Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs Google Pixel 8

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£169.75

Versus £899.99 new

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Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 8
Starting at

Refurbished price:£185.99

Versus £699.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, and the Google Pixel 8, launched in October 2023, represent different tiers within Google's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a pure Android experience, the Pixel 7 Pro is a larger, more feature-rich model from the previous generation, whereas the Pixel 8 is the standard-sized flagship of the newer generation. Key distinctions lie in their physical dimensions, camera hardware, and long-term software commitment.

Scores

Durability

When evaluating the practical lifespan of these devices, software support and physical resilience are primary considerations.

  • Software Longevity: The Pixel 8 offers a significantly extended period of software support, with Google committing to seven years of OS and security updates from its release, extending its functional life well into 2030. The Pixel 7 Pro, following Google's previous policy, is expected to receive three major OS updates and five years of security updates, with support concluding around October 2027. [7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 19, 31]
  • Hardware Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The Pixel 8 incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back, similar to the Pixel 7 Pro. However, durability tests suggest the Pixel 8 exhibits improved structural integrity, particularly in bend resistance, compared to its predecessor. [4, 17, 23, 24]
  • Repairability: Both devices are designed with repairability in mind. The newer Pixel 8 may benefit from a slightly longer availability of official parts and repair services due to its extended support window, which can be a factor for users considering a quality-assured refurbished option. [10, 19]

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 stem primarily from their respective processors and RAM configurations.

  • Processing Power: The Pixel 8 is equipped with a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced efficiency and responsiveness for everyday tasks and demanding applications. While the Pixel 7 Pro's processor still handles most operations smoothly, the newer chip in the Pixel 8 offers more headroom for future software and intensive workloads. [1, 4, 22, 24]
  • Multitasking Capability: The Pixel 7 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM, allowing it to manage a greater number of open applications simultaneously without needing to reload them. The Pixel 8 features 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may show a difference in extreme multitasking scenarios. [2, 3, 13, 24, 37]
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro houses a larger 5000 mAh battery, while the Pixel 8 has a 4575 mAh battery. Despite the Pixel 8's smaller battery, its more efficient processor can lead to comparable or even slightly better battery endurance for some users, particularly in lighter usage scenarios. [1, 2, 4, 22, 24, 41, 42]

Memory (GB)

12 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience varies between these two Pixel smartphones, mainly in size, resolution, and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Pixel 7 Pro features a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a higher resolution (3120x1440 pixels), resulting in a sharper image and more detailed text. The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2400x1080 pixels. [3, 12, 24, 26, 35]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Pixel 8's display offers a higher peak brightness of up to 2000 nits, making it easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro's display reaches a peak brightness of 1500 nits, which is still capable in most environments. [3, 6, 12, 17, 24, 30, 37]
  • Refresh Rate and Design: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Pixel 7 Pro's display has curved edges, while the Pixel 8 features a flat display, which some users find more practical for screen protectors and edge gestures. [3, 6, 12, 17, 24, 28, 36]

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1080 x 2400

Screen type

LTPO AMOLED

OLED

Audiovisual

Both Pixel devices are known for their computational photography, but their camera hardware presents distinct capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 features a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, but it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom for distant subjects. [3, 4, 12, 13, 16, 20, 21, 25, 26]
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 8's main camera benefits from a wider aperture, allowing it to capture more light, which can lead to improved low-light performance and detail. Its ultrawide camera also offers a wider field of view. While the Pixel 7 Pro's telephoto lens provides superior optical zoom capabilities, the Pixel 8's overall image processing and macro photography with its ultrawide lens show enhancements. [12, 16, 18, 22, 29]
  • Video and Front Camera: Both phones record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The Pixel 8's front-facing camera, while slightly lower in megapixel count (10.5MP vs 10.8MP on 7 Pro), includes autofocus, which can result in sharper selfies. [3, 4, 13, 16, 20, 26]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two Pixel phones.

  • Connectivity: The Pixel 8 supports newer wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, offering potentially faster and more stable connections compared to the Pixel 7 Pro's Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity. [27, 34, 37]
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Pixel 8 is a more compact and lighter device (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm, 187g) compared to the Pixel 7 Pro (162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm, 212g). This makes the Pixel 8 easier for one-handed use and carrying. Both feature an in-screen optical fingerprint sensor for biometric security. [4, 6, 17, 24, 28, 37]
  • Build Materials: Both phones utilize glass backs and aluminum frames, contributing to a premium feel. The Pixel 8's design features more rounded corners and a matte glass back, which some users find more comfortable to hold without a case. [6, 17, 24, 30]

Weight

212 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.2

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The choice between the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Google Pixel 8 largely depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. Users frequently praise the Pixel 7 Pro for its larger, high-resolution display and the versatility offered by its dedicated telephoto camera, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize screen real estate and optical zoom photography. [25, 33, 38] Some users have noted that the Pixel 7 Pro's battery life can be quite robust, despite the Pixel 8's newer, more efficient processor. [32, 33]

Conversely, the Pixel 8 receives commendation for its more compact and lighter design, which enhances one-handed usability. Its significantly longer software support commitment (seven years) is a major advantage for users who intend to keep their device for an extended period, ensuring access to the latest Android features and security updates well into the future. [7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 19, 28, 38] The Pixel 8's brighter display and improved main camera performance in certain conditions are also frequently highlighted. [18, 30, 37]

Users prioritizing a larger, higher-resolution display and a dedicated telephoto lens for versatile photography may find the Pixel 7 Pro well-suited to their needs. Those who value a more manageable form factor, extended software longevity, and enhanced overall efficiency might lean towards the Pixel 8. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, and considering a refurbished option for either model provides an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, allowing for informed and sustainable choices.

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