PRICE & AVAILABILITY
The Google Pixel 7 is competitively priced, offering excellent value for money, especially considering its flagship status and impressive features. The phone retains the same starting price as its predecessor, the Pixel 6, making it an attractive option for users looking for a high-quality Android smartphone without breaking the bank.
The Pixel 7’s pricing starts at $599 in the US for the 128GB storage variant. For users seeking more storage capacity, there is also a 256GB option available, priced at $699. The pricing structure positions the Pixel 7 favorably in the market, especially when compared to other flagship smartphones from major competitors.
To further sweeten the deal, Google often offers promotional deals and incentives to encourage purchases. For a limited time after its launch, customers may have the opportunity to receive additional benefits with their Pixel 7 purchase. For example, Google has been known to offer free accessories like Pixel Buds Pro or discounts on the Pixel Watch to entice potential buyers. Additionally, trade-in programs are often available, allowing users to get up to $300 credit when trading in their old phones for a Pixel 7.
Availability of the Pixel 7 is widespread, making it accessible to a broad audience. The phone is available for purchase directly from the Google Store, allowing customers to buy it directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, major retailers such as Amazon, Currys, Argos, EE, Vodafone, and more typically carry the device, giving customers multiple options for purchasing the phone from various sources.
In the US, customers have the opportunity to buy the Pixel 7 from various carriers and authorized retailers. While some carriers may offer specific deals or discounts, customers can also purchase the device unlocked and bring it to their carrier of choice.
It’s worth noting that stock availability can vary based on demand and region. Popular configurations and color options may sell out quickly, so early adopters or users with specific preferences may want to act promptly to secure their desired Pixel 7 model.
Overall, the Google Pixel 7 offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and pricing. With its flagship-level capabilities and the advantages of the latest Android updates directly from Google, the Pixel 7 presents a strong contender in the smartphone market. Its competitive pricing, coupled with occasional promotions and widespread availability, make it an appealing choice for users seeking a top-tier Android device without the premium price tag.
SOFTWARE & UPDATES
The Google Pixel 7 comes equipped with the latest Android 13 operating system, delivering a seamless and user-friendly software experience. As part of Google’s commitment to providing timely updates and long-term support, the Pixel 7 ensures users receive both OS and security updates for an extended period.
Running on Android 13, the Pixel 7 benefits from the latest features and improvements that the operating system offers. While Android 13 is not a radical departure from its predecessor, it introduces several refinements and optimizations to enhance the overall user experience. Customizable interface options, an updated media player, and various small tweaks contribute to a joyous and stress-free software experience.
One notable advantage of owning a Pixel device is the assurance of receiving prompt software updates directly from Google. The Pixel 7 users can expect three years of OS updates from the time of the phone’s launch. This means that users will continue to receive the latest Android versions and feature enhancements for several years, ensuring the phone stays up-to-date and relevant.
In addition to OS updates, Google also provides an impressive five years of security updates for the Pixel 7. This commitment to security ensures that the device remains protected from potential threats and vulnerabilities, even as time goes on. The combination of regular OS and security updates makes the Pixel 7 a secure and reliable choice for users who prioritize software support and timely patches.
As part of the stock Android experience, the Pixel 7 comes with a clean and bloatware-free interface. Users can enjoy a pure Android experience, free from unnecessary pre-installed apps or additional user interfaces that can clutter the system. This simplicity allows for smoother performance and a more intuitive user experience.
While Android 13 offers a polished and user-friendly interface, there are still a couple of minor gripes. For instance, the quick settings bundle mobile data and Wi-Fi under a single “internet” category, which may be less convenient for some users. Additionally, the data and weather section on the home screen takes up considerable space, and it cannot be removed, limiting customization options.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall software experience on the Pixel 7 remains commendable. The combination of the latest Android version, timely updates, and the pure Android experience ensures that users can enjoy a smooth, reliable, and secure software experience throughout the life of their device. For those seeking a device with consistent software support and the latest Android features, the Pixel 7 stands as an appealing choice.
Design & Build
The design and build of the Google Pixel 7 showcase both familiar elements and some noteworthy improvements, ensuring a device that exudes style and durability. While it might not be a complete departure from its predecessor, the Pixel 6, Google has managed to make subtle tweaks that enhance the overall user experience.
In terms of physical appearance, the Pixel 7 retains a resemblance to its predecessor, giving a sense of continuity within the Pixel series. The phone’s form factor is still dominated by the characteristic camera bar on the back, but it has received a slight makeover, appearing sleeker and more space-aged. Although it remains somewhat chunky, the buttons on the side have been repositioned slightly lower, allowing for easier access and operation.
One notable change is the range of vibrant colors available for the Pixel 7. Alongside the classic black (Obsidian) option, Google offers a refreshing white (Snow) variant and a bold yellow-green hue named Lemongrass. While personal preferences may vary, the new color choices add a touch of individuality to the Pixel 7 lineup. However, it’s worth mentioning that the choice of Snow or Lemongrass color options might make the bezel more apparent, as it sits between the display and the light-colored aluminum frame.
A welcome environmentally conscious move from Google is the use of 100% recycled material for the aluminum frame of the Pixel 7. This eco-friendly decision aligns with the growing demand for sustainable products and highlights Google’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
For added protection, both the front and back of the Pixel 7 now utilize Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus, an upgrade from the Pixel 6’s combination of Gorilla Glass 6 and Victus. While this change undoubtedly enhances the device’s durability, it’s worth noting that the Pixel 7 is still incredibly slick and slippery, so investing in a case is advisable to safeguard it from accidental drops and potential damage.
Speaking of accidental drops, I had an unfortunate experience where my Pixel 7 accidentally fell out of my car and hit the pavement. Despite the supposed robustness of Gorilla Glass Victus, the phone’s corner did crack, albeit mildly. This incident reaffirms the importance of using protective cases, especially considering that even high-quality glass may not withstand all potential hazards.
The Pixel 7 continues its legacy of IP68-rated water and dust resistance, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures or accidental spills. This ruggedness ensures that the device can withstand exposure to water and dust without compromising its performance or longevity.
Overall, the design of the Google Pixel 7 strikes a balance between familiarity and fresh elements. While some may wish for a more dramatic departure in design, the improvements in materials, color options, and the eco-friendly approach make the Pixel 7 an appealing choice for those seeking a flagship Android smartphone. As always, investing in a protective case is a wise decision to safeguard this sleek device from accidental damage, allowing users to enjoy its capabilities with peace of mind.
Specs & Performance
The Google Pixel 7 comes equipped with impressive hardware specifications and a powerful chipset, ensuring smooth performance and efficient functionality. While it may not boast the latest ARMv9 architecture like some of its competitors, the Tensor G2 chip offers enhanced machine learning and AI capabilities, contributing to an overall satisfying user experience.
At the core of the Pixel 7 is the Google Tensor G2 chipset, which Google designed to optimize the phone’s performance and efficiency while delivering excellent battery life. While the raw CPU benchmarks may not exhibit a substantial improvement compared to the previous model, the Pixel 6, the Tensor G2 chip’s focus on machine learning and AI tasks makes a notable difference in real-world usage.
The Tensor G2 chip features a combination of Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency and a slight upgrade from A76 to A78 cores for performance. While rival chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek may boast newer ARMv9 architecture, the Tensor G2 remains competitive with its strong machine learning capabilities.
With 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Pixel 7 ensures smooth multitasking and swift app launches. The combination of the Tensor G2 chip and sufficient RAM allows for seamless performance, even when handling complex tasks and heavy applications.
The device offers users a choice between 128GB and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This ample storage capacity provides enough space for multimedia files, apps, and other data without the need for constant deletion or reliance on external storage solutions.
In terms of graphics performance, the Pixel 7 showcases a significant improvement, particularly in gaming. Graphics tests reveal a notable boost of up to 13fps compared to the Pixel 6, making it an attractive option for gamers who desire higher frame rates without investing in a dedicated gaming smartphone.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the Titan M2, which is the same security chip as its predecessor, the Pixel 6. The Titan M2 handles security tasks effectively, safeguarding sensitive data and enhancing the overall device security.
Additionally, Google has introduced an appealing feature for Pixel 7 users: Google One VPN for free. Although it will be available later in the year with certain restrictions, this addition showcases Google’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and security.
Connectivity-wise, the Pixel 7 packs various features, including Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and 5G capabilities. The phone supports both mmWave and Sub 6GHz in specific markets, ensuring compatibility with various 5G networks.
Furthermore, the Pixel 7 includes USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and Wi-Fi 6E, providing users with fast data transfer and seamless wireless connectivity. The latter is particularly advantageous for those considering the latest Nest Wifi Pro mesh network kit from Google.
The device’s battery capacity is 4355mAh, slightly smaller than that of the Pixel 6 due to its more compact size. Despite this reduction, Google maintains that the Pixel 7 still offers “beyond 24 hours” of usage and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver, making it a reliable companion for extended usage periods.
However, charging options for the Pixel 7 can be somewhat complex, as Google no longer includes an adapter in the box. Although the phone supports up to 21W charging, the actual charging speed may vary depending on different conditions. Users can purchase a 30W USB-C charger from Google (priced at $25/£25), but some rival phones offer faster charging at a more affordable price.
Another charging option for the Pixel 7 is wireless charging, which can reach up to 20W when using the Pixel Stand 2 (sold separately). However, it’s important to note that the Pixel 7 can achieve only up to 12W of wireless charging through standard Qi-certified chargers.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 7 impresses with its powerful Tensor G2 chip, ample RAM, and storage options. The phone excels in real-world usage, providing swift performance for multitasking, gaming, and other resource-intensive tasks. The inclusion of various connectivity options and the Titan M2 chip ensures a secure and reliable user experience. While charging options may pose some complexity, the overall performance and specifications of the Pixel 7 make it a compelling flagship Android smartphone for users seeking a powerful, efficient, and feature-rich device.
Screen & Speakers
The Google Pixel 7 boasts a stunning display and powerful speakers, ensuring an immersive multimedia experience for users. While it may not offer the highest refresh rate available on the market, the device strikes a good balance between visual quality and smooth performance.
The Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Although some may have hoped for a higher resolution, the display’s pixel density of 416ppi ensures sharp images and text. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an elongated screen, making it ideal for content consumption and multitasking. The OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, making it a joy to watch videos, browse photos, or play games on the device.
One of the noteworthy improvements in the Pixel 7’s display is the increase in brightness. It now reaches up to 1000 nits in High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, and the peak level can go up to 1400 nits. This enhancement, a 25% increase over the Pixel 6, makes the screen more readable in bright outdoor conditions and ensures better HDR content performance.
Despite not offering a 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 7 maintains a smooth user experience with its 90Hz refresh rate. While the Pro version offers the higher refresh rate with LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) for dynamic refresh rate adjustment, the Pixel 7’s 90Hz still delivers smooth scrolling and fluid animations, providing an enjoyable user experience.
It’s worth noting that the Pixel 7’s display is flat, unlike the Pro model, which features curved edges. Some users may prefer a flat display due to reduced accidental touch issues and screen protector compatibility.
For audio, the Pixel 7 maintains its stereo speaker setup, delivering rich and well-balanced sound. The speakers provide good clarity and volume, making the device suitable for watching videos, playing games, or listening to music without the need for external speakers. While there is no headphone jack on the device, users can still enjoy decent audio quality through the stereo speakers.
The phone also features Face Unlock, which utilizes the front-facing camera for biometric authentication. While it is convenient to set up and use, Face Unlock on the Pixel 7 may not be as reliable as its counterpart on the iPhone, particularly in lower light conditions or when the user is wearing a mask or sunglasses.
An additional audio-related feature on the front-facing camera is the 10.8MP sensor, an upgrade from the Pixel 6’s 8MP. This improvement enables users to capture high-quality selfies, and the portrait mode offers a pleasing bokeh effect. Google has also introduced Guided Frame, a feature that aids visually impaired users by providing audio and haptic feedback to assist in capturing well-framed selfies.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 7 offers a well-balanced display and audio experience. While it may not boast the highest refresh rate or the most advanced audio features, the device excels in delivering a smooth, vibrant display and powerful stereo sound. Users can enjoy watching videos, playing games, and listening to music with satisfying audio quality. With the addition of Face Unlock and improved front-facing camera capabilities, the Pixel 7 caters to a range of multimedia needs and ensures an enjoyable overall user experience.
Cameras
The Google Pixel 7 continues the Pixel series’ tradition of delivering exceptional camera capabilities. While it retains two of the rear cameras from its predecessor, the Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 incorporates the power of the Tensor G2 chip to introduce exciting new features and enhance the overall photography experience.
The primary camera on the back is a 50MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide sensor, which employs pixel binning technology to produce impressive 12.5MP images. This approach results in larger individual pixels that capture more light, thereby improving image quality and low-light performance. The Tensor G2 chip plays a significant role in image processing, enabling faster and more efficient computational photography tasks.
One of the most notable features introduced with the Pixel 7 is the Cinematic Blur mode. This dedicated video mode rivals the cinematic modes found on the iPhone 13 and 14 series, allowing users to create professional-looking videos with a background or foreground blur effect. While the feature works well in certain scenarios, it may struggle to keep up with fast-moving subjects, making it more suitable for static or slow-motion shots.
In terms of video recording, the Pixel 7 can shoot in up to 4K resolution at 60fps. However, switching to 60fps disables the new 10-bit HDR mode, which enhances colors and contrast in videos. Users can choose between smooth 60fps videos or opt for enhanced colors and dynamic range at 30fps.
Google has also made improvements to the Night Sight mode, which is renowned for capturing stunning low-light photos. With the Tensor G2 chip’s support, Night Sight photos on the Pixel 7 are even more impressive, with reduced noise and improved overall clarity. This feature remains one of the Pixel series’ strengths, making it an excellent choice for users who frequently capture images in challenging lighting conditions.
In addition to Night Sight, the Pixel 7 introduces Photo Unblur, a new feature accessible through the Google Photos app. This tool aims to salvage blurred photos, offering users a chance to restore image sharpness in post-processing. The Pixel 7 also retains previously launched features like Face Unblur and Magic Eraser, providing users with a suite of tools to improve their photos.
While the Pixel 7 Pro has exclusive camera features like Macro Focus and a telephoto lens, Google has increased the digital zoom capabilities of the Pixel 7. With Super Res Zoom now reaching up to 8x, the phone produces reasonable quality zoomed images, making it suitable for occasional use. However, users in need of frequent and higher-quality zoom shots may prefer a phone equipped with a dedicated telephoto lens.
Moving to the front-facing camera, the Pixel 7 upgrades from the Pixel 6’s 8MP to a 10.8MP sensor. This enhancement allows for improved selfie quality, capturing more detail and offering a slightly wider field of view. The portrait mode on the front camera enables users to achieve stunning self-portraits with a pleasing bokeh effect.
A notable addition to the front-facing camera is the Guided Frame feature. This accessibility-focused feature assists visually impaired users in capturing well-framed selfies by providing audio and haptic feedback. The crisp and smooth haptic feedback makes this feature not only useful but also user-friendly.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 7 continues to deliver outstanding camera capabilities, building on the foundation set by its predecessors. The Tensor G2 chip enhances image processing and introduces exciting features like Cinematic Blur mode, improving both photography and videography experiences. The device excels in low-light photography with its improved Night Sight mode, and the Photo Unblur feature adds to the suite of post-processing tools available to users. With its impressive front-facing camera and accessibility features, the Pixel 7 ensures that users can capture stunning selfies effortlessly. While the phone lacks certain exclusive camera features found in the Pixel 7 Pro, it remains a top contender for those seeking a smartphone with remarkable camera performance.
Battery Life & Charging
The Google Pixel 7 offers reliable battery life and convenient charging options to keep users powered throughout the day. Despite a slightly smaller battery compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 6, the device’s efficient optimizations and power management ensure consistent performance.
Equipped with a 4355mAh battery, the Pixel 7 can comfortably last beyond a full day with regular usage. Google’s optimization efforts and the power-efficient Tensor G2 chip contribute to maximizing battery life, making the phone a reliable companion for users with diverse needs.
For those seeking even longer battery life, the Pixel 7 introduces an Extreme Battery Saver mode. This feature allows users to extend their phone’s usage up to an impressive 72 hours under specific conditions. It achieves this by disabling background apps and non-essential functions, offering valuable extra time during emergencies or extended outings.
Charging the Pixel 7, however, presents a slightly complicated situation. Google no longer includes a charging adapter in the box, requiring users to purchase a 30W USB-C charger separately. Without the official charger, the charging speed may vary based on different conditions and chargers used. While the phone can reach up to 21W charging speed with the right conditions, some third-party chargers may offer different speeds.
In addition to wired charging, the Pixel 7 supports wireless charging. The device is compatible with the Pixel Stand 2 (sold separately), offering up to 20W of wireless charging power. However, when using standard Qi-certified chargers, the wireless charging speed is capped at up to 12W. While not the fastest wireless charging option available, it still provides a convenient and cable-free way to charge the phone.
While the charging options may present some complexity, the overall battery life and charging capabilities of the Pixel 7 ensure that users can stay connected and powered up throughout their daily activities. Whether it’s a busy workday or a weekend adventure, the Pixel 7’s battery performance and charging options make it a dependable and practical device for users on the go.
Verdict
The Google Pixel 7 may not be a massive leap from its predecessor, but it still impresses with its solid performance, outstanding camera capabilities, and clean Android experience. Its compact design, great specs, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for smartphone users. While it may not match the standards set by the iPhone in some aspects, the Pixel 7 is undoubtedly a well-rounded and reliable flagship Android smartphone.
should you buy it?
Reasons to Buy the Google Pixel 7:
- Flagship Features at an Affordable Price: The Pixel 7 offers flagship-level specifications and features, making it a powerful and versatile device. Considering its competitive pricing, it provides excellent value for money.
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Clean and Smooth Software Experience: The Pixel 7 runs on stock Android 13, delivering a clean and bloatware-free user interface. The software experience is intuitive, reliable, and regularly updated, ensuring you have access to the latest Android features.
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Timely Software Updates: As a Pixel device, you can expect three years of OS updates and five years of security updates directly from Google. This ensures that your phone remains up-to-date and secure for an extended period.
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Impressive Camera Capabilities: The Pixel series is renowned for its exceptional camera performance, and the Pixel 7 continues this tradition. With its powerful camera system and AI enhancements, you can capture stunning photos and videos in various conditions.
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Compact and Attractive Design: The Pixel 7 features a more compact design compared to its predecessor, making it more manageable and comfortable to hold. The Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides enhances durability, and the new color options add a touch of style.
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Efficient Performance: The Tensor G2 chip, coupled with 8GB of RAM, ensures smooth and fast performance in daily tasks and multitasking scenarios. While not the absolute fastest, it offers reliable performance for most users.
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Battery Life and Charging Options: The Pixel 7 provides reliable battery life that can easily last a full day with moderate usage. The addition of an Extreme Battery Saver mode can further extend usage for emergencies or extended outings.
Reasons to Consider Other Options:
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Lack of 120Hz Refresh Rate: If you prioritize a higher refresh rate display, the Pixel 7’s 90Hz may fall short compared to some other flagship smartphones that offer 120Hz displays.
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Charging Speeds: The Pixel 7’s charging speeds, both wired and wireless, may not be the fastest compared to some competing devices. If rapid charging is crucial to you, other phones may offer quicker charging capabilities.
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Face Unlock Limitations: While the Pixel 7 offers Face Unlock, it may not be as reliable as some rival devices, especially in lower light conditions or when wearing masks or sunglasses.
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Camera Features: While the Pixel 7 has an impressive camera system, some exclusive camera features, such as Macro Focus and a telephoto lens, are reserved for the Pixel 7 Pro. If these features are essential to your photography needs, you may want to explore the Pro model.
