iPhone 15 Plus vs Pixel 7 Pro
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The iPhone 15 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro show how Apple and Google each approach the flagship smartphone class. The Pixel 7 Pro has the edge in 3 of the 5 areas we looked at, most visibly in the display category.
At a glance
- Display Pixel 7 Pro wins
- Performance iPhone 15 Plus wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Pixel 7 Pro wins
- Battery & Charging Pixel 7 Pro wins
- Price Tie
- Display2.6
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera1.7
- Display6.3
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera2.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Pixel 7 Pro has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
Few buyers will miss this one. The Pixel 7 Pro brings 120 Hz to the table; the iPhone 15 Plus brings 60 Hz. Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power.
-
The iPhone 15 Plus has 33% higher peak brightness
When it comes to peak brightness, the iPhone 15 Plus wins comfortably with 2,000 nits against 1,500 nits. Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
-
The Pixel 7 Pro has an extra rear camera
It’s a lopsided result (3 for the Pixel 7 Pro, 2 for the iPhone 15 Plus) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 0.04 in slimmer body
The spread here is large: 0.31 in on the iPhone 15 Plus versus 0.35 in on the Pixel 7 Pro. Expect to notice it. It’s a difference you mostly notice in the hand and in tight pockets.
-
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 0.39 oz lighter build
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the iPhone 15 Plus leads with 7.09 oz to 7.48 oz. The iPhone 15 Plus is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
Design & Size
- iPhone 15 Plus 6.33 in × 3.06 in × 0.31 in
- Pixel 7 Pro 6.41 in × 3.02 in × 0.35 in
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds. Pick the iPhone 15 Plus and you save 0.39 oz. On thickness, the iPhone 15 Plus leads by 0.04 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.33 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 3.06 in | 3.02 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in (winner) | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 7.09 oz (winner) | 7.48 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Pixel 7 Pro leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Pixel 7 Pro leads the display section with room to spare. On the Pixel 7 Pro, you get a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison. On its side, the iPhone 15 Plus has 33% higher peak brightness. That makes the Pixel 7 Pro the natural choice for buyers focused on display.
Refresh rate
iPhone 15 Plus: 60 Hz Pixel 7 Pro: 120 Hz You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Pixel 7 Pro feels more fluid in everyday use.
Peak brightness
iPhone 15 Plus: 2,000 nits Pixel 7 Pro: 1,500 nits Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility.
Performance
iPhone 15 Plus leads
The iPhone 15 Plus does a little better in the performance section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Pixel 7 Pro. Here the iPhone 15 Plus offers a newer 4 nm chip process. The iPhone 15 Plus’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much. For anyone who cares most about performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is the safer choice.
CPU cores
iPhone 15 Plus: 6 Pixel 7 Pro: 8 Core count on its own says little about speed; how the chip is designed and how fast each core runs matter more.
Process node
iPhone 15 Plus: 4 nm Pixel 7 Pro: 5 nm A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on memory & storage; the numbers are close throughout. Either phone will serve you equally well on memory & storage.
Camera
Pixel 7 Pro leads
The iPhone 15 Plus comes close on camera, but the Pixel 7 Pro does just enough to lead. The Pixel 7 Pro makes its case with an extra rear camera. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Pixel 7 Pro’s extra lens adds. On camera alone, the Pixel 7 Pro gets the nod.
Rear cameras
iPhone 15 Plus: 2 Pixel 7 Pro: 3 The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Pixel 7 Pro gives you more lenses to choose from.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 7 Pro leads
The Pixel 7 Pro has the slight upper hand on battery & charging. The Pixel 7 Pro takes this one with faster 23 W wireless charging. Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up. Weighing only battery & charging, the Pixel 7 Pro comes out ahead.
Wireless charging
iPhone 15 Plus: 15 W Pixel 7 Pro: 23 W If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the Pixel 7 Pro refills quicker there.
Software & Updates
The software & updates data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.7 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 512 ppi (winner) |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits (winner) | 1,500 nits |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A16 Bionic | Google Tensor G2 |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm (winner) | 5 nm |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 48 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 5× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 11 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 Dolby Vision | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 5,000 mAh |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 26 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 23 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 23 W (winner) |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 17 | Android 13 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 3 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.33 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 3.06 in | 3.02 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in (winner) | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 7.09 oz (winner) | 7.48 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $899 | $899 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Neither is cheaper at launch; the iPhone 15 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro share the same price.
Launch prices in the US as of September 2023; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 15 Plus if…
- you want the screen that stays readable on sunny days (2,000 nits vs 1,500 nits)
- you want the slimmer phone (0.31 in vs 0.35 in)
- you notice every gram in your pocket (7.09 oz vs 7.48 oz)
- you want a chip built on a finer process (4 nm vs 5 nm)
Choose the Pixel 7 Pro if…
- you game or scroll a lot and like motion to look fluid (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want more lenses to choose from (3 vs 2 rear cameras)
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (23 W vs 15 W)
- you want the sharper screen (512 ppi vs 460 ppi)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 15 Plus or the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you know that 33% higher peak brightness would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus bigger than the Pixel 7 Pro?
The iPhone 15 Plus and the Pixel 7 Pro are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Does the iPhone 15 Plus perform better than the Pixel 7 Pro?
On paper, the iPhone 15 Plus is the stronger performer, with a newer 4 nm chip process.
Which has the better camera, the iPhone 15 Plus or the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro leads on camera specs thanks to an extra rear camera. Processing and personal taste also play a big part in photos.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus’s display better than the Pixel 7 Pro’s?
On display specs, the Pixel 7 Pro leads thanks to a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 11% sharper pixel density.
Which weighs less, the iPhone 15 Plus or the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro is the heavier of the two; the iPhone 15 Plus saves 0.39 oz.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the iPhone 15 Plus’s and the Pixel 7 Pro’s) so you don’t have to. Start with the headline difference (the Pixel 7 Pro has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz), and a lot of the decision falls into place. I’d also count an extra rear camera in the Pixel 7 Pro’s favor. The iPhone 15 Plus has a trump card of its own in 33% higher peak brightness.
I think of the iPhone 15 Plus as the one for performance and the Pixel 7 Pro as the one for display.
My pick: the Pixel 7 Pro. I’d only go for the iPhone 15 Plus if what you want most is 33% higher peak brightness.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.