Google Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor — here's what it can do

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The Pixel 8 Pro can measure temperatures for all sorts of objects, but how practical is it?

Google Pixel 8 Pro hands-on.
(Image credit: Future)
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Easily one of the most intriguing features of the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the built-in temperature sensor. It's right on the back of this flagship phone next to the camera, and with it you can measure all sorts of objects.

First, you might be wondering, "Can I use this to measure body temperature?" Nope — at least not yet. But Google has submitted an application to the FDA to get approval for this very use case. So at some point you could use a Pixel 8 Pro to let you know if you or a family member is running a fever.

Here's everything we know about the Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor so far. 

How to use the Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor

  • Open the dedicated thermometer app on your Pixel 8 Pro.
  • Click Object Temperature.
  • Select the type of material that you want to scan. 
  • Hold the sensor within 5cm of the surface and tap the Measure button. 
  • Read the temperature or press reset to scan again.

Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor: What you can measure

Google Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor thermometer app

(Image credit: Future)

During the Google Pixel 8 event, Google provided a couple of examples of how you might use the temperature sensor. You might decide to measure the temperature of a pan while cooking, for example, or you could get a reading on the milk in your baby's bottle so it's at just the right tempeature.

Here's all the types of objects you can measure using the Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor.

  • Food & organic
  • Beverages & water
  • Cast iron
  • Ceramic & glass
  • Matte metal
  • Shiny metal
  • Plastic & rubber
  • Fabric
  • Wood
  • Walls & Windows

Looking at this list, I could see some practical and entertaining applications for the Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor. For example, you might use it measure your windows or the area around them to see how well insulated they are (or not). Or you might want to settle the debate once and for all about which colors repel heat and which don't when it's a sunny and hot day. 

We will be testing the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro during our full review, so stay tuned for more impressions. 

Bottom line

Google Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor

(Image credit: Google)

At first glance, the Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor seems quite gimmicky, and it does on second glance, too. But I could see how this Pixel 8 Pro feature could come in handy in certain situations. We'll be sure to test it versus other thermometers to see how accurate it is, and it will be very interesting to see if Google gets FDA approval for measuring body temperature. 

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Mark Spoonauer
Mark Spoonauer

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.