Google Pixel 7 Vs iPhone 15 Plus

Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£140.99

Versus £649.99 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£344.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7, released in October 2022, and the iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Pixel 7 operates on the Android platform, emphasizing artificial intelligence and computational photography, the iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS, focusing on ecosystem integration and consistent performance. These devices offer different user experiences, primarily distinguished by their operating systems and their respective strengths in software and hardware.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability features.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 was released in October 2022, making it approximately a year older than the iPhone 15 Plus, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date inherently means the iPhone 15 Plus will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Support: Google typically provides 3 major OS updates and 5 years of security updates for its Pixel devices, meaning the Pixel 7 is expected to receive updates until around Android 16 or 17. Apple, on the other hand, is known for its extended software support, often providing iOS updates for 5 to 7 years, suggesting the iPhone 15 Plus will have a longer software lifespan.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust build quality. The Google Pixel 7 is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 15 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a color-infused glass back, also boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to managing multiple processes simultaneously. Both the Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Plus are designed to handle demanding usage, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • System Responsiveness: The Google Pixel 7 is powered by a current-generation processor designed by Google, which focuses on enhancing AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to smooth navigation and efficient handling of everyday applications. The iPhone 15 Plus features a powerful chip that delivers consistent and fluid performance across the iOS ecosystem, ensuring applications launch quickly and operate without delays.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 7 comes with 8GB of RAM, which allows for efficient multitasking and keeping several applications open in the background. It is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 15 Plus is equipped with 6GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS's memory management, provides a smooth multitasking experience. Storage options for the iPhone 15 Plus include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Google Pixel 7 has a 4355 mAh battery. The iPhone 15 Plus features a slightly larger 4383 mAh battery. Both devices are designed to offer all-day battery life for typical users, with actual endurance varying based on usage patterns and background processes.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Google Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Plus offer high-quality viewing experiences, albeit with some key differences in their specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices feature OLED display technology, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Google Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+). The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, resulting in a sharper image.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 15 Plus generally offers higher peak brightness levels, particularly for HDR content and outdoor use, making it easier to view in bright sunlight. The Pixel 7 also provides good brightness, with HDR10+ support, ensuring content looks clear in various lighting conditions.
  • Refresh Rate: The Google Pixel 7 features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. The iPhone 15 Plus maintains a 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1290 x 2796

Screen type

AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Google Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, each with its own strengths in image processing and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 7 features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It is known for its computational photography capabilities, which enhance details and color accuracy, especially in challenging lighting. The iPhone 15 Plus also has a dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. Its main camera supports super-high-resolution photos and offers 2x telephoto capabilities through sensor cropping.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Pixel 7 excels in low-light photography with features like Night Sight and offers 4K video recording at 30 or 60 frames per second. The iPhone 15 Plus also provides strong low-light performance and supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at various frame rates, including Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Pixel 7 includes a 10.8MP front camera with a wide field of view, suitable for group selfies and video calls. The iPhone 15 Plus features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and advanced portrait features. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption and clear microphone quality for calls and recordings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, practical elements like connectivity, ports, and physical design contribute significantly to the overall user experience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Google Pixel 7 supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and features a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 15 Plus supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, and has adopted a USB-C port, though it operates at USB 2.0 speeds for data transfer.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Pixel 7 incorporates an under-display optical fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking. The iPhone 15 Plus relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. In terms of physical design, the Pixel 7 measures 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and weighs 197 grams. The iPhone 15 Plus is larger and slightly heavier, with dimensions of 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and a weight of 201 grams.
  • Build Materials: The Pixel 7 features a polished alloy frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back. The iPhone 15 Plus has an aluminum design with a Ceramic Shield front and a color-infused glass back.

Weight

197 g

201 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 for the Google Pixel 7 often praises its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features that deliver impressive results in various conditions. Users also appreciate its clean Android experience and the integration of Google's AI features. Some common criticisms have included its 90Hz refresh rate, which, while smooth, is not as high as some competitors, and occasional reports regarding battery optimization.

The iPhone 15 Plus generally receives positive remarks for its large, vibrant display, consistent performance, and robust build quality. Users frequently highlight the reliability of the iOS ecosystem and the quality of its camera system for both photos and videos. A recurring point of discussion has been the 60Hz refresh rate, which some users find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

Users prioritizing advanced computational photography, a pure Android experience, and a slightly more compact form factor may find the Google Pixel 7 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a larger display, a longer software update cycle, and deep integration within the Apple ecosystem might lean toward the iPhone 15 Plus. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking to make a sustainable choice.

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