Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5: Two years later, are you ready to upgrade?
The Pixel 5 is now over two years old. While it’s still a decent enough phone, Google has changed its design philosophy a lot since then. If you’re considering picking up a newer device, there are plenty of great smartphones out there. For Pixel fans, the most obvious upgrade would be the Google Pixel 7. When it comes to the Pixel 5 vs Pixel 7, you’ll find plenty has changed but is the Pixel 7 worth the upgrade? Let’s find out.
Google Pixel 5 vs Google Pixel 7: At a glance
Curious what's different between the older Pixel 5 and the new Pixel 7? Here are the biggest differences at a glance:
- The Pixel 7 has a larger display than the Pixel 5
- The Pixel 7 has a more powerful processor than the Pixel 5
- The Pixel 7 has more storage options than the Pixel 5
- The Pixel 7 has a revamped camera experience compared to the Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5 vs Google Pixel 7: Specs
| Pixel 7 | Pixel 7 Pro | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Display | Pixel 7 6.32 inch 2,400 x 1,080 pixels 1,400 nits 90Hz OLED | Pixel 7 Pro 6.7 inch 3,120 x 1,440 pixels 1,500 nits 120Hz pOLED | 6-inch OLED 2,340 x 1,080 resolution 432ppi 90Hz refresh rate 19.5:9 aspect ratio >1,000,000:1 contrast ratio |
Processor | Pixel 7 Tensor G2 | Pixel 7 Pro Tensor G2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 2x Cortex-A76 6x Cortex-A55 Titan M Security Module Adreno 620 |
RAM | Pixel 7 8GB | Pixel 7 Pro 12GB | 8GB |
Storage | Pixel 7 128/256GB | Pixel 7 Pro 128/256GB | 128GB |
Battery | Pixel 7 4,355mAh Li-Ion Wireless charging up to 72 hours of runtime with Extreme Battery Saver | Pixel 7 Pro 5,000mAh Li-Ion Wireless charging up to 72 hours runtime with Extreme Battery Saver | 4,080mAh 18W charging 12W wireless charging Reverse wireless charging |
Cameras | Pixel 7 Rear: - 50MP main 1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV 1/1.31-inch sensor OIS and EIS - 12MP ultrawide 1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 114-degree FoV - Laser AF Front: - 10.8MP 1.22 μm, ƒ/2.2, 92.8-degree FoV | Pixel 7 Pro Rear: - 50MP main 1.2 μm, ƒ/1.85, 82-degree FoV 1/1.31-inch sensor OIS and EIS - 12MP ultrawide 1.25 μm, ƒ/2.2, 125.8-degree FoV, autofocus - 48MP telephoto 0.7 μm, ƒ/3.5, 20.6-degree FoV OIS 5x optical zoom, 30x Super Resolution - Laser AF Front: - 10.8MP 1.22 μm, ƒ/2.2, 92.8-degree FoV | Rear Main: 12.2MP, f/1.7 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, optical + electronic image stabilization Secondary: 16MP, f/2.2 aperture, 1 micron pixel, ultra-wide (107-degree FoV) 4K at 60fps/30fps Front 8MP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 83-degree FoV |
Connectivity | Pixel 7 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G Bluetooth 5.2 NFC Wi-Fi 802.11ax | Pixel 7 Pro 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G Bluetooth 5.2 NFC Wi-Fi 802.11ax | Proximity / ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyrometer Magnetometer Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor Barometer Spectral and flicker sensor |
Dimensions | Pixel 7 155.64 x 73.16 x 8.7mm | Pixel 7 Pro 162.9 x 76.55 x 8.9mm | 144.7 x 70.4 x 8mm 151g |
Software | Pixel 7 Android 13 | Pixel 7 Pro Android 13 | Android 11 (Upgradeable to 13) |
Durability | Pixel 7 IP68 | Pixel 7 Pro IP68 | IP68 |
Colors | Pixel 7 Obsidian, Snow, and Lemongrass | Pixel 7 Pro Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel | Just Black, Sorta Sage |
Note: While this article is primarily focused on Pixel 5 vs Pixel 7, we’ve included the Pixel 7 Pro specs just to give you a better look at your potential options.
Google Pixel 5 vs Google Pixel 7: Should you upgrade?
Let’s be honest; the Pixel 5 was about Google playing it safe. They ditched their half-glass/half-metal design philosophy, went for a mid-range chip instead of the latest silicon, and cut the pricing down a bit as well. I had a Pixel 5 before upgrading to the Pixel 6, and I can say it was a good phone. It just wasn’t all that exciting. In contrast, the Pixel 7 has a bold design with a unique camera bar on the back. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s a head-turner.
The Pixel 7 wins in design, but are the insides significantly upgraded enough to make the leap forward? Yes and no.
The Pixel 7 is objectively a major upgrade. Its Tensor G2 SoC has great AI tricks that improve photography and other aspects of your mobile experience, but it’s not exactly equivalent to the highest-end Qualcomm chips. The Pixel 5 was also a bit modest with its processor, packing a mid-range Snapdragon 765G. But in day-to-day scenarios, both phones are plenty fast and capable. Even the 1080p displays are very similar with the same 90Hz refresh rate, though the Pixel 7 has a slightly larger screen.
The Pixel 5 is still a great phone, but the Pixel 7 is better in almost every way.
Where the Pixel 7 really shines is the camera. Looking at the spec sheet makes it clear that the Pixel 7’s setup is superior. You have a 50MP main camera vs a 12.2MP main camera after all! But a picture is worth a thousand words, so take a look below at some photos we took from both. It’s pretty obvious who the winner is.
The Pixel 7 is faster, has a better camera, marginally better battery life, and will get support for new OS updates all the way into 2025. Meanwhile, the Pixel 5 is set to get Android 14, but after that, it’ll only qualify for security updates. If you are ready for a new phone, yes, this is a worthwhile upgrade. That last statement is super important, though.
If the Pixel 5 is still running as well as day one for you, there’s probably no reason to rush out and buy a new phone unless you really want that new camera setup. It’ll still get software updates throughout this year. That gives you a bit more time to see what else is coming down the pipe, such as the more affordable upcoming Pixel 7a or even the rumored Pixel Fold.
On the other hand, if your Pixel 5 isn’t working as well as it used to, the Pixel 7 will certainly be a welcome upgrade.