Is the Google Pixel 8 still worth buying in 2026?
Now available refurbished for under $300, the years-old Google Pixel 8 still offers strong cameras and long software support, though it lags rivals in performance and battery life.
Launched in 2023 at $700, the Google Pixel 8 can now be found refurbished for under $300 — a notably better deal than Google's newest budget phone, the Pixel 10a, which starts at $500.
Software and display
The Pixel 8 can be updated to Android 17, and Google promised seven years of OS and security updates when it launched, meaning support through at least 2030. The phone features a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. Its dual-camera setup pairs a 50-megapixel wide sensor with a 12-megapixel ultrawide, backed by AI features like Magic Editor and Best Take.
Performance and battery
The Tensor G3 chip powering the Pixel 8 has long drawn criticism for trailing similarly priced competitors using Qualcomm or Apple silicon. Some users have reported choppy animations, slow app launches and general sluggishness as the device has aged. Battery life is also unremarkable, with a 4,575 mAh cell supporting up to 27W wired charging and 18W wireless charging.
Where it still stands out
Despite its shortcomings, the Pixel 8 continues to outperform similarly priced rivals in camera quality, and its clean, largely bloat-free Android interface remains a draw. Google continues to deliver periodic feature updates known as Pixel Drops. The phone also retains a premium build with an aluminum frame, glass back, IP68 water and dust resistance, and reverse wireless charging. Buyers willing to spend a bit more could consider the Pixel 9 at around $420 or the Pixel 9a at around $330, both offering the newer Tensor G4 chip and longer update support.
