Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 7: Do you have to improve?

Google’s Pixel 7 was the most effective worth smartphones when it launched again in 2022, nevertheless it wasn’t with out its flaws. Quick ahead to right now, and the most recent Pixel 9 addresses nearly all of these {hardware} shortcomings whereas additionally pushing the envelope with new AI options and a considerably longer replace dedication. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that the Pixel 7 stays a well-rounded smartphone even two years on. So on this Pixel 9 vs Pixel 7 comparability, let’s take a better have a look at how these two Google telephones differ and whether or not you must improve to this era or not.

Whereas the Pixel 9 retains the overall measurement and design language of the Pixel 7, you’ll discover loads of minor variations. For starters, the Pixel 9 has flat sides much like the iPhone together with softer and considerably extra rounded corners than the Pixel 7. Google’s signature digicam bar has additionally modified barely, sitting perched atop the rear glass on the Pixel 9 as an alternative of working throughout the width of the telephone and increasing into the body.

Sturdiness-wise, each telephones supply the identical IP68 mud and water resistance score. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9 has a slight edge with its Gorilla Glass Victus 2 show that ought to face up to put on and tear higher than the Pixel 7’s first-gen Gorilla Glass Victus safety.

Whereas it has turn into uncommon to see true generational enhancements in smartphones lately, Google has bucked this pattern with its newest flagship. The Pixel 9’s show, particularly, affords some of the noticeable enhancements. Whereas the Pixel 7 had an honest display screen, it fell brief in features equivalent to brightness and refresh price. The Pixel 9, however, practically doubles the height brightness and affords a smoother 120Hz refresh price, making it the most effective shows in its worth class. You’ll simply discover this spec bump if you happen to typically use your telephone in vibrant outside circumstances or to look at HDR media.

Should you’re one of many many Pixel homeowners that keep loyal to the model for its pictures strengths, you’ll be joyful to know that Google has lastly improved the rear ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7’s 12.5MP ultrawide shooter delivers decent-looking outcomes at face worth, however can not seize sufficient element if you happen to’re one to zoom in.

Fortunately, the Pixel 9 now boasts a 48MP sensor and even helps macro focus due to the built-in autofocus. The latter was beforehand solely out there on the Professional fashions. And on that be aware, Google has dropped the characteristic segmentation between the common Pixel 9 and the Professional fashions. The principle and ultrawide shooters are shared with the Professional, in contrast to prior Pixel generations. The selfie shooter has additionally been improved barely on the Pixel 9. The ten.5MP sensor now helps autofocus for sharper and clearer photographs.

Whereas efficiency wasn’t a giant sore spot on the Pixel 7, its Tensor G2 struggled underneath sustained hundreds and didn’t ship one of the best effectivity. The Tensor G4 fixes each of these points, providing considerably sooner app launches and energy effectivity. Although the battery capability has solely elevated about 8% between the 2 telephones, Google guarantees double digit enhancements. Charging speeds have improved considerably too, going as much as 27W on the Pixel 9 vs the Pixel 7’s 21W.

As for the extra minor enhancements, the Pixel 9 fixes the gradual fingerprint unlocking downside of the Pixel 7 with a model new ultrasonic under-display sensor. Samsung makes use of the identical know-how for its flagship Galaxy S24 collection, so we’re joyful to see Google undertake it as effectively. Lastly, the Pixel 9 will obtain Android model updates for a whopping seven years post-release. That’s rather a lot longer than the Pixel 7, which can solely obtain three years’ value of software program updates and 5 complete years of safety patches.

Google has additionally introduced a number of AI options to the Pixel 9, bundling options like Magic Editor, Name Notes, Pixel Screenshots, and a bunch of different Gemini Nano-powered Pixel options that had been first launched with the Pixel 8 collection. The Pixel 9 has one last ace up its sleeve — satellite tv for pc connectivity for emergencies. Just like the iPhone, Satellite tv for pc SOS received’t value you something for the primary two years. Google additionally says the service will increase to extra areas past the US within the coming months.

When the Pixel 7 launched in 2022, it was the most effective worth smartphones in the marketplace. At $599, you bought a flagship-grade processor, wonderful digicam system, and a smattering of different premium specs.

Quick ahead a few generations, nevertheless, and Google has adjusted its technique and pricing to focus on the correct flagship market. The Pixel 9 will set you again a whopping $799. Fortunately, Google’s smartphones have a long-established historical past of occurring sale after a couple of months. When you can not buy the Pixel 7 anymore, the Pixel 9 is on the market for pre-order proper now.

Google Pixel 9 vs Pixel 7: Do you have to improve?

The Pixel 9 brings substantial upgrades in show, efficiency, battery life, and digicam capabilities to the desk, making it a worthy successor to the Pixel 7. Whereas smartphone releases have turn into more and more iterative of late, the Pixel 9 is a major step ahead. It does are available in at a a lot larger price ticket, although, which makes the improve far much less interesting.

Furthermore, many features of the Pixel 7 have aged fairly gracefully, with just some exceptions just like the gradual charging speeds and the upcoming finish of software program updates in 2025. It doesn’t get most of the flashy new AI options, however their day-to-day utility to most customers is questionable at finest.

So on the finish of the day, the Pixel 9 is simply a viable improve path if you happen to’re pissed off by the older Google telephone’s limitations. Between the middling show, efficiency, and battery life, there are actually causes for energy customers to justify the improve. But when your Pixel 7 meets your every day calls for, you possibly can probably maintain out till the Pixel 10’s launch. The latter is rumored to ship much more radical efficiency and battery life enhancements. Do you suppose the Pixel 9 is value upgrading from the Pixel 7?