Pixel 6 Pro vs Pixel 7 Pro: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
When a phone gets a successor, the headline feature is only part of the story. The quieter changes underneath often matter more, and the Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 6 Pro are a good example. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Pixel 7 Pro wins
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Tie
- Display7.7
- Performance5.3
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera2.1
- Battery & Charging2.2
- Display7.7
- Performance5.3
- Memory & Storage1.8
- Camera2.6
- Battery & Charging2.2
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 5× optical zoom versus 4×
The Pixel 6 Pro comes close with 4×; the Pixel 7 Pro does slightly better with 5×. Digital zoom can fake reach, but optical zoom is where the detail actually comes from.
Design & Size
- Pixel 6 Pro 6.45 in × 2.99 in × 0.35 in
- Pixel 7 Pro 6.41 in × 3.02 in × 0.35 in
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh. The Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro weigh almost the same.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.45 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.99 in | 3.02 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 7.41 oz | 7.48 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Too close to call
On display, the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro are effectively level. For display, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Performance
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on performance; the numbers are close throughout. Either phone will serve you equally well on performance.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On memory & storage, both deliver about the same. If memory & storage was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Camera
Pixel 7 Pro leads
On camera, the difference is modest, and it favors the Pixel 7 Pro. The Pixel 7 Pro makes its case with 5× optical zoom versus 4×. The Pixel 7 Pro reaches further with real optics, which pays off for wildlife, stages and sports from the stands. For anyone who cares most about camera, the Pixel 7 Pro is the safer choice.
Optical zoom
Pixel 6 Pro: 4× Pixel 7 Pro: 5× Higher optical zoom lets you frame distant subjects tightly without losing detail to digital cropping.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
The battery & charging section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The takeaway: battery & charging is not where these two differ.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on software & updates. In short, software & updates is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.7 in |
| Panel type | LTPO OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Pixel density | 512 ppi | 512 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Google Tensor G2 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 5 nm |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Optical zoom | 4× | 5× (winner) |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Front camera | 11 MP | 11 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 5,003 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 23 W | 23 W |
| Wireless charging | 23 W | 23 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 12 | Android 13 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 3 years | 3 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.45 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.99 in | 3.02 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.35 in |
| Weight | 7.41 oz | 7.48 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 6 Pro | 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
With matching launch prices, you’re choosing purely on what each one offers.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of October 2022. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 6 Pro if…
- you find the Pixel 6 Pro already covers everything you need
Choose the Pixel 7 Pro if…
- you want more optical reach (5× vs 4×)
- you plan to keep it for a long time and want to start from the newer generation
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 7 Pro makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if the Pixel 6 Pro you own hasn’t given you a reason to switch.
Is the Pixel 7 Pro worth it over the Pixel 6 Pro?
Only if the changes matter to you. Compared with the Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 7 Pro offers 5× optical zoom versus 4×, which is useful but not essential for everyone.
Which has better battery life, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Pixel 7 Pro?
Neither has a meaningful advantage. The Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro are rated close enough that your usage will matter more than the spec sheet.
Is the Pixel 6 Pro bigger than the Pixel 7 Pro?
The Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Which has the better camera, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Pixel 7 Pro?
Going by the hardware, the Pixel 7 Pro comes out ahead: 5× optical zoom versus 4×.
Which weighs less, the Pixel 6 Pro or the Pixel 7 Pro?
Weight won’t decide this one; the Pixel 6 Pro and the Pixel 7 Pro are very close.
Executive Summary
Upgrading from the Pixel 6 Pro to the Pixel 7 Pro sounds like a no-brainer. I’m not sure it always is. Start with the headline difference (the Pixel 7 Pro has 5× optical zoom versus 4×), and a lot of the decision falls into place.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the Pixel 6 Pro, camera to the Pixel 7 Pro.
My pick: the Pixel 7 Pro. If you own the Pixel 6 Pro, only upgrade if one of the changes above really speaks to you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.