Google Pixel 7 Vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£136.00

Versus £729.00 new

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Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£170.75

Versus £899.99 new

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Ratings

The Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, both released in October 2022, are smartphones designed to offer a distinct Android experience. While sharing a common operating system and core processing power, they differentiate themselves primarily through their physical size, display characteristics, and camera system capabilities. These distinctions cater to varying user preferences, from those seeking a more compact device to those desiring a larger screen and enhanced photographic tools.

Scores

Durability

Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were launched in October 2022, ensuring a similar timeline for software support and overall longevity. They shipped with Android 13 and are upgradable to Android 16. Google typically provides several years of security updates, contributing to their practical lifespan.

  • Software Updates: Both models are expected to receive consistent Android operating system updates and security patches for an extended period, aligning with Google's commitment to long-term support for its Pixel line.
  • Repairability: The Pixel 7 has a repairability score of 7 out of 10, while the Pixel 7 Pro scores 5.5 out of 10. Challenges for both devices include strong adhesive for the battery and a charging port that is soldered to the motherboard, making certain repairs more complex.
  • Build Quality: Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on their displays for scratch resistance and are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, indicating a good level of protection against environmental elements.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is largely consistent across everyday tasks, as both devices are powered by the same generation of Google's custom-designed processor. This ensures a smooth and responsive user experience for most applications.

  • Processing Power: Both smartphones utilize the same internal processing unit, which handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. Users generally report that both devices are fast enough for anything thrown at them, though they can run warm during intensive use like gaming or prolonged browsing.
  • Memory Configuration: The Pixel 7 comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with 12GB of RAM. This difference in memory primarily benefits users who frequently switch between many applications or engage in heavy multitasking, where the Pro model may offer a slight edge in maintaining app states.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 features a 4355mAh battery, and the Pixel 7 Pro houses a larger 5000mAh battery. In real-world usage, both phones typically provide a full day of power for average use, with the Pro's larger battery often balancing out the power demands of its larger, higher-resolution display. Charging speeds for both are up to 30W wired, with wireless charging also supported.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro differs significantly due to variations in display size, resolution, and refresh rate, catering to different preferences for clarity and smoothness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both models feature OLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Pixel 7 offers a 6.3-inch Full HD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) display, providing clear visuals for its size. The Pixel 7 Pro, with its 6.7-inch Quad HD+ (3120 x 1440 pixels) display, delivers a sharper image, particularly noticeable when viewing high-resolution content or fine text.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Pixel 7 has a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth scrolling experience. The Pixel 7 Pro steps up with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, capable of scaling down to 10Hz, offering even smoother animations and responsiveness, especially in fast-paced content or gaming.
  • Brightness and Design: Both displays offer high peak brightness, making them suitable for outdoor visibility, with the Pixel 7 Pro reaching slightly higher levels (1500 nits vs 1400 nits). The Pixel 7 features a flat display, while the Pixel 7 Pro incorporates a subtly curved screen, which some users find enhances the immersive viewing experience, though others prefer the flat surface for usability.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1440 x 3120

Screen type

AMOLED

LTPO AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a key differentiator between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, with the Pro model offering additional hardware for enhanced photographic versatility.

  • Main and Ultrawide Cameras: Both devices share an identical 50MP main camera sensor, capable of capturing detailed and color-accurate photos in various lighting conditions. They also both include a 12MP ultrawide camera, but the Pixel 7 Pro's ultrawide lens offers a wider field of view (125.8 degrees compared to 114 degrees) and includes autofocus, enabling a macro focus mode for close-up shots.
  • Telephoto Capabilities: The most significant camera difference is the Pixel 7 Pro's dedicated 48MP telephoto lens, which provides 5x optical zoom and can achieve up to 30x Super Res Zoom for distant subjects. The standard Pixel 7 relies on digital zoom from its main sensor, offering up to 8x Super Res Zoom, which is less detailed at higher magnifications compared to the Pro's optical zoom.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording at 30 or 60 frames per second. For selfies and video calls, both are equipped with a 10.8MP front-facing camera. The overall audio experience for media consumption is enhanced by stereo speakers on both models.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and handling of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones offer modern connectivity options, including 5G network support, Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.2 for accessories. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure access, both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro incorporate an under-display fingerprint scanner and also offer a 2D face unlock feature.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Pixel 7 is the more compact device, measuring 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and weighing 197g, making it more manageable for one-handed use. The Pixel 7 Pro is larger and heavier at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and 212g, providing a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for many tasks. The Pixel 7 features a matte aluminum finish on its camera bar, while the Pixel 7 Pro has a polished aluminum finish, contributing to a slightly different aesthetic and feel.

Weight

197 g

212 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback indicates that both the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are well-regarded for their camera capabilities and smooth software experience. Common praise often highlights the effectiveness of Google's computational photography and the clean, intuitive Android interface. However, some users note that battery life, while generally sufficient for a day, can be average for heavy usage, and both devices may experience warmth during intensive tasks. Charging speeds are also sometimes mentioned as not being the fastest available.

For users prioritizing a more compact device that is easier to handle with one hand, along with excellent core camera features and a vibrant display, the Pixel 7 is often a preferred choice. Its flat screen design is also favored by some. Conversely, those who place a high value on advanced photography, particularly with telephoto zoom and macro capabilities, or who desire a larger, higher-resolution, and smoother display for media consumption and multitasking, will find the Pixel 7 Pro better suited to their needs. The additional RAM in the Pro model can also be beneficial for power users.

Ultimately, the decision between these two devices hinges on individual priorities regarding size, camera versatility, and display features. Both models offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

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