Underrated Pixel 8 Features You Should Use

The Pixel 8 is packed with headline features like AI photography and seven years of updates, but several genuinely useful tools fly under the radar. This article highlights the most underrated Pixel 8 features—things like Call Screening, the At a Glance widget, and the temperature sensor—and explains exactly how to use them and why they matter.

Call Screening and Hold for Me

Call Screening is arguably the Pixel’s best hidden gem. When an unknown number calls, you can tap “Screen callâ€� and the Google Assistant will answer, ask who’s calling and why, and transcribe their response in real time on your screen. You can then decide to pick up, decline, or send a pre-written reply. The Pixel 8 also has “Hold for Me,â€� which waits on hold for you and alerts you when a human picks up. These features are underrated because many users don’t realize they’re built-in—no third-party app needed.

At a Glance Widget

The At a Glance widget on the home screen is often dismissed as a simple clock/date display, but it’s far more capable. It can show:

• Upcoming calendar events and reminders
• Flight and package tracking (with Gmail integration)
• Weather alerts and severe weather warnings
• Live sports scores and commute times
• Your next alarm, when set

To customize it, long-press the widget, tap the gear icon, and toggle the categories you want. The key is that it’s contextual—it shows what you need at the right time, without opening apps.

Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur

While Magic Eraser got attention at launch, its full potential is underused. Beyond removing photobombers, it can also:

• Change the color of an object (e.g., make a red car look blue) by tapping “Camouflageâ€�
• Remove shadows and reflections from glass surfaces
• Erase background clutter like trash cans or signs

Photo Unblur, which sharpens out-of-focus faces and text, works on any photo—not just those taken on the Pixel. To use it, open a photo in Google Photos, tap Edit > Tools > Unblur. This is a lifesaver for old or low-quality images.

Recorder App with Speaker Labels

The built-in Recorder app is a transcription powerhouse. It transcribes recordings in real time, and on the Pixel 8, it can label different speakers (Speaker 1, Speaker 2, etc.) automatically. You can search the transcript for keywords, export it to Google Docs, and even have it continue recording in the background while you use other apps. This is perfect for lectures, meetings, or interviews. The underrated part? It works entirely on-device, so your audio never leaves your phone.

Adaptive Battery and Charging

Adaptive Battery learns your usage patterns and limits background battery drain for apps you rarely use. It’s on by default, but you can check it under Settings > Battery > Adaptive preferences. Similarly, Adaptive Charging slows charging overnight to 80% until just before your alarm, which reduces battery wear. To enable, go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive preferences > Adaptive charging. Many users don’t realize these features extend battery lifespan significantly.

Temperature Sensor (and How to Use It)

The Pixel 8 Pro has a temperature sensor on the back, but it’s often dismissed as a gimmick. While it’s not approved for medical use, it can accurately measure the temperature of objects—like a hot pan, a room’s surface, or a baby’s bottle. To use it, open the Thermometer app, select “Object temperature,â€� and hold the phone about 5 cm from the object. The sensor reads infrared radiation and gives a reading in °C or °F. It’s a handy tool for cooking, home maintenance, or just satisfying curiosity. (The standard Pixel 8 does not have this sensor.)

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“Call Screening is only for English.â€� It actually supports several languages, including Spanish, French, and German, depending on your region. “Magic Eraser needs internet.â€� It runs on-device, so it works offline. “The temperature sensor is for measuring body temperature.â€� It’s not FDA-approved for that, and Google explicitly says not to use it for medical purposes. “At a Glance is just a clock.â€� As shown, it’s far more, but you need to grant notification access for some features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn on Call Screening?

Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, select Settings > Caller ID & spam, and enable Call Screening. You can also adjust its behavior (e.g., automatically screen unknown numbers).

Does Photo Unblur work on any photo?

Yes, it works on any photo in Google Photos, regardless of the device that took it. However, it works best on faces and text; results vary with severe blur.

Is the temperature sensor useful?

It’s useful for measuring object temperatures (e.g., a stove, a laptop back, a drink). It’s not for body temperature—Google explicitly warns against that. For object temps, it’s accurate within about ±1°C.

How do I make At a Glance show more?

Long-press the widget, tap the gear icon, and enable the categories you want (calendar, flights, packages, etc.). Ensure the Google app has notification access.

Will Adaptive Charging work with any charger?

It works with any charger that supports the feature, but it’s most reliable with a Pixel charger or a certified USB-PD charger. It only activates when you set an alarm or schedule.

Can I use Recorder transcripts in other languages?

Yes, the Recorder app supports transcription in multiple languages (e.g., English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese). You can switch languages in the app’s settings.

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