The Google Pixel 7 is the best Google has to offer in a compact package. Compared to other flagships, the Pixel 7 is also more affordable. On paper, therefore, it seems like a bargain. Whether it is, we'll find out here.
Recognizable, evolved design
The Google Pixel 7 seems like a refinement of the existing Pixel 6. It doesn't look radically different. For example, the signature camera bar on the back has remained intact, although it now has a metallic color. It stands out better because of this, but it also scratches faster. For the frame of the Pixel 7, Google opted for matte aluminum. The front and back are made of Gorilla Glass Victus, which is scratch and, to some extent, drop-resistant. The screen size is slightly smaller than its predecessor at 6.3 inches, making it more compact. Google still uses an FHD+ OLED panel with a 90Hz screen refresh rate that can go up to 1400 nits in brightness. Want even more? Then look at the Pixel 7 Pro.
Several camera improvements
As handsome as the Google Pixel 7 may look, it's still more about the camera. And especially on the rear. This year, Google is applying a 50MP primary camera with an Octa PD Quad Bayer layout. That's an expensive way of saying the camera sensor is more light-sensitive. So expect better-exposed photos under any circumstance. The software Google is known for will also help with this. Furthermore, the laser autofocus sensor (LDAF) and optical image stabilization (OIS) do an excellent job. So, like in previous years, this Pixel 7 shoots outstanding photos. And also videos. For example, the video mode now has image stabilization and a Cinematic Blur function.
Main Google Pixel 7 specs
6.3 inches with FHD+ resolution, 90Hz display and bright 1400 nits
10.8MP selfie camera with portrait mode and face unlock
50+12MP rear camera with 114° wide angle and 4K video
Google Tensor G2 processor with 8GB of RAM
128 or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage memory (non-expandable)
4355mAh battery with 30W wired charging + wireless charging
Dual SIM (SIM slot for nanoSIM and eSIM)
5G support for extra fast Internet outdoors
Five-years of Android security updates, three-year Android updates
Powered by Tensor
Google equips the Pixel 7 with its Tensor chip, the Tensor G2. This chipset, explicitly developed for the Pixel line, makes possible features like those for the camera. Think of Photo Unblur, where you can make old blurred photos sharp again. But also Real Tone, which can better capture skin tones. Or think of real-time translation of spoken words. Useful when abroad and you don't speak the local language. Google also promises improved battery life, but the smaller battery capacity negates that. Fortunately, there's 30W fast charging. Oh, and of course, the slightly lower price also helps.
Android version 14 is entering a new phase. After previously releasing Developer Previews of Android 14, it is now time for the first Beta. Despite that, it is still expected to take until the fall of 2023 before Android 14 is officially released.
Immediately after the release of a new Android version, Google starts working on the next version. For Android 14, the first progress became apparent in early February when the first Developer Preview was released. A second followed in March, and now the time has come for the first Beta.
.Timeline of Android 14
Even though the Beta version consists of bugs, regular users can download a copy. Although it should be noted that this is not recommended for devices used for daily use. Those ignoring this warning and who own a Pixel 7 can get started right away. Then sign up for the Android beta program. Older Pixel phones are also eligible, even down to the Pixel 4a 5G.
New back button
Android 14 is getting an improved back gesture experience. The back button shown when you go back will soon be displayed in a circle in the theme color. Sharing items will also become more accessible by offering more options matching your sharing. Furthermore, animations will be revamped, and the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen will get a transparent background.
The new back button and sharing option
Google will undoubtedly provide further clarification during the upcoming I/O. That event, primarily aimed at developers, will take place on May 10, 2023. Then we will also hear about what functions are new.
Lewis Hilsenteger showed prototypes of the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro on his YouTube channel Unbox Therapy. He did this alongside the existing Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, which gives us a good comparison.
At the beginning of the video Lewis warns that both the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro do not boot up. Both phones are prototypes, and Google may have locked both phones remotely. Something it has also done with other prototypes.
That said, we do get a good look at the exterior. Both a scale and ruler are brought to the table. But as far as we're concerned, it gets interesting when Lewis compares the new Pixels to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Compact Pixel 7
It then becomes clear that the Pixel 7 in particular is getting a bit more compact. The device is both less wide and less long. Google is most likely applying a slightly smaller screen than the 6.4-inch OLED screen of the Pixel 6. However, the screen bezels are also slightly smaller, adding to a smaller device.
Pixel 7 has become more than 1.5 millimeters narrower
The Pixel 7 Pro remains largely the same size as the 6 Pro. However, the screen edges are a bit more uniform with a smaller chin than last year. Both devices have a glossy back made of glass—ideal for collecting fingerprints. The Pro's frame is also glossy, thanks to its polished finish. On the non-Pro version, we see a matte finish.
Android 13
Lewis expects Google to launch both Pixel phones in early October. In previous years, new Pixel phones were always released along with the launch of a new Android version. Android 13, however, has already been announced in mid-August. But this year everything is different, as Google showed the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro already in early May during Google I/O.
Always wanted to own an unannounced phone? Then this might be your chance. Someone has put a prototype of the Google Pixel 7 up for sale on eBay. Bidding starts at $450.
The seller offers the Pixel 7 in "excellent, new condition, with no signs of use." Even the original accessories are still in the box. This is the 128GB Stormy Black version with a 6.4-inch screen and Google Tensor processor. This Google Pixel 7 has the type number GUV6C and runs Android 13 with some specific Pixel apps still under development.
Pictures of the Pixel 7 appeared on eBay
Google itself does not seem to be keen on the sale on eBay, it is now no longer possible to bid on this auction. Although it is not certain that Google is the reason the sale has ended, it is plausible. The Google Pixel 7 is not yet officially in stores, and until this happens, Google owns all units. So expect this story to get a sequel.
Same screen
Google has already shown the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro but those were mostly images of the back. The seller also shows pictures of the front. And on it we see a chin that is fairly similar to the Pixel 6. So in this at least, the Pixel 7 does not differ.
Reflection of the Google Pixel 7 Pro
A fun detail; in one of the photos of the back, we see the reflection of another Pixel phone. The Pixel 7 Pro. This suggests that the seller is in possession of another unannounced Pixel phone. Whether the seller will also attempt to put that one up for sale remains to be seen.
During its I/O event, Google previewed the yet-to-be-announced Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. These two phones will be released in the Fall, but Google could not resist showing both phones in advance.
It's mostly the looks that we get to see. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro look a lot like their predecessors. There, Google introduced the camera bar; a strip that houses the various cameras. This gives the current Pixel generation a distinctive and recognizable look. Google is sticking to that for the 7 and 7 Pro.
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
What's more, the camera bar now becomes even more prominent. Instead of black, it gets a color and the aluminum of the side now extends into the camera bar. The Pixel 7 features a dual camera, with the 7 Pro adding a third camera, presumably a zoom camera. Also coming are new colors including Obsidian, Snow and Lemongrass for the Pixel 7 and exclusively Hazel for the Pixel 7 Pro
2nd generation Tensor
We don't know what new features the Pixel 7 series will have; Google didn't tell us. That there will be seems clear because the second-generation Tensor processor powers both phones. That self-developed chipset will undoubtedly enable new features. Google introduced the Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 generation.
A rumor has surfaced about Google's yet-to-be-announced Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. According to this report, both phones will use exactly the same cameras as their predecessors. And still that camera will be better.
We can't say we are surprised by this post from Yogesh Brar. After all, Google used the exact same 12.2 megapixel sensor for years. And despite that, Pixel camera's always ranked high compared to the competition. The reason for this? Computational Photography.
Camera from the Pixel 6 we may see again with the 7
And that's exactly the part where we expect improvement in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Google is incredibly good at boosting photo (and recently) video quality by using software. The AI algorithm HDR+ in particular is responsible for this. This algorithm really shines when it is processed by dedicated custom hardware. That is exactly why Google has developed its own Tensor chipset.
Tensor 2 and HDR+
Possibly the two will work together even better in late 2022 when Google announces its latest generation of Pixel phones. Reason why the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro may get the same camera features as the 6 Pro but still shoot better photos and videos.
Earlier, it was rumored that the 7th generation Pixel phones will have almost the same design, albeit slightly refined. With the Pixel 6, Google introduced an entirely new (and distinctive) design language with a camera bar on the back. With this, Google fixes the problem of phones wobbling on a table. Most manufacturers nowadays place their cameras in the corner which makes the whole very unstable.
Everyone has them on their phones; blurred photos taken with your old cell phone. The Google Pixel 7 Pro with Photo Unblur can make them sharp again. And it works like this
Meet the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Phones built on the Tensor G2 processor, and you can tell. Especially in the camera. More on that in this video
Google shows its Pixel lineup for 2022 that also includes the unreleased Pixel 7, 7 Pro and Pixel Watch
Google gives first look of Pixel 7 Pro with a revamped camera bar made entirely of aluminum and a 2nd generation Tensor processor
This is a welcome surprise! Google is already showing off the Pixel 7! Doesn't come until the fall of 2022 but already on display. What do you think of it?
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