Upgrade paths: Pixel 7 Pro vs. 9 Pro – big leap or small improvements? [Video]

If your cell plan has ended and you’re considering an upgrade, is it worth switching from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 9 Pro? Here’s everything you need to know.

After a couple of years the Pixel series is almost unrecognizable. Even since the Pixel 7 Pro was released, we’ve seen lots of things resolved with the Pixel 8 series. An earlier-than-usual launch means you might not be due an upgrade for a little while longer, but you can at least get an idea if the jump from Pixel 7 Pro to Pixel 9 Pro is the right one for you – and your bank balance.

Hardware and design

Aside from the obvious design changes, the Pixel 7 Pro can really hold its own in 2024. It may not be the most powerful, but given the minor enhancements to Tensor since 2021, you’re not gaining masses of smartphone grunt out of the gate with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL.

You might not notice immediately that the Pixel 7 Pro has a marginally higher resolution display than the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. The pixels per inch rating is quite a bit lower, but side-by-side, it’s easy to see that the 9 series has a better-quality display panel with a higher maximum brightness. The smaller, uniform bezels are another reason the Pixel 9 Pro screen stands out among the crowd.

Physically, the Pixel 7 Pro also has more in common with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It is a little thicker and taller, but the boxy Pro series includes nips and tucks to save space. You have choices this time around, too, with the smaller version. The upside is that you are not penalized for choosing the smaller Pixel 9 Pro over the XL.

The Pixel 9 Pro has faster and more accurate unlocks than the Pixel 7 Pro because the optical scanner has been ditched in favor of an ultrasonic reader. In tandem with the improved Face Unlock, getting into your device has never been faster and more secure on a Tensor-powered Pixel.

Software and performance

Because Google has opted to build upon the Tensor processor rather than aim for major upticks in performance each iteration, you might not see a huge difference when using the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro day-to-day. This is particularly important if you want to see generational leaps.

Sadly, you won’t get that here. Instead, it’s more refinements and enhancements to improve AI-powered functions. Apps can load a little quicker, but generally, things are not a major forward step. It’s more of a shuffle forward in the kind of generalist tasks. Gaming is still right in the middle of the pack, too.

The core Android 14 experience is identical across the entire device lineup. If you have no intention of using AI functions such as Pixel Studio, Zoom Enhance, Pixel Screenshots, or even camera features like Add Me, then you won’t miss out on anything that the Pixel 7 series can’t already do.

Where you might see value added is the super long support window of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. The Pixel 7 Pro is slated to get one more major update after Android 15. So you’ll get Android 16 on or before October 2025. Then it’s just security patches until October 2027. Google is still banking on providing 7 years of Android version updates on the Pixel 9 series until August 2031. That supposedly includes OS updates too, so you should factor in the value-add on the support window.

Battery

The Pixel 7 Pro may now be seeing some increased battery wear and tear, which gives the Pixel 9 Pro some distinct advantages. However, the newer handset in tandem with some minor changes to the Tensor G4 efficiency levels means you are probably going to get improved lifespans.

Google has finally improved the wired charging speeds on the Pixel 9 series, so when you do see lower percentage figures after a day of usage, you can top up much faster. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has 37W wired charging with supported USB PD power bricks, including the updated 45W official Google charger.

For what it’s worth, the standby time of the latest Pixel 9 series is way better than the best day you’d have with the Pixel 7 Pro.

Camera

Although the camera hardware has been upgraded and improved since 2022, the Pixel tuning remains fairly similar across the board. That said, the Pixel 9 Pro has a better starting position for camera quality than the Pixel 7 Pro.

The main sensor’s faster aperture, in tandem with an improved ultrawide, is enough of a reason to consider a camera upgrade. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. The Pixel 9 Pro/Pro XL and the Pixel 7 Pro are miles apart when it comes to added functions and zoom capabilities, in particular. Even the selfie camera is a major step up with a 42MP sensor.

8K video recording, Night Sight and Panoramic photo enhancements, Audio Magic Eraser, Video Boost, Add Me, Reimagine, and all the little performance tweaks are great additions to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. While the Pixel 7 Pro still produces solid photographic output, it just doesn’t quite reach the heights of Google’s latest and greatest.

Pixel 7 Pro vs. 9 Pro: Is the upgrade worth it?

About upgrading: 9to5Google often gives specific product recommendations. Sometimes, we may suggest not upgrading, due to various reasons including, but not limited to: increased device cost, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always your call, but our aim is to help you make as informed a decision as possible.

There are many reasons to switch from the Pixel 7 Pro to the Pixel 9 Pro, namely, if you want a smaller flagship-level Android phone. The reduced dimensions of the Pixel 9 Pro are a great selling point and help set the Made by Google lineup apart from competitors this year. While the XL is a great device, it might not provide enough upgrades for most people to warrant a switch given the increased price-tag.

Because Google has continued to refine and reposition, the Pixel 7 Pro isn’t a million miles off the Pixel 9 series in terms of daily performance and experience. However, you’ll need to work out if the lack of AI features will inhibit your day-to-day existence. For most people, missing out on features like Pixel Studio or Pixel Screenshots isn’t going to be a huge loss, and if you want an upgrade but can hold on a little longer, you’ll likely get a bigger performance and experience leap later down the line.