Google Pixel 7 Pro Vs Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£169.75

Versus £899.99 new

See options
Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9
Starting at

Refurbished price:£327.25

Versus £890.22 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, is a premium smartphone known for its advanced camera system and large display. The Google Pixel 9, launched in October 2024, represents the latest iteration of Google's standard flagship line, focusing on enhanced performance and refined AI capabilities. While both run on Google's Android operating system, the Pixel 9 benefits from newer hardware and extended software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering longevity, the Pixel 9 offers a significantly longer period of software support compared to the Pixel 7 Pro.

  • Software Updates: The Pixel 9 is expected to receive up to seven years of major Android OS updates and security patches, ensuring it remains current and secure for an extended duration. The Pixel 7 Pro, having been released earlier, will receive updates for a shorter period, typically three major OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the absolute longest software support and access to the latest Android features will find the Pixel 9 more future-proof. Both devices feature robust builds with Gorilla Glass protection and IP68 water and dust resistance, contributing to their physical durability.
  • Repairability: Both models generally offer moderate repairability, with common components being replaceable by skilled technicians, making refurbished options a viable choice for extending their life.

Year of Release

2022

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The Pixel 9 features a newer generation of Google's custom processor, providing a noticeable boost in overall speed and efficiency compared to the Pixel 7 Pro.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Pixel 9 handles demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-intensive games with greater fluidity and speed. The Pixel 7 Pro still offers strong performance for most daily tasks, but the Pixel 9 provides more headroom for future software and AI features.
  • AI Capabilities: The newer processor in the Pixel 9 enhances on-device artificial intelligence tasks, leading to faster and more sophisticated features in areas like photo editing, voice recognition, and smart assistant interactions.
  • Multitasking: Both devices are well-equipped for multitasking, but the Pixel 9's more powerful hardware ensures a smoother experience when switching between numerous open applications or running resource-intensive processes simultaneously.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs between these two models, primarily in size and resolution, catering to different user preferences.

  • Display Technology: Both devices feature vibrant OLED displays, offering deep blacks and excellent contrast. The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen with a higher QHD+ resolution, providing a very sharp and immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 9 typically features a slightly smaller display, likely around 6.2-6.3 inches, with a high-definition resolution.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both screens offer high refresh rates (up to 120Hz) for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Pixel 9's display may offer improved peak brightness for better visibility in direct sunlight and enhanced power efficiency due to newer panel technology.
  • Viewing Experience: Users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or productivity will appreciate the Pixel 7 Pro's expansive display. The Pixel 9 offers a more compact form factor, which can be easier for one-handed use.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1080 x 2424

Screen type

LTPO AMOLED

OLED

Audiovisual

Both Pixel phones are renowned for their camera capabilities, but the Pixel 9 introduces advancements in sensor technology and computational photography.

  • Main Camera Performance: The Pixel 9 features an updated main sensor and improved image processing, leading to enhanced detail, better dynamic range, and superior low-light performance compared to the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro still delivers excellent photos in most conditions, especially with its 50MP main sensor.
  • Zoom Capabilities: The Pixel 7 Pro includes a dedicated 5x optical telephoto lens, offering impressive zoom capabilities without significant loss of quality. The standard Pixel 9 typically relies on digital zoom or a high-resolution main sensor crop for zooming, which may not match the optical clarity of the 7 Pro's dedicated lens.
  • Video and Features: Both devices offer high-quality video recording, but the Pixel 9 benefits from newer video stabilization algorithms and potentially more advanced cinematic modes. Both excel in computational photography features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, with the Pixel 9 often executing these tasks faster due to its newer processor.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

10.5 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 9, impacting daily usability.

  • Connectivity: The Pixel 9 supports newer wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and a more recent Bluetooth version, offering potentially faster and more stable connections compared to the Pixel 7 Pro's Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Both support 5G cellular networks.
  • Port and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. They both feature under-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking, with the Pixel 9 potentially offering a faster and more reliable experience.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 7 Pro is a larger and heavier device due to its bigger screen and battery. The Pixel 9 offers a more compact and potentially lighter design, which can be more comfortable for users who prefer a smaller phone. Both feature premium glass and aluminum constructions.

Weight

212 g

198 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Choosing between the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Google Pixel 9 depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. The Pixel 7 Pro, despite being an older model, remains a highly capable device, particularly appealing to users who prioritize a large, high-resolution display and a dedicated optical telephoto lens for versatile photography. Its performance is still robust for most daily tasks, and it offers a premium experience at what is now a more accessible price point, especially as a quality-assured refurbished option.

The Pixel 9, on the other hand, is ideal for those who seek the absolute latest in smartphone technology. Its advantages lie in its significantly longer software support, enhanced performance for demanding applications and advanced AI features, and potentially improved main camera capabilities. Users who want the most future-proof device with the latest connectivity standards and a more compact form factor will find the Pixel 9 well-suited to their needs.

Ultimately, users prioritizing an expansive screen and optical zoom may prefer the Pixel 7 Pro, while those valuing extended software longevity, cutting-edge performance, and the latest AI advancements will lean towards the Pixel 9. Both models represent excellent choices within the Android ecosystem, and considering a refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly way to enjoy premium technology.

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