Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro: Which Google Phone Reigns?
Torn between the cutting-edge features and the tried-and-true performance of Google’s flagship phones? You’re not alone. Choosing between the Google Pixel 8 Pro and its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro, can be a tough decision. Both phones boast impressive cameras, sleek designs, and the promise of a pure Android experience.
This in-depth comparison dives into the key differences and similarities between these two powerhouses. We’ll explore the upgrades the Pixel 8 Pro brings to the table, and how the Pixel 7 Pro still holds its own. Prepare to discover which phone best suits your needs and budget.
From camera capabilities and processing power to battery life and display quality, we’ll dissect every aspect. By the end of this analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of which Google phone truly deserves a spot in your pocket. Get ready to find your perfect Pixel!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Pixel 8 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP Telephoto | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 48MP Telephoto |
| Ultrawide Lens | 125.5° Field of View | 125.8° Field of View |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Actua Display | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Display Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz | 10-120Hz |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Front Camera | 10.5MP | 10.8MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Battery | 5,050 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 14 | Android 13 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a 6.7-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2400 nits peak brightness. Offers improved outdoor visibility and smoother scrolling. A potential downside is the potentially higher power consumption.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Boasts a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but with lower peak brightness compared to the 8 Pro. Provides a vibrant viewing experience, but might struggle in direct sunlight as much as the newer model.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Processor
- Pixel 8 Pro: Equipped with the Google Tensor G3 chip, offering enhanced performance for AI tasks, image processing, and overall system speed. Promises significant improvements in power efficiency compared to the previous generation.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip, which delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and computational photography. While capable, it lags behind the G3 in terms of raw power and AI capabilities.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Camera System
- Pixel 8 Pro: Upgraded camera system including a new 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens with macro focus, and a telephoto lens with improved zoom capabilities. Offers advanced features like Pro controls and enhanced video stabilization.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Features a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality and Google’s signature computational photography, but lacks some of the newer features and enhancements of the 8 Pro.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Software & Features
- Pixel 8 Pro: Runs on Android 14 with a promise of 7 years of software updates. Introduces new AI-powered features like Best Take and Audio Magic Eraser, and offers more advanced editing tools.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Runs on Android 13, upgradable to Android 14. Offers a clean Android experience with Google’s exclusive features. Receives software updates but has a shorter support lifespan than the 8 Pro.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Battery Life
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a battery optimized with the Tensor G3 and display improvements, offering all-day battery life. Real-world usage may vary depending on usage patterns.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Provides all-day battery life, but may require more frequent charging with heavy usage. Battery performance is still good, but not as optimized as the 8 Pro.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Design & Build
- Pixel 8 Pro: Features a refined design with a matte back glass and a flat display. Offers a more premium feel and durability.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Boasts a sleek design with a glossy back glass and a curved display. It is still a premium feeling device but the design is a bit dated compared to the 8 Pro.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Storage & RAM
- Pixel 8 Pro: Offers various storage options. RAM is optimized in the Tensor G3 for faster operations.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Offers various storage options. RAM is sufficient but not as optimized as the 8 Pro.
- Winner: Pixel 8 Pro
Price
- Pixel 8 Pro: Generally has a higher starting price compared to the Pixel 7 Pro.
- Pixel 7 Pro: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: Pixel 7 Pro (for Price)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Camera | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Display | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Battery Life | Pixel 8 Pro (Slightly) |
| Software Features | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Value | Pixel 7 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both phones feature a sleek, modern design with a prominent camera bar across the back and a premium feel.
- Software Experience: Both phones run a clean, bloatware-free version of Android, promising fast updates and a smooth user experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro support 5G connectivity for fast download and upload speeds.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both models are rated IP68, providing excellent protection against water and dust.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, making it easy to top up the battery without plugging in.
Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro Buying Guide
Camera Performance
The Pixel 8 Pro sees significant camera improvements over the Pixel 7 Pro. It boasts a new 50MP main sensor with improved light capture and faster autofocus. The ultrawide lens also receives a substantial upgrade, now including autofocus and the ability to capture macro shots. The telephoto lens sees minor improvements, with enhanced clarity and detail. The Pixel 7 Pro, while excellent, lags behind in low-light performance and ultrawide capabilities. The Pixel 8 Pro delivers sharper, more detailed images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Dynamic range is also noticeably improved.
Processing Power & Performance
The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, offering a notable performance boost compared to the Tensor G2 in the Pixel 7 Pro. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. The G3 also brings improved AI capabilities, powering features like Magic Eraser and Best Take. The Pixel 7 Pro remains a capable phone, but the Pixel 8 Pro provides a more responsive and fluid user experience. This is particularly noticeable during intensive tasks like video editing.
Display Quality & Features
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly brighter screen with a peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. The Pixel 8 Pro also introduces a flat display design, which some users may prefer over the curved edges of the Pixel 7 Pro. Both phones offer smooth 120Hz refresh rates, providing a fluid scrolling experience. The Pixel 8 Pro’s improved display offers a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content. There is also a temperature sensor in the Pixel 8 Pro.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is comparable between the two phones, with both offering all-day use for most users. However, the Pixel 8 Pro may offer slightly better battery optimization due to the newer Tensor G3 chip. Charging speeds are similar, with both phones supporting fast wired and wireless charging. While not the fastest charging phones on the market, they provide adequate charging speeds to keep you powered throughout the day. The Pixel 8 Pro may provide a slight advantage with more efficient power management.
Design & Build Quality
The Pixel 8 Pro features a more refined design with a matte back glass and a polished aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The Pixel 7 Pro has a glossy back glass and a polished aluminum frame. Both phones are water and dust resistant, offering peace of mind. The Pixel 8 Pro’s design is slightly more modern, with a flatter display and a more integrated camera bar. The Pixel 7 Pro still has a sleek and attractive design. Both phones are well-built and feel solid in hand.
Software & Updates
Both phones run on the latest version of Android, with the Pixel 8 Pro offering a longer software update commitment of seven years. This means you’ll receive Android updates and security patches for a longer period. The Pixel 7 Pro is still supported, but it will receive updates for a shorter duration. Both phones offer a clean and bloatware-free Android experience, with Google’s unique Pixel features. The Pixel 8 Pro will have an edge over the Pixel 7 Pro due to the extended software support, offering the latest features and security updates for longer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 8 Pro If…
- You want the latest Google Tensor G3 processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You prioritize the best possible camera system with enhanced features like Pro controls and improved low-light performance.
- You desire the brightest and most advanced display available on a Pixel phone.
- You want the latest software features and longer software support.
Buy Pixel 7 Pro If…
- You are looking for a flagship-level phone at a potentially lower price.
- You are satisfied with excellent camera performance and don’t need the absolute latest features.
- You are upgrading from an older phone and want a significant improvement without spending a premium.
- You want a phone that still offers a top-tier Android experience with a great display and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major camera improvements in the Pixel 8 Pro?
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a new 50MP main sensor with enhanced light capture and faster autofocus. The ultrawide lens gains autofocus and macro capabilities, while the telephoto lens sees improvements in clarity. These upgrades result in sharper, more detailed images and better low-light performance. The new camera system is a significant leap forward, improving the overall picture quality across the board. The Pixel 8 Pro has the edge on the Pixel 7 Pro.
Is the Pixel 8 Pro faster than the Pixel 7 Pro?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro is noticeably faster due to the Google Tensor G3 chip. This leads to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance. The G3 also brings improved AI capabilities, powering features like Magic Eraser and Best Take. The Pixel 7 Pro is still a capable phone, but the Pixel 8 Pro provides a more responsive and fluid experience, especially during demanding tasks.
Does the Pixel 8 Pro have a better display?
Yes, the Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly brighter display with a peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. It also features a flat display design, which some users may prefer. Both phones offer smooth 120Hz refresh rates, but the Pixel 8 Pro’s display offers a more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 8 Pro has a better display than the Pixel 7 Pro.
How does the battery life compare between the two phones?
Battery life is comparable, with both phones offering all-day use for most users. The Pixel 8 Pro may have slightly better optimization due to the newer Tensor G3 chip. Charging speeds are similar, with both supporting fast wired and wireless charging. While not the fastest charging phones, they provide adequate speeds to keep you powered throughout the day. Battery life is close, but the Pixel 8 Pro has the edge.
What are the key design differences?
The Pixel 8 Pro has a more refined design with a matte back glass and a polished aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The Pixel 7 Pro has a glossy back glass. Both phones are water and dust resistant. The Pixel 8 Pro’s design is slightly more modern, with a flatter display and a more integrated camera bar. Both phones are well-built and feel solid in hand. The Pixel 8 Pro is more modern.
How long will the Pixel 8 Pro receive software updates?
The Pixel 8 Pro has a longer software update commitment of seven years, ensuring it will receive Android updates and security patches for a longer period. The Pixel 7 Pro is still supported, but updates will be provided for a shorter duration. This extended support makes the Pixel 8 Pro a more future-proof choice, offering the latest features and security updates for a longer time period. The Pixel 8 Pro has the edge.
Is the Pixel 8 Pro worth the upgrade from the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 8 Pro offers significant upgrades in camera performance, processing power, and display quality. While the Pixel 7 Pro remains a capable phone, the Pixel 8 Pro provides a more refined and improved user experience. If you prioritize the best camera, performance, and future-proofing, the upgrade is likely worth it. The Pixel 8 Pro is worth the upgrade.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 8 Pro emerges as the superior device, offering notable improvements in camera capabilities, processing speed, and display quality. While the Pixel 7 Pro remains a strong contender, the Pixel 8 Pro provides a more refined and feature-rich experience. The extended software support further solidifies its position as the better choice for those seeking the latest features and a longer lifespan. The Pixel 8 Pro is the clear winner.
Winner: Pixel 8 Pro