Google Pixel 7 vs LG Velvet 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Performance, Camera, and Battery

The LG Velvet 5G, once a contender in the premium mid-range, now faces a formidable opponent in Google’s Pixel 7. While the Velvet offered a unique design and solid fundamentals, the Pixel 7 brings Google’s Tensor G2 chip and advanced camera capabilities to the table. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs, especially considering the Velvet's age and diminishing software support.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7 is the clear winner. Its significantly brighter display (974 nits vs 617 nits), more powerful Tensor G2 chipset, and superior camera system justify the price difference. The LG Velvet 5G remains a viable option for budget-conscious users prioritizing battery endurance, but compromises on performance and future updates are substantial.

PHONES
Phone Names LG Velvet 5G Google Pixel 7
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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 - GQML3
5G bands1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA1, 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 - GQML3
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/75 Mbps, 5G 2GbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / 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 - GVU6C
Launch
Announced2020, May 07. Released 2020, May 152022, October 06
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, October 13
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions167.2 x 74.1 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight180 g (6.35 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLEDAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13, LG UXAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-50 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", 1.25µm
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioFM radio (market/region dependent)No
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging25W wired, PD3.0, QC4 9W wireless20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4300 mAhLi-Ion 4355 mAh
Misc
ColorsAurora White, Aurora Green, Aurora Gray, Illusion Sunset, Red, PinkObsidian, Lemongrass, Snow
ModelsLM-G900N, LM-G900EM, LM-G900, LM-G900TMGVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5
PriceAbout 470 EUR€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499
SAR0.23 W/kg (head)     1.02 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery lifeEndurance rating 79h Endurance rating 96h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -23.5 LUFS (Very good) -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 297372 (v8) GeekBench: 1905 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG Velvet 5G

  • Excellent battery endurance (79h)
  • 25W fast charging with QC4/PD3.0 support
  • Unique and stylish design

  • Outdated Snapdragon 765G chipset
  • Dim display (617 nits)
  • Limited software support

Google Pixel 7

  • Powerful Google Tensor G2 processor
  • Bright and vibrant display (974 nits)
  • Exceptional camera with Google’s image processing

  • Slightly slower wired charging (20W)
  • Higher price point
  • Can run warmer under heavy load

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7’s display is a substantial upgrade over the Velvet 5G. With a measured peak brightness of 974 nits, the Pixel 7 offers significantly better visibility outdoors compared to the Velvet’s 617 nits. While both boast an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Pixel 7’s superior brightness translates to a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience. The Pixel 7’s panel likely benefits from more advanced color calibration, though specific color accuracy data isn’t provided. The Velvet’s display, while adequate, feels dated in comparison.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but the Pixel 7’s camera system is in a different league. While specific sensor details are missing, Google’s computational photography algorithms, powered by the Tensor G2, are renowned for their image processing. The Pixel 7 excels in low-light photography and dynamic range. The Velvet 5G’s camera, while capable, lacks the software sophistication and processing power to compete. The Pixel 7’s image processing is likely to produce more consistent and visually appealing results across various shooting conditions. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Velvet makes a direct sensor comparison impossible, but the Pixel 7’s overall system is demonstrably superior.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 (5nm) is a significant leap forward from the LG Velvet 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The Tensor G2’s octa-core configuration, featuring Cortex-X1 and Cortex-A78 cores, delivers substantially higher peak performance and improved efficiency. The Velvet’s Kryo 475 cores, while competent, are simply outmatched. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Pixel 7. The 5nm process node of the Tensor G2 also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7 boasts a 96-hour endurance rating, exceeding the LG Velvet 5G’s 79-hour rating. Despite having similar charging capabilities (20W wired for Pixel 7, 25W for Velvet), the Pixel 7’s more efficient Tensor G2 chip contributes to its longer battery life. The Pixel 7 also adds 20W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Velvet. While the Velvet’s endurance is respectable, the Pixel 7 offers a more balanced combination of battery life, charging speed, and wireless convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG Velvet 5G if you prioritize exceptional battery life (79h endurance) and are comfortable with a phone that is no longer receiving major software updates. It’s a good choice for users who primarily need a reliable communication device and aren’t demanding gamers or photography enthusiasts. Buy the Google Pixel 7 if you value a vibrant, bright display, a powerful processor for demanding tasks, and a class-leading camera experience with Google’s computational photography prowess. It’s ideal for users who want a modern, future-proofed Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the LG Velvet 5G still a good phone in 2024, considering its age?
While the LG Velvet 5G remains functional for basic tasks, its age is a significant drawback. The lack of ongoing software updates poses security risks and limits access to new features. The Snapdragon 765G chipset is also showing its age, struggling with demanding apps and games. It's best suited for users on a very tight budget who prioritize battery life over performance.
❓ How does the Google Tensor G2 handle gaming compared to the Snapdragon 765G in the LG Velvet 5G?
The Google Tensor G2 offers a vastly superior gaming experience. Its more powerful CPU and GPU, combined with optimized software, deliver higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in demanding titles. The Snapdragon 765G in the Velvet 5G will struggle with graphically intensive games, requiring lower settings and potentially experiencing frame drops. The Tensor G2 also benefits from better thermal management, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Pixel 7's camera perform well in low-light conditions compared to the Velvet 5G?
Absolutely. The Pixel 7 excels in low-light photography thanks to its larger sensor (likely) and Google’s Night Sight mode, powered by the Tensor G2. It captures brighter, more detailed images with less noise compared to the Velvet 5G. The Velvet 5G’s camera will produce usable low-light photos, but they will lack the clarity and dynamic range of the Pixel 7’s images.