**Pixel 7 Pro Camera Test: A Detailed Comparison**
We put the Pixel 7 Pro through its paces to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Pixel 6 Pro. Our testing covered a wide range of camera features, including night mode portraits, night video, front-facing cameras, and more.
In terms of night mode portraits, we were underwhelmed by the improvements on the Pixel 7 Pro. While the background blur was slightly nicer on both phones, there wasn't a significant difference in terms of image quality. The sweater was sharper on the Pixel 6 Pro, but overall, our experience with night mode portraits didn't leave us wanting more.
On the other hand, night video was significantly better on the Pixel 7 Pro. We were able to reduce almost all noise from the images, resulting in cleaner and more vibrant videos. This is thanks to the improved G2 chip sensor, which provides better low-light performance compared to the Tensor chip used in the Pixel 6 Pro.
When it comes to front-facing cameras, we had a lower resolution on the Pixel 7 Pro, with only 10.8 megapixels compared to 11.1 megapixels on the Pixel 6 Pro. However, our testing showed that while the 7 Pro's camera was sharper in terms of focus, it struggled to balance both the subject and background in a single shot. In contrast, the Pixel 6 Pro focused perfectly on my face while keeping the background blurry.
We also conducted a front-facing camera test, where we compared the image quality of both phones. Our experience showed that while the Pixel 7 Pro was better at handling wind and providing a smoother frame rate, it struggled to expose highlights as well as the Pixel 6 Pro. Additionally, our audio testing revealed that the Pixel 7 Pro's audio was slightly crisper and louder than its predecessor.
However, there were some areas where the Pixel 7 Pro excelled. Our tests showed that night mode with a front-facing camera was surprisingly better on both phones, with only minor differences in image quality. The Edge detection was also nearly identical on both devices.
**Macro and Telephoto**
One area where the Pixel 7 Pro shines is in macro photography. With its improved telephoto lens, we were able to capture crisp and detailed images of small objects like flowers and food. The Pixel 6 Pro struggled with low-light macro shots, but our experience with the 7 Pro was significantly better.
We also tested the Pixel 7 Pro's 2x Zoom, 5x Zoom, and 10x Zoom capabilities. While all three modes were improved over the Pixel 6 Pro, we didn't notice a significant difference in image quality at higher zoom levels. However, our tests showed that the outdoor Ultra Wide Night mode was noticeably better on both phones.
**Video Capabilities**
We also put the Pixel 7 Pro's video capabilities to the test. Our experience showed that while it couldn't quite match the 4K video quality of the S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro, its improved frame rates and lower latency made it a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Our night mode test revealed that the Pixel 7 Pro was significantly better at capturing vibrant images in low light conditions. However, our tests also showed that while both phones were capable of taking stunning evening indoor shots, there wasn't a significant difference between them.
**Cinematic Mode**
One feature that we were excited to try on the Pixel 7 Pro was its new Cinematic mode. Unfortunately, this feature is still in beta and not available on the phone. However, our testing showed that while it improved over the Pixel 6 Pro, it still had some minor issues with exposure and focus.
**Should You Upgrade?**
So, should you upgrade to the Pixel 7 Pro if you already have a Pixel 6 Pro? If you take a lot of action shots or use your phone for high-contrast photography, then yes. The Pixel 7 Pro's improved telephoto lens and macro capabilities are significant upgrades over its predecessor.
However, if front-facing camera performance is crucial to you, then it's probably not worth upgrading. Unfortunately, the Pixel 7 Pro's lower-resolution front-facing camera is a downgrade from the Pixel 6 Pro.
Ultimately, our testing showed that while the Pixel 7 Pro has some impressive features and improvements over its predecessor, there are areas where it still falls short. If you're due for an upgrade, we recommend checking out other phones with similar features before making a decision.
**In Conclusion**
Our Pixel 7 Pro camera test was a mixed bag of results. While the phone showed significant improvements in night mode video and macro photography, its front-facing camera and indoor shots were slightly better on the Pixel 6 Pro. Additionally, our testing revealed that while the phone's audio capabilities are improved over its predecessor, they still can't quite match the quality of some other flagships.
Overall, we think that the Pixel 7 Pro is a solid upgrade for those who take a lot of action shots or use their phone for high-contrast photography. However, if front-facing camera performance is crucial to you, then it's probably not worth upgrading just yet.