Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Where to buy, pre-order discounts, new features and more to know before its Oct 12 launch

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to launch in Singapore on Oct 12. Pre-orders for the spiffed up new phones are already open at Google, Amazon and other retailers. Each one is offering not just a new phone, but plenty of deals galore (think vouchers, discounts and free gifts). Which one gives you most bang for your buck? Read on.

Google Pixel 8 Prices

• Google Pixel 8 (128 GB): $1,099. Available in Hazel, Obsidian, Rose
• Google Pixel 8 (256 GB): $1,199. Available in Obsidian

Google Pixel 8 Pro Prices

• Google Pixel 8 Pro (128 GB): $1,549. Available in Porcelain, Bay, Obsidian
• Google Pixel 8 Pro (256 GB): $1,649. Available in Obsidian, Bay

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Promos and deals to take note of

Amazon: Pre-ordering on Amazon gives you $180 off your purchase of the Pixel 8 and $250 off the Pixel 8 Pro. There’s also an additional $50 for the first 200 Citi Mastercard customers who use the promo code CITIMCPIXEL. To enjoy these offers, you need to ensure that ‘Amazon SG’ is the seller before adding the item to cart. You have to act fast, though — the offer on Amazon ends Oct 12 at 8.59am, or when fully redeemed, whichever happens first.

Challenger: Get a $120 gStore voucher and $100 Challenger voucher when you order a Pixel 8; or $120 gStore voucher and $200 Challenger voucher with any order of the Pixel 8 Pro. Valid until Oct 20, 11.59pm.

Courts: Get a $120 gStore voucher and $100 discount when you buy a Pixel 8; get a $120 gStore voucher and $250 discount when you buy a Pixel 8 Pro. Valid until Oct 20, 11.59pm.

Google Store: Buy the Pixel 8 and get $250 voucher for your next purchase on gStore and a limited edition pouch; or buy a Pixel 8 Pro and get a $549 voucher for your next purchase on gStore and a limited edition pouch. Valid until Oct 20, 11.59pm.

Shopee: Get a $100 coin cashback and $120 gStore voucher when you buy a Pixel 8; $250 coin cashback and $120 gStore voucher when you buy a Pixel 8 Pro. Offer valid until Oct 20, 10pm.

Singtel: Get a $250 Singtel Lifestyle voucher when you buy a Pixel 8 256GB; or $400 Singtel Lifestyle voucher with a purchase of a Pixel 8 Pro 256GB/512GB. Offer valid until Oct 12.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro features

Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are touted to provide a “more helpful and personal experience” with a slew of software and hardware upgrades that will bring about better photos, battery life, and more.

Camera upgrades: The Pro’s main camera can now capture better photos in low light, has improved Macro Focus, and can take 10x photos at optical quality. The front-facing camera now comes with auto-focus as well. Pro users also have access to Pro controls to toggle shutter speed, ISO and other settings. As for the Pixel 8, it now has Macro Focus thanks to a new ultrawide lens, plus all the other upgrades that the Pixel 8 Pro has in the main camera.

AI photo editing tools: There’s a slew of AI tools to make your photos look better. These include blending a series of group photos to ensure everyone looks their best (Best Take), removing and resizing photo subjects (Magic Editor) and using AI to reduce background noise from videos (Audio Magic Eraser).

Other cool things to note: The Pixel 8 Pro has a temperature sensor feature that lets you scan an object to get its temperature (say goodbye to serving your baby too-hot milk or burning your food on a too-hot frying pan). There’s also improved security with the Face Unlock feature, similar to Apple’s Face ID, that now lets you unlock app sign-ins and make payments.