Google Pixel 6 Pro vs 7 Pro: Which Pixel Reigns?
Are you torn between Google’s flagship phones? Choosing the right smartphone can be a challenge, especially when comparing two powerhouses like the Google Pixel 6 Pro and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices boast impressive features, but which one truly deserves your attention and your money?
This in-depth comparison dives into the core differences and similarities between these two top-tier smartphones. We’ll explore everything from their design and display to their camera capabilities and performance. Get ready to discover which Pixel phone offers the best value and experience for you.
Whether you’re a long-time Pixel fan or new to the Google ecosystem, this article will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the specs, highlight the key upgrades, and help you determine whether the Google Pixel 7 Pro is worth the upgrade from the Pixel 6 Pro.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Processor | Google Tensor | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 12MP + 48MP | 50MP + 12MP + 48MP |
| Front Camera | 11.1MP | 10.8MP |
| Battery | 5003 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 23W wired, 23W wireless | 23W wired, 23W wireless |
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 210 g | 212 g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Features a distinctive camera bar design and a glass back with an aluminum frame. It’s stylish but can be prone to scratches on the glass. The phone has a premium feel.
- 7 Pro: Refines the design with a more integrated camera bar and a glossy back panel with an aluminum frame. It is slightly more refined and ergonomic. The phone has a premium feel.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Display
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The curved edges can be prone to accidental touches.
- 7 Pro: Features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The display is brighter than the 6 Pro, and the curved edges are more subtle.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Processor & Performance
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Powered by Google’s Tensor chip, it delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, but can struggle with some demanding games and apps. There can be some occasional software optimization issues.
- 7 Pro: Upgraded with the Google Tensor G2 chip, it offers improved performance and efficiency. It handles demanding tasks and gaming more effectively, with better software optimization.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Camera System
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Features a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality with Google’s computational photography, but can have some issues with processing speed.
- 7 Pro: Maintains the triple-camera setup, with improvements to image processing and a slightly wider ultrawide lens. Offers enhanced features like Photo Unblur and improved low-light performance.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Offers all-day battery life for moderate use. Battery life can be shorter with heavy usage or on 5G.
- 7 Pro: Provides improved battery optimization and typically offers better battery life than the 6 Pro. It can easily last a full day of use.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Software & Updates
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Runs on Android, with guaranteed software updates directly from Google. Receives timely feature drops and security updates.
- 7 Pro: Runs on Android, with guaranteed software updates directly from Google. Receives timely feature drops and security updates. Offers the latest Android features and improvements.
- Winner: Tie
Pricing & Availability
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Typically available at a lower price point now due to its age. Can be found at competitive prices on the used market.
- 7 Pro: Launched at a higher price point. Available through official channels and retailers.
- Winner: 6 Pro
Other Features
- Google Pixel 6 Pro: Includes features like an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, and 5G connectivity.
- 7 Pro: Includes upgraded features, such as face unlock, improved fingerprint sensor, and enhanced connectivity options.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Camera | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Software | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Design | Pixel 7 Pro |
What They Have in Common:
- Display: Both phones boast a vibrant and smooth 6.7-inch OLED display, providing an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and everyday use. They both offer a high refresh rate for fluid scrolling.
- Camera System: Both devices share a similar triple-lens rear camera setup, with a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens, ensuring excellent photo and video quality.
- Water Resistance: Both the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against the elements. This provides peace of mind in various environments.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to top up the battery without the need for cables. They also support reverse wireless charging.
- Software Experience: Both phones offer a clean and user-friendly Android experience with timely software updates directly from Google, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Vs 7 Pro Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 6 Pro boasts a distinctive design with its prominent camera bar and a glass back, available in various colors. It features a larger, more curved display. The Pixel 7 Pro refines this design, with a more polished camera bar made of aluminum and slight tweaks to the overall form factor. It offers a more premium feel, with improved durability thanks to its updated materials. Both phones are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, offering peace of mind in various environments. Ultimately, both phones look great, but the 7 Pro has a more refined design.
Display and Visuals
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the Pixel 7 Pro takes the lead. The 6 Pro offers a vibrant 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and animations. The 7 Pro improves upon this with a slightly brighter panel and a more refined viewing experience. It also features a more adaptive refresh rate, further enhancing battery efficiency. Both displays are crisp, sharp, and ideal for media consumption and gaming. The 7 Pro’s display is just a bit better.
Performance and Software
The Pixel 6 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor chip, offering capable performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The Pixel 7 Pro steps up the performance with the updated Tensor G2 chip. This newer chip provides faster processing, improved machine learning capabilities, and better power efficiency. Both phones run on a clean Android experience with timely updates and feature-rich software. The 7 Pro offers a smoother and faster experience overall, with enhanced AI features.
Cameras and Photography
Both phones excel in photography, but the Pixel 7 Pro offers further improvements. The Pixel 6 Pro features a versatile camera system with a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens, delivering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro builds upon this foundation with enhanced image processing, improved zoom capabilities, and features like Photo Unblur. Both phones offer exceptional image quality, but the 7 Pro takes the lead with its refined processing and additional features, especially in low light.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is crucial, and both the Pixel 6 Pro and 7 Pro offer a full day of use for most users. The Pixel 6 Pro has a 5003 mAh battery. The Pixel 7 Pro, with a 5000 mAh battery, offers slightly better optimization thanks to its updated Tensor G2 chip. Both phones support fast wired charging, and wireless charging. While the battery capacity is similar, the 7 Pro’s power efficiency gives it a slight edge in real-world usage.
Price and Value
Price is a significant factor in any buying decision. When launched, the Pixel 6 Pro was very competitive. The Pixel 7 Pro had a similar launch price. Considering their current second-hand prices, the Pixel 6 Pro may be a slightly better value. However, the Pixel 7 Pro delivers superior performance, a more refined design, and camera improvements, making it a worthwhile investment if you prioritize the latest features and performance. Consider your budget and needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 6 Pro If…
- You want a flagship phone at a slightly lower price point.
- You don’t need the latest processor or software features.
- You are happy with a phone that still offers excellent camera capabilities and performance.
Buy Pixel 7 Pro If…
- You want the latest Google Tensor G2 processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You desire the newest software features and enhancements.
- You want the best possible camera experience with slightly improved image processing.
- You prioritize the latest design and aesthetic updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main design differences between the Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro refines the design of the 6 Pro. The 7 Pro features a more polished aluminum camera bar compared to the glass bar on the 6 Pro. The 7 Pro has a slightly more refined overall form factor. The 7 Pro also has a more premium feel.
How does the performance of the Pixel 7 Pro compare to the Pixel 6 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro, powered by the Tensor G2 chip, offers a noticeable performance increase over the Pixel 6 Pro’s Tensor chip. The G2 provides faster processing speeds, improved machine learning capabilities, and better power efficiency, leading to a smoother user experience and improved gaming performance.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a superior camera system. It retains the same camera specs. The 7 Pro has improved image processing. Both phones take great photos, but the 7 Pro’s enhanced software and zoom capabilities give it the edge, especially in low light conditions and with features like Photo Unblur.
What are the battery life differences between the two phones?
Both phones offer all-day battery life, but the Pixel 7 Pro, with its more efficient Tensor G2 chip, generally provides slightly better battery performance. The 7 Pro’s optimized software helps it eke out a bit more usage time, although the difference isn’t huge in most usage scenarios.
Are there any significant software differences?
Both phones run on the clean Android experience, but the Pixel 7 Pro comes with the latest version of Android and has access to newer software features, including improvements to voice processing and AI-powered features. The Pixel 7 Pro will also receive software updates for a longer period.
How does the display of the Pixel 7 Pro differ from the Pixel 6 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro features a slightly brighter and more refined display compared to the Pixel 6 Pro. Both phones have vibrant 120Hz OLED displays. The 7 Pro features a more adaptive refresh rate for improved battery efficiency. The overall viewing experience is slightly better on the 7 Pro.
Which phone offers better value for the money?
The Pixel 6 Pro, now available at a lower price point, might seem like a better value. However, the Pixel 7 Pro offers improved performance, a more refined design, and a better camera system. The Pixel 7 Pro is a worthwhile investment if you prioritize the latest features and a premium experience. Consider your budget and needs.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 7 Pro offers significant upgrades over the Pixel 6 Pro, including a more refined design, improved performance, and enhanced camera capabilities. While the Pixel 6 Pro remains a strong contender, the Pixel 7 Pro provides a more polished and feature-rich experience, making it the superior choice for those seeking the best of what Google has to offer.
Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro