One Year with the Pixel 7 Pro

---

As someone who changes their smartphone every two years, finding the perfect balance between performance and enjoyment is crucial. It’s been a year since I made the leap from the Poco F3 to the Google Pixel 7 Pro (256GB edition), and it's been quite an adventure. Here’s my personal take on how these two smartphones stack up after a year of daily use.

The Camera: Love at First Click

The first thing that blew me away with the Pixel 7 Pro was the camera. Over the past year, it's continued to impress. The photos are vibrant and detailed, and the low-light performance is just stunning. Whether it's a casual snap of a sunset or a close-up of my cat, the Pixel 7 Pro nails it every time.

The optical zoom on the Pixel 7 Pro is particularly noteworthy. The level of detail it captures is insane, especially after the phone's software works its magic with sharpening and other post-processing calculations. It almost feels like having a professional camera in your pocket.

The Poco F3's camera wasn’t bad, but it just didn't have the same wow factor. I always found myself tweaking settings or retaking shots to get them just right. With the Pixel, it's point-and-shoot perfection, which has made capturing memories over the past year a joy.

Stock Android: Clean and Smooth

Switching to the Pixel 7 Pro also meant switching to stock Android, and wow, what a difference! The interface is smooth, intuitive, and free from all the bloatware that came with MIUI on the Poco F3. After a year, this clean Android experience continues to feel fresh and user-friendly. Plus, getting timely updates straight from Google has kept the phone secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

Performance: The Snapdragon 870 Still Shines

Now, let’s talk performance. The Poco F3, with its Snapdragon 870 processor, is still a beast, especially for gaming. Even after a year with the Pixel 7 Pro, I occasionally find myself reaching for the Poco F3 when I fire up Genshin Impact or Honkai Impact 3rd. The Pixel 7 Pro is great, but it doesn't quite match the raw gaming power of the Poco.

For everyday tasks, the Pixel 7 Pro is snappy and efficient, but if you’re a gamer like me, the Snapdragon 870 in the Poco F3 is hard to beat.

Power Efficiency: A Mixed Bag

One thing I miss from the Poco F3 is the battery life. The Google Tensor G2 chip in the Pixel 7 Pro isn't as power-efficient, which means I find myself reaching for the charger more often. For someone who’s always on the go, this can be a bit of a hassle.

The Poco F3, on the other hand, could easily last through a full day of heavy use, thanks to its efficient Snapdragon 870. Longer gaming sessions without worrying about battery drain were definitely a plus.

High-End Feel: Pixel 7 Pro's Premium Materials

One of the first things I noticed when I got my hands on the Pixel 7 Pro was the feel of the materials. It feels significantly more high-end than the Poco F3. The sleek glass back and polished aluminum frame give it a premium vibe that makes using it feel special. The Poco F3, with its plastic frame and back, feels sturdy but lacks that luxurious touch. After a year, the Pixel 7 Pro still feels premium and looks great.

Limited Storage: A Major Drawback

One major downside of the Pixel 7 Pro is the storage options. Even though I opted for the 256GB model, Google has been artificially keeping the storage low on its base models, and even the upcoming Pixel 9 will have a 128GB entry model. In 2024, this is simply not acceptable. With apps, games, photos, and videos taking up more space than ever, 128GB just doesn't cut it. It feels like a step backward, especially when other manufacturers are offering more generous storage options as standard. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro did not have a 512GB edition available in Europe, which limited options for users needing more storage space. In my opinion, it's a stupid decision that limits the potential of an otherwise excellent phone. Back in the day, I always made fun of Apple users being ripped off, but now I guess I am one of these big brand buyers too.

Specs Comparison: A Quick Look

Here’s a quick comparison of the key specs:

Poco F3:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB
• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
• Camera: 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro)
• Battery: 4520mAh
• Operating System: MIUI based on Android 11 (recently updated to HyperOS)

Google Pixel 7 Pro:

• Processor: Google Tensor G2
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB
• Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
• Camera: 50MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 48MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Operating System: Stock Android 14

HyperOS Update: Poco F3 Stays Relevant

Even though I've moved to the Pixel 7 Pro, I still keep my Poco F3 at home. Recently, it received an update to HyperOS, Xiaomi’s latest operating system. This update brought a fresh look and new features, making the Poco F3 feel more modern and responsive. It's nice to see that the device is still being supported and getting updates that keep it competitive.

The Camera Bump: A Love-Hate Relationship

While I absolutely love the Pixel 7 Pro's camera setup, I wish Google would have kept the same design for the upcoming Pixel 9. From the final design, the new camera bump looks pretty ugly. The current camera bump on the Pixel 7 Pro is sleek and functional, and it complements the phone's design perfectly. It's a bit disappointing to see the direction Google has taken with the Pixel 9.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Trade-Off

After a year with the Pixel 7 Pro, it's clear that switching from the Poco F3 has been a journey of trade-offs. The Pixel 7 Pro offers a phenomenal camera, a pristine stock Android experience, and a high-end feel with its premium materials. However, the Poco F3 still holds the crown for gaming performance and battery efficiency. The storage limitations on the Pixel 7 Pro and the upcoming Pixel 9 are a significant drawback.

For my day-to-day use, the Pixel 7 Pro is fantastic. The camera alone makes it worth the switch, and the smooth Android experience is a joy. But for those intense gaming sessions, I sometimes find myself missing the sheer power and efficiency of the Poco F3.

In the end, it all comes down to what you value most in a smartphone. For me, the Pixel 7 Pro's camera and clean interface make it a winner, but the Poco F3’s performance still holds a special place in my heart. Plus, with the recent HyperOS update, my trusty old Poco F3 remains a reliable backup.