Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 6 Pro to the Pixel 8 Pro?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 6 Pro to the Pixel 8 Pro, 2 years apart.
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you
The Pixel 8 Pro is 2 years newer than the Pixel 6 Pro, and the BeastScore drops from 86.5 to 85.6. The biggest improvements: 1,400 nits brighter peak display, longer optical zoom (+1x). Trade-offs to know: launched $100 more expensive.
What you gain with the Pixel 8 Pro
- +1,400 nits brighter peak display
- +Longer optical zoom (+1x)
What you give up
- −Launched $100 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 8 Pro | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 86.5 | 85.6 | −0.9 |
| Performance score | 90 | 90 | No real change |
| Camera score | 91 | 91 | No real change |
| Battery score | 86 | 86 | No real change |
| Display score | 86 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 5,003 mAh | 5,050 mAh | No real change |
| Wired charging | 30W | 30W | No real change |
| Wireless charging | 23W | 23W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.7" | 6.7" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,400 nits | +1,400 nits (140%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| Optical zoom | 4x | 5x | +1x (25%) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 210 g | 213 g | No real change |
| Launch price | $899 | $999 | +$100 (11%) |
Upgrade if…
- You shoot a lot of zoom and telephoto photos
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 6 Pro to the Pixel 8 Pro?
Maybe — worth it only if the new features matter to you. The Pixel 8 Pro is 2 years newer than the Pixel 6 Pro, and the BeastScore drops from 86.5 to 85.6. The biggest improvements: 1,400 nits brighter peak display, longer optical zoom (+1x). Trade-offs to know: launched $100 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro?
1,400 nits brighter peak display: 1,000 nits on the Pixel 6 Pro vs 2,400 nits on the Pixel 8 Pro.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro have a bigger battery than the Pixel 6 Pro?
No — both have about the same battery capacity (5,003 mAh vs 5,050 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 8 Pro?
Upgrade if: You shoot a lot of zoom and telephoto photos; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.