Google Pixel 8 vs. Google Pixel 7: What’s the difference?

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  Google Pixel 8

  best show

  $500 $700 Save $200

  Google Pixel 8 introduces a Tensor G3 processor, a brighter and faster display, tweaks to the camera system, and more. It’s not that different from its predecessor, but it’s refined and it’s the way to go if you want to be on the cutting edge.

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  Google Pixel 7

  a good choice

  The Google Pixel 7 may be a little old, but it’s still very relevant. It already offers amazing value for money and will only become more attractive as the price drops further. The performance is great, the design is stylish, and the photography is top-notch.

Since the Google Pixel 8 launched in late 2023, the Pixel 7 has become increasingly difficult to find. In fact, the new Pixel 7 is likely to cost more than its successor, as you can find some great deals on Pixel 8 phones.

That said, the Pixel 7 is still supported by Google, and you can find used or refurbished phones at reasonable prices. The newer Pixel 8 comes with a new processor, upgraded cameras and a tweaked design – but is it enough to make it worth upgrading from the Pixel 7?

Whether you’re buying a Pixel for the first time or weighing the cost of an upgrade, we’ve got you covered. Here are all the changes in Google’s latest phones.

Prices, specifications and availability

Believe it or not, the new Pixel 8 is a better deal

Pixel 7 launches in October 2022 for $599. Prices initially dropped after the Pixel 8 was released, but now the cost of the Pixel has rebounded to its original price.

Pixel 8 launches on October 4, 2023, priced at $699. Prices have dropped, making the Pixel 8 cheaper than the Pixel 7 in some cases.

• 	Google Pixel 8	Google Pixel 7
  brand	Google	Google
  system on chip	Google Tensor G3	Google Tensor G2
  exhibit	6.3 inches, Actua OLED, 2400 x 1080, 428ppi, 60-120Hz, up to 2000nits	6.3 inches, Full HD+, 90Hz, up to 1400 nits
  Battery	4575mAh, 30W fast charging, 12-18W wireless	4,355 mAh
  operating system	Android 14	Android 13
  aspect	150.5×70.8×8.9mm	155.6×73.2×8.7 mm
  color	Obsidian/Hazel/Rose	Snow/Obsidian/Lemongrass
  Protection level	IP68	IP68
  Front camera	10.5MP	10.8MP f/2.2
  rear camera	50MP wide angle + 12MP ultra wide angle	50MP f/1.9 main camera + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle
  weight	187 grams	197 grams
  charging speed	30W wired/12W-18W wireless	30W wired/20W wireless
  Memory	8GB	8GB
  storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB

Design and display

Pixel 8 is brighter and more responsive

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 have very similar styling; they both feature Google’s signature raised camera strip with a metallic finish, two rear lenses connected in a pill-shaped window, and a separate flash unit. The most obvious difference is that the new phone’s lens is larger and the phone’s corners are rounder.

They both have the same size screen, but the Pixel 8 has slimmer bezels to reduce the overall size of the phone. It’s slightly thicker than the Pixel 7, but only 0.2mm thick, so you’re unlikely to notice it in the real world. The Pixel 8 is also a bit lighter, which we’re always happy to see.

The Pixel 8 comes in subtle gray and obsidian black colors, a more unique Peony Rose option, and the recently added Mint color. However, the Pixel 7 takes home the award for the most eye-catching color choice with its bold lemongrass color. It’s also available in understated Snow and Black color options.

Both phones feature 6.3-inch FullHD+ displays, but the Pixel 8’s display gets a healthy upgrade. It offers an adaptive refresh rate of 60-120Hz compared to the fixed 90Hz refresh rate on the Pixel 7. It’s also brighter, capable of outputting 2,000 nits at peak compared to the 1,400 nits on the Pixel 7.

Hardware and performance

Pixel is faster and more powerful

The Pixel 8 (and 8 Pro) are the first phones to feature Google’s third-generation chip, Tensor G3. This should result in significant performance improvements compared to the Tensor G2 processor in the Pixel 7. If you like playing graphics-intensive mobile games or doing things like video editing and image processing on the go, go for a newer model.

Both models come with 8GB RAM and come with the same 128GB or 256GB storage options. Charging and battery claims for both models also remain the same, with both claiming more than 24 hours of battery life and charging to 50% in 30 minutes using Google’s 30W USB-C charger.

camera

Major upgrade to main camera

At first glance, the camera specifications of the two phones look very similar. However, the Pixel 8 has some key advantages over its predecessor. The main camera has a wider aperture and better low-light performance; it is now f/1.68 compared to f/1.85. Both use 50MP sensors, and both can achieve up to 8x ultra-high-resolution zoom.

The 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens gets a wider field of view on the Pixel 8, offering 125.8 degrees instead of 114 degrees, and also features autofocus and macro focus. Depending on what you like to shoot, this might be the biggest upgrade with the new model.

The biggest advantages come from Google’s software features, like Audio Magic Eraser that cleans up audio in video clips, and Best Take that lets you merge group photos for perfect results every time.

Oddly, the selfie camera has a slight drop in megapixels. It’s now 10.5MP instead of 10.8MP. On the other hand, it does offer a wider field of view of 95 degrees compared to the Pixel 7’s 92.8 degrees. For that, you’ll need to move to the pricier Pixel 8 Pro.

As always, the biggest advantages come from Google’s software features, like Audio Magic Eraser, which cleans up audio in video clips, and Best Take, which lets you merge collectives every time lens for perfect results. These features are currently exclusive to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, but we can’t help but wonder if they’ll be coming to Google Photos in the near future as well.

Conclusion: Pixel 8 has replaced Pixel 7

But the Pixel 7 still has life in it

There’s no doubt that the Pixel 8 is a better phone, mostly thanks to its newer processor, but the overall difference isn’t as dramatic as some might have hoped. Still, an improved display, camera upgrades, and slight reductions in size and weight all add to its appeal.

If you already own an older model, it might make more sense to wait for the next generation before upgrading your existing Pixel 7, as it’ll still be great in 2024. On the other hand, if you don’t have a Pixel 7 yet, you might as well get a new Pixel 8 if you can find one cheaper.

At the end of the day, both phones are great choices. If you like the stock Android experience and Google’s AI-powered computational photography, the Pixel 7 and 8 are two of the best mid-range and high-end smartphones available today.