Pixel 7 vs Pixel 9 Pro: Skip Two Generations to Upgrade?
Pixel 7 won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2022 Smartphone Awards. Pixel 9 Pro won Most Improved at MKBHD's 2024 awards. Two generations and three Tensor chips apart — is the upgrade worth it?
Updated · Verdict based on MKBHD Smartphone Awards results and spec analysis.
Google Pixel 7
Google · 2022 · From $599
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Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google · 2024 · From $999
Round wins
Google Pixel 7: 0 · Google Pixel 9 Pro: 7
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Google Pixel 7 | Google Pixel 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED, 90Hz | 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz LTPO |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Camera | 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide | 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 48MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery | 4,355 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 14 |
| Starting price | $599 | $999 |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
Round-by-round breakdown
Display
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro: 6.3-inch LTPO at ~3,000 nits. Pixel 7: 6.3-inch OLED at ~1,400 nits, 90Hz only.
Performance
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProTensor G4 is roughly 50% faster than Tensor G2 with dramatically better thermals.
Camera
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro: triple 50MP including 5x telephoto. Pixel 7: dual 50MP main + 12MP ultra (no telephoto). Material upgrade.
AI features
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro has Magic Editor, Pixel Studio, Best Take, Gemini Nano. Pixel 7 has older versions of some features but missed many newer additions.
Battery
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro: 5.5–6.5 hours screen-on. Pixel 7 on 3-year-old battery: 3.5–4.5 hours.
Software longevity
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro: ~6 more years of updates. Pixel 7: ~1.5 more years (5-year commitment from 2022).
Build
Winner: Google Pixel 9 ProPixel 9 Pro: refined aluminum frame with matte camera bar. Pixel 7: older glossy camera bar design.
Final verdict
Yes, upgrade — the Pixel 7's Tensor G2 thermals are notorious, battery is degrading, and update support runs out in late 2027. The Pixel 9 Pro fixes nearly every Pixel 7 complaint and adds 5+ more years of update support. Easy upgrade for any Pixel 7 owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade from Pixel 7 to Pixel 9 Pro?
Yes — Pixel 9 Pro fixes nearly every Pixel 7 complaint (thermals, battery, build) and adds 5+ more years of update support. Won MKBHD's 2024 Most Improved for exactly these reasons.
Pixel 7 or Pixel 8 used as a cheaper Pixel upgrade?
Pixel 8 used at $400–$500 — newer Tensor G3, longer support window (through 2030), and Magic Editor included. The 8 is a meaningful upgrade over the 7.
How long will the Pixel 7 be supported?
Through October 2027 — Google's 5-year update commitment from 2022 launch. Roughly 1.5 more years from mid-2026.