Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 6: A Detailed Comparison

The Google Pixel 6 revolutionized Google's smartphone game, and the Pixel 7 builds upon that foundation. But is the upgrade worth it? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the key differences between these two popular phones, helping you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Pixel 7 offers a noticeable improvement in performance, a slightly brighter display, and a longer-lasting battery. While the Pixel 6 remains a capable device, the Pixel 7's refinements and Tensor G2 chip make it the overall winner for those seeking the latest and greatest from Google.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 7 Google Pixel 6
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 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 - GB7N6, G9S9B16
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, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G9S9B
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, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GB7N6
Launch
Announced2022, October 062021, October 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, October 13Available. Released 2021, October 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)207 g (7.30 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 Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)AMOLED, 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 (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G2 (5 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MP7Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgradesAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
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", 1.25µm50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 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 HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
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/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wirelessWired (based on 30W charger), PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 21W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 4355 mAhLi-Ion 4614 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian, Lemongrass, SnowSorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, Stormy Black
ModelsGVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5GB7N6, G9S9B16, G9S9B, GR1YH
Price€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499$ 172.48 / C$ 238.84 / £ 169.99 / € 191.89 / ₹ 23,719
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 96h Endurance rating 86h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.2 LUFS (Good) -26.9 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 676831 (v9) GeekBench: 2899 (v5.1) GFXBench: 57fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel 7

  • Improved Performance (Tensor G2)
  • Brighter Display
  • Longer Battery Life
  • Slightly Enhanced Camera

  • Higher Price
  • Design is evolutionary, not revolutionary

Google Pixel 6

  • Excellent Value
  • Great Camera
  • Clean Android Experience
  • Compact Size

  • Slightly Slower Performance
  • Shorter Battery Life
  • Less Bright Display

Display Comparison

Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 feature vibrant OLED displays with excellent color accuracy and infinite contrast ratios. However, the Pixel 7 boasts a peak brightness of 974 nits, making it noticeably better in bright sunlight. Both have a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling.

Camera Comparison

Both Pixels excel in photography, thanks to Google's computational photography prowess. The Pixel 7 features slight improvements in image processing, resulting in slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both offer excellent video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Pixel 7's Tensor G2 chip provides a tangible performance boost over the Pixel 6's Tensor chip. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run more efficiently. While both phones handle everyday tasks with ease, the Pixel 7's improved CPU and GPU offer a more responsive experience.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7 demonstrates a significant advantage in battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 96 hours compared to the Pixel 6's 86 hours. This translates to noticeably longer usage between charges, making the Pixel 7 a more reliable choice for power users.

Buying Guide

The Pixel 7 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, a slightly better camera experience, and longer battery life. It's a great choice for those wanting the latest Google features and software updates. The Pixel 6 is a fantastic option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium Google experience with a great camera and clean Android software. It offers excellent value for its price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Pixel 7 a significant upgrade over the Pixel 6?
Yes, the Pixel 7 offers noticeable improvements in performance, battery life, and display brightness, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many users.
❓ Which Pixel has the better camera?
While both have excellent cameras, the Pixel 7 offers slightly improved image processing and low-light performance.
❓ Is the Pixel 6 still a good phone in 2024?
Absolutely! The Pixel 6 remains a capable and feature-rich smartphone, especially for those on a budget.
❓ Does the Pixel 7 support 5G?
Yes, both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 support 5G connectivity.