I reviewed the Google Pixel 7 Pro four years ago, and it’s fascinating to look at how Pixel phones have changed since that flagship first released. The Pixel 7 Pro sports a curved 6.7-inch display — an ancient characteristic by modern standards — and a second-generation Tensor chip with a tendency to overheat. However, I took a look at the Pixel 7 Pro in 2026, and there are a few things that still hold up against the latest Pixel 11 series.
The Pixel 7 Pro runs Android 17, and still has one year of full software support remaining. If you’re still holding onto an older Pixel, there’s a strong case for keeping it a little longer. It’s common for older phones to hold their own for many years after their original release, but it’s rare for an older phone to have a decisive advantage over newer models. That’s true of the Pixel 7 Pro’s display, which beats even the Pixel 11 Pro XL.
A sharper screen than new Pixels
The Pixel 7 Pro’s pixel density is unmatched
Google’s best phones have high-resolution display panels, and they’re branded as “Super Actua” screens. These are sometimes referred to as QHD+ panels as well, which describes a display with a resolution of 2960×1440 or better. The Google Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL both sport QHD+ displays, whereas the base Pixel 11 only has a FHD screen.
The average user probably won’t spot the difference between the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro screens, but the higher resolution is another perk of splurging for the “Pro” model. Those with a Pixel Pro phone can choose between running their display in high-resolution mode or max-resolution mode. As the names suggest, the latter mode provides the sharpest image. However, the former mode prioritizes battery life.
The older Pixel 7 Pro has a QHD+ display, but it’s actually sharper than the new ones you’ll find on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL. Pixel density is the spec to watch for, and it’s measured in pixels per inch (ppi). Resolution simply tells you the number of horizontal and vertical pixels a screen contains. It doesn’t account for differences in screen size. A 4K display has a higher resolution than your smartphone, but your smartphone has a much higher pixel density.
The older Pixel 7 Pro has a QHD+ display, but it’s actually sharper than the new ones you’ll find on the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL.
The higher the pixel density, the sharper a screen looks — and the Pixel 7 Pro is absolutely packed with pixels. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 1440×3120 resolution, which equates to 512 pixels per inch. That’s really sharp, and the Pixel 7 Pro is packed more densely with pixels than just about any current flagship smartphone.
The Pixel 11 Pro has a 6.3-inch screen, while the Pixel 11 Pro XL includes a 6.8-inch screen. Both new models have a lower pixel density than the Pixel 7 Pro, at 495ppi and 486ppi, respectively. The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s stellar 6.9-inch panel has a pixel density of about 500ppi, which is also less sharp than the Pixel 7 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max both have a pixel density of roughly 460ppi, so Apple’s handsets can’t keep up with Google’s 2022 flagship either.
Display sharpness isn’t everything
The new Pixels are brighter, with stronger flat glass
So, should you skip the Pixel 11 series and opt for an older Pixel because of the sharper screen? No, absolutely not. The Pixel 7 Pro and the Pixel 11 Pro XL both feature QHD+ displays, and that’s the spec that truly matters. The variations are minimal, and I’m not sure Pixel 7 Pro owners would notice the difference. However, it’s one way the Pixel 7 Pro not only holds up in 2026, but also exceeds expectations.
Make no mistake, the new Pixel models have numerous display upgrades over the Pixel 7 Pro. Google’s aging flagship offers a paltry 1,500 nits of peak brightness. By comparison, the new Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL can reach a peak brightness of up to 3,600 nits. That is a difference you’ll notice, especially while viewing your phone outdoors or watching HDR content.
The curved display makes the Pixel 7 Pro look outdated compared to the flat, boxy smartphone designs that are in style today. Some are fond of the curved front and back glass, which both use Gorilla Glass Victus. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL use Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a stronger and more advanced cover glass.
The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL have better displays overall than the Pixel 7 Pro, but it’s certainly interesting that an older Pixel has a sharper screen than the new ones.
The Pixel 7 Pro still holds up in 2026
It’s a flagship with a solid camera and Android 17
Surprisingly, it’s not the only way the Pixel 7 Pro stands its ground against newer alternatives. The phone’s 5,000mAh battery capacity is definitely good enough, and so is the 50MP primary camera. The Tensor G2 chip, for all its faults, is a fine smartphone processor if you understand its limits.
Considering the Pixel 7 Pro is dirt cheap and only cost $899 at launch, I’m impressed. That’s the price of a base Pixel 11 today. The design is subjective, and certainly dated in some areas, but the screen is still stunning and the original Pixel camera bar remains iconic.
I use the latest and greatest smartphones all the time, and using the four-year-old Pixel 7 Pro is a lovely reminder that flagships can last quite a while if properly cared for. There’s no need to upgrade every three years when a carrier contract is up, let alone annually. The Pixel 7 Pro isn’t just competent, it’s category-leading in display sharpness.