Last month, I wrote a review of Google’s entry-level 8a that finished with an ironic conclusion: it is probably the best budget phone on the market, yet those interested should hold off from buying it. The issue isn’t with the phone itself, which has few flaws for those looking for a great small phone, but with the price. It’s good value for $500, but given the steep discounts available in the rest of the Pixel line-up, interested buyers really ought to wait.

The corollary of this conclusion is that Pixel’s top-of-the-line flagship phones are probably better value than ever before. And after a month with a Pixel 8 Pro bought with my own money, I don’t think there’s a better flagship phone on the market.