Google Pixel 7: Google has revealed the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro phones, teasing us with official photos, but making us wait for the key specs. Here’s everything we know about the Pixel 7 range so far.
The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were the biggest disruption in the series’ history. An all-new, premium design, addition of cameras, and a brand new Google-made Tensor processor that promises to revolutionize machine learning.
With Android 12 out of the box, a clean experience free of annoying UI interference and access to quick updates, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are close to being the complete package and are among the best Android phones on the market.
However, they weren’t perfect. Google left plenty of room for improvement and we hope the Pixel 7 can make it happen. We got our first glimpse of the 2022 flagships at Google I/O 2022 on May 11, but there’s a lot more we’re not sure of. We’re not expecting another revolution, but is the perfect Pixel phone that we’re not asking for too much?
Google Pixel 7 design and screen
Any design change on the Google Pixel 7 has always been likely to be an improvement rather than a revamp, and that’s proven to be the case, according to images Google released at I/O in May. We haven’t seen the front of the phone yet, just the back, but the unique camera bar on the back of the device is still there.
The two-tone design still stands, but Google has slightly changed the casing around the camera lens on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro to give them a more premium look. This is especially nice on the white version of the Pixel 7, which has a silver camera strap.
However, our reviewers of both the Pixel 6 and its Pro counterpart have commented on the decision to use a glossy glass finish for the back. Our testers commented on the Pixel 6 Pro like “trying to type on a bar of soap with sweaty hands,” while the Pixel 6 picks up all fingerprints. This doesn’t seem to have changed with the Pixel 7
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro had 6.4-inch and 6.7-inch screens respectively and Google is not saying if that will change for the 2022 Pixel 7 series. The Pro version only offered a variable refresh rate of 120Hz and we expect parity for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, which Both phones make excellent choices for gamers.
Google Pixel 7 specifications
Google has been mostly excited about the new Tensor chipset, which debuted in the Pixel 6 range. Google has confirmed that the Pixel 7 will be powered by a second-generation Tensor chip.
“Our next version of Google Tensor will power these devices, which are designed for those who want the latest technology and the fastest performance,” the company said in a blog post about the new phones. It is not yet clear if Google has a new version of the Titan M2 security chip that debuted with the Pixel 6 series.
Battery life could be another area for improvement. The Pixel 6 Pro review described the output from the 5003mAh battery as “average”. Perhaps further optimization of the slice, rather than a larger cell, could correct this. Since the maximum storage option is 256GB (without the microSD expansion option), we’d also love to see Google release a 1TB option for power users.
Google Pixel 7 cameras
Google’s computational imaging skills have proven to be excellent alternatives to high-end camera hardware, throughout the life of the Pixel series, but the company has taken things to a higher level with the Pixel 6 range.
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro both offered a 50MP (1.2µm, f/1.85, 1/13-inch) main ultra-wide sensor, 12MP ultra-wide with a 114-degree field of view. Pro added a third sensor; 48MP (f/3.5) telephoto with 4x optical zoom and 20x Super Res zoom.
The first official images show that Google is committed to the Pixel 7’s two camera setup and the Pixel 7 Pro’s three camera settings. Google is keeping quiet about the specs for now. We mentioned the revamped camera housing above.
New camera features could arrive via software and algorithm improvements. For example, at the launch of the Pixel 6, Google focused heavily on features like Real Tone, which promises more accurate reproduction of skin tones, Motion Mode, designed to aid in action shots, and Magic Eraser, which enables unwanted elements from Snaps can be removed easily. We’ll hear more about it later in the year.
Google Pixel 7 price and availability
Google has confirmed that the Pixel 7 range will arrive at the Made by Google hardware event on October 6. It will go on sale the same day, Google says. It will arrive as the first Android 13 device out of the box.
The 2022 Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models started at £599/£699, respectively. We expect Google to maintain this price point for the Pixel 7, unless there is a surprise in the specs.