Pixel 7 Pro vs 8 Pro: Should You Upgrade?
Struggling to decide between the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the newer Pixel 8 Pro? You’re not alone! Both phones boast impressive features, but the advancements in the 8 Pro might just sway your decision. We’ll delve into the key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
The Pixel 7 Pro was a flagship contender, offering a stunning display, powerful camera system, and Google’s signature software experience. However, the Pixel 8 Pro arrives with refined hardware, including a more advanced processor and potentially improved camera capabilities. This comparison will help you navigate the nuances.
We’ll explore everything from performance and camera quality to battery life and design. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro, enabling you to make an informed choice.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 7 Pro | Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide + 48MP Ultrawide + 48MP Telephoto | 50MP Wide + 48MP Ultrawide + 48MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 10.8MP | 10.5MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5050 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 14 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Pixel 7 Pro: Features a polished aluminum frame and a glossy glass back, offering a premium feel. It’s IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. Some users find the glossy back prone to fingerprints and smudges.
- 8 Pro: Boasts a more refined design with a matte aluminum frame and a matte glass back, improving grip and reducing fingerprints. Also IP68 rated. The design is slightly more modern and the build feels more robust.
- Winner: 8 Pro
Display
- Pixel 7 Pro: Equipped with a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The peak brightness is good but not class-leading.
- 8 Pro: Features a brighter 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a more advanced panel technology. The peak brightness is significantly improved, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.
- Winner: 8 Pro
Processor & Performance
- Pixel 7 Pro: Powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip, offering good performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It occasionally shows some stuttering compared to the 8 Pro.
- 8 Pro: Uses the Google Tensor G3 chip, providing a noticeable performance boost, especially in AI-related tasks and graphics-intensive applications. The overall experience is smoother and more responsive.
- Winner: 8 Pro
Camera System
- Pixel 7 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 signature computational photography.
- 8 Pro: Upgrades the camera system with improved sensors and processing, including a new 50MP main sensor and enhanced telephoto capabilities. Offers even better image quality, especially in low light, and introduces new features like Magic Editor.
- Winner: 8 Pro
Battery Life
- Pixel 7 Pro: Offers all-day battery life for most users. Battery life can vary depending on usage.
- 8 Pro: Provides improved battery efficiency, often exceeding the 7 Pro. Offers longer battery life, even with heavy usage.
- Winner: 8 Pro
Software & Features
- Pixel 7 Pro: Runs on Android, with timely software updates and exclusive Pixel features. Features are similar to the 8 Pro.
- 8 Pro: Runs on the latest Android version with the latest Pixel features and enhancements. Introduces new AI-powered features like Magic Eraser and Best Take.
- Winner: 8 Pro
Storage & RAM
- Pixel 7 Pro: Offers options for 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, with 12GB of RAM.
- 8 Pro: Offers the same storage options, with the same RAM.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Pixel 7 Pro: Initially launched at a lower price point, making it a good value.
- 8 Pro: Launched at a higher price point, reflecting the updated features and performance.
- Winner: 7 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Camera Features | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Software & Updates | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Display | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both phones feature vibrant OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and excellent visual experiences.
- Camera System: Both devices share a similar high-quality triple-lens camera system, including a 50MP main lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens, ensuring versatile photography capabilities.
- Water Resistance: Both the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against the elements.
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast download and upload speeds, ensuring a seamless online experience.
- Software Updates: Both phones are designed by Google, and therefore receive timely software updates and security patches.
Pixel 7 Pro Vs 8 Pro Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a sleek, familiar design with its signature camera bar and a polished aluminum frame. It feels premium in hand, with a curved glass display and IP68 water and dust resistance. The Pixel 8 Pro refines this design, featuring a more matte finish on the frame and a flatter display, providing a more modern aesthetic and improved durability. The camera bar blends seamlessly with the frame. Both phones use Gorilla Glass Victus for protection, but the 8 Pro generally feels more robust due to its improved materials and construction.
Display and Visuals
The Pixel 7 Pro offers a vibrant 6.7-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It delivers excellent colors, sharp details, and impressive brightness levels. The Pixel 8 Pro elevates the experience with a slightly brighter display and a new “Super Actua” display technology, providing even better visibility in direct sunlight. It maintains the 120Hz refresh rate but improves the overall visual experience. Both support HDR, but the 8 Pro provides more accurate color representation and a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content.
Performance and Software
The Pixel 7 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The Pixel 8 Pro features the Tensor G3 chip, which brings performance improvements, particularly in AI-related tasks and image processing. Both phones offer a clean and intuitive Android experience with timely software updates directly from Google. The 8 Pro benefits from a longer software support commitment, ensuring it receives updates for a longer period, making it a more future-proof option.
Camera Capabilities
The Pixel 7 Pro has an excellent camera system, offering versatile shooting options with a telephoto lens and exceptional image quality. The Pixel 8 Pro improves upon this foundation with enhanced sensors, software optimizations, and new features like Pro controls and improved video recording capabilities. Both phones excel in low-light photography and offer Google’s renowned computational photography prowess, but the 8 Pro takes it a step further with more advanced features and improved image processing, yielding slightly better results overall.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 7 Pro offers all-day battery life for most users, thanks to its efficient software optimization and a sizable battery. The Pixel 8 Pro maintains similar battery life performance, though it may vary depending on usage. Both phones support fast wired charging, and wireless charging. The 8 Pro might have slight improvements over the 7 Pro, but the difference is not substantial. Battery performance is generally very good on both phones, providing enough power for a full day of use.
Price and Value
The Pixel 7 Pro is often available at a lower price point now, offering excellent value for its features and performance. The Pixel 8 Pro is priced higher, reflecting its newer technology and enhanced capabilities. Consider your budget and priorities when making your decision. The 7 Pro remains a compelling option for those seeking a premium experience at a more affordable price. The 8 Pro provides the latest technology, so the increased price may be worth it if you are looking for the latest and greatest.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 7 Pro If…
- You want a flagship-level phone at a potentially lower price point.
- You prioritize a phone with a proven camera system that delivers excellent results.
- You are satisfied with the performance of the Google Tensor G2 processor.
Buy Pixel 8 Pro If…
- You want the latest Google Tensor G3 processor for improved performance and AI capabilities.
- You desire the latest software features and longer software support.
- You value enhancements to the camera system, like improved image processing or new features.
- You want the 1TB storage option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 8 Pro?
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a more powerful Tensor G3 chip, a brighter and more advanced display, and improved camera capabilities with new features like Pro controls. It also has a more robust design with a matte finish and a flatter display. Software updates are guaranteed for a longer duration on the 8 Pro. The 8 Pro offers overall improved performance and camera capabilities.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The Pixel 8 Pro has a superior camera system. It features improved sensors, better image processing, and new features like Pro controls for enhanced video recording. While the Pixel 7 Pro has an excellent camera, the 8 Pro offers noticeable improvements in overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 8 Pro provides a more advanced and versatile camera experience.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro have better battery life?
The Pixel 8 Pro has comparable battery life to the Pixel 7 Pro, providing all-day performance for most users. Battery life can vary based on usage patterns. Both phones are optimized for power efficiency, so the difference in battery longevity is not significant. While the 8 Pro may have marginal gains, the real-world difference is minimal.
Is the Pixel 8 Pro worth the upgrade from the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 8 Pro is a worthwhile upgrade if you prioritize the latest technology, improved camera features, and a more refined design. The Tensor G3 chip, a brighter display, and the extended software support are compelling reasons to upgrade. However, the Pixel 7 Pro remains an excellent phone, and the value is great. The decision depends on your budget and how important the latest features are to you.
What is the price difference between the two phones?
The Pixel 8 Pro is generally more expensive than the Pixel 7 Pro. The price difference reflects the newer technology, enhanced features, and the overall improvements in performance. The Pixel 7 Pro is now often available at a lower price, making it a great value option. Prices can fluctuate based on promotions and retailer offers.
Which phone is better for photography?
The Pixel 8 Pro is the better choice for photography, offering significant improvements in image quality and additional features. Its enhanced sensors, improved image processing, and Pro controls provide a more versatile and advanced photography experience. Both phones take great photos, but the 8 Pro excels in challenging conditions and offers more creative control.
How long will each phone receive software updates?
The Pixel 8 Pro is guaranteed to receive software updates for a longer period than the Pixel 7 Pro. This ensures that the 8 Pro will have access to the latest Android features and security patches for a longer time. This extended support makes the 8 Pro a more future-proof investment for those who value long-term software support.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 8 Pro builds upon the Pixel 7 Pro’s strengths with a more powerful processor, a superior display, and significant camera enhancements. While the 7 Pro remains an excellent value, the 8 Pro offers a more refined experience and the latest Google innovations. Both are excellent phones, but the 8 Pro is the better overall device.
Winner: Pixel 8 Pro