Google has launched the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro with more confidence than they have in the last few years. Because, this time, the new Pixel devices are available in more countries than previous Pixels. But, between the two, which one should you buy?
Let’s compare the Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro, and hopefully, you will have your answer.
Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: The Difference
Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro: Design Differences
First, what’s different from the Pixel 6 lineup? What’s apparent foremost is that the black glass visor on the back is no longer black. On the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, the visor housing the camera is made of the same metal as the sides of the phones. This makes the transition from the frame to the visor at the joints seamless, unlike the previous Pixel 6 lineup.
Google also seems to have given up on the two-tone approach, which has been present on the back of every Pixel phone before. Of course, there is also a newer, faster processor as well as some brand-new camera tricks.
Last year, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro looked quite similar from the back. This year, the difference between the two devices is apparent due to the camera lenses being much easier to see, thanks to the colored, metallic visor.
Pixel 7 Pro has an extra telephoto lens that the Pixel 7 does not. Apart from that, the Pixel 7 Pro also features a curved display which, as usual, looks cool but can be a problem in practical use.
Related: Pixel 6 vs Pixel 6a: Should You Buy the Cheapest Pixel?
Hardware Differences
We used to live in a world where the smaller flagship phone was a little underpowered and just a little less in every way. Thankfully, we’ve left that world behind. Like most other flagship devices from other companies, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are more alike than different.
When you pit the Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro, you find the same second-generation of Tensor chip. So, when it comes to performance, both phones should be able to compete with the best of the best. This year’s Tensor G2 is also on par with the competition from Snapdragon, Exynos, etc. Speed was one of the downsides of the original Tensor chipsets in the Pixel 6 lineup. So, it’s nice to see that’s fixed.
Other than that, the only difference you’ll find is in the RAM and storage options. The Pixel 7 ships with 8 GB of RAM, while the Pixel 7 Pro has 12 GB of RAM, regardless of your chosen storage option. Both phones are available with 128 GB and 256 GB storage options. However, the Pixel 7 Pro is also available with a 512 GB option.
The smaller Pixel 7, of course, also has a smaller 4355 mAh battery compared to the 5000 mAh battery in the 7 Pro. Pixel 7 does have a smaller 6.3-inch full HD+ display that maxes out at 90Hz. In contrast, the 7 Pro has a bigger 6.7-inch quad HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Cameras
The cameras are the only major difference between the two phones, like last year. And it makes sense since the Pixel phones are all about those cameras… mostly. The Pixel 7 has two rear cameras. There’s a 50-megapixel primary shooter aided by a 12 MP ultrawide camera. On the front, we have a single 10.8-megapixel camera.
The Pixel 7 Pro features the same 50 mega-pixel primary shooters as well as the 12 mega-pixel ultrawide cameras. In addition, it also has a 48-megapixel telephoto lens that allows the phone to zoom up to 5X. Both phones also feature Google’s software zoom implementation called Super Res Zoom.
The Pixel 7 can do 8x Super Res Zoom, while the 48 MP telephoto lens allows the Pixel 7 Pro up to 30x Super Res Zoom.
Both phones can record up to 4K 60fps video from the rear cameras and are armed with the new 4K cinematic pan feature.
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Screens
The other difference is the larger 6.7″, QHD+, curved display with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate. However, compared to the 6.3″, FHD+ flat display with a 90Hz refresh rate on the Pixel 7, the difference isn’t huge.
For those who have never used a curved display, it comes with its own problems. The design has been popular amongst Android flagships. However, the screen’s curvature creates problems when viewing content, especially when you have a bright light source that shines off the curve and breaks immersion.
The other problem is accidental touches. Even though Android manufacturers have been making curved displays for years, accidental touches are still a problem. Even the mighty Pixel magic software is not much help. When you hold the phone, your palm or fingers are touching the sides of the display, creating unexpected reactions on the screen.
For these reasons, many people might actually prefer the smaller, flatter display on the Pixel 7.
Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 7 | Google Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 1080 x 2400 px (FHD+ resolution), 90Hz | 6.7 inches OLED, 1440 x 3120 px (QHD+ resolution), 120Hz |
| Processor | Tensor G2 | Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Rear cameras |
|
|
| Front camera | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1.22 µ, 92.8º FoV, Fixed-focus 4K/60fps, 4K/30fps | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1.22 µ, 92.8º FoV, Fixed-focus 4K/60fps, 4K/30fps |
| Battery | 4355 mAh, 30W Fast charging | 5000 mAh, 30W Fast charging |
| Starting price | $599 | $899 |
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Price
Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro is a much closer comparison than the price gap would suggest. At the same time, the differences are pretty clear and obvious. But that’s what you would expect with a $300 price gap. For $300, the 7 Pro gives you an additional 48 MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom.
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with…
What is the Best Deal? Which One To Buy?
Even if you don’t, the Pixel 7 is a much better deal, even if it’s not the better phone. So, if you have $300 to throw on a bigger phone with more zooming capabilities, the Pixel 7 Pro is obviously the better phone. But if you’d like to get one of the best phone cameras and spend $300 on something else, the Pixel 7 is a no-brainer.