OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro: A Head-to-Head Comparison

The OnePlus 9 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro represent distinct philosophies in the Android flagship space. The 9 Pro, now available at a lower price point, offers a compelling blend of fast charging and a capable camera. The Pixel 7 Pro, Google’s latest, prioritizes computational photography and a refined software experience powered by its custom Tensor G2 chip. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 7 Pro emerges as the superior choice. While the OnePlus 9 Pro boasts faster charging, the Pixel 7 Pro’s significantly brighter display, advanced camera system, and Google’s software support outweigh this advantage. The Tensor G2 also provides a unique, AI-driven experience.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 9 Pro Google Pixel 7 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GE2AE
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU1, 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 - GE2AE
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GP4BC
Launch
Announced2021, March 232022, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 30Available. Released 2022, October 13
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)212 g (7.48 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 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~512 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.6 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)-
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/3.5, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 50W wireless, 100% in 43 min 5W reverse wireless23W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar BlackObsidian, Snow, Hazel
ModelsLE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127GP4BC, GE2AE, GFE4J
Price€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00€ 248.84 / $ 204.00 / £ 259.99 / ₹ 36,999
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 86h Endurance rating 83h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -24.1 LUFS (Very good) -24.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 796369 (v9) GeekBench: 3187 (v5.1) GFXBench: 34fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Incredibly fast 65W wired charging
  • Fast 50W wireless charging
  • Competitive price point (now lower)

  • Snapdragon 888 can throttle under heavy load
  • Camera lacks the software sophistication of the Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro

  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Superior camera system with advanced image processing
  • Google Tensor G2 offers unique AI-powered features
  • Guaranteed software updates directly from Google

  • Significantly slower charging speeds
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7 Pro’s display is a clear winner in terms of raw specifications. Its measured peak brightness of 1090 nits significantly surpasses the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 859 nits, resulting in better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, the Pixel 7 Pro’s infinite contrast ratio (nominal) contributes to deeper blacks and a more immersive viewing experience. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s display is still excellent, but the Pixel 7 Pro offers a noticeable upgrade for media consumption and outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 7 Pro’s camera system is a substantial upgrade over the OnePlus 9 Pro. While both phones are capable of capturing excellent photos and videos, Google’s computational photography prowess shines through. The Pixel 7 Pro benefits from Google’s advanced image processing algorithms, resulting in superior dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, the Pixel 7 Pro’s image processing consistently delivers more natural-looking and visually appealing results. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s camera is still very good, but it lacks the software sophistication of the Pixel 7 Pro.

Performance

Both phones employ an octa-core CPU configuration, but the underlying chipsets differ significantly. The OnePlus 9 Pro features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm), while the Pixel 7 Pro utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor G2 (5nm). The Pixel 7 Pro’s CPU has a slightly higher clock speed on its prime core (2.85 GHz vs 2.84 GHz), but the real difference lies in the Tensor G2’s focus on AI and machine learning tasks. This translates to faster image processing, improved voice recognition, and unique features like Magic Eraser. While the Snapdragon 888 is still a capable performer, it’s known to throttle under sustained load, a potential issue for heavy gamers. The Tensor G2’s thermal management is generally more efficient, though not necessarily offering peak GPU performance comparable to the latest Snapdragon chips.

Battery Life

Battery endurance is relatively close, with the OnePlus 9 Pro achieving an 86-hour rating and the Pixel 7 Pro scoring 83 hours. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus 9 Pro supports a blazing-fast 65W wired charging, reaching 100% in just 29 minutes, and 50W wireless charging (43 minutes). The Pixel 7 Pro, in contrast, is limited to 23W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes) and 23W wireless charging. This means the OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly faster to charge, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery. However, the Pixel 7 Pro’s software optimizations and efficient chipset help mitigate the impact of the smaller charging wattage.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you prioritize incredibly fast wired and wireless charging and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It’s an excellent value for users who frequently top up their phones and don’t need the absolute latest in software features. Buy the Google Pixel 7 Pro if you value a superior camera experience, a brighter and more vibrant display, and guaranteed software updates directly from Google, alongside the unique features enabled by the Tensor G2.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While the OnePlus 9 Pro has cooling mechanisms, users may experience throttling during prolonged gaming, leading to reduced performance. The Pixel 7 Pro’s Tensor G2 generally manages thermals more efficiently, though it doesn’t necessarily match the peak GPU performance of the Snapdragon 888.
❓ How does Google’s Magic Eraser feature on the Pixel 7 Pro compare to similar editing tools?
Google’s Magic Eraser leverages the Tensor G2’s AI capabilities to seamlessly remove unwanted objects from photos. It’s notably more effective and less artifact-prone than many similar editing tools, often producing results that appear natural and realistic. The OnePlus 9 Pro lacks a comparable feature built directly into its camera app.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 231-nit difference in peak brightness is quite noticeable, especially outdoors in direct sunlight. The Pixel 7 Pro’s brighter display ensures better visibility and a more vibrant viewing experience in challenging lighting conditions. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s display is still good, but it can appear washed out in bright sunlight.