Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Pixel 7: Which Google Phone Reigns?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re considering two top contenders from the same brand. If you’re eyeing a Google phone, the decision often boils down to the Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Google Pixel 7. Both devices boast impressive features and Google’s signature software experience, but which one truly shines?
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 7, helping you determine which phone best fits your needs and budget. We’ll explore everything from camera capabilities and display quality to performance and battery life. Get ready to discover which Pixel phone will become your next daily driver.
Whether you prioritize cutting-edge technology and a premium feel or prefer a more streamlined and affordable option, this guide will provide the insights you need. Let’s explore the nuances of the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Google Pixel 7 to find the perfect match for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 7 Pro | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Display Type | OLED, 120Hz | OLED, 90Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 48MP + 12MP | 50MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 10.8MP | 10.8MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh | 4355 mAh |
| Charging | 23W wired, Wireless | 20W wired, Wireless |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| Weight | 212g | 197g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Features a 6.7-inch QHD+ (1440 x 3120) LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This offers a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience, with adaptive refresh rates for better battery efficiency. However, the larger size might be less comfortable for some users.
- Google Pixel 7: Boasts a 6.3-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2400) OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It provides a sharp and responsive experience, still offering smooth scrolling and animations. It’s more compact and potentially easier to handle, but has a lower resolution than the Pro.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Camera System
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Equipped with a triple-lens rear camera system: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. The telephoto lens allows for significantly improved zoom capabilities and the ultrawide lens offers macro photography. It offers the most versatile camera experience.
- Google Pixel 7: Features a dual-lens rear camera system: 50MP wide and 12MP ultrawide. While it still captures excellent photos, it lacks the telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capabilities compared to the Pro. This makes it less versatile for different shooting scenarios.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Processor
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip, offering high performance and optimized for AI and machine learning tasks. This results in faster processing speeds and improved performance in photography features and other AI-driven functions.
- Google Pixel 7: Also runs on the Google Tensor G2 chip, providing the same core processing power and AI capabilities as the Pro model. Performance is very similar in most tasks, though the Pro might have a slight edge in sustained performance due to cooling.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Includes a larger battery, typically providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The adaptive refresh rate helps to conserve power, but the higher resolution display can be a drain.
- Google Pixel 7: Offers good battery life, often providing a full day of use. The smaller display and lower resolution contribute to potentially better battery efficiency compared to the Pro, though actual usage varies.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Build Quality
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Features a premium design with a polished aluminum frame and a curved display. The build quality is top-notch, with a glass back and IP68 water resistance. The curved display is a design choice that some users may not prefer.
- Google Pixel 7: Has a more compact design with a matte aluminum frame and a flat display. It’s also water-resistant (IP68) and offers a comfortable in-hand feel. Some may find the flat display more practical.
- Winner: Tie
RAM and Storage
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Offers 12GB of RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking and running demanding applications. Storage options typically range from 128GB to 512GB.
- Google Pixel 7: Comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users and everyday tasks. Storage options usually range from 128GB to 256GB.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Zoom Capabilities
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Significantly excels in zoom capabilities thanks to its 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 30x. This allows for detailed shots of distant subjects.
- Google Pixel 7: Relies on digital zoom, offering up to 8x zoom. While it still produces decent results, it can’t match the detail and clarity of the Pro’s optical zoom, especially at higher zoom levels.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro
Price
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Typically has a higher starting price, reflecting its premium features and specifications. It’s positioned as the top-tier offering.
- Google Pixel 7: Offers a more affordable price point, making it a more accessible option for a wider audience. It provides excellent value for the features it offers.
- Winner: Pixel 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Camera Versatility | Pixel 7 Pro |
| Performance | Tie |
| Battery Life | Pixel 7 Pro (Slightly) |
| Value | Pixel 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones utilize the Google Tensor G2 chip, ensuring similar performance for everyday tasks and computational photography. This also ensures both phones have access to the latest Google software features.
- Software Experience: Both phones run on a clean, bloatware-free version of Android, providing a consistent and user-friendly experience with timely updates directly from Google.
- 5g Connectivity: Both Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 support 5G, allowing for fast download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and submersion in water.
- Camera Features: Both phones share features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Real Tone, providing similar camera software capabilities.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs Google Pixel 7 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a more premium design with its polished aluminum frame and glossy back. The curved display edges contribute to a sleek aesthetic, and the phone feels substantial in hand. In contrast, the Pixel 7 features a matte aluminum frame and a flat display, which gives it a more approachable feel. Both phones utilize Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for durability, but the Pixel 7 Pro’s design elevates its perceived value, making it a more sophisticated choice for those prioritizing aesthetics.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 7 Pro sports a larger 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and fluid animations. This higher refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming feel incredibly responsive. The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch flat OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While still excellent, the lower refresh rate and slightly smaller size offer a different viewing experience. Both phones offer excellent brightness and clarity, but the Pro’s display provides a more immersive experience.
Camera Performance
Both phones share Google’s impressive image processing capabilities, delivering exceptional photos in various conditions. However, the Pixel 7 Pro has a significant advantage with its telephoto lens, enabling 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 30x. This allows for capturing detailed shots from a distance. The Pixel 7 lacks the telephoto lens, relying solely on digital zoom. Both phones excel in low-light photography and offer features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, but the Pro provides greater versatility.
Performance and Software
Both phones are powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. They run on the latest Android operating system, providing a clean and bloatware-free experience with timely software updates. The Pixel 7 Pro benefits from slightly more RAM, which can enhance multitasking, particularly when handling demanding applications. Both devices offer a seamless user experience, but the Pro’s additional RAM provides a slight edge in performance for power users.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 7 Pro packs a larger battery, typically offering slightly longer battery life compared to the Pixel 7. Both phones support fast charging, but the charging speeds are not the fastest in the market. Wireless charging is also supported on both devices, providing convenient charging options. The real-world battery performance will vary depending on usage patterns, but the Pro generally provides a longer lifespan between charges. Consider your usage needs when selecting the best option.
Price and Value
The Pixel 7 Pro is the more expensive of the two phones, reflecting its premium features and build quality. The Pixel 7 offers excellent value, providing a high-quality smartphone experience at a more affordable price point. The best choice depends on your budget and needs. If you prioritize the best possible camera, display, and features, the Pro is worth the investment. However, the Pixel 7 still delivers exceptional value, offering a fantastic user experience at a lower price, making it a strong contender.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 7 Pro If…
- You want a larger, higher-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and gaming.
- You prioritize having a telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities and more versatile photography.
- You desire more RAM for improved multitasking and performance.
- You want the best possible camera system with advanced features like Macro Focus.
Buy Pixel 7 If…
- You prefer a more compact and lighter phone.
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the telephoto lens or the absolute best display.
- You still want a great camera experience and excellent performance at a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7?
The Pixel 7 Pro features a larger, higher-resolution display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a slightly larger battery, and more RAM. The Pixel 7 has a smaller display with a 90Hz refresh rate, lacks a telephoto lens, and has a slightly smaller battery. The Pro also boasts a more premium design.
Which phone has the better camera?
The Pixel 7 Pro has a more versatile camera system due to its telephoto lens, enabling 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom. While both phones offer excellent image processing, the Pro provides greater flexibility for capturing different types of shots, including distant subjects. Both phones excel in most areas.
Does the Pixel 7 Pro have a better display?
Yes, the Pixel 7 Pro has a better display. It features a larger 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a higher 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother and more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch flat OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still excellent but less premium.
How does the performance compare?
Both phones are powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, providing similar performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The Pixel 7 Pro typically has slightly more RAM, which can improve multitasking performance. Both offer a smooth and responsive user experience, with the Pro having a minor edge.
What about battery life and charging?
The Pixel 7 Pro has a slightly larger battery, generally resulting in longer battery life. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging. The actual battery life varies depending on usage, but the Pro usually provides an advantage. Charging times are comparable, although not the fastest in the market.
Which phone is more expensive?
The Pixel 7 Pro is the more expensive of the two phones, reflecting its premium features and build quality. The Pixel 7 offers excellent value at a more affordable price point. The price difference reflects the additional features and enhancements found in the Pixel 7 Pro.
Which phone should I buy?
The best choice depends on your priorities and budget. The Pixel 7 Pro is ideal if you want the best camera, display, and features and are willing to spend more. The Pixel 7 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for great value and a fantastic overall smartphone experience at a lower price.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 7 Pro distinguishes itself with its superior display, telephoto lens, and premium design, offering a more versatile and feature-rich experience. While the Pixel 7 delivers excellent value and performance, the Pro’s enhanced capabilities cater to users seeking the best Google has to offer. The Pro’s refined design, coupled with its advanced camera system, places it at the top.
Winner: Google Pixel 7 Pro