Earlier this month, Google announced its Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones were releasing worldwide. But typically – as has been the case for most Pixel devices – it seems worldwide doesn’t include New Zealand.
Google’s latest devices will only be officially available in Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Frustratingly, even though our Aussie neighbours will be receiving the devices, Google has decided once again not to release the phone “officially” in New Zealand.
The only way to get your hands on either the Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro is to parallel import it. This means it will come with a foreign charging cable and there will be little customer support for the phone in New Zealand. However, according to Kimovil the phone will work perfectly fine with our telecommunications providers like Spark, 2 Degrees and Vodafone.
How to buy the Google Pixel 8 & Google Pixel 8 Pro in NZ
Option 1: MightyApe
Historically, parallel importing items could be a bit hit and miss. Items would take a long time to arrive, they were often grossly overpriced, and it could be hard to find a reputable seller.
The good news is MightyApe makes getting the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro incredibly easy. The devices are located in New Zealand, and you pay in New Zealand dollars, no need to wait weeks for the phone to arrive.
Both devices are available to purchase now meaning you could have the latest Google phone in your hands in less than 24 hours.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro maintain the signature camera visor of recent Pixel models but come with a slightly smaller and more rounded design. The Pixel 8 Pro has a new matte finish on the rear, while the standard Pixel 8 keeps its matte aluminium and glossy glass back. They are available in various colors, with new matching cases.
Display-wise, both phones have slightly smaller screens but improved specs. The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 1-120Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 8 Pro also introduces a new temperature sensor.
Powered by the Google Tensor G3 chipset, the devices aim for better performance, battery efficiency, and reduced heat issues. The Pixel 8 offers 8GB of RAM with options for 128GB or 256GB storage, while the Pixel 8 Pro offers 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB storage.
The camera setups on both phones are impressive, featuring upgrades to capture more light and improve low-light photography, along with enhancements in video capabilities and various AI-driven features.
Option 2: BigAppleBuddy
You can also buy a Pixel 8 and a Pixel 8 Pro from BigAppleBuddy.
Be warned though that these devices will be coming from the US, so you’ll have to pay in US dollars and there may be a substantial wait as the device gets shipped to New Zealand.
About BigAppleBuddy:
Big Apple Buddy is a company established to simplify international shopping, allowing people from any part of the globe to purchase the latest tech gadgets directly from the USA.
For those eagerly waiting to lay their hands on the newest Google Pixel smartphones, Big Apple Buddy is at your service, facilitating the immediate purchase of Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The firm collaborates with global shipping giants FedEx and DHL, ensuring that customers can receive their new device anywhere in the world in just a week.
The ordering process is uncomplicated; customers simply visit the company’s website, select their desired product, and Big Apple Buddy handles the rest – from procuring the item from a U.S. retailer to shipping it to the customer’s doorstep.
Based in New York, this startup has already garnered a loyal customer base in over 100 countries, predominantly consisting of professionals and tech aficionados who prioritize speed and ease.
With a simple click, your order is meticulously packed and dispatched to your location. The company manages every detail, including acquiring products from top U.S. stores, shipping them internationally, and even completing all the required customs paperwork, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the customers, who just need to wait for their package to arrive.
Big Apple Buddy is committed to facilitating seamless global shopping, providing instant access to the latest American tech products for people all around the world.
