Pixel 9 vs Pixel 8 vs Pixel 7: What are the differences?

23 July 2025

Robert Duke

Google’s Pixel phones have become the Android fan’s darlings, delivering crystal-clear cameras, buttery-smooth software, and features that are genuinely useful - or at least interesting enough to keep you entertained during ad breaks.

With the recent release of the Pixel 9, it’s time to pit it against its elder siblings, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7. Have we seen genuine leaps forward in recent years? Let’s dive in.

Design & Display: Google's Glow-up

Looks matter; and the Google Pixel has undergone some noticeable style changes in recent years, going from the slightly boxy look of the Pixel 7 to the more rounded, sleek look of the Pixel 9, but have there been any other physical/visual enhancements?

Pixel 7: Released in 2022, this version featured a sleek 6.3-inch OLED display with a 2400 x 1080 resolution.
Pixel 8: In 2023, Google slimmed down slightly, offering a brighter 6.2-inch Actua display with better outdoor visibility, but with similar resolution.
Pixel 9: Google's latest ditches some bezels, and reintroduces the 6.3-inch display, but with increased resolution and brighter backlighting, with a physical profile that’s thinner than ever, making it feel a smidge more premium in your hand.

If you're the type who prefers a lighter, slimmer phone, the Pixel 9’s minor but impactful physical improvements will likely charm you.

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Performance: Under-the-Hood Magic

In 2025, who’s got the patience to wait 30 seconds for their email app to open? Not us! Here we look at the difference between the handsets in terms of processing power.

Pixel 7: Packing Google's Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel 7 was quick enough for its time, handling apps, photos, and endless scrolling without complaint.
Pixel 8: Upgraded to the Tensor G3 in 2023, it delivered snappier multitasking and smarter machine-learning performance.
Pixel 9: Sporting the shiny new Tensor G4, Google reportedly boasts around 20% faster processing, using AI and providing smoother graphics performance, and improved battery efficiency.

If you're an impatient app-switcher or a photo-editing wizard, the Pixel 9's extra horsepower could make the difference for you.

Cameras: Make it Snappy

Whether you're capturing pictures of sunsets, half-eaten desserts or your electricity meter, Google's Pixels excel. But what are the differences between the camera arrays on the last few versions?

Pixel 7 & Pixel 8: Both feature a dependable 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and excellent computational photography. Pixel 8 slightly boosted night photography thanks to upgraded AI processing.
Pixel 9: A slightly improved sensor line up, and Google’s latest AI wizardry introduces "Add Me", "Reimagine" and "Zoom Enhance" features, as well as significantly enhanced Night Sight capabilities.

The Pixel 9 ensures even your most questionable photography efforts look professional, even in low-light situations.

Battery Life: All Day Charge?

Google Pixels are, in general, slightly ahead of the competition in terms of how long a full charge will last, but there is a slight difference between the last three models.

Pixel 7: A 4355mAh battery lasting around 20 hours during regular browsing tests.
Pixel 8: Marginally bumped up to 4485mAh, this lasted about 21 hours, enough to get through your commute, but maybe not a multi-hour Netflix binge.
Pixel 9: A further upgrade to 4700mAh, and pairs with Tensor G4's smarter efficiency for about 23 hours, giving you enough juice even up until late-night scrolling sessions.

Battery capacity hasn’t changed dramatically, but the Pixel 9 does get closer to guaranteeing a full day of charge even under heavy usage.

Software & AI Features: Levelling up!

AI is taking over our phones, and honestly, we're here for it, especially if it makes us look less awkward in photos and helps manage our ever-expanding calendars. Here's how the latest Pixels compare in terms of features and AI integration.

Pixel 7: The Pixel 7 benefits from Google's extended OS support compared to previous models. It introduced features like Call Screening and improved Assistant capabilities at launch. While it doesn't have the latest AI hardware, it still handles many AI-driven tasks efficiently.
Pixel 8: The Pixel 8 brought advanced AI features like Magic Editor for post-snap photo enhancements and live translation that works seamlessly. It also introduced Assistant with Bard, integrating Google's generative AI chatbot into the Assistant experience.
Pixel 9: The Pixel 9 further ups the ante with real-time conversational Assistant, Predictive Apps, and improved Google Gemini integration, making it feel like having a mini-JARVIS in your pocket. The Tensor G4 chip enables on-device AI processing too, enhancing performance and privacy.

The Pixel 9 makes AI feel more seamless and useful than ever before, which is a real bonus.

Conclusion: Should you Upgrade?

Now for the big question, should you upgrade, or are you better off waiting?

From Pixel 7 to Pixel 8: A modest upgrade mostly in terms of display brightness and AI photo enhancements. Not too much in it.
From Pixel 8 to Pixel 9: Slightly more noticeable performance boosts, AI integration, and smarter battery life make the Pixel 9 a more tempting upgrade.
From Pixel 7 to Pixel 9: An impressive leap, particularly if you’re craving cutting-edge performance, superior AI, and noticeable camera improvements.
Switching from older Android or even iPhone: Pixel 9 could feel revolutionary if you’re coming from an older handset, especially if you're used to clunkier software or you’re tired of Apple's closed ecosystem. Google’s integration and AI features alone could make the jump worth it.

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 9 isn't dramatically different to the 7 or the 8, but it has taken steps forward. Its refined software, powerful AI, and snappier performance make the Pixel 9 the standout Google smartphone. If you're thinking about jumping on board, the newest model deserves serious consideration, though, of course, Samsung’s Galaxy S25, Oppo’s Find X8 Pro or the OnePlus 13 are also worth a look too, at least if you're not dead-set on a Google phone.