in May.
If the Pixel 8 indeed features a smaller 6.16-inch display, it will bring the phone in closer competition with its main rivals, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S23, which also has a 6.1-inch display, as well as Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro. This smaller form factor may appeal to users who prefer more pocketable and ergonomic devices without sacrificing performance or features.
It is anticipated that the standard Pixel 8 will feature a 90Hz refresh rate, while the larger Pixel 8 Pro will boast a 120Hz refresh rate. However, considering the expected upgrade to 90Hz on the Pixel 7a, there is a possibility that the Pro model may come equipped with a 120Hz panel. Recent Pixel 8 renders also suggest that both models may feature fairly flat displays, which would break away from the previous two Pixel generations where only the larger Pro model had a curved display.
As per tradition, Google is anticipated to launch the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro around October this year. However, we could get a sneak peek of these phones at the upcoming Google I/O event (which kicks off on May 10), just as we did last year with the Pixel 6 series. The event is also expected to unveil the Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold, along with further details regarding the first-ever Pixel Tablet.
Source: Ross Young