Is the Google Pixel 8 still worth buying in 2026?
The Google Pixel 8 may still be a good-value phone in 2026 for buyers who want strong cameras, a clean Android experience and long software support. Its refurbished price of under $300 is well below its original $700 launch price and the $500 starting price of the Pixel 10a, though whether it is worthwhile depends on the buyer’s priorities.
The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED screen, 50-megapixel main and 12-megapixel ultra-wide cameras, and Google’s Tensor G3 chip. It launched with a promise of seven years of OS and security updates, extending support to at least 2030, and can receive Android 17; however, its processor may struggle with demanding games and can feel less responsive over time. Its 4,575mAh battery and charging speeds are also modest, so performance and battery-focused buyers may prefer another phone.
- Refurbished Pixel 8 costs under $300.
- Cameras and long software support are its strengths.
- Gaming performance and battery life are weaker.