Pixel 6 vs Pixel 7: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Pixel 7 is the direct successor to the Pixel 6, so the real question is simple: how much has actually changed from one generation to the next? You can’t have it all with either one. The Pixel 6 is the battery & charging pick, and the Pixel 7 is the camera pick.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Pixel 7 wins
- Battery & Charging Pixel 6 wins
- Software & Updates Tie
- Price Tie
- Display4.5
- Performance1.6
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera1.5
- Battery & Charging1.6
- Display4.6
- Performance1.6
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera1.7
- Battery & Charging1.2
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 6 has 5.9% more battery capacity
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Pixel 6 leads 4,614 mAh to 4,355 mAh. Extra capacity also ages better: after a few years of charge cycles, the Pixel 6 has more headroom left.
-
The Pixel 7 has a 0.35 oz lighter build
The difference is minor (6.95 oz against 7.30 oz), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Pixel 7 wins it. A few grams won’t matter, but bigger gaps add up in a pocket or a small bag over a full day.
-
The Pixel 7 has a sharper 11 MP selfie camera
The Pixel 6 lists 8 MP; the Pixel 7 comes in at 11 MP. That’s not a rounding error. A sharper selfie camera helps with video calls, vlogs and group selfies.
Design & Size
- Pixel 6 6.24 in × 2.94 in × 0.35 in
- Pixel 7 6.13 in × 2.88 in × 0.34 in
The Pixel 6 simply takes up more room than the Pixel 7, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space. Weight goes to the Pixel 7, which sheds 0.35 oz compared with the Pixel 6.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.24 in | 6.13 in |
| Width | 2.94 in | 2.88 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.34 in |
| Weight | 7.30 oz | 6.95 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the display section. For display, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Performance
Too close to call
On performance, the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 7 are effectively level. Bottom line for performance: it’s a wash.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
The memory & storage specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Don’t let memory & storage decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Camera
Pixel 7 leads
The Pixel 7 takes camera by a nose. Here the Pixel 7 offers a sharper 11 MP selfie camera. If you mainly use the front camera for calls, the gap is minor; if you post selfies often, the Pixel 7’s extra resolution helps. Net result: the Pixel 7 leads this part of the comparison.
Front camera
Pixel 6: 8 MP Pixel 7: 11 MP Front cameras are often an afterthought, so a higher-resolution sensor is a small but welcome edge for the Pixel 7.
Battery & Charging
Pixel 6 leads
On battery & charging, the Pixel 6 comes out slightly ahead. The Pixel 6 makes its case with 5.9% more battery capacity. Capacity isn’t everything, but when two phones are otherwise close, more milliamp-hours is the simplest endurance advantage there is. Bottom line for battery & charging: the Pixel 6 has the edge.
Battery capacity
Pixel 6: 4,614 mAh Pixel 7: 4,355 mAh A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance.
Software & Updates
Too close to call
The Pixel 6 and the Pixel 7 match each other closely in this area. Both cover software & updates well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.4 in | 6.3 in |
| Panel type | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 411 ppi | 416 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 90 Hz | 90 Hz |
| Peak brightness | N/A (not specified) | 1,400 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor | Google Tensor G2 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 5 nm | 5 nm |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 2 |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 11 MP (winner) |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,614 mAh (winner) | 4,355 mAh |
| Wired charging | 21 W | 21 W |
| Wireless charging | 21 W | 20 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 12 | Android 13 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 3 years | 3 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.24 in | 6.13 in |
| Width | 2.94 in | 2.88 in |
| Thickness | 0.35 in | 0.34 in |
| Weight | 7.30 oz | 6.95 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $599 | $599 |
“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
The launch prices are identical, so value comes down to which strengths you prefer.
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 if…
- you want the bigger battery (4,614 mAh vs 4,355 mAh)
- you don’t need what the newer model adds
- you prefer a larger phone and have the room for it
Choose the Pixel 7 if…
- you want the lighter phone (6.95 oz vs 7.30 oz)
- you want the sharper selfie camera (11 MP vs 8 MP)
- you want the changes the Pixel 7 brings over its predecessor
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 6 or the Pixel 7?
For most people, the Pixel 7 is the stronger choice, unless your Pixel 6 still does everything you need.
Should I upgrade from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 7?
The Pixel 7 makes a solid case for upgrading, with a 0.35 oz lighter build and a sharper 11 MP selfie camera over the Pixel 6.
Does the Pixel 6 last longer on a charge than the Pixel 7?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel 6 leads: 4,614 mAh versus 4,355 mAh for battery capacity. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Which is larger, the Pixel 6 or the Pixel 7?
The larger model here is the Pixel 6 (6.24 × 2.94 × 0.35 in); the Pixel 7 is more compact at 6.13 × 2.88 × 0.34 in.
Does the Pixel 6 have a stronger camera setup than the Pixel 7?
The Pixel 7 has the edge for photography, offering a sharper 11 MP selfie camera.
Is the Pixel 6 lighter than the Pixel 7?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel 7 weighs 0.35 oz less than the Pixel 6.
Executive Summary
Successors are tricky: some change a lot, while others mostly change the paint. I wanted to see where the Pixel 7 lands against the Pixel 6. The biggest reason I lean toward the Pixel 7 is simple: it has a 0.35 oz lighter build. Stack a sharper 11 MP selfie camera on top of that, and the Pixel 7’s lead grows. I’ll admit the Pixel 6 has a point with 5.9% more battery capacity.
I think of the Pixel 6 as the one for battery & charging and the Pixel 7 as the one for camera.
My pick: the Pixel 7. If you own the Pixel 6, only upgrade if one of the changes above really speaks to you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.