Should You Upgrade from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 9?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 9, 2 years apart.
Yes — the Pixel 9 is a worthwhile upgrade
The Pixel 9 is 2 years newer than the Pixel 7, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 84.9. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, battery rated 8 points higher, display rated 16 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 5w slower wireless charging, launched $200 more expensive.
What you gain with the Pixel 9
- +Performance rated 10 points higher
- +Battery rated 8 points higher
- +Display rated 16 points higher
- +345 mAh bigger battery
- +7W faster wired charging
- +Smoother display (+30Hz refresh rate)
- +1,300 nits brighter peak display
- +4 GB more RAM
What you give up
- −5W slower wireless charging
- −Launched $200 more expensive
| Spec | Pixel 7 | Pixel 9 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 78.8 | 84.9 | +6.1 (8%) |
| Performance score | 80 | 90 | +10 (13%) |
| Camera score | 88 | 88 | No real change |
| Battery score | 70 | 78 | +8 (11%) |
| Display score | 74 | 90 | +16 (22%) |
| Battery capacity | 4,355 mAh | 4,700 mAh | +345 mAh (8%) |
| Wired charging | 20W | 27W | +7W (35%) |
| Wireless charging | 20W | 15W | −5W (25%) |
| Screen size | 6.3" | 6.3" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | +30Hz (33%) |
| Peak brightness | 1,400 nits | 2,700 nits | +1,300 nits (93%) |
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP | No real change |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB | +4 GB (50%) |
| Weight | 197 g | 198 g | No real change |
| Launch price | $599 | $799 | +$200 (33%) |
Upgrade if…
- You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Pixel 7 vs Pixel 9: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Pixel 7 to the Pixel 9?
Yes — the Pixel 9 is a worthwhile upgrade. The Pixel 9 is 2 years newer than the Pixel 7, and the BeastScore rises from 78.8 to 84.9. The biggest improvements: performance rated 10 points higher, battery rated 8 points higher, display rated 16 points higher. Trade-offs to know: 5w slower wireless charging, launched $200 more expensive.
What is the biggest difference between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 9?
Performance rated 10 points higher: 80 on the Pixel 7 vs 90 on the Pixel 9.
Does the Pixel 9 have a bigger battery than the Pixel 7?
The Pixel 9 has a 4,700 mAh battery versus 4,355 mAh on the Pixel 7 (+345 mAh (8%)).
Who should upgrade to the Pixel 9?
Upgrade if: You regularly run out of battery before the end of the day; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.