When it comes to flagship smartphones, you can’t help but notice that Google has been steadily improving its Pixel lineup with each iteration. In this article, we’ll be comparing the Pixel 7 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro and delve into the new features and improvements that Google has introduced. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is among the latest additions to the Pixel series, and it brings several exciting improvements over its predecessor, the Google Pixel 7 Pro. While the changes may not be revolutionary, they contribute to perfecting the formula that Google has been honing since the Pixel 6 Pro. Let’s get started.
Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro specs
| Specification | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Google Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Size, weight | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm, 213g | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm, 212g |
| Screen | 6.7″ OLED 1-120Hz LTPO, 2,400 nits | 6.7″ OLED 1-120Hz LTPO |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Google Tensor G2 |
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13 |
| RAM, Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB, 12GB LPDDR5X | 128GB/256GB/512GB, 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 |
| Cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultra, 48MP 5X zoom | 40MP main, 12MP ultra, 48MP 5.0X zoom |
| Battery | 5,050mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | USB-C 30W wired | USB-C 23W wired |
Design and Size
The design of the Pixel 8 Pro builds upon the familiar aesthetics of the Pixel series. It retains the recycled aluminum construction and maintains the signature camera strip at the back. However, Google has made some subtle changes to keep the Pixel 8 Pro feeling fresh and new. The telephoto lens has now been integrated into an elongated oval alongside the wide and ultrawide cameras, and the edges of the phone have been rounded out for a sleek curved look. You may also notice an extra sensor on the Pixel 8 camera bar – this is a temperature sensor that can give you readings on things like cooking and beverages, and will potentially take human temperatures in the future.
In terms of size, the Pixel 8 Pro is similar to its predecessor, with dimensions of 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 213g, whereas the 7 Pro comes in at 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm. These dimensions make both phones comfortable and ergonomic devices, striking a balance between a large display and a manageable form factor. Additionally, the Pixel 8 Pro retains the slightly curved rear and front glass, but is slightly tougher overall due to using Gorilla Glass Victus 2 as opposed to the Gorilla Glass Victus of the Pixel 6 and 7.
In terms of colorways, we get three colors for each device. The Pixel 7 comes in Obsidian (black), Snow (white), and Hazel (grey), whereas Google introduced some new colorways for the Pixel 8 which comes in Porcelain (off-white), Bay (blue), and the classic Obsidian black.
Display Differences
One of the standout features of the Pixel 8 Pro is its display. It boasts a Super Actua 6.7-inch display with a peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits. This makes it one of the brightest displays on a Pixel phone and puts it in the league of other flagship devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
In comparison, the Pixel 7 Pro has a less impressive display, but the Super Actua technology is not a compelling reason to upgrade. Both devices feature OLED panels with smooth refresh rate range of 1 to 120Hz, providing a highly satisfying user experience. Additionally, both devices offer in-display fingerprint scanners, as well as a new face unlock feature for convenient and secure unlocking.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chipset, an upgrade over the Tensor G2 chip found in the Pixel 7 Pro. The Tensor G3 features a faster and more efficient architecture, with nine cores compared to the octa-core Tensor G2. The new chipset also comes with a Mali-G715 GPU, delivering a 15% boost in graphics performance. Essentially, the upgraded TPU in the Tensor G3 chip allows the Pixel 8 Pro to run AI models more efficiently than any other phone on the market. This inludes generative AI, as well as AI-powered photo processing features such as Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser.
Memory-wise, the Pixel 8 Pro offers LPDDR5X RAM, which may result in small improvements over the LPDDR5 RAM of the Pixel 7 Pro. Both devices come with 12GB of RAM, and offer the same storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB. In terms of battery life, there’s not much difference between the two. The Pixel 8 Pro packs a 5,050 mAh battery, and the Pixel 7 Pro has a marginally smaller 5,000 mAh. However, the 8 Pro does get a wireless charging boost, reaching 23W when using wireless with Pixel Stand.
Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro camera
The camera is an essential aspect of any smartphone, and Google has made significant improvements in the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera department. The device features a 50MP main camera with an improved f/1.7 aperture, enhancing low-light photography and Night Sight. The big boost comes to the 8 Pro’s ultrawide camera, which now features a 48MP sensor. Even better still, the camera has become capable of shooting macro photos. There’s promise of even more advances to come in later feature drops, such as the Video Boost shown at the Made by Google event.
In comparison, the Pixel 7 Pro has a slower f/1.9 aperture, putting it at a disadvantage in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide and telephoto cameras on the Pixel 8 Pro also benefit from wider and faster apertures, providing better performance in various scenarios.
The ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 8 Pro offers improved macro capabilities, allowing users to capture stunning close-up shots. Additionally, the telephoto camera boasts 5.0x optical zoom and improved light sensitivity. These hardware upgrades, combined with Google’s AI-powered software enhancements, make the Pixel 8 Pro a formidable device for photography enthusiasts.
Pixel 8 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro price
The price of the Google Pixel 8 Pro starts from $999 for the base model, which adds $100 to the smallest Pixel 7 Pro model thats pricing starts from $899. However, when you consider that Google has extended it’s already long five years of updates to a promised seven years of OS and security for the Pixel 8 models, and that Pixel’s tend to have a long lifespan, it could be worthy investment if you’re after a high-end Android phone built to last.
Final thoughts
The Pixel 8 Pro is a flagship device that aims to compete with the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you are an existing Pixel 7 Pro user, the differences may not be significant enough to warrant an upgrade. However, if you are considering upgrading from an older Pixel device, the Pixel 8 Pro could be a perfect choice. If you’re not sure what separates the two newest Pixel models, we’ve defined the differences here with the Pixel 8 vs Pixel 8 Pro.
