HMD Arc vs. Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Price, Performance, and Photography
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a premium experience with advanced features like AI-powered photography and a smooth, responsive interface, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the clear winner. However, the HMD Arc presents a compelling option for those on a strict budget who need basic smartphone functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | HMD Arc | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 18 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 166.4 x 76.9 x 9 mm (6.55 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 185.4 g (6.53 oz) | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resolution | 576 x 1280 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 460 nits (peak) | LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Multi-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF |
| Video | Yes | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5050 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint |
| Models | - | GC3VE, G1MNW |
| Price | - | € 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999 |
HMD Arc
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially long battery life due to low power chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Slow charging speed
Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Exceptional camera system with AI features
- Powerful Google Tensor G3 processor
- Fast charging and wireless charging capabilities
- High price tag
- May be overkill for basic users
- Potential for software bloat (though Pixel is relatively clean)
Display Comparison
The Google Pixel 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the HMD Arc’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume a lower peak brightness given its price point. The Pixel 8 Pro likely utilizes an LTPO panel for adaptive refresh rates, contributing to battery efficiency, a feature absent in the Arc. The Pixel 8 Pro’s display is geared towards content consumption and outdoor usability, while the Arc’s will likely be adequate for basic tasks.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is a major differentiator. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, Google’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor G3’s image signal processor, delivers exceptional image quality in various conditions. The Pixel 8 Pro excels in both photo and video capture, offering features like Magic Eraser and Best Take. The HMD Arc, with its likely lower-resolution sensor and less sophisticated image processing, will struggle to compete in image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. The Pixel 8 Pro’s OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) will also provide sharper images and smoother videos.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Google Tensor G3, a nona-core processor built on a 4nm process, offers a significant leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the HMD Arc’s Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core chip. The Tensor G3’s Cortex-X3 prime core provides exceptional single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth multitasking. The Arc’s Cortex-A55 cores, while efficient, lack the raw power for demanding applications. The Pixel 8 Pro’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances performance, while the Arc’s RAM specifications are unknown but likely slower. This translates to a noticeably faster and more fluid experience on the Pixel 8 Pro.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 8 Pro demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving an active use score of 11:14h and an endurance rating of 90h. Its 30W wired charging, with PD3.0, PPS, and 50% charge in 30 minutes, is significantly faster than the HMD Arc’s 10W wired charging. The Pixel 8 Pro also offers 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Arc. While the HMD Arc’s battery capacity is unknown, the slower charging speed suggests a smaller battery or less efficient charging circuitry. The Pixel 8 Pro prioritizes both longevity and rapid replenishment, while the Arc focuses on basic power delivery.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Arc if you need a functional, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, and your budget is the primary concern. You're willing to compromise on performance and camera quality for affordability. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prioritize a top-tier camera system, a fast and fluid user experience powered by the Tensor G3, and features like wireless charging and long-term software support. You're willing to pay a premium for these benefits.