Google Pixel 7 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, and the iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Pixel 7 Pro offers a large, feature-rich Android experience, the iPhone SE (2022) provides a compact iOS device with a classic design. These differences extend to their display technology, camera systems, and overall user interaction.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. Both phones are designed to receive regular updates, but their respective ecosystems handle longevity differently.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Google Pixel 7 Pro, released in October 2022, shipped with Android 13 and is expected to receive several years of major Android updates, along with five years of security updates. The iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, came with iOS 15 and typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its release, with the latest version compatible as of September 2025 being iOS 26.
• Durability Features: The Pixel 7 Pro features Gorilla Glass Victus on its display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. User reports indicate that while the screen is robust, the metal camera bar can be prone to scratches, and the phone shows some flex in bend tests, potentially affecting water resistance over time. The iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating, protecting against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and uses glass described as the "toughest in a smartphone" on both the front and back, similar to the back glass of the iPhone 13 series. Drop tests suggest good durability for front and side impacts, though the back glass may be more susceptible to cracking.
• Practical Lifespan: Both devices offer solid build quality for their respective categories. The Pixel 7 Pro's larger display and more advanced materials aim for a premium feel, while the iPhone SE (2022) prioritizes a compact form factor with robust glass. Users of both devices can expect several years of reliable operation, with software support being a primary determinant of their practical lifespan.

The performance of a smartphone is influenced by its internal components, affecting everything from app loading times to multitasking efficiency and battery endurance.

• Processor Capabilities: The Google Pixel 7 Pro is powered by a current-generation processor designed by Google, which enables smooth operation for demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and advanced on-device artificial intelligence features. The iPhone SE (2022) incorporates a powerful chip also found in more premium iPhone models, providing a highly responsive user experience and efficient handling of iOS applications and games.
• Memory and Storage: The Pixel 7 Pro typically comes with 12GB of RAM, facilitating extensive multitasking and smooth transitions between numerous open applications. It offers storage options up to 512GB. The iPhone SE (2022) features 4GB of RAM, which is optimized for iOS's memory management, providing a fluid experience for everyday tasks. Storage configurations for the iPhone SE (2022) go up to 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro houses a 5000 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of mixed usage, though heavy use of features like the camera or 5G connectivity can lead to more rapid drainage. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 2018 mAh battery, offering average battery life for a modern smartphone, typically lasting a day with moderate use but requiring more frequent charging for heavy users. Both support fast charging, and the Pixel 7 Pro also offers reverse wireless charging.

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely defined by its display, encompassing technology, resolution, and responsiveness.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Google Pixel 7 Pro features a large 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a sharp 1440 x 3120 pixel resolution, resulting in a high pixel density of 512 ppi. This technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7-inch IPS LCD Retina HD display with a 750 x 1334 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 326 ppi.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 7 Pro's display supports HDR10+ and offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive visuals, along with high brightness levels for good outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE (2022) has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a brightness level that is suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions, though it may not match the peak brightness of the Pixel 7 Pro.
• Viewing Experience: The Pixel 7 Pro's larger, higher-resolution OLED screen with a faster refresh rate offers an immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone SE (2022), with its smaller LCD and traditional bezels, provides a clear and consistent image, but the viewing area is more constrained, and the display technology is less advanced.

Camera capabilities are a significant differentiator, impacting the quality of photos and videos captured in various conditions.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 7 Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed shots across different focal lengths and offers advanced computational photography features. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12MP wide-angle camera on its rear. While it benefits from the powerful processor for image processing, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro excels in various lighting conditions, with its larger sensors and advanced processing delivering strong low-light performance and detailed images. Its telephoto lens provides significant zoom capabilities. The iPhone SE (2022) performs well in good lighting, producing images with accurate colors and detail. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which means low-light photos can appear darker and grainier compared to devices with this feature.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video. The Pixel 7 Pro supports 4K video recording at 30 or 60 frames per second. Its front-facing camera is 10.8MP. The iPhone SE (2022) also records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and features a 7MP front camera. The iPhone SE's front camera, while capable, may smooth out skin tones more than some users prefer.