The competition in the smartphone market is fierce, and with the release of the Google Pixel 7 following its predecessor, the Pixel 6, users are faced with the question of whether it’s worth the upgrade. Both phones share similarities, but incremental improvements in the Pixel 7 may sway users in its direction. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects to help you decide whether to leap to the latest Pixel iteration.
Price, Availability, and Specs
The Pixel 6 and 7 launched at the same $600 price point, but finding a new Pixel 6 is becoming challenging, and Pixel 7 supplies are diminishing. With newer processors, upgraded cameras, and frequent deals, the current-gen Pixels offer more value. The Pixel 8, in particular, stands out, providing seven years of system and security updates, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to its predecessors.
Design
Google maintains its visor-design language in the Pixel 7, refining the aesthetics introduced with the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7’s visor, now crafted from aluminum, seamlessly blends with the frame, offering a more cohesive and polished appearance. The phone is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, providing a better ergonomic feel and grip. Both devices, however, retain the glossy glass finish on the back, attracting fingerprints.
The color options have also seen a shift, with the Pixel 7 offering choices like Lemongrass, Snow, and Obsidian, replacing the Pixel 6’s Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, and Stormy Black.
Display
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 share almost identical displays, both featuring an AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. However, the Pixel 7’s 6.3-inch display offers a higher pixel density, hitting a peak brightness of 1400 nits compared to the Pixel 6’s 6.4-inch display with a peak brightness of 800 nits. The Pixel 7’s display also performs better outdoors.
Software
Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 run on Android 13, with the Pixel 7 guaranteed to receive updates for an extra year. The Pixel 7 introduces face unlock, ensuring security measures prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, the Pixel 7 incorporates new software features, such as automatic weather reports on the lock and home screens, a “Silence” voice action, Recorder app upgrades, and enhanced Pixel Call Assist capabilities.
Performance and Connectivity
While the Pixel 7 retains many aspects of its predecessor, including 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, it introduces the Google Tensor G2 chip. Although not a drastic improvement in raw performance, the Tensor G2 chip is optimized for AI tasks, enhancing the Pixel’s software capabilities. The new chip also comes with a modem promising better connectivity, addressing reported issues with the Pixel 6.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 7 features a slightly smaller 4,355mAh battery compared to the Pixel 6’s 4,614mAh, but optimizations in the chipset and display size aim to maintain a similar overall battery life. Charging capabilities remain consistent for both devices, supporting wired and wireless charging, as well as reverse wireless charging. The Pixel 7’s wired charging speed reaches 30W, while the Pixel 6 tops out at 21W.
Camera
Surprisingly, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 share identical camera hardware on the back—a 50MP wide standard camera paired with a 12MP ultrawide. However, the Pixel 7 introduces advancements in night photography, offering faster capture times and a new max night mode for improved low-light shots. True Tone algorithms are enhanced for accurate representation of skin tones, and Super Res Zoom provides a more detailed digital zoom experience. The Pixel 7 also introduces Photo Unblur, allowing users to enhance photos with a new algorithm that removes motion blur.
Should you upgrade?
For Pixel 6 users, upgrading to the Pixel 7 might not be a compelling choice, especially with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7a on the market. The Pixel 7’s refinements, improvements in camera capabilities, and software enhancements make it an attractive option for those seeking the latest advancements. However, if your Pixel 6 is still performing well, holding out for future releases might be worthwhile. The Pixel 7 is undoubtedly a step forward, but whether it’s the right move depends on individual preferences and priorities.