My phone buzzed. Again. Another notification about the impending AI apocalypse – this time, delivered via a cheerful cat video. I sighed, then glanced down at the Pixel 8 Pro sitting beside my disassembled test rig. Today’s task: scrutinizing its display under controlled conditions. Because frankly, a good screen is the bedrock of any modern mobile experience. Without it, you might as well be staring at a brick.

Immediately noticeable, even in my dimly lit lab, is the vibrant, almost unsettling clarity. The 6.7-inch Super Actua display on the Pixel 8 Pro boasts impressive peak brightness. I threw some HDR test footage at it, and wow. The highlights popped. No visible crushing. Blacks were deep. The contrast ratio is truly something. Though, you’d expect as much. This is Google we’re talking about.

But let’s get to the granular stuff. The color accuracy is exceptional, better even than the iPhone 15 Pro I had on hand for comparison. And that’s saying something, since Apple’s always set the bar. The Pixel, however, gives you more nuanced control over color profiles. You can select either “Adaptive” mode, which auto-adjusts based on your viewing environment, or, if you’re a pixel-peeping purist like yours truly, you can drill down to “Natural” mode for the most true-to-life representation. A definite boon for photographers and videographers using this as a portable editing suite.

The 120Hz refresh rate, as advertised, makes scrolling butter smooth. This is where the rubber really meets the road when it comes to user experience. Not just for gaming or watching video, but for navigating menus and simply existing in the digital world. You feel that difference. Trust me.

There is one small chink in the armor, though. The pre-applied screen protector – a necessity in my book – seems to collect fingerprints like nobody’s business. Constantly wiping is a minor inconvenience. But if you’re obsessive about a pristine display, simply carry a microfiber cloth. Problem solved.

Okay, so, the Pixel 8 Pro screen is fantastic. If you’re a content creator, a mobile gamer, or simply someone who spends a significant portion of your day staring at a phone screen (and, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this phone delivers. Invest in the screen protector, and prepare to be impressed. It’s a worthy upgrade for Pixel 7 Pro users, and a serious contender for anyone looking for a flagship-level display experience. Go get one. Seriously.