The most recent rumors point to the Google Pixel 8 series commanding higher price tags. It was even reported that the price hike would be a small jump by retaining the same 128 GB variant as the base configuration. However, it seems that it could be a totally different case as there is reason to believe that there will be a massive price hike, at least over in Europe.
How much could the Google Pixel 8 (Pro) cost?
According to details shared by French news outlet Dealabs, the Pixel 8 will be priced significantly higher in this region. The smaller Pixel 8 in its 128 GB configuration is said to begin at €799, or an increase of €149 from the €649 Pixel 7. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro with the same storage capacity is touted to retail for €1099, which is a €200 difference from the existing Pro model.
Selecting the subsequent storage options for either model appears to be manageable with the 256 GB Pixel 8 priced at €859 a pop while the Pixel 8 Pro will retail for €1,159. Both are €60 more expensive compared to the base storage option.
The Google Pixel 8 (Pro)’s price in other markets
With these rumors, prices in the USA and other regions are expected to increase as well. It is safe to assume the Pixel 8 will retail for $649 or $50 more expensive. This would be in line with the Pixel 7a (review) being priced at $499, experiencing a $50 price hike from its predecessor. As for the Pixel 8 Pro, we might see its price balloon to $999, or a $100 difference from the $899 sticker price of the Pixel 7 Pro.
As usual, all of these are still rumors as of now and will only be confirmed at the upcoming Made by Google event on October 4. However, Dealabs and the previous source, Yogesh Brar, seem to agree on the matter of the Pixel 8 becoming more expensive.
At the same time, there are several reasons to support the possibility of an upward price adjustment. The Pixel 8 line is tipped to feature upgraded OLED screens alongside an improved main camera sensor. In addition, Google’s Tensor G3 chipset that should power both handsets is also new and packed with an improved CPU and GPU. Plus, the Pixel 8 Pro is said to sport a new temperature sensor at the back, adding on more cost to the hardware.
However, the price hike could also place Google in a tight spot compared to its competitors. For example, the Pixel 8 would be close to the suggested retail price of the OnePlus 11 (review) at $699, but still below the Galaxy S23 at $799. However, it is the Pixel 8 Pro that might see tougher competition against the likes of the Galaxy S23+ (review) and the upcoming iPhone 15.
Do you think that it would be a mistake for Google to launch the Pixel 8 (Pro) at higher prices? We’d like to hear your opinion about this matter.
