Google Pixel 7 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:163.99

Versus €649.99 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:127.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Google Pixel 7, released in October 2022, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and user experience. The Pixel 7 offers a larger, more modern display and a versatile dual-camera system, running on the Android operating system. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact form factor with a traditional design, powered by Apple's iOS, and features a single rear camera. These differences cater to varying user preferences in terms of ecosystem, physical size, and photographic capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Google Pixel 7 and the iPhone SE 2022 offer substantial software support, though their timelines and ecosystems differ.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022, while the Google Pixel 7 followed in October 2022. This means the Pixel 7 is slightly newer, potentially offering a marginally longer practical lifespan from its release date.
  • OS Support: Google has committed to five years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 7 series, meaning it is expected to receive updates until Android 18. Apple typically provides 5 to 7 years of iOS updates for its devices, with the iPhone SE 2022 expected to receive updates until around 2028 or 2030.
  • Repairability: The Google Pixel 7 has a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively easy. However, the battery can be difficult to remove due to strong adhesive, and the charging port is soldered to the motherboard. The iPhone SE 2022 has a repairability score of 5.5 out of 10, with common parts like batteries and screens being fairly easy to replace with the right tools.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both devices offer capable performance for daily tasks, but they approach it from different operating system philosophies and hardware configurations.

  • System Responsiveness: The Google Pixel 7 handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, with users reporting quick app loading and fluid transitions. The iPhone SE 2022 also delivers very responsive performance, capable of running the latest apps and games without issues.
  • Multitasking and RAM: The Pixel 7 comes with 8GB of RAM, which contributes to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The iPhone SE 2022 features 4GB of RAM, which is optimized by iOS to provide efficient multitasking for most users.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7, with its larger 4355 mAh battery, generally offers a full day of use for many users, even with moderate to heavy usage. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 2018 mAh battery, and while efficient, heavy users may find themselves needing to charge it more frequently, sometimes more than once a day.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones differs significantly due to their display technologies and design philosophies.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch OLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 4.7-inch IPS LCD Retina HD display, which provides good color accuracy and viewing angles.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Pixel 7's OLED screen has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone SE 2022's display has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which is clear for its size, though less dense than the Pixel 7.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Pixel 7 offers a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, and can reach a peak brightness suitable for outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate and has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits.

Resolution

1080 x 2400

750 x 1334

Screen type

AMOLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but they excel in different areas and cater to distinct photographic needs.

  • Camera System Configuration: The Google Pixel 7 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, along with a 10.8MP front camera. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP wide camera on the rear and a 7MP front camera.
  • Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 is known for its computational photography, producing photos with natural colors, sharp details, and strong low-light performance, including a faster Night Sight mode. The iPhone SE 2022 captures good images in decent light with accurate color balance and detail, but it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light photos.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second. The Pixel 7 offers improved video capture with good stabilization and dynamic range. The iPhone SE 2022 also provides sharp and smooth video quality, particularly for its category.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10.8 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones in daily use.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Google Pixel 7 uses a USB-C 3.2 port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security: The Pixel 7 offers both an under-display optical fingerprint scanner and Face Unlock for security. The iPhone SE 2022 relies on a physical home button with Touch ID (fingerprint recognition).
  • Design and Build: The Pixel 7 features a modern design with a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus) and an aluminum frame, offering IP68 water and dust resistance. The iPhone SE 2022 retains a classic iPhone design with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame, providing IP67 water and dust resistance. The Pixel 7 is larger and heavier at 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and 197g, while the iPhone SE 2022 is more compact and lighter at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and 144g.

Weight

197 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.3

4.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Google Pixel 7 and iPhone SE 2022 cater to different user priorities, each offering a distinct smartphone experience. Users often praise the Pixel 7 for its exceptional camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features that deliver impressive photos in various conditions, including low light. Its modern design, vibrant OLED display with a higher refresh rate, and robust software support are also frequently highlighted as strong points. Some common criticisms of the Pixel 7 include its battery life, which, while generally sufficient for a day, may not match some competitors for heavy usage, and the lack of a telephoto lens on the standard model.

Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 is often lauded for its compact size, making it easy to handle with one hand, and its familiar home button with Touch ID. Its performance, powered by a capable processor, is consistently praised for its speed and responsiveness, ensuring smooth operation across applications. However, frequent criticisms include its dated design with thick bezels, the smaller LCD display with a standard refresh rate, and its single camera system which lacks features like Night Mode. Its battery life is also a point of concern for users with demanding usage patterns.

Users prioritizing a modern full-screen experience, advanced camera features, and the Android ecosystem will find the Google Pixel 7 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a compact form factor, the iOS ecosystem, and a traditional design with physical home button will likely lean towards the iPhone SE 2022. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for consumers. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences for operating system, design, and specific feature sets.

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