Google Pixel 6 vs 7: What’s Really Different?

When Google introduced the Pixel 6, it made a bold statement in the smartphone market. It was the first device to feature the company’s own Tensor chip and a striking new design. A year later, the Pixel 7 arrived, looking familiar but promising refinements that addressed some of the Pixel 6’s early flaws. For anyone weighing up google pixel 6 vs 7, the differences may seem subtle at first glance, but a closer look reveals important changes worth considering.

Display and Design Upgrades

The Pixel 6 launched with a 6.4-inch flat OLED panel, offering 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It was bright enough for everyday use but lacked the higher peak brightness of the newer model. The Pixel 7, while slightly smaller at 6.3 inches, pushes brightness up to 1400 nits, making a noticeable difference under direct sunlight.

Pixel 7 also benefits from a higher pixel density at 416 PPI compared to 411 PPI on the Pixel 6. While the numbers seem small, side-by-side, the Pixel 7 looks sharper and crisper. Bezels are reduced too, with the forehead shrinking just enough to make the design appear more modern.

On the design front, the Pixel 6 introduced the bold horizontal camera bar. The Pixel 7 refined it, replacing glass with aluminum for a sturdier, smudge-resistant finish. The power and volume buttons were also shifted lower, improving ergonomics. Despite these tweaks, the identity of the Pixel line remains intact.

Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 7 – Quick Comparison

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.

Cameras

The Pixel 6 made headlines with its 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide, delivering excellent image quality powered by Google’s computational photography. The Pixel 7 keeps the same hardware but enhances results with the Tensor G2’s new image processing. Features like Photo Unblur and Cinematic Blur add more creative tools for photographers.

The selfie camera also got a useful bump. The Pixel 6 has an 8MP front camera, while the Pixel 7 uses a 10.8MP sensor with a 21mm ultrawide field of view. This change also enables Face Unlock, a convenient addition missing from the Pixel 6.

While both devices are excellent for still photography, the Pixel 7 edges ahead in low-light performance and video thanks to better processing, more stable HDR, and added modes like Cinematic Blur at 1080p 24fps.

Performance and Hardware

The Pixel 6 introduced the first-generation Tensor chip, which impressed with AI features but was criticized for heating issues and efficiency. The Pixel 7 upgrades to the Tensor G2. On paper, the difference doesn’t seem dramatic, but efficiency gains and smoother performance make everyday use feel more refined.

In day-to-day tasks, the difference between the two phones isn’t massive. Both handle multitasking well, and the clean Android experience ensures a fluid interface. However, the Pixel 7’s chip enables better machine learning performance, faster photo processing, and new software features not available on the Pixel 6.

One drawback is that neither phone is built for heavy gaming. While they can handle popular titles, sustained gaming shows frame drops and heat compared to Snapdragon-powered rivals. Still, for productivity and photography, both phones perform reliably.

Software and Features

The Pixel 6 shipped with Android 12, which was a rocky rollout with bugs and fingerprint scanner complaints. Today, it runs Android 13 and feels much more stable. The Pixel 7 launched with Android 13 out of the box and benefits from smoother integration with the Tensor G2 chip.

The newer device includes Face Unlock, an improved fingerprint scanner, and added features like cough and snore detection in Digital Wellbeing. Owners also gain access to the Google One VPN, usually part of a paid tier, for added privacy.

Both phones share Material You design and receive regular updates directly from Google. However, the Pixel 7 will enjoy an extra year of OS upgrades, supported until 2027, compared to the Pixel 6’s 2026 cutoff.

Connectivity and Battery

One of the Pixel 6’s weak spots was connectivity, with the modem sometimes struggling to maintain stable connections. The Pixel 7 adopts the newer Exynos 5300 modem, providing more reliable call and data performance. For anyone who faced dropped signals on the Pixel 6, this is a meaningful upgrade.

Battery capacity is slightly lower on the Pixel 7 at 4355 mAh compared to the Pixel 6’s 4614 mAh. However, the improved efficiency of the Tensor G2 balances things out, making real-world endurance very similar. Both are all-day phones, though charging is officially rated at up to 30W (wired), though in practice it’s closer to 21–23W, meaning a full top-up takes over an hour. The Pixel 7 also shaves off some weight at 197g, compared to the Pixel 6’s 207g, giving it a slightly lighter feel in hand.

Color Options

The Pixel 6 stood out with playful colors like Kinda Coral and Sorta Seafoam, alongside Stormy Black. The Pixel 7 opted for a more refined palette with Lemongrass, Snow, and Obsidian. This shift shows Google’s move toward a more premium, understated identity while keeping a touch of character.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the Pixel 6 launched at around $169.99 / €198.00 / £140.87 / ₹22,999, while the Pixel 7 arrived a year later with a slightly higher price tag of $174.95 / €205.00 / £194.00 / ₹28,990. Despite the small increase, the Pixel 7 justifies its cost with added features like a brighter display, upgraded selfie camera, Face Unlock, and improved software support. For those already using the Pixel 6, the difference may not feel dramatic, but for new buyers, the Pixel 7 offers better long-term value.

Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Choosing between google pixel 6 vs 7 depends on what you value most. If you already own a Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 is more of a refinement than a revolution. The brighter display, Face Unlock, improved front camera, and more stable connectivity are clear benefits. But performance in most areas remains similar, and gaming limitations persist.

For new buyers, the Pixel 7 is the safer choice thanks to its extra year of support, polished design, and better software integration. The Pixel 6, however, is still a capable device and may be worth considering if you find it at a lower price.

Ultimately, the Pixel 7 is not a dramatic leap forward, but it smooths out many of the Pixel 6’s rough edges. For many, that makes it a more reliable and enticing flagship in Google’s lineup.

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