Google Pixel 8 could have a smaller display than Pixel 7

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The Pixel 8 may be shrinking ever-so slightly

Pixel 8 renders
(Image credit: OnLeaks + MySmartPrice)

We’re just weeks away from Google I/O 2023 and what could be our first official glimpse at the Google Pixel 8 series. We haven’t heard a great deal about the upcoming phone just yet, but a new rumor claims that the phone may end up being a little smaller than expected.

According to display analyst Ross Young, The Pixel 8 will come with a 6.16-inch display, a slight decrease from the Pixel 7’s 6.32-inch display. Meanwhile the Pixel 8 Pro will reportedly have the same 6.7-inch display as the Pixel 7 Pro.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors that the Pixel 8 could be shrinking, and CAD leaks pointed towards the phone coming with a 6.2-inch display. Assuming Young is correct, it’s likely spec sheets will round 6.16-inch up to 6.2

It’s not clear why the Pixel 8 will come with a smaller display, though it’s worth mentioning that  the Pixel 7 was also smaller than the previous year. The Pixel 6 packed in a 6.4-inch display which shrank slightly by the time the next generation rolled around.

Google never explained why the Pixel 7 was smaller than its predecessor, and it doesn’t seem likely that it’ll explain why the Pixel 8 has shrunk either. So we’ll just have to wait and see what the company actually says. 

But while the phone may end up shrinking, it’s still larger than two of its biggest rivals — the 6.1-inch Samsung Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14 Pro. This is assuming you care about having a larger phone, without buying a super-sized Pixel 8 Pro, of course.

Google Pixel Buds Pro at IO 2022

We'll likely get a Pixel 8 teaser at Google I/O 2023 on May 10 (Image credit: Google)

Alongside this new screen size, we’re expecting the Pixel 8 to come packing the upgraded Tensor G3 chipset — which should continue the trend of emphasizing security, photography and machine learning. The phones will also reportedly use staggered HDR, alongside a new ‘video unblur’ feature.

Beyond that there isn’t a lot we know about the phone right now, though that is likely to change. Google isn’t very good at keeping a handle on its leaks, and it’s likely we’ll get some kind of teaser at I/O 2023 on May 10. Sadly the phones themselves are not likely to launch until sometime in October.

We’ll bring you more Pixel 8 news as and when we hear it.

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Tom Pritchard
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.