Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: How They Compare

When Google released the Pixel 8, it immediately lowered the price of its predecessor, the Pixel 7. Several months on, the Pixel 8 itself has come down in price, while the Pixel 7 has become even more affordable. Which begs the question: should you buy the current Pixel 8, or spring for the very cheap, yet perfectly capable, Pixel 7? In this article, we’ll help you decide. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Specs

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 specs. 

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Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Price

Upon release, Google priced the Pixel 8 at $699, and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999. Following the debut of the Pixel 8a, Google lowered the price of its flagship lineup even more. Now an unlocked Pixel 8 now goes for just $549, while the Pixel 8 Pro costs $749.  

The Google Pixel 7, meanwhile, now costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $350 for an unlocked model. The carriers themselves—at least the major ones—have evidently cleared their shelves of the Pixel 7, so if you’re looking to use one aboard Verizon or any other major network, you’ll likely have to purchase it separately via a retailer like Walmart or Amazon. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Design 

The general design that Google introduced with the Google Pixel 6—characterized by rounded edges, polished glass, and a trademark camera band on the back of the phone—has carried through to the Pixel 7 and now the Pixel 8. 

At first glance, it’s hard to distinguish between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8, but closer inspection reveals some differences. Specifically, the Google Pixel 8 features even more rounded edges than its predecessor, and its camera strip is more pronounced. Also, the Google Pixel 8 is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7, making it easier to handle and fit in your pocket. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Display 

With the release of its Pixel 8 series, Google introduced their so-called Actua displays, which are brighter and sharper than anything they’ve produced before. The Actua screen in the Pixel 8 offers up to 2,000 nits of brightness (2,400 in the Pixel 8 Pro), and a 120Hz refresh rate that makes your interaction with it (scrolling, swiping, opening apps) ultra-fast. 

The OLED display in the Pixel 7, by comparison, tops out at 1,400 nits of brightness, coupled with a 90Hz refresh rate. Clearly, the Pixel 8 to the Pixel 7 is superior in this department. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Colors

Google has always had a knack for making their Pixels aesthetically pleasing, especially when it comes to their color schemes. The Pixel 7 is available in three varieties: Obsidian, Snow, Lemongrass (off-yellow), Snow (gray), and Obsidian (essentially black). These phones are attractive, but the Pixel 8 really takes things to another level with Hazel, Rose, and the especially nice Mint, in addition to the standard Obsidian. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Processing

One of the biggest differences between the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 8 are their respective processors. Both make use of Google’s proprietary Tensor chip: the Pixel 7 is powered with the Tensor G2, while the Pixel 8 is driven with the faster and more advanced Tensor G3. 

The Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 chip outperforms the Pixel 7’s G2 chip according to most smartphone processing metrics, but it really shines in its ability to take advantage of the many AI functionalities that the Pixel phones are known for. For example, whereas an internet data signal is required to perform many AI tasks in the Google Pixel 7, these same things (like Magic Compose) can be done independently of an Internet signal in the Pixel 8. 

Having said this, you’re unlikely to notice a huge difference between the two phones when it comes to everyday usage, like opening and running apps. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Cameras

Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 offer best-in-class camera features not found in other phone lineups, and on paper, their main camera specs look similar: both feature 50 MP wide and 12 MP ultrawide cameras in the back, and 10.8 MP and 10.5 MP lenses, respectively, in the front. 

However, when you compare the pictures taken with the two phones, some differences emerge. The photos snapped with the Google Pixel 8 are slightly brighter and more vibrant than those taken with the Pixel 7, which can be attributed to a wider aperture in the newer device. Also, the Google Pixel 8 camera system includes an autofocus feature that the Pixel 7 doesn’t have. 

Both phones come backed with most of the same AI-driven photography software that sets these phones apart from the Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone devices. This includes “Best Take,” which automatically combines similar photos to give you the best version, and the Magic Editor and Magic Eraser photo editing tools. 

Google Pixel 7 vs. Google Pixel 8: Battery Life

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 feature fairly similar battery sizes (the Pixel 8’s battery is just 220 mAh larger than its predecessor’s), but anecdotal experience indicates that they last about the same amount of time on a single charge—roughly 24 hours. 

It’s worth mentioning, however, that the Pixel 8 accomplishes this despite its brighter screen, pointing to the efficiency of its battery. 

Bottom Line

The Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 8 are both excellent phones, offering an attractive mixture of aesthetics, premium hardware, and forward-leaning AI features that this line of devices is known for. Now that the Google Pixel 8a has been released—and we’re a few short months away from the debut of the Google Pixel 9—both of these phones have gotten cheaper, so you can get into the Pixel universe for a minimal financial outlay. 

If you want the latest and greatest in Android, you’ll no doubt want to pick up the Google Pixel 8, as its cameras, display, and processing power make it one of the best phones currently on the market. However, if you’re willing to make some technology concessions, the Pixel 7 is a great way to go, especially given how affordable it is now. 

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