Google Pixel 7 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The Google Pixel 7, released in October 2022, and the iPhone SE (3rd generation), launched in March 2022, are two distinct smartphones offering different user experiences. While the Pixel 7 operates on Android and features a modern design with advanced camera capabilities, the iPhone SE runs on iOS, maintaining a classic compact form factor with a focus on core performance. These devices cater to varying preferences, from operating system choice to physical design and camera priorities.

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are key factors. Both the Google Pixel 7 and the iPhone SE 2022 offer substantial longevity, though their approaches differ.

• Software Updates: The Google Pixel 7, initially released with Android 13, is expected to receive operating system updates until October 2027, and security updates for the same duration. The iPhone SE 2022, launched with iOS 15.4, typically benefits from Apple's longer software support, with expectations of receiving iOS updates for approximately 5 to 7 years from its release, potentially until 2028-2030.
• Physical Durability: The Pixel 7 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both its front and back, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a durable glass on its front and back, described as tougher than previous models, and carries an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The Pixel 7 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with screen replacements being relatively straightforward, though battery replacement can be challenging due to strong adhesive and a soldered USB-C port. The iPhone SE 2022 generally receives a repairability score of 5.5 or 6 out of 10, with common repairs like screen and battery replacement being feasible, but the home button can be tricky to handle.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently they handle daily tasks and demanding applications. Both devices offer robust performance within their respective ecosystems.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 7 is equipped with a current-generation processor designed by Google, which enables smooth handling of demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and responsive gaming experiences. The iPhone SE 2022 integrates a powerful chip, the same one found in the iPhone 13 series, providing very fast and responsive operation across applications and ensuring it remains capable for years to come.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 7 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. It offers storage options of 128GB and 256GB. The iPhone SE 2022 features 4GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, allows for efficient multitasking. Storage configurations include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 houses a 4355 mAh battery, with users often reporting that it can last through a full day of moderate to heavy use. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 2018 mAh battery, and while it can last a day for average users, heavy usage may require more frequent charging.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and the quality of the screen significantly impacts the user experience, from media consumption to daily browsing.

• Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch OLED display, which offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, providing an immersive viewing experience. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 comes with a more compact 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display, known for its color accuracy and consistent viewing angles.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 7's display has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a sharp image quality, and boasts a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels and a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for everyday tasks but offers less fluidity compared to higher refresh rate displays.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Pixel 7 offers a peak brightness of up to 1400 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 provides a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor environments, though it may struggle in direct sunlight compared to brighter displays.

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone, influencing how they capture and share moments. Both devices offer capable cameras, but with different strengths and features.

• Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 7 is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50 MP wide lens and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. It is highly praised for its computational photography, delivering excellent detail, dynamic range, and strong low-light performance. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12 MP wide rear camera. While it produces very good images in well-lit conditions with accurate colors, it lacks advanced features like Night Mode and additional lenses such as ultrawide or telephoto.
• Front Camera and Video: The Pixel 7 includes a 10.8 MP front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7 MP front camera that performs well in good lighting for selfies and video calls. Both devices offer strong video recording capabilities, with the iPhone SE also supporting 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with good stabilization.
• Photography Features: The Pixel 7 excels with features like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser, enhancing image quality and editing flexibility. The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from the powerful chip's image processing, offering features like Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles, but its single lens limits versatility compared to multi-camera systems.