At the ‘Made by Google’ event on October 4, 2023, Google revealed a range of exciting new developments and products. On top of the Android 14 operating system and the Pixel Watch 2, the company unveiled the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. These phones included some upgrades from 2022’s Pixel 7, including a mightier chipset and seven years of Android updates.
When a brand releases a new smartphone, the prices of its previous models drop. You can pick up a refurbished Google Pixel phone, including the Pixel 7, for hundreds of dollars less than the recommended retail price. If you’re an Android lover interested in the benefits of a Google Pixel phone (exceptional camera quality, personal assistant, instant Android updates etc.), refurbished phones offer an easy and affordable solution. Are a second-hand Pixel 7’s specs up to scratch? How does a refurbished Pixel 8 fare in comparison to older models?
Refurbished smartphones are second-hand smartphones that professionals have put through a detailed checking and testing process to guarantee their quality. When you buy refurbished, you save potentially hundreds of dollars, can count on the quality of your new smartphone and get a warranty with your purchase as well. Plus, refurbished smartphones are usually almost identical to brand-new phones apart from some surface-level scuffs and marks.
If you want to compare Google Pixel phones for yourself, there are plenty you can check out right here on the OzMobiles website. In this article, we look at the two most recent models of this innovative Android smartphone. Here is our refurbished Pixel 7 vs. refurbished Pixel 8 comparison.
Display and Design
Aesthetics
Both the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 8 come with a glossy back finish and a matte aluminium frame with a horizontal bar-shaped camera module. But the Pixel 8 is lighter with flatter edges, making it easier to hold with one hand.
One of the biggest differences between the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 8 is their colour schemes. The Pixel 7 is available in obsidian (black), snow (white) and lemongrass (yellow). The Pixel 8 also comes in black, but swaps the other colours for hazel (grey) and rose (pink).
Durability and material choice in refurbished models
When it’s refurbished by the right retailer, a refurbished smartphone is just as durable as a brand-new one. When you buy a Google Pixel 7 phone, you have access to the same material choices as a new model will give you. In the case of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, this includes an aluminium mid-frame and a Gorilla Glass Victus front. The Google Pixel 8 also boasts strong Gorilla Glass and an aluminium frame.
Screen specifications
The Google Pixel 7 includes a 6.3-inch AMOLED screen with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. The Google Pixel 8’s screen specs include a 6.2-inch OLED screen and a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution.
Visual performance
The Google Pixel 7’s screen has a peak brightness of 1400 nits, while the Google Pixel 8’s screen tops at 2000 nits. While both have beautiful colours, the Google Pixel 8 has a slightly more accurate colour scheme based on Delta E-scores.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood: processor, RAM, and storage options
The Google Pixel 7’s hardware specs include a Google Tensor G2 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A refurbished Pixel 8, by comparison, features the same 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM but with a Google Tensor G3 processor.
Benchmarking performance: Pixel 7 vs Pixel 8
According to most benchmarks, the Google Pixel 8 outperforms the Pixel 7. However, the difference is marginal when comparing some benchmarks, and the Google Pixel 7 remains an above-average performer.
Camera Capabilities
Lens specifications and image quality
Google Pixel phones are renowned for their high levels of camera quality. The lenses and camera qualities are different for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro and refurbished Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro by comparison. Both the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro come with 48-megapixel telephoto lenses and 5x optical zooms; however, the Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 48MP wide-angle camera that can focus as close as two centimetres.
Both the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 8 are capable of taking superb photos, although the Pixel 8 has some extra features like the Magic Editor tool.
Video recording features and comparisons
All Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 phones allow you to capture 4K video at 60fps. Yet the Google Pixel 8 Pro also has extra video features like Video Boost, which provides true-to-life colours even during low-light conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is always an important factor when you compare Google Pixel phones. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 both have similar battery lives (lasting around a day), but the Pixel 8 lasts slightly longer. Both phones offer fast charging, with Qi certification for wireless charging.
Software and User Experience
Operating system differences
The Google Pixel 8 comes pre-loaded with the Android 14 operating system, and you can upgrade to it with the Google Pixel 7. However, the Google Pixel 8 comes with seven years of Android updates, so you can stay protected for a long time.
Unique software features
Software-wise, both phones provide a similar user experience. But the Pixel 8 has some additional AI features, especially on the photography side. Both smartphones feature the kind of user-friendly interfaces you’d expect from Google.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Network compatibility
Both phones cater to the connectivity needs of modern smartphone users. While the Google Pixel 7 has all the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and GPS needs a modern smartphone user requires, the refurbished Pixel 8, by comparison, steps it up a notch with the connectivity of the Tensor G3 inside of the device.
Extras: water resistance, biometrics, and sensors
When you compare Google Pixel phones, both devices have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. While Google Pixel 7 Pros come equipped with fingerprint sensors and Face Unlocks, Google Pixel 8’s include under-display fingerprint sensors, Face Unlocks, patterns, pins and passwords.
Price Comparison and Value for Money
How does a refurbished Pixel 7 stack up dollar for dollar against a refurbished Pixel 8 in comparison? You can pick up a refurbished Pixel 7 smartphone for as little as $649. The cost of a brand new Google Pixel 8 phone starts at $1199, although the price will go down as Google releases new smartphones and more Pixel 8s find their way onto the refurbished market. In comparison with a new Pixel 8 device, a refurbished Google Pixel 7 can offer exceptional value for money and comparable features.
Final Verdict: Which Phone Suits You Best?
Both the Google Pixel 7 and the Google Pixel 8 are excellent phones to use. While a second-hand Pixel 7’s specs will hold up just as well as a new one’s if the phone is properly refurbished, a Google Pixel 8 still offers that elusive perk of seven years of updates.
It depends on which one is the higher priority for you. If you want a phone that’s supported until 2030 and beyond, the Google Pixel 8 can give you all that and a host of other features in one amazing package. If you’re more interested in saving money, a refurbished Google Pixel 7 is still more affordable.
Find A Refurbished Pixel 7 or Pixel 8 at OzMobiles
Compare Google Pixel phones for yourself by checking out our range of Google Pixel smartphones. You can find second-hand Google Pixel 7s and 8s, specs intact, plus a selection of older Google Pixel smartphones.
All OzMobiles devices are 100% fully functional and sold with 12-month warranties and 30-day money-back guarantees. When you buy it from OzMobiles, a refurbished Pixel 8 – in comparison with a new model – matches a newer model in terms of quality.
If you have any questions, get in touch with the OzMobiles team!
