Should you buy a Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro?

After several months of leaks and sneak peeks, Google finally launched its Pixel 7 series at the “Made By Google” event on October 6, 2022. Alongside these next-gen smartphones, the company also unveiled its first-ever smart watch, Pixel Watch 7, and gave us another look at its upcoming Pixel Tablet. Talking about the Pixel 7 series, both models feature a slightly revamped design, the next-gen Google Tensor G2 chipset, the security of Face Unlock, and an impressive Photo Unblur feature. The launch of Google phones might not create a lot of buzz like iPhones, Galaxy phones, or foldables but the Pixel phones always secure a top spot in the list of the best smartphones. 

It’s worth mentioning that Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro aren’t just smaller and bigger versions of the same self. So, size isn’t the only factor that differentiates the latest 2022 Pixel phones. There are some noteworthy differences, including the display, rear camera system, battery capacity, and more. So, it becomes more than important to understand the difference between these phones before you buy one for yourself.

If you’re confused about whether to buy Pixel 7 Pro over Pixel 7 or vice versa, this article will help you make a Pixel-perfect decision. We’ve compared Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro on some important grounds to help you understand what each phone can offer you, and why you should pick one over the other. 

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So, without any further ado, let’s get started with our comparisons of Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro. 

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro

Pixel 7 vs 7 Pro: Specifications Comparisons 

Here’s a quick look at the specifications of Pixel 7 and 7 Pro to help you understand what each model brings to the table.

Specifications Pixel 7 Pixel 7 Pro
Build Gorilla Glass Victus front

Gorilla Glass Victus back

Aluminum frame

Gorilla Glass Victus front

Gorilla Glass Victus back

Aluminum frame

Display  6.23-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080) OLED display

90Hz Refresh rate 

1,400 nits peak brightness

6.7-inch QHD+ (3120 x 1440) pOLED display 

120Hz Refresh rate

1,500 nits peak brightness

Weight 195.5 gms 212 gms
Processor Google Tensor G2 Google Tensor G2
RAM & Storage 8GB LPDDR5 RAM 

128/256GB storage

12GB LPDDR5 RAM 

128/256GB storage

Rear Camera System Dual Camera:

50MP f/1.85 wide

12MP f/2.2 ultrawide

 

 

 

Triple Camera:

50MP f/1.85 wide

12MP f/2.2 ultrawide

48MP f/3.5 Telephoto with 30x Super Resolution Zoom & 4.8x optical zoom

Front Camera 10.8MP, f/2.2 10.8MP, f/2.2
Battery 4,355mAh 5,003mAh
Charging 30W wired PPS charging

15W wireless charging

30W Wired PPS charging

15W wireless charging

Security In-display fingerprint scanner

Face Unlock

In-display fingerprint scanner

Face Unlock

Ports USB-C USB-C
SIM  Dual SIM (nano & eSIM) Dual SIM (nano & eSIM)
Connectivity 5G

Wi-Fi 6E

Bluetooth 5.2

5G

Wi-Fi 6E

Bluetooth 5.2

MicroSD card slot No No
Audio Stereo speakers Stereo speakers
Durability IP68 water & dust resistance IP68 water & dust resistance
Software Android 13 Android 13
Color options Lemongrass, Snow, Obsidian Hazel, Snow, Obsidian
Price Starts at $599 Starts at $899

Pixel 7 vs 7 Pro: Noticeable Differences 

Let’s face it. Not everyone cares about the technical specifications when comparing two smartphones. That said, most users do factor in the noticeable differences that they feel while seeing two smartphones lying side by side. So, if you want to keep the technical jargon aside and only care about the major design or performance differences when we talk about Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro, here’s what you should know.

  • Pixel 7 features a flat-screen design while the Pixel 7 Pro flaunts curves on the side edges. The display curves are subtle but they are there.
  • Pixel 7 Pro is noticeably wider and taller than the standard Pixel 7.
  • If you’re a fan of mobile gaming, you must know that Pixel 7 Pro boasts a refresh rate of 120Hz and gives you more RAM at 12GB. Talking about the regular Google Pixel 7, it tops out at a 90Hz refresh rate and 8GB RAM. Lots of users think 90Hz is smooth enough but 120Hz is noticeably smoother.
  • Pixel 7 offers a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultrawide sensor. The Pixel 7 Pro adds a 48MP Telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom to offer a triple rear camera system. Super useful for all camera nerds out there. 
  • Although both Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have a glass-back design, their finish isn’t the same. The Pixel 7 has a matte brushed aluminum kinda finish whereas the Pixel 7 Pro offers a more polished and glossy aluminum look & feel. While it won’t matter too much when you snap a case, this is definitely a noticeable factor when you’re comparing Pixel 7 vs Pixel 7 Pro. Furthermore, the Pixel 7 Pro’s glossy camera visor will be a fingerprint magnet.
  • Battery life is a major concern when you’re planning to buy a smartphone. So, it’s crucial to know the difference between the battery capacities of Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Since the Pro variant is bigger in size, Google packed a bigger 5,000mAh battery compared to the 4,355mAh unit on the Pixel 7. Well, this may seem a huge difference on paper but we might see the same battery life. Now, that’s because the Pixel 7 Pro has a bigger display with a higher refresh rate and resolution so it will require more battery. On the flip side, the standard Pixel 7 has a smaller screen with the same efficient Google Tensor G2 chipset so we can expect nice battery life on the standard variant as well. 

Also Read: Best Accessories for Pixel 6 Pro

Price and Availability 

Both the Google Pixel 7 series phones are up for preorders from the Google store with shipping starting as early as October 13. Coming to the pricing, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro start at $599 and $899, respectively. The 2022 Pixel phones are supported by all major carriers in the US. There’s an early bird offer between the 6th to 13th of October where Pixel 7 buyers will get free Pixel buds and Pixel 7 Pro buyers will receive a free Pixel Watch. 

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You should buy Google Pixel 7 if…

1. You need a value-for-money phone 

For budget-conscious users who need a great smartphone without spending too much, the Google Pixel 7 offers excellent value for money. It has a nice camera system with the new Photo Unblur feature, offers a similar design and looks to Pro, and packs the same Google Tensor G2 chipset. We aren’t saying that the Pixel 7 is just the same as the Pixel 7 Pro. The maxed-out variant surely has some extra luxury features like a 120Hz refresh rate, a better camera system, and a big battery. That said, these things don’t matter a lot for casual users. If you’re one of them, there’s nothing wrong with saving those extra $300 which you can spend on some cool accessories and still save some. After all, Pixel 7 comes with all the Android 13 benefits and is very similar to the high-end Pro variant, that too at a much lesser price. 

In short, just like the previous models, the Pixel 7 offers more value for money for most people and will get the same number of software updates as the 7 Pro. 

2. You need a mid-size smartphone with the same overall performance as the Pro version 

We all would agree upon the fact that not everyone is a fan of big smartphones. There are many users who love compact phones, especially people with smaller hands. So, if you’re also looking for a mid-size Android smartphone, you should buy the Pixel 7 without any second thoughts. It isn’t a small phone and you don’t have to settle for mid-tier specs at all. In fact, the Pixel 7 is packed with some similar capabilities to the Pro model. We’re talking about the IP68 rating, ultrawide cameras, Photo Unblur feature, Android 13 support and future updates, and most importantly the much-capable Google Tensor G2 SoC. You can expect the same software experience and performance on the Pro and standard models.

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So you see, you’re actually getting quite a lot of stuff while saving $300. So, if you don’t care about any extra bells & whistles, don’t hesitate to pick the Pixel 7.

Not to forget, just like the Pixel 7 Pro, the less-expensive Google Pixel 7 will get at least three years of software upgrades and five years of security updates. 

Also Read: Best Accessories for Google Pixel 6a

3.  You’re a flat-screen lover 

If you prefer flat-screen smartphones, there’s no way you gonna settle for a curved display. Therefore, if you’re a flat-screen lover, just skip the Pixel 7 Pro and opt for the standard Pixel 7. Also, despite having a price difference of $300, the display on the Pixel 7 looks vibrant and stunning. The OLED screen with a 2400 x 1080 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, and 1,400 nits of peak brightness is enough to put the Pixel 7 on the list of the best mid-range smartphones you can buy today. 

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4. You just can’t miss that Lemongrass color with a matte finish

If you just don’t want to go for regular white, black, or grey-like finishes and crave something more lively & bright, the Lemongrass finish of Pixel 7 is made just for you. Moreover, if you’ve sweaty hands or don’t fancy using a case, the Pixel 7 has a matte finish that smartly fights off those ugly fingerprints that can ruin the look of your smartphone. 

Also Read: Best Cases for Google Pixel 6

Go for Pixel 7 Pro if… 

1. You need the most powerful Pixel Phone your money can buy

Undoubtedly, the Pixel 7 Pro is the most powerful and advanced Google phone that you can buy right now. In addition to everything you’ll find on the Pixel 7, the Pro model brings some extra luxuries too. Therefore, if budget is no objection and you want the best Google experience, the Pixel 7 Pro is the way to go. For an extra $300, you aren’t just getting a bigger display or battery, the high-end Pro model has a lot more to offer. You’ll get more RAM which means seamless multitasking, a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a Telephoto camera sensor with 5x optical zoom, the new Macro feature for crisp close-up shots, and more. 

While we’re talking about the price, we know that the Pro model is more expensive than the regular one. That said, we just can’t deny the fact that $899 isn’t the most expensive price when we talk about flagship smartphones. Google clearly has a more competitive pricing strategy than

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Samsung and Apple. Let’s be fair, when you get a wholesome Pixel experience, $899 feels like a worthy investment. Furthermore, Google Pixel is the only smartphone that offers a bloat-free Android experience. No third-party pre-installed apps or promoted built-in apps. Just a Vanilla Android user experience. If you’ve ever used a Pixel phone, you know this feeling.

2. You need a bigger, state-of-the-art display 

If you need a bigger and more advanced display that truly feels premium, the Pixel 7 Pro has your name on it. As compared to the 6.23-inches AMOLED screen of Pixel 7, the Pro model has a bigger 6.7-inch LTPO 120Hz display. The Netflix-bingeing commuters and gamers will definitely love the larger screen. The screen on the Pixel 7 Pro isn’t just bigger, it’s more capable as well. The refresh rate on the Pixel 7 Pro display can go as high as a whopping 120Hz and as low as a little 1Hz. The 120Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference when you’re

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playing games. Apart from the display, the Pixel 7 Pro also comes with a bigger 5,000-mAh battery (4,355-mAh on Pixel 7) and higher RAM of 12GB (8GB on Pixel 7). Therefore, for power users and mobile gamers, the Pixel 7 Pro is a better option.

3. You can’t compromise with the camera 

Undoubtedly, the most prominent difference between Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is their camera offerings. Both smartphones have Photo Unblur, Motion Mode, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Night Sight, and other features. That said, they won’t offer the same camera experience, and there are reasons for it.

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While the standard Pixel 7 also has 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses, the Pixel 7 Pro adds more versatility to this rear camera system with the 48MP Telephoto sensor. If you’re into mobile photography, the highly-capable telephoto lens and much-useful Macro Focus mode can help you shoot dreamy portraits & detailed close-ups. 

In short, if you need the best Pixel camera experience, just go for the Pixel 7 Pro. 

Also Read: Best Google Home compatible devices for a Smart Home

Conclusion

The newly launched Google Pixel 7 series is just fantastic. No matter which model you go for, you’re bound to get amazing performance, software experience, and battery life. Depending on what features matter to you and how well they justify the cost, you can go ahead and pick the best Pixel phone for yourself. 

Which phone are you planning to buy from the Google Pixel 7 series? We’ll love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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TechieTechTech Team
TechieTechTech Team