Buying a Refurbished Google Pixel: Pixel 7, 8 or 9 — Which One Is Right for You?
Google Pixels are new to our range. But which generation should you go for: the affordable Pixel 7, the smart middle ground of the Pixel 8, or the latest Pixel 9? We put camera quality, update policy and size side by side.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-08-15
We've recently added refurbished Google Pixels to our range, and we're genuinely excited about it. The Pixel has quietly become one of the best Android phones you can buy: outstanding camera performance, a clean version of Android, and updates delivered straight from Google itself. The question we hear most often in store is: which generation should I go for? Below, we put the Pixel 7, 8 and 9 side by side.
The most important difference first: how long do you get updates?
With a refurbished phone, the update policy may matter even more than the camera. You don't want to be using a device that no longer receives security updates for years to come. And this is exactly where Google has done something remarkable.
- Pixel 7 (2022): security updates until October 2027. Major Android version updates have already stopped, but the device will remain secure for well over another year.
- Pixel 8 (2023): a full 7 years of support, meaning new Android versions and security updates until October 2030.
- Pixel 9 (2024): the same 7-year policy, through to August 2031.
Google introduced that 7-year commitment with the Pixel 8, making both the 8 and 9 exceptionally future-proof as refurbished purchases. For comparison: many 2023 Android devices from other brands will be out of support within three years.
The camera: all three are strong, with some differences
Pixels are known for their photo quality, and that holds true across all three generations. The Pixel 7 features a 50-megapixel main camera paired with a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, and thanks to Google's image processing it produces surprisingly impressive shots — even in low light. The Pixel 8 gained a brighter main camera and a wide-angle lens capable of macro photography. The Pixel 9 takes things further still with a 48-megapixel wide-angle lens, giving you noticeably sharper wide shots and macro images.
To be honest: the difference between the 7 and the 9 is most visible in evening shots, macro photography and when zooming in. If you simply want great photos of kids, holidays and pets, all three will serve you brilliantly.
Size and display
The three devices are fairly similar in size. The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 8 is slightly more compact at 6.2 inches, with a smoother 120Hz display that's also brighter. The Pixel 9 returns to 6.3 inches, with the sharpest screen of the three and a cleaner, more angular design featuring a matte aluminium frame. If you prefer something a little smaller and easier to handle, the Pixel 8 is secretly the nicest of the bunch.
Performance and smart features
Each generation runs on Google's own Tensor chip: G2, G3 and G4. For everyday tasks like apps, browsing, banking and photography, the Pixel 7 still holds its own. Where the Pixel 8 and 9 really pull ahead is in their smart features — think erasing passers-by from your photos, live call translation, and the latest Gemini AI capabilities from Google. Because the 8 and 9 will continue to receive new Android versions for years to come, they'll keep gaining features that the Pixel 7 simply won't.
Battery and charging
All three models will comfortably get you through the day with normal use, and thanks to the more efficient Tensor chips, the 8 and 9 do so with a little more headroom. Wireless charging is supported across all three. One important thing to know about buying refurbished from us: the battery is tested as part of our 50-point inspection, and it's fully covered by our 2-year warranty. The old story about refurbished always meaning a worn-out battery simply doesn't apply here — and if there's ever an issue, we'll sort it at no cost to you.
Which one is right for you?
- Smallest budget and not in a rush for the latest updates? The Pixel 7 is the most affordable way into the Pixel world and will remain secure until the end of 2027. A great option as a temporary phone or a first smartphone.
- Best value per year of use? The Pixel 8 is the smartest buy for most people: updates until 2030, a top-quality camera and a pleasantly compact size — all for significantly less than the Pixel 9.
- The very latest? The Pixel 9 gives you the finest display, the best camera and support through to 2031. Buying refurbished means you save considerably compared to buying new.
Buy a refurbished Pixel from The Phone Shopper
Every Pixel that leaves our store has been checked by our own technicians through a 50-point inspection: screen, battery, cameras, microphones — everything is tested. You get a 2-year warranty including the battery, plus a 30-day return window. Prefer to see it in person first? Come and visit us in our store in Nijverdal, where we've been based since 2009. We hold a 4.6 rating on Google with 93 reviews, and we intend to keep it that way.
Browse our current stock on our Google Pixel page. Can't find the model you're after? Pop in or give us a call — we'll see what we can do for you.
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