Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro Tips | 20+ Best Android 14 Features

The best Google Pixel 8 Pro features, exclusive to these flagship phones or baked into Android 14. From camera tools and the Pixel 8's excellent photo editing, to my favourite customisation and setup features, here's tips and tricks on how to get the most from your Google flagship.
My unboxing and Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro comparison are live now, full review is coming soon!
The camera experience is one of the major areas where these 2023 phones have been upgraded, mostly with fresh features including AI shenanigans. For instance, the Pixel 8 Pro can now shoot RAW images and soon will have a special Night Video mode. You can boost the audio on your clips and swap faces between photos to get the perfect family portrait.
AI Wallpaper is a new feature that can replace your mineral-based background with something just as random. Google has also upgraded the privacy and safety tools for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones. Family members can be alerted if you run into trouble on a walk home at night, for instance. And then there's the temperature sensor, giving you a special thermometer tool on the Pro phone!
So let us know what you think of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, check out my camera review and unboxing, and subscribe for more hot mobile action!
Google Pixel 8 & 8 Pro Tips & Tricks Chapters:
0:00 - Hot Tips Incoming
0:30 - PART ONE, setup & customisation
1:38 - AI wallpaper & other options
3:42 - Lock screen setup
4:35 - Notifications
5:06 - PART TWO, features & tools
5:12 - Temperature sensor
6:02 - Live caption & translation
7:08 - Summarize
7:47 - Personal safety
8:46 - Privacy
9:36 - Magnifier
10:13 - PART THREE, camera tips
10:33 - Pixel 8 Pro controls
11:06 - Top Shot
11:31 - Magic Editor
12:31 - Best Take
13:14 - Audio Eraser
14:09 - Video Boost

[@Greatness.Gaming]

5:59 BEST advice I didn't know I would get coming here. Subscribed.

[@DJ-eq9ps]

😂

[@pathfinder5651]

😂😂😂

[@craigclough]

Techspurt is on a KZbin roll. Smashing out the Pixel 8 content 🤳

[@BarrySkinner-gw7ef]

What app do u use for your anime wallpaper

[@nigelbanks1304]

Had the Pixel 8 since Wednesday (my first Pixel), arrived a day early, and am loving it so far. The data transfer from a OnePlus was so smooth and easy looking forward to the weekend to test the camera at my birthday bash 🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@erebostd]

Mine (8 oro) arrived a day earlier, too 😁👍. Such amazing devices, they are a joy to use!

[@XXXivan1618XXX]

Waiting for next friday and will join the club as well boys! Glad u like it.

[@KilowattAvenue]

Mines coming Wednesday! Super excited as it is my first new phone in 4 years 🥳

[@davidchilds1443]

Had mine a few weeks and it's amazing. Not popular opinion with the Samsung fan boys though. Pixel is best phone I've ever had to date

[@erebostd]

@@davidchilds1443 ignore them. It’s the same with graphic card nerds. „Mine has XXXX points more, it’s so amazing!“ - while you buy the card with the best power to price ratio and a silent fan to enjoy gaming. Yes, you might only game with 90 fps on high, and not with 120…. But who cares? It’s both fluent, and after 60 or 70 fps it’s just numbers for most people (especially those over 25). So smile, comment their amazing phone (and the Samsung devices are very good phones, i just wouldn’t buy one after i experience first hand how they treat customers) and enjoy your own device. Which is far superior in my view, too 😉

[@Big53Smalls]

I always love the wallpapers you show off with your phone because how clear and clean they look. What wallpaper app do you use?

[@almcl9391]

Great content you're knocking out 👏

[@beekeough1323]

Picking up my pro today, having to wait a week I've seen a few of these tip type videos. Loved yours! Thanks

[@hazellyon1200]

Just want to say thank you for your videos they have helped me a lot in the last year or so to pick a phone especially whiching from flagship phones when mid range do just as good of a job so thanks again and keep up the good work :)

[@bobskitchen]

Love this video! I'm definitely hitting subscribe - as I'm an old nit like you. :)

[@monkeyboy9896]

Thanks for the warning about the non-rectal thermometer functionality😮. ✌️❤️🍻.

[@rogert3533]

Does the android 14 release change which low/mid range phones you recommend? I'd love a video on it. I'm aiming to buy a new phone during black week/black Friday, but not sure which one. I've read some of the issues of the 6a and 7a have been fixed with android 14, but can't find any videos that reviews this. Thanks for all your great content.

[@radkamatejkova]

Got my Pixel 8 pro on Wednesday, it's a lot of a phone and still learning so thanks for all the tips.

[@BigJeffroeX438]

Thanks for your video I really enjoyed watching your content uncle Spurt can't wait my Pixel 8 pro Is arriving today.sending respects from the other side of the pond Big Jeffroe

[@michaelball93]

The summarise feature in Google assistant is apparently only available in the US. Something they don't tell you in the marketing.

[@garys2187]

Great job. I am late to the party (won't get my Pixel 8 pro for another few days), but your video has helped me to get an idea of where to start.

[@SimonH69]

Cheers Chris, i didn't even know about the screen resolution.

[@ilpoheikkila4773]

Cool video!

[@seankkg]

About the AI wallpaper; there are 12 options to choose on my Pixel 8, so it's possible yours simply isn't updated. Just worth noting.

[@Mohamed.Dardour]

Hey Bro nice work! Can you please test the screen display of the pixel 8 pro ? I noticed that the screen is so dark when it's on 50% brightness (comparing to the S23 ultra which is much brighter --- 30% or 40% of Brightness on S23 ultra = 70% of Brightness on pixel 8 pro // however, on 100% they are identical). Thanks!!

[@FilipMatacin]

I hope you got the advice when reviewing the GAMES chapter in a phone review.. Cheers 🎉

[@Johnny5tele]

Great vid, just got a Pixel 8 Pro yesterday - the only thing I’m concerned about is the battery life. Anyway - where do you get all these Anime pics/wallpapers - they look great.

[@YOURTECHFRIEND]

Thanks Mr. Spurt! 😊👍

[@gibbonschip]

Just ordered a Pixel 8 to replace my Samsung S9. I didn't know tech videos could be so funny and entertaining. I hope my new phone works as well as you do.

[@miltonbrownrigg8409]

Beaut content champion. Thanks

[@2facefigures]

I just got my 8 pro and this video was really helpful. Thanku

[@sancti5080]

Thanks I've been searching for a video of the software experience like that for days, sadly I live in a country that doesn't have any google shops and there no intention from google to publish there phones here, but I get excited to experience what are the new feature on pixels and how the os looks like , so much thanks to you for giving us such and experience with this premium video.

[@alexfanfano7674]

You crack me up mate! 🤣

[@shroom2967]

Love my 8 Pro, jumped on it after they threw the watch in for the preorder, just got it Saturday and the watch comes end of the month, but so far love my P8P! Such a good phone so far

[@Tewahedo]

How is the battery life?

[@kafadek825]

Where is the magnifier tool. Can't find it on mine

[@randombeatsuk]

Hi how are you finding this phone I'm looking to upgrade to this one from the one plus 10 pro?

[@amoghpatil1308]

Got my first pixel ever (Pixel 8). Love it to death

[@E_Dtl]

Does the phone have to be so close to the object to measure temperature? My first thought, was using it as thermometer for cooking, but if I have to put it that close to boiling oil, I Don't think so.

[@TechWithIpin]

Great vid. Uncle Spurt....wow Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are real fun phones...I guess Pixel phones generally

[@Who.R.]

Thanks❤

[@danielramwell9764]

Always check this site when new kit is available. Good reviews and tips. Love the way it's presented. Even if I can't remember the chaps name, sorry

[@malcontent510]

Thanks Spurty - you give good tip

[@johnwhitehead238]

Wow! The Pixel 8 & 8 pro are truly mental with their wallpapers & themes!

[@MrGyges]

I lust after the Pro model, but I’ll probably settle for the sensible 8. Just like a real marriage, eh ? Thanks for your accurate but eccentric review. 👍

[@LittleJohnny96]

Bro whats ur wallpaper

[@alextenie]

That mineral wallpaper looks like straight out of Tiberium Wars

[@jeromegold3216]

Great content. Is Google taking the piss out of us, or will the video enhancer really come out?

[@rh5340]

nice video

[@sofiajohansson8537]

I gotta be honest I work for a big consumer electronics chain and we got a staff offer to buy Google Pixel 8 Pro for a massive discount. I bought it because I absolutely love the Porcelain finish. I did not think about any features other than I wanted a bigger screen than my Samsung S21 (and also I can't stand Samsung and all the useless apps that you cannot delete). This video was VERY helpful and I am even more convinced I did a reslly good choice in buying this device. Now I can enjoy it even more! Thank you enormously!

[@dazmoody7327]

Ordered one of the pros 256gb to be delivered yesterday only to be told by EE that they were out of stock. Now been told it could take up to 28 or more for them to get some more. They should never of let me order one for launch day if they had none. Wee bit pissed about ir

[@Mubashir_AK]

That's insane. Why open so many pre orders if you don't have stock?

[@georgecostanza5749]

Mate, you might have dyslexia. You skip words while writing. I have similar symptoms. That is why I tell you.

[@dazmoody7327]

So true in the ordering. Always thought that about having dyslexia all my life. It would explain a lot when I was younger always struggled at school

[@guitarmetaldemon]

12:45 "...generally engaged in twattery." LOL

[@BBQ_Boss]

Just got one today, excited to give it a go!!!

[@season_warrior8021]

So, how is it going? Can you please share your experience?

[@MBF120]

I just spent 30 minutes with the A.i wallpaper, so cool

[@jeremycarr3920]

Is it worth spending on a pixel 8 or 7a, I've got a pixel 5 currently won't go back to Samsung or other brands.

[@erlingkristiansen1506]

❤I love your videos you are the best

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

5:59 Great info. 😅

[@oshadhatharusha864]

Quickly Uncle Spurt❤😊

[@existencerohf]

5:59 Thank you for the advice! A bit too last tho...

[@noelgomile3675]

No worries uncle Spurt, I got the Sting reference.

[@Zhuk-zc8es]

I didn't, can you explain? I'm gen z, so I might just be too young.

[@noelgomile3675]

@@Zhuk-zc8es He's a musician, just diversify your music tastes and you'll be able to catch any reference old or new.

[@1Moonchild]

@@Zhuk-zc8es Yes, Sting is a musician (frontman/bassist with The Police before going solo). The reference was to Sting's practicing Tantric sex (lasting 7 hours, give or take)

[@YasirAlani]

My eyes are bad as well. I can't even find the Magnifier tool. It's not showing up when I scroll through the app page. Is there somewhere where I have to turn it on?

[@asleeds]

Same for me on the 8 Pro. Cannot find the magnifier tool.

[@kane2369]

The background music track is particularly ominous today.. Getting in the spooktober spirit?

[@Anxietywilnotwin]

I just got my pixel 8 today. My camera area doesn't have the magic editing, any suggestions on what I need to do? Is the magic editor only on the pro?

[@paulrobinson5171]

I think the magic editor is gonna be released as a feature drop soon.

[@Anxietywilnotwin]

@@paulrobinson5171 It appeared, you have to uninstall Google photos then reinstall and the magic editor is there. Some sort of bug.

[@Robertopontiac]

Has it got Fall Detection?

[@roblenane6206]

Hi Chris --- is the sony experia 10 V worth it? also does it get many OS updates?

[@miguelferreira1983]

Can you make a video about a good budget compact smartphones? Compact smartphones are the future, if I wanted to walk with a tablet in my pocket I buy one...

[@markshirley01]

I have problems downloading video files from Google Photos that will play or edit on my mac. Its started happening about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Google say its Apples fault, Im not sure who is to blame. But Im paying for Google One storage that doesn't work properly

[@archerious1972]

1:05 nice waifu wallapper bro

[@TrevorsMailbox]

Please post the wall paper when you make it. I'd love that.

[@rsbkey]

It's not the camera, there is something wrong with that panel. I had the same issue and got a replacement.

[@JeffB1961]

thanks Mr. spurty MacSpurt

[@fumped]

Been using a pixel 8 pro since yesterday, The sound keeps cutting out on my bose bluetooth headphones, they work fine on other devices so the headphones are OK, seems like software issue to me. Any ideas?

[@randombeatsuk]

Have you tried re pairing them or seeing if the headphones have a firmware update?

[@nazosman984]

7 years updates. Does this include OS updates?

[@DaveQZ85]

I had to reverse back and do a double take on the temperature sensor tip if I really heard what I heard 😂

[@mmorales508]

Night light? YES 😅

[@TofuLoverz]

Nah, your emoji wallpaper was actually quite lit.🔥 But i think the wallpaper you used on 7 pro was better

[@paulnoquet596]

Thanks Chris .. been on pixel since the 6 and wouldn't change now , have the pro 8 and loving it .. they just get better and better , keep doing ya stuff only person I trust re real reviews 🤝

[@randombeatsuk]

Hi how are you finding this phone I'm looking to upgrade to this one from the one plus 10 pro?

[@0ricky7]

Sent my pixel 8 pro back just gonna buy the 7 pro instead,I'll wait the year and get the 9 pro next October

[@hhhmmmmmmmm]

If u can hold out on the 9, the 10 is supposed to have tsmc chip. Could do wonders but light years away, lol

[@BigBenlolz]

Hilarious how they removed the notification LED and we have blinking flash and screen instead...

[@Castellohenrique]

U made the entire video w the night mode on. That's why there's an orange tone on the screen

[@Igosus]

I just bought one, does it also take you 2-3 seconds to load the desktop wallpaper instead of immediately, and does the phone also take a very long time to edit photos or videos? or maybe it's a matter of waiting for a new update. For me, the pixel is very slow, at least now.

[@Igosus]

I will also add that a can of beer from the fridge after 1 day still shows me 16-17 degrees, which I doubt. and when I change the thermometer settings to metal, it shows -20, etc. This thermometer is some kind of fiction, although the body seems to measure ok.

[@KrakenKoopa]

I really would like a pixel 8 pro, but not if I should sell my iPhone 13 Pro or not, anyone done that move?

[@abrealgaming5649]

Got all excited when I thought he was referencing Sting the wrestler then I realized there's like some singer out there with that name.

[@guskingarthur1]

This is going to be very useful 😅

[@john_yeager]

Can anyone suggest a phone to buy today with 3 years guarantee uptdaes under 500€ ????????????

[@robperry6401]

Actually laughed out loud... Don't drive the Pixel 8 up your arse 🤣🤣🤣

[@tommywiththeface]

The background music legit gave me intense anxiety

[@PalashHolkar_]

Y night mode is enabled on ur device Looks bad

[@ahmedalaa3602]

Does the huawei watch fit 2 connect normally on pixel 8?

[@Eve34534]

I have an Huawei watch and the app I use is not on it.

[@ahmedalaa3602]

@@Eve34534 what do you mean by not on it

[@Eve34534]

@@ahmedalaa3602 i transferred across all my apps and the app ‘huawei health’ is not there and not on the android store. Unless it has a different name now.

[@flazepe]

I think they meant it's not on the play store. I'm sure huawei asks you to download it on their store or as an apk anyway though

[@ahmedalaa3602]

@@flazepe yeah the app is installed from Google/app gallery

[@jaimenavarro2497]

Why the screen looks yellow ?

[@nonstopkangaroo9138]

Walpaper?

[@salaheddine1091]

We want to review the Redmi Note 13 Pro, please

[@nikolaybonapartov7379]

For some reason I don't have a thermomter app on my 8 Pro.

[@ronaldcreighton3289]

Just got mine today and I didn't have it. I typed in Google Play. I typed in thermometer for Pixel 8 pro and it came up. I'm still trying to figure it out I guess I thought you could use it to like check your head temperature but maybe not

[@codex83]

Why.. Just why.. Do you have night light enabled .

[@calvinjvo]

I can't find the thermometer app in pixel 8 pro

[@hhhmmmmmmmm]

I’ve heard that elsewhere. Running android 14? Play store or reboot? Only solutions I’ve seen.

[@ajaykowshik8078]

Which app is that for Anime wallpaper?

[@igoresque]

I'm gonna keep asking about your rationale behind filming in 25fps for youtube, where most devices watching have 60 Hz screens. Why 25 and not 30? Surely, it can't be because 24/25 is "cinematic". There are many reasons to film in 30, while I can't see any for 25, at least for watching on 60 Hz screens.

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

I'm assuming he is just tech casual in that, it's just not important to him. And yes, I've seen this with other KZbin channels that focus on tech reviews but do not exactly embrace it. His content is meant for the tiny phone screen. When I've tried to view his content on my home theater in the living room, the quality and FPS takes a nose dive. Again, he is tech casual, and it's not important to him would be my guess.

[@igoresque]

@@all.day.day-dreamer I mean, this also affects phone video camera reviews, as 30fps phone footage with good stabilization converted down to 25 produces frame pacing issues on its own, which is then exaggerated by mismatch between 25 and 60 framerate, making it seem like phone's stabilization is not working properly.

[@ltd1980]

I've got the 7 pro but wont be upgrading. I've not been impressed. The battery life on mine is poor, charging speed slow and after 12 months I have terrible screen burn

[@PhilRussell]

You got a like just for the Sting reference.

[@rcbmulder]

If only there was a compact pixel flagship

[@koketsu]

johnny sins with another banger 🔥🔥

[@alexeiz]

I wonder if anybody would get creative enough to use the temperature sensor to measure internal temperature.

[@pi1392]

Thanks to the live translator now I can watch Japanese dramas live without waiting for Subs.

[@Frank-go7li]

Not sure if it's just my phone or if it's a common issue.Signal strength is total crap.I have 2 phones on Verizon, iPhone 13 and new pixel 8.I work in an area that has excellent coverage.The iPhone is running at full bars with Internet up over 250 mpgs and the pixel is at 1 bar with around 35 mpgs , haven't seen full bars anywhere.Thank God I haven't sent my pixel 7 in yet , that wasn't as good as iPhone but nowhere near as bad as the 8 .

[@SARRAF5757]

Why are we in night light the whole video? 🧐

[@Roman87648]

Cuz it's our eyes' cozy place

[@DariuszTech]

Not bad at all. Sadly pixel 8 pro is just got way too expensive 😮😢

[@_Gecko111]

Ok, you convinced me. The pixel 8 pro is probably the best android phone on the market. I say this as a Samsung and Xiaomi fan.

[@doomy_doomy2225]

I wouldn't say the best. The processor has more to be desired. I'd say the S23 ultra is still better, but with other new phones coming out in the next few months we will see how the phone holds up.

[@davezhu7651]

Thanks for the advice of not shovelling pixel 8 up in my arse