The Google Pixel 8 could be surprisingly small and quite curvy

Google Pixel 7 review in hand
A Google Pixel 7 (Image credit: Future / Alex Walker-Todd)

Update – March 16: An earlier version of this story reported the display size of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro as 5.8 inches and 6.5-inches rather than 6.2 and 6.7 based on a miscalculation that was subsequently corrected by the original source of the leak, this story has been updated to reflect that. Original article (with amendments) continues below.

Following on from unofficial renders showing us the possible design of the Google Pixel 8 Pro, we’ve now seen the same treatment for the standard Pixel 8, and the accompanying information suggests this could be an ideal choice for fans of compact flagships.

Reputable leaker OnLeaks has shared these renders – some of which you can see below – with MySmartPrice, and they show a phone that, at first glance, looks a lot like the Google Pixel 7. It has a large metal camera visor housing two lenses, a likely glass back (shown in white here), a metal frame, and a screen with a punch-hole camera in it.

So far, so Pixel 7. But look a bit closer and you’ll notice that the corners are far more rounded, giving it a much curvier look than its boxy predecessor. That change is more than just aesthetic, with Google shrinking the screen further to 6.2-inches.

That’s down from 6.3 inches on the Pixel 7 and 6.4-inches on the Pixel 6, and makes for a nice and compact phone by modern standards. It’s still larger than 6.1 inches, which is a size the iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, and Sony Xperia 5 IV all come in at, but small enough to be a nice difference from the Pixel 8 Pro. It's a far cry from the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro which were so similar in size as to be nigh identical. 

The actual dimensions of the Google Pixel 8 are apparently 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm, with the thickness rising to 12mm at the camera bar. For reference, the Pixel 7 is 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm, so this unsurprisingly would make the Pixel 8 both shorter and narrower.

With the Google Pixel 8 series probably not landing until October we would, of course, take this information and these images with a pinch of salt, but the source is about as solid as leakers get.

Bigger changes are seemingly planned for the Pixel 8 Pro

The same source was behind a recent Pixel 8 Pro leak, and the changes there sound similar but more substantial.

This phone is also expected keep the same size as its predecessor but have more rounded corners and flat sides for an overall comfortable design. It’s additionally shown as having four rear cameras (up from three on the Pixel 7 Pro), with the new lens theorized to be a macro camera or depth sensor.

So we could see even more differences between the Pro and standard models than in previous years, making the Pixel 8 Pro a more likely inclusion for our best smartphones guide, while the standard Pixel 8 could well see its way into our best small phones list.

TOPICS

James is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything ‘smart’, from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV.

Read more
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a leak suggests it’ll fix a design quirk of its predecessor
Google Pixel 9 in Wintergreen showing back camera bar
The Google Pixel 10 could get a big camera boost if this new leak is legit
Google Pixel 8a
Biggest Google Pixel 9a leak so far reveals colors and seems to confirm the death of the camera bar
The Google Pixel 9a in four shades
Google Pixel 9a: five of the biggest upgrades
Google Pixel 8a
Latest leaked Google Pixel 9a images hint at new purple color and the tiniest of camera bumps
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
A convincing Google Pixel 9a hands-on video has mysteriously disappeared, but I think it could’ve been the real thing
Latest in Google Pixel Phones
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
Google Pixel 9 in green Wintergreen color showing AI features on screen
Older Pixels just got a big performance boost, while the Pixel 9a is lacking a key feature
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL on peach background with don't miss text overlay
Why wait for the Pixel 9a? Here's a Pixel 9 Pro XL deal that can save you up to $600 at Best Buy
The Google Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a’s AI has a RAM problem
Google Pixel 9a
Google just launched the Pixel 9a – and I reckon it embarrasses the iPhone 16e
Google Pixel 9 front and back
Leaked Google Pixel 9a promo materials reveal almost everything – and a launch could be just hours away
Latest in News
Apple iPhone 16 Review
The latest iPhone 18 leak hints at a major chipset upgrade for all four models
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #385)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #651)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost