Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: A Detailed Comparison

Google's Pixel line has consistently delivered exceptional camera experiences and clean Android software. But with newer models like the Pixel 7 arriving, how does it stack up against older gems like the Pixel 5? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which Pixel is right for your needs and budget.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 7 offers a significant upgrade in display brightness, processing power, and charging speed. While the Pixel 5 remains a capable device with excellent software support, the Pixel 7's superior performance and features make it the clear winner for most users, especially those prioritizing a vibrant display and faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 7 Google Pixel 5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GQML31, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GQML31, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave - GD1YQ
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GVU6C1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - GTT9Q
Launch
Announced2022, October 062020, September 30
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 13Available. Released 2020, October 15
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm (5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)151 g (5.33 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 87.6 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)OLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G2 (5 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MP7Adreno 620
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgradesAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless18W wired, PD2.0 12W wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 4355 mAhLi-Po 4080 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian, Lemongrass, SnowJust Black, Sorta Sage
ModelsGVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5GD1YQ, GTT9Q, G5NZ6
Price€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499€ 181.31 / $ 272.44 / £ 136.00
Pricing
128GB 8GB RAM-$ 194.84
RENEWED-$ 253.00
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 96h Endurance rating 95h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.2 LUFS (Good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Google Pixel 7

  • Brighter Display
  • Faster Performance (Tensor G2)
  • Faster Charging
  • Improved Camera (likely)
  • Modern Design

  • Potentially Higher Price
  • Tensor G2 can have thermal throttling issues

Google Pixel 5

  • Excellent Value
  • Compact Size
  • Reliable Performance
  • Great Camera
  • Long Software Support

  • Dimmer Display
  • Slower Charging
  • Older Processor
  • Less Powerful than Pixel 7

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7 boasts a significantly brighter display at 974 nits compared to the Pixel 5's 699 nits. This difference is noticeable, especially outdoors or in bright sunlight. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (Infinite, nominally), but the Pixel 7's brightness provides a more immersive viewing experience. The Pixel 7 also likely has a higher resolution, though specific resolution details are not provided in the specs.

Camera Comparison

Both Pixels are known for their exceptional camera capabilities. While specific camera specs aren't detailed, the Pixel 7 likely benefits from improvements in image processing and potentially new hardware sensors thanks to the Tensor G2. Both phones offer excellent computational photography features like Night Sight and Portrait Mode.

Performance

The Pixel 7's Google Tensor G2 chipset and octa-core CPU (with Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A78 cores) provide a substantial performance boost over the Pixel 5's Snapdragon 765G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Pixel 7. The Tensor G2 is also optimized for Google's AI and machine learning features.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar, with the Pixel 7 achieving an endurance rating of 96h and the Pixel 5 at 95h. However, the Pixel 7's faster 20W wired and wireless charging (including PD3.0 support) allows for quicker top-ups compared to the Pixel 5's 18W wired and 12W wireless charging.

Buying Guide

The Google Pixel 7 is ideal for users who want the latest Google features, a brighter and more vibrant display, faster performance, and improved camera capabilities. The Pixel 5 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable Google phone with a fantastic camera and long software support, especially if they don't need the absolute latest hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel 7 worth the upgrade from a Pixel 5?
If you prioritize a brighter display, faster performance, and quicker charging, then the Pixel 7 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and happy with your Pixel 5's performance, it remains a capable device.
❓ How long will the Pixel 5 receive software updates?
Google typically provides 3 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates. The Pixel 5 is likely nearing the end of its OS update cycle, but will continue to receive security updates for some time.