Comparison Pixel 7 vs. 7a vs. 7 Pro: This is how the new smartphones from Google differ

Google unveiled the Pixel 7 series last fall, officially launching both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. After more than half a year of waiting, the manufacturer from the USA has finally released the new Pixel 7a. So that you know how the new smartphone differs from the previous models, we have made a detailed comparison between all devices in the Pixel 7 series.

Display, format and size

The Pro variant is slightly larger at 6.7 inches in diameter than the 6.3-inch Pixel 7 and 6.1-inch Pixel 7a. The former also offers QHD+ resolution at 120 Hertz, while the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a only offer Full HD+ resolution at 90 Hertz.

The difference in resolution can be easily illustrated using the pixel density pixels per inch (ppi). They can be quantified at 416 ppi for the Pixel 7 and 512 ppi for the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7a offers a slightly better picture than the regular version and has at least 429 ppi.

Another advantage for the Pixel 7 Pro is the different display technologies. All three devices have OLED panels, but the Pro is more energy efficient because it uses low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO).

There are no huge differences in aspect ratio. The Pixel 7 Pro’s screen has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, while the other two models have a 20:9 ratio. There are also minor deviations in the dimensions. The Pro model measures 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm and the Pixel 7 is slightly smaller at 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm. The smallest, however, is the Pixel 7a at 152 x 72.9 x 9.0mm.

Performance

When it comes to the processor, there is no difference between the smartphones, since all have the Tensor G2 produced by Google. This can perform solidly compared to other processors, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, for example, offering significantly more performance. A Titan M2 security chip is also installed.

Differences in performance only arise with the main memory. The Pixel 7 Pro has 12 gigabytes here, which means that the smartphone should be a lot faster than the other cell phones. They both have to be satisfied with 8 gigabytes of RAM.

battery and runtime

The Pixel 7 Pro is also a bit ahead when it comes to the battery. The capacity of the Pixel 7 is 4,270 milliamp hours (mAh) and that of the Pro is 4,926 mAh, while the 7a is just in the middle with 4,300 mAh. Ultimately, however, according to Google, all models should last more than 24 hours. In the extreme energy-saving mode, it should even be possible to use the device for up to 72 hours, although the functionality is limited.

When it comes to charging, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a can keep up with the Pixel 7 Pro. All smartphones can be charged to 50 percent within 30 minutes using the quick charge function. Wireless charging and the “share battery” function is also possible with all variants.

Storage

When it comes to storage space, there are no big differences. With the normal Pixel 7 and the Pro models, you now have the option of choosing between 128 and 256 gigabytes of internal memory. The Pixel 7a is only available with 128 GB. However, the normal consumer should be able to make ends meet with this.

camera

A big difference is noticeable with the camera, as the 7 Pro has a triple camera setup, while the Pixel 7 only has two cameras. Both feature a 50 megapixel (MP) wide-angle camera and a 12 MP ultra wide-angle camera. The Pro model also has a telephoto camera with 48 MP and a 5x optical zoom. The Pixel 7a is also only equipped with two cameras, but the main camera has 64 megapixels and the ultra-wide-angle camera has 13 megapixels. Overall, the recordings of the 7 Pro are still a bit better.

There is also a small difference in the front camera. The 7 Pro and 7 are equipped with a 10.8 MP selfie camera, which can at least record videos in 4K. The Pixel 7a is again slightly better equipped here with a 13-megapixel front camera.

connectivity

In terms of connectivity, there are no big differences. All mobile phones have WiFi, Bluetooth and an NFC chip. The only advantage of the Pixel 7 Pro is the ultra-wideband chip, which can determine precise distances and can be used to create 3D models or similar.

price and availability

Externally, the Google Pixel models also differ in their different colors. You can buy the Google Pixel 7 Pro in the colors Obsidian, Hazel and Snow. With the normal variant, you can choose Lemongrass instead of Hazel. The Pixel 7a is available in black, blue, white and red, although you can only buy the red version directly from Google’s shop.

The biggest difference is of course in the price. The Pixel 7 is available in the 128 gigabyte version for 649 euros. The Pixel 7 Pro is available in the 128 GB version for 899 euros and in the 256 GB version for 999 euros. The models are therefore no different from their predecessors, which came onto the market at the same price point. At 509 euros, the Google Pixel 7a is cheaper than the other smartphones in the 7 series, but slightly more expensive than the Pixel 6a.

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have been available since October 6th and have been in stores for a few months. The Pixel 7a was released on May 10, 2023, making it the newest and final model in the Pixel 7 series.