Choosing between Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro can be a big dilemma! If you’re considering buying a Google Pixel 7 or Google Pixel 7 Pro, it’s essential to do your research. You need to determine which one best suits your needs. Released in October 2022, these two smartphones look very similar, but a few details differentiate them. We’re not just talking about design but also features that are less obvious at first glance. So, what are these distinctive elements? Are they minor or, on the contrary, significant? We give you the complete answer in our comparison.
Design And Screen
If you put the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro side by side, you don’t see any significant differences except the size. The Pro version is slightly larger than the base model. It measures 7.68 x 16.3 x 0.87 cm compared to 7.32 x 15.56 x 0.87 cm. Plus, it’s a bit heavier, weighing 212g versus 197g. Both devices have IP68 certification to guarantee their waterproofness.
They are also coated in Corning Gorilla Victus glass and an aluminum frame, giving them a premium design. Regarding the screen, the Pixel 7 is equipped with a 6.3-inch Full HD+ OLED panel. In contrast, the 7 Pro has a slightly larger 6.7-inch OLED display with QHD+ resolution. It also offers a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, while the Pixel 7 is limited to 90 Hz. Thanks to LTPO 2.0 technology, the Pro can also adjust its refresh rate more precisely, between 1 and 120 Hz.
Finally, the Pro version also gains in terms of maximum brightness. It can reach 1500 nits compared to 1400 nits on the base Pixel 7. In reality, both screens are of excellent quality. The differences in refresh rate and peak brightness are virtually invisible. The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro remain perfectly readable, even in direct sunlight.
SoC And Performance
When it comes to components, there are few distinctions between the two smartphones. Both are powered by the same Tensor G2 processor, a chip developed by Google in collaboration with Samsung. On the GPU side, they integrate a Mali-G710. Their performances are, therefore, very similar. These elements are combined with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
However, the Pixel 7 Pro benefits from a little more RAM with up to 12 GB, while the Pixel 7 has 8 GB. Overall, no matter which model you choose, you get a top-of-the-line phone in terms of speed and raw power. Additionally, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are beefy, as Google guarantees 5 years of Android updates for both models.
Photo Module
The main difference between these two devices lies in the photo module. They have the same 50 MP Samsung GN1 primary lens (with f/1.85 aperture), the same 12 MP Sony IMX381 Exmor RS ultra-wide angle (with f/2.2 aperture), and the same 10.8 Samsung S5K3J1 selfie sensor. MP (with f/2.2 aperture). Multi-directional autofocus and optical stabilization are there.
On the other hand, the Pixel 7 Pro also has a dedicated 48 MP telephoto lens on its back for zooming. This allows it to achieve x5 optical zoom compared to x2 on the basic Pixel 7. And in digital zoom, it can go up to x30 instead of x8. As we expect, the zoom is significantly better on the Pixel 7 pro. On the Pixel 7, photos lose detail and sharpness.
Still, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 7 manages to capture higher-quality zoomed images than some smartphones with a telephoto lens. In two, both Pixels can film in 4K at 60 FPS with all lenses. This is a relatively rare and truly appreciable feat. Google also introduced its version of Apple’s Cinematic mode, called Cinematic Blur.
This feature allows you to create a blurred bokeh effect in the background, although its effectiveness is somewhat limited. To sum it up, when it comes to photography, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are unbeatable. You should not focus only on megapixels or the number of sensors. Google’s considerable strength lies in software processing, and that’s what makes all the difference.
Connectivity And Autonomy
In terms of connectivity, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, dual SIM, a USB Host 3.0 port, NFC, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), and an eSIM. In terms of autonomy, they are just excellent, although their battery capacity is different. The Pro version offers additional power: 5,000 mAh compared to the 4,300 mAh of the base model. Both can last a day and a half without having to recharge them.
On the other hand, Google has been restrictive in terms of the power of fast charging. It is still limited to 21 W for the Pixel 7 and 23 W for the Pixel 7 Pro. This is much too low compared to what Chinese competitors offer, which can go up to 45 or 65 W, and that is very regrettable. Recharging, therefore, takes too long. It takes 1h30 to go from 0 to 100%. Besides this, both are also compatible with wireless charging and reverse charging features.
Price
Finally, there is another crucial aspect that sets these two devices apart: the price! Indeed, the Pixel 7 Pro is sold for 250 euros more than the Pixel 7 (899 euros compared to 649 euros for the base model with 128 GB). This is where the difference becomes noticeable. Google justifies this increase of 250 euros with a slightly larger screen, the presence of a telephoto lens, and a larger battery. These differences are not significant enough to merit the additional cost.
Google Pixel 7 Vs. 7 Pro: Which One To Choose?
The Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are Google’s flagship products, currently occupying a dominant position in the high-end smartphone market. They stand out with their premium design, exceptional performance, and full range of advanced mobile features. Plus, they offer one of the best photography experiences around.
To choose between the two, you must take into account your preferences, but also your wallet. Indeed, the differences between the two models are relatively minor to justify the price difference fully. So, if you’re on a budget, we recommend the Pixel 7. However, if you’re looking for a highly feature-packed smartphone with high-end features like a telephoto lens, 120Hz display, and a larger screen, then the Pixel 7 Pro is for you. In either situation, there is no wrong choice, and neither will disappoint you!
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