Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 8?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 8, 1 year apart.
Yes — the Pixel 8 is a worthwhile upgrade
The Pixel 8 is 1 year newer than the Pixel 7, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 82.0. The biggest improvements: battery rated 8 points higher, display rated 14 points higher, 220 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: 0.1" smaller screen, launched $100 more expensive.
What you gain with the Pixel 8
- +Battery rated 8 points higher
- +Display rated 14 points higher
- +220 mAh bigger battery
- +7W faster wired charging
- +Smoother display (+30Hz refresh rate)
- +600 nits brighter peak display
- +10 g lighter
What you give up
- −0.1" smaller screen
- −Launched $100 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Pixel 8 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 78.8 | 82.0 | +3.2 (4%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 80 | No real change |
| Camera score | 88 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery score | 70 | 78 | +8 (11%) |
| Display score | 74 | 88 | +14 (19%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,355 mAh | 4,575 mAh | +220 mAh (5%) |
| Wired charging | 20W | 27W | +7W (35%) |
| Wireless charging | 20W | 18W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.2" | −0.1" |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | +30Hz (33%) |
| Peak brightness | 1,400 nits | 2,000 nits | +600 nits (43%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | No real change |
| Weight | 197 g | 187 g | −10 g (5%) |
| Launch price | $599 | $699 | +$100 (17%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 7 vs Pixel 8: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 8?
Yes — the Pixel 8 is a worthwhile upgrade. The Pixel 8 is 1 year newer than the Pixel 7, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 82.0. The biggest improvements: battery rated 8 points higher, display rated 14 points higher, 220 mah bigger battery. Trade-offs to know: 0.1" smaller screen, launched $100 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8?
Battery rated 8 points higher: 70 on the Pixel 7 vs 78 on the Pixel 8.
Does the Pixel 8 have a bigger battery than the Pixel 7?
The Pixel 8 has a 4,575 mAh battery versus 4,355 mAh on the Pixel 7 (+220 mAh (5%)).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 8?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.