Over the years, Google has been making us long for a true iPhone rival. And it finally comes true with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, which brings a host of compelling changes compared to the Pixel 8 Pro from the previous year. The gap further widens when we compare it to the Pixel 7 Pro.

The Pixel 9 Pro appears to be better than the Pixel 7 Pro in almost every aspect. So, should you upgrade to the new phones – plural since there are now two sizes? That’s exactly what we will answer in this article.

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Before we do that, here’s a quick summary of what the new Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL bring to the table when compared to the Pixel 7 Pro.

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 7 Pro: specs
Table showing specifications for Google Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL and Google Pixel 7 Pro in terms of size, weight, screen, operating system, RAM and storage, processor, camera, video, connectivity, ports, water resistance, battery and charging, colors, and price.
Design
The entire Pixel 9 series brings major design changes compared to previous generations. The Pixel 9 Pro comes in two sizes, and it has a complete design overhaul with rounder elements, a flat mid-frame, and uniform colors on the metal and glass sections. It feels like a massive upgrade and has a top-notch finish. While Google goes for rounder corners, the curved edges on the back and screen have been replaced, following other premium phones. The Pixel 9 Pro looks fresher as a result. The finish is still of high quality, and a bonus point goes to the use of Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. The Pixel 9 Pro gets a lighter, more ergonomic footprint if you want the same features in a smaller size, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger display.

Display
The Pixel 9 Pro series has two display sizes – a 6.3-inch display on the Pro and a 6.8-inch display on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. If you have the Pixel 7 Pro and are looking to upgrade to a similarly large-sized phone, the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes more sense. The Pixel 9 Pro has a significantly brighter display with up to 3,000 nits in peak brightness mode, compared to the 2,000 nits on the Pixel 7 Pro. It also supports different resolutions and has LTPO tech for variable refresh rates. The Pixel 9 Pro has ditched the curved edges along the display and replaced the iffy optical fingerprint scanner with an ultrasonic one, which is faster and more accurate.

Performance
The Pixel 9 Pro is armed with a new Tensor G4 chip, an upgrade over the Pixel 7 Pro’s Tensor G2. The Tensor G4 is thermally more efficient and less prone to throttling issues. Google has also upgraded the RAM to 16GB and added a 1TB storage option. The more efficient chip, more RAM, and hardware allocated for AI will definitely offer a better performance than the Pixel 7 Pro.

Battery and Charging
The Pixel 7 Pro offered a decent one-day battery backup, and the Pixel 9 Pro phones are expected to last longer due to the more efficient Tensor G4 chip. The two Pixel 9 Pro variants differ in battery capacities and charging speeds. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro has a 4,700mAh battery and faster charging speeds, while the larger one has a 5,060mAh cell and even faster charging. Both phones come with faster charging than the Pixel 7 Pro and have improved wireless charging speeds. However, you need a 40W charger for the Pixel 9 Pro and a 45W output for the XL.

Cameras
Pixel phones are known for their cameras, and the Pixel 9 Pro continues to improve. It has an upgraded camera system with a faster aperture lens for the primary 50-megapixel camera and the 5x periscope telephoto. The ultrawide has been upgraded to 48MP, and the selfie camera has a 42MP sensor. The cameras have autofocus capabilities and come with AI features that enhance photos. The Pixel 9 Pro has an edge in terms of camera specifications, but the real-life margin may not be significant. The AI features are what make it a compelling choice.

Software and Updates
Pixels are considered the prime Android experience, bringing the latest features. The Pixel 7 Pro was the first to run Android 13 but had a lot of bugs. The Pixel 9 Pro has a relatively stable user experience and comes with Google’s Gemini and a host of AI features. It gets seven years of promised Android updates, while the Pixel 7 Pro only gets three.

Price and Availability
The Pixel 7 Pro started at $899 but has been delisted from Google’s online store. You may still be able to find it on Amazon or Walmart, but it’s not recommended. The Pixel 9 Pro comes with all the extra goodness at a higher price. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is available at $1,099. The phones are already for sale, and you can get trade-in benefits.

Verdict
The Pixel 9 Pro brings a plethora of new upgrades, especially compared to the Pixel 7 Pro. It has a better display, faster charging, more stable performance, and slightly better cameras. If you have been longing for a longer software update, a more striking design, and slightly better battery, upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro is a good choice. However, if your old phone is working fine and you don’t prioritize these features, it may not be necessary to upgrade. The trade-in benefits can also be a factor in making the decision.