Google Pixel 7 Vs iPhone 15 Pro

Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£134.00

Versus £729.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£399.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7, released in October 2022, and the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both devices offer advanced capabilities, they differ significantly in their operating systems, design philosophies, and core features. The Pixel 7 operates on Android, emphasizing Google's AI and software integration, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro runs on iOS, focusing on a tightly integrated ecosystem and robust performance.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are key factors. The Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Pro offer different longevity prospects.

  • Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 was released in October 2022, making it a slightly older device compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Pixel 7 typically receives three major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, with security support expected until October 2027. The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a minimum of five years, extending its software lifespan to at least 2028, and often longer in practice.
  • Durability and Repairability: Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield front, contributing to its robust build. The Pixel 7 uses Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back with an aluminum frame. The iPhone 15 Pro has seen improvements in repairability, with some sources giving it a repairability score of 7 out of 10, a notable increase from previous models.

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 browsing and social media to demanding applications and gaming. Both the Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Pro deliver capable performance, though with different underlying architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a highly advanced processor that handles intensive applications and multitasking with exceptional fluidity, making it well-suited for professional-grade tasks and graphically demanding games. The Pixel 7 features Google's Tensor G2 chip, which is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, contributing to smooth everyday operation and efficient processing of computational photography.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. For storage, the Pixel 7 offers options up to 256GB, while the iPhone 15 Pro provides a wider range, extending up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs for media and applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 houses a 4355 mAh battery, designed to offer a full day of typical use, supported by intelligent power management. The iPhone 15 Pro, with its 3274 mAh battery, leverages its efficient hardware and software integration to deliver comparable real-world battery endurance for many users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Pro offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Pixel 7 comes with a 6.3-inch OLED display, providing a slightly larger viewing area with rich colors and clear visuals.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The iPhone 15 Pro includes ProMotion technology, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, which results in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It also boasts a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Pixel 7 offers a 90Hz refresh rate for a smooth experience during most interactions and reaches a peak brightness of 1400 nits.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone 15 Pro's smaller bezels contribute to a more immersive edge-to-edge display. Both displays offer high resolution, with the iPhone 15 Pro at 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) and the Pixel 7 at 1080 x 2400 pixels (416 ppi), ensuring sharp text and detailed images.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

1179 x 2556

Screen type

AMOLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Google Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Pro are recognized for their advanced camera systems, each excelling in different aspects of photography and videography.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 15 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 48 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 12 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The Pixel 7 is equipped with a dual-camera system, featuring a 50 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Features: The Pixel 7 leverages Google's computational photography for features like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Super Res Zoom, which enhances digital zoom capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro offers advanced portrait modes with depth control, Smart HDR 5, and improved low-light performance, alongside a dedicated macro mode.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The iPhone 15 Pro further distinguishes itself with Cinematic mode for professional-looking depth effects and the ability to record ProRes video directly to external storage, catering to advanced videographers.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones, including connectivity, physical design, and unique features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 15 Pro features a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, offering faster data transfer speeds and broader compatibility with accessories, and supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Pixel 7 also uses a USB-C 3.2 port and supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Both devices offer 5G connectivity for fast mobile data.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 15 Pro has a compact design, measuring 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm and weighing 187 grams, featuring a lightweight titanium frame. The Pixel 7 is slightly larger and heavier at 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and 197 grams, with an aluminum frame. The iPhone 15 Pro also introduces a customizable Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Pixel 7 utilizes an under-display optical fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.

Weight

197 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Google Pixel 7 and iPhone 15 Pro cater to different user preferences, each offering a compelling smartphone experience. Users often praise the Pixel 7 for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its AI-driven features like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser, and its clean Android interface with timely updates. Its slightly larger display and competitive performance for everyday tasks are also frequently highlighted. Some users, however, note that its battery life, while good, might not always match the endurance of some competitors, and its peak display brightness can be lower in very bright conditions.

The iPhone 15 Pro is frequently lauded for its powerful processing capabilities, making it a strong choice for demanding applications and gaming. Its premium titanium design, vibrant ProMotion display, and advanced video recording features, including ProRes, are often cited as major advantages. The integrated iOS ecosystem and long-term software support are also significant draws for many. Criticisms sometimes point to its smaller screen size compared to some Android flagships and the reliance on Face ID as the sole biometric option.

Users prioritizing an intuitive Android experience with a focus on computational photography and Google's AI integration may find the Pixel 7 well-suited to their needs. Those who value top-tier performance, a highly refined ecosystem, advanced video features, and a premium build with extended software support will likely lean toward the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices are excellent choices, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be a sustainable choice for consumers.

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