Showdown between the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro cameras

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are here, forcing small phone lovers to choose between their preferred device size and some massive differences in photography. While we love the design choices Google made to make the smaller Pixel 7 feel snug in the hand, the Pro’s upgraded ultra-wide lens, not to mention its exclusive 5x telephoto lens, makes a big difference.

It can be a tough choice when trying to decide between the two phones. Both make up two of the best Android phones out there. But with a $300 difference between them, it’s important to understand what gets you your extra cash on the Pro, and nowhere is it more apparent than with the camera array. We tested the primary and ultra-wide lenses on these phones, comparing the regular Pixel 7’s 5x digital zoom to the Pro’s 5x telephoto lens. The results might surprise you. Let’s dive in.

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Main cameras

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have identical primary lenses: 50MP f/1.85 sensors with 82° FoV and OIS. So it should come as no surprise that the shots both phones take are nearly identical. Comparing these groups of photos is like playing a spot the difference game. The only subtle changes are where the phone was held when the picture was taken. Still, for comparison, here are some examples, with the Pixel 7 image first and the Pixel 7 Pro image second.

Nothing really interesting here. Both cameras can take almost identical photos because the hardware and software processing is identical. Whether you buy a Pixel 7 or a Pixel 7 Pro, you’ll get the same excellent experience.

The same goes for Portrait mode on both shots. Here are four shots: two from the Pixel 7 and two from the Pro, each with Portrait mode on and off.

These look virtually identical, with the only major differences being how the photo was framed. That means the interesting comparisons come from the other two cameras: the ultra-wide and the telephoto.

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Ultra wide comparison

Unlike last year, the ultra-wide lenses on these phones aren’t identical. The Pixel 7 uses the same 114° angle lens as the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, while the 7 Pro gets an improved 125° shooter. One of our main criticisms of the Pixel 6 series was how little difference the ultra-wide lens made compared to the standard primary sensor, and this year that difference is striking. Check out this gallery of Pixel 7 images, followed by Pixel 7 Pro images.

Two things are immediately apparent from this group of images. First, the ultra-wide night mode is still pretty useless. Both sample images are blurry and uncomfortable for the eye. In the daytime shots, if you look around, the difference made here is obvious. Taking a photo with the Pixel 7 Pro’s ultra-wide lens is like stepping back. More of the world is immediately brought into the picture without the shooter having to move an inch.

For example, the pro’s shots of Buffalo City Hall show more of the Tensegrity sculpture next to it, while the Pixel 7 saw little of it. Ditto for the photos of the lake, which show more of the surrounding vegetation than the regular Pixel 7 could see.

The Pixel 7 Pro’s wider angle also allows you to use a special macro mode that pops up when you’re close to an object. It can be difficult to capture moving subjects in macro, think leaves blowing in the wind. Still, capturing still images with a steady hand makes a big difference.

The first photo shows the shortest distance the Pixel 7 could shoot this keyboard at each focus level, and it’s still a little blurry. The Pixel 7 Pro was able to get closer to the keyboard while producing a clearer photo. The winner here is obvious, and if you’re into macro photography then go for the Pixel 7 Pro.

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: telephoto comparison

The best thing about the Pixel 7 Pro is its telephoto lens. Both phones can crop their main sensor to 2x for great-looking photos, but only the Pixel 7 Pro has dedicated hardware for 5x capture. This inclusion allows for impressive photographs, and not just at 5x. While the Pixel 7’s Super Res Zoom mode tops out at 8x, the Pro can take pictures at 30x. Not all of these photos will be usable, but we’ve found 10x shots to be a sweet spot for the phone. For this comparison, we shot everything at 5x, the standard focal length for the Pro’s telephoto lens.

Again, the Pixel 7 is the first photo in the group, while the Pixel 7 Pro is second.

Many of these photos speak for themselves. Either way, the Pixel 7 Pro captured more detail than the Pixel 7 could ever manage. Look at the detail in the glass rim in the first two photos. The Pro’s telephoto lens captured the reflections of light with far more texture than the Pixel 7’s shot. In the second pair, the Pixel 7 seemed to do a good job of capturing the brickwork in this building, but it’s a muddy mess by comparison of the Pixel 7 Pro. The lines along the building, the roman numerals on the clock, and the leaves in the lower left corner look much better with the 5x lens.

The third set of photos is the only group that looks relatively unchanged between the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Because the building is framed by a window, it’s far enough away that any loss of detail is better camouflaged. For example, the building on the left side of the image looks sharper on the 7 Pro, but it’s only noticeable if you’re willing to zoom in on the shot.

The other three sets – the pumpkin, the cat and the night shot of Darth Vader – hammer the point home. Whether it’s the texture of a pumpkin stalk, the fur of a sleeping cat, or the glow of a lightsaber-meets-fishing-rod, the Pro’s telephoto lens does a better job of capturing it. That’s not to say the Pixel 7 isn’t capable of capturing usable images at 5x; only that anyone who might have to rely on zooming in on subjects might want to consider jumping in for the pricier model.

Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 7 Pro: Which takes better photos?

The Pixel 7 Pro is a more agile device for capturing the world around you. The real question is whether adding a telephoto lens (and a wider ultra-wide lens) is worth the extra $300. For some buyers, this is a no-brainer. But the smaller Pixel 7 is a more comfortable phone for everyday use, in our opinion. It feels better in the hand, is cheaper and if you can do without the telephoto lens, it can be worth saving your money.

The Pixel 7’s digital zoom can’t hold a candle to its bigger brother, which is placed side-by-side in a competition. Still, it’s not bad if you’re looking for something that can take reliable pictures for social media. And either way, you get one damn good main camera.

However, taking the best photo does not only depend on the camera. Step up your photo game with our tips on how to take better photos with your Android phone.