Pixel 8 Pro is dying, need recommendations

[mclld]

I have been using Pixels for years and like it for the value and performance. I don't buy a phone new, usual a gen or two behind. The camera (photos,)and battery are the top priorities, what phones are as good or better? I'm open to another Pixel and considering an older iPhone from Amazon like the 15 pro.
I really don't want to spend more than 5-600 if possible . I have Google Home Max and Nest Audio speakers I use multiple times a week so if I go to an iPhone is there a work around to use them?

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Can you tell us what has or is failing with the 8 Pro? You mentioned you buy used phones. Is the battery failing, what's the cycle count? I have an 8 Pro and it has been pretty solid.

In the price range you want, the Pixel 10 is listed for $599 on Google store. The 10a which is a better value is $499.

 

[mclld]

The screen is starting to lightly flicker, it doesn't do it all the time. I also notice my wifi does not connect to my home wifi automatically anymore and I usually have to power off my phone to get it to work. I use Google wifi. I like the Pixel 8 Pro but my battery life has gotten significantly worse but I do use it a lot

 

[Heat_Fan89]

The screen is starting to lightly flicker, it doesn't do it all the time. I also notice my wifi does not connect to my home wifi automatically anymore and I usually have to power off my phone to get it to work. I use Google wifi. I like the Pixel 8 Pro but my battery life has gotten significantly worse but I do use it a lot

Ah gotcha. It sure is sounding like your battery might need to be replaced. It would be a lot cheaper $130 vs a new phone. Download an app called ADA64 from the play store. Charge your battery to 100% and then launch the app. Tap on battery info. It will give you battery health including how many charge cycles on that battery and the overall battery health.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

If you feel confident doing the repair yourself you can buy genuine parts from iFixit for a lot cheaper and doing a battery replacement on an 8 Pro is not that bad.

Parts

Google Pixel 8 Pro Parts | iFixit

Google Phone parts for DIY repair. Screens, batteries, and small parts all tested and guaranteed with fast shipping and easy returns.

www.ifixit.com

Procedure:

 

[Steve Adams]

We have 2 P8Ps and both are rock solid as well. it does sound like a simple battery replacement by a reputable repair center would fix the issues. Beats shelling out for a full new device.

 

[mclld]

That would be great if that was the issue

 

[okkibs]

Before you spend any money on a repair or a new phone my suggestion is to try out GrapheneOS. It reduces software clutter a bit and comes with fewer apps pre-installed making for a less buggy Android experience. I prefer it on my Pixels and since it's a very safe and free Android OS there is no risk in trying it out. You can always revert back to the default Google Android OS. (Only downside is that switching from one to the other requires a reset to factory defaults wiping your files off the Pixel...)

If your screen is flickering because of defective hardware then the phone would need a proper repair. A new battery might not fix the issues with the screen if the screen is defective. Even though iFixit has all the replacement parts the problem becomes knowing what part you need. It might just be some cable that needs replacing, or it might be the entire display, or other electronics. Repair shops have the same problem sometimes where they spend money on a customer's phone repair only to find the problem isn't resolved.

It's good that customers have the option to buy genuine replacement parts from iFixit but personally I don't feel confident to diagnose hardware issues or work on these tiny components with my clumsy hands.

If you do end up purchasing another device you're likely limited by your budget. I'd try a Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 10 or perhaps a previous generation iPhone 16 Pro, whatever you can find within your budget. The cameras are fine on all these Pixels and iPhones but battery life isn't. Pixels in general have average battery life and so do iPhones that are older than the 16 Pro. I have a 15 Pro myself and it's not on the latest iOS version because battery life reportedly takes a hit and I prefer to be able to get through a full day.

Most cost effective for you would probably to spend 30-35 bucks on a diagnoses at a well-reviewed repair place and see if they can fix your Pixel so you don't have to spend so much on a new device.

 

[mclld]

 

[Heat_Fan89]

View attachment 2617917

Yup the battery, as I suspected. An aging battery can cause display, performance and power issues. If you really like that phone and I have one and it's great. Save yourself the money and take it to a reputable service provider like UbreakiFix, Best Buy or mail it to Google.

Same Day Repairs for iPhone, Cell Phone, Samsung and Computers | uBreakiFix

The brand other brands trust. uBreakiFix is an authorized repair provider for the world's top tech brands. At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we offer quality repairs and services for the devices you depend on most.

www.ubreakifix.com

Just make sure to put it in service mode if you don't erase the phone.

 

[Bkdodger]

I have been using Pixels for years and like it for the value and performance. I don't buy a phone new, usual a gen or two behind. The camera (photos,)and battery are the top priorities, what phones are as good or better? I'm open to another Pixel and considering an older iPhone from Amazon like the 15 pro.
I really don't want to spend more than 5-600 if possible . I have Google Home Max and Nest Audio speakers I use multiple times a week so if I go to an iPhone is there a work around to use them?

How about a brand new Pixel 10 Pro for $599?
I have an additional $200 coupon code for it.

If you are able to trade in your phone in good condition, that price looks pretty good to me.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

How about a brand new Pixel 10 Pro for $599?
I have an additional $200 coupon code for it.

If you are able to trade in your phone in good condition, that price looks pretty good to me.

That's really nice of you. If he/she doesn't take advantage of your offer, please send me a PM for the $200 code!

 

[Bkdodger]

That's really nice of you. If he/she doesn't take advantage of your offer, please send me a PM for the $200 code!

Thanks hopefully it comes in good for them to use it, I also offered it to a friend who is on the fence for an upgrade, but most definitely will hit you up.

 

[mclld]

How about a brand new Pixel 10 Pro for $599?
I have an additional $200 coupon code for it.

If you are able to trade in your phone in good condition, that price looks pretty good to me.

That is awesome but I doubt I could get 310 due to the screen flickering. It hasn't done it all day but it happens occasionally and sometimes when I am direct sunlight the screen will look real washed out temporarily

 

[Bkdodger]

That is awesome but I doubt I could get 310 due to the screen flickering. It hasn't done it all day but it happens occasionally and sometimes when I am direct sunlight the screen will look real washed out temporarily

I would do a factory reset and see if you still see it displaying the same issue. It might be a reset. Would make it go away. You might be able to trade in the phone..

Let me know if you still want to use the coupon code at $600. I think it's a great buy..

 

[mclld]

Let heat fan get that code since he is certain, I'm still not sure what I want to do but thank you very much for the offer

 

[HouseLannister]

If you want to switch to Mint, you can get a year of service and a Pixel 10 for $480.

 

[scott craft]

I think the Pixel 10 for $600 is a pretty good deal and the 10 Pro for $700. Next Pixel I get I'm going to have to make myself wait for a sale.

 

[MarkX]

Yup the battery, as I suspected. An aging battery can cause display, performance and power issues. If you really like that phone and I have one and it's great. Save yourself the money and take it to a reputable service provider like UbreakiFix, Best Buy or mail it to Google.

Same Day Repairs for iPhone, Cell Phone, Samsung and Computers | uBreakiFix

The brand other brands trust. uBreakiFix is an authorized repair provider for the world's top tech brands. At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we offer quality repairs and services for the devices you depend on most.

www.ubreakifix.com

Just make sure to put it in service mode if you don't erase the phone.

It may not be the battery though, it's still about 85% health! While low it should still be sufficient other than more frequent charging.

It may be something else entirely. Say he replaces the battery and it's not that! That would just be money down the drain.

It could be a hardware issue with the display panel, it's a known issue.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

It may not be the battery though, it's still about 85% health! While low it should still be sufficient other than more frequent charging.

It may be something else entirely. Say he replaces the battery and it's not that! That would just be money down the drain.

It could be a hardware issue with the display panel, it's a known issue.

Fair point! I'm looking at the cycle count which is bumping close to 700. Google mentioned that their newer phones will begin to throttle the battery when it gets to 500 so it wears better as it ages.

The OP could run diagnostics and could have a Chat with Google support to see if the displays on the 8 Pro were problematic. I remember there was a recall for the Pixel 4a displays and Google offered a free replacement.

 

[Steve Adams]

The wear on the battery is only one part of the equation. If it's failing no matter how many cycles it has, it will cause wonky issues like the OP is experiencing.

 

[MarkX]

The screen is starting to lightly flicker, it doesn't do it all the time. I also notice my wifi does not connect to my home wifi automatically anymore and I usually have to power off my phone to get it to work. I use Google wifi. I like the Pixel 8 Pro but my battery life has gotten significantly worse but I do use it a lot

Simple test, plug phone in and charge to 100, leave it plugged in when fully charged and use the phone. Does the screen flicker then?

 

[mclld]

I have a 16 Pro Max in my cart on Amazon for 776, is the camera a noticable improvement over the 14 or 15? I'll probably post in the iPhone section but would think this would be a more reliable sub forum

 

[mclld]

I spent days watching videos and I ended up getting the 9XL for 400 or so renewed on Amazon, couldn't justify spending 5-600 for the 10 XL and basically the same camera or 6-800 for a 15 or 16 Pro that might even have a worse camera depending on your preferences (I didt like the yellow tint i kept seeing )

 

[840quadra]

The Pixel 10 Pro is on Swappa and other reseller sites used at really reasonable prices. I would look into that if you like pixels.

For new there are some decent mid-range phones for lesser money than a used pixel 10 pro. I am a recent adopter of a Nothing (4a) Pro, and really like it. I am testing side-by-side with my Pixel 8 Pro and am impressed considering the initial price of the Nothing phone.



It lacks Wirless charging (couldn't care less personally) a bit lesser cameras (especially ultra-wide), and video recording is good, not great. But for the entry price it is a solid phone with an amazing screen, and I think good battery life so far.