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North Korea’s Unexpected Pixel 8 Pro Clone: A Closer Look
A fascinating development has emerged from North Korea: a clone of the Google Pixel 8 Pro has been spotted, and surprisingly, it boasts several hardware specifications that actually surpass the original device. This isn’t your typical low-quality fake; it’s a meticulously crafted replica with some intriguing enhancements.
The Surprising Quality of a Google Pixel 8 Pro Replica
Smartphone replicas are often known for looking good only in promotional images, frequently disappointing users with poor performance and functionality once powered on. However, the North Korean version of the Google Pixel 8 Pro presents a different story.
The device was put through its paces by Taiwanese YouTuber fenibook. Visually, the clone almost perfectly mirrors Google’s flagship smartphone. The most significant deviations, however, lie beneath the surface in its technical specifications.
Enhanced Hardware Specifications
While the standard Google Pixel 8 Pro configuration offers users 12 GB of RAM, the creators of this replica have equipped it with an impressive 16 GB of operational memory, alongside 256 GB of internal storage for files. This significant boost in RAM is a standout feature.
Beyond memory, the clone also includes:
- A 120 Hz display panel, offering smoother visuals.
- A triple camera setup featuring 50-megapixel sensors, including a periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
- A 32-megapixel front-facing camera for high-resolution selfies.
Intriguingly, tests revealed that this replica can achieve macro focus at a closer distance than the original Pixel, providing a unique advantage for close-up photography.
Processor and Performance Insights
Instead of Google’s proprietary Tensor G3 processor, the clone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset. While this processor generally falls short of the Tensor G3 in many performance aspects, the reviewer noted a significant advantage: during heavy loads, the clone remained noticeably cooler compared to the original device. This could be a crucial benefit for users who frequently push their smartphones to the limit.
Unusual Feature: Unlocked Bootloader
The tester also identified a feature highly unusual for this type of device: the phone comes with a factory-unlocked bootloader. This critical detail means users could easily flash original Pixel software onto the device and potentially access Google services, offering a level of customization and usability rarely found in smartphone replicas.
Despite these surprising enhancements, it’s important to set expectations. This device, while impressive for a clone, cannot truly compete with the original Pixel 8 Pro, especially in areas like overall performance, advanced AI features, or the multi-year software support provided by a major manufacturer. However, it undoubtedly stands out as one of the most interesting smartphone replicas to surface online recently. For those interested in premium smartphone performance, exploring genuine flagship deals such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro or comparing devices like the Google Pixel 6 against the Apple iPhone 13 might offer more reliable options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The clone features 16 GB of RAM (compared to 12 GB in the original), a 120 Hz display, and a triple 50 MP camera setup with a 3x periscope telephoto lens. It also boasts a 32 MP selfie camera and better macro focus capabilities.
It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, instead of Google’s Tensor G3. While less powerful overall, it was noted to run cooler under heavy load than the original Pixel 8 Pro.
A factory-unlocked bootloader allows users to easily install custom software, such as the original Pixel operating system, and potentially gain access to Google’s suite of services, which is highly unusual for a replica device.
No, despite some hardware advantages, the clone generally falls short of the original Pixel 8 Pro in overall performance, advanced AI features, and the long-term software support provided by Google.
Source: Android Authority. Opening photo: fenibook / YouTube / screenshot
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