Review of the Google Pixel 7

The Google Pixel 7 Although this smartphone doesn't first seem all that different from the Pixel 6, it cleverly expands upon every aspect of its predecessor's design to create a far better handset overall. This is without a doubt the greatest phone to carry the Google Pixel name in recent memory, if not ever, even if there are still a few problems that prevent it from reaching perfection.Before the Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S20 took over my prized pocket space, I used the Pixel 6 on a daily basis for little under a year. It still proves to be the greatest Android phone I've ever had after all this time, especially when it comes to the caliber of its software and camera selection. To be honest, it isn't entirely horrible, but some of its features aren't up to par, and the game experience sometimes seems a touch lackluster.

Advantages

• Fantastic photo and video quality
• Buttery smooth software
• Undeniably high value

Drawbacks:

• Tensor G2 gets noticeably toasty running games
• Photo Unblur is merely fine
• The fingerprint sensor is unreliable

Cost and accessibility

With a price of $599 (£599), the Pixel 7 is still the same as the Pixel 6. Nevertheless, because its launch window has long since passed, you can often get it for less money than you may anticipate at big-box stores like Amazon and Best Buy.The Pixel 7 offers amazing value even at full pricing. Even at a lesser price, the experience it provides is competitive with that of its similarly aged rivals, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 14.Fortunately, the announcement of the Google Pixel 8 should make it much simpler to locate a decent price on the Pixel 7. Whether the basic model is discounted or not, I would still prefer it over the Pixel 7 Pro or even the Pixel 7a. Although the former has a telephoto lens and a 120Hz screen, I haven't always appreciated the display's curved shape, and I don't often find myself in need of a better zoom. For too little a price difference to be worth it, the latter makes too many sacrifices on the baseline specifications. As a result, I believe the Pixel 7 to be the greatest Google Pixel phone (so far) in terms of features and value.SpecificationsThe Tensor G2 chipset, which Google says is "60% faster and 20% more efficient" than the previous generation when it comes to apps that can take use of its machine learning capabilities, is now available in phones for the first time with the Pixel 7 and its siblings. Its GPU and clock speeds have also been improved for improved gaming performance, while other changes have increased battery life and camera capabilities.The Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 both have 8GB of RAM, which is the same amount that is typically available for around $600. However, this is still more than enough for the majority of users. In the meanwhile, the battery's capacity has decreased from 4614 mAh to 4355 mAh, however as I'll discuss later in the review, some software mitigates this loss in hardware.

Attributes

For a considerable time now, Google Pixel phones have relied on the allure of its software, which offers a simple stock Android launcher. The Pixel 7 is the same. With all the newest features of the operating system already installed, Android 13 is ready to go, and Google has promised to maintain all future versions for the next three years.Content You are back from Android 12, and this upgraded version offers more customization options for the Pixel 7's appearance and feel. Themes for app icons that aim to match the background on your phone are the most common, and they usually work rather well. Sadly, over a year after its release, certain apps—like Facebook Messenger—still have issues with this functionality, ruining an otherwise admirable effort to unify the design.The new media player offers an easy-to-use and aesthetically pleasing interface for controlling your music, and it functions flawlessly on both the lock screen and dropdown menu. I really like how easy it is to switch between my Pixel Buds Pro and smart speakers by just switching the playing device.Although I like these software changes, Android 13 on the Pixel 7 amazes me the most with its stability and lack of bugs. In the brief period I had the Pixel 6, I experienced significantly more problems than I have in over a year of having the Pixel 7, albeit this is probably partially because of Tensor silicon's generational advances.Unexpectedly, "VPN by Google One" is included in the Pixel 7 feature package at no additional cost. Since I often connect to free Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, trains, and hotels, I find myself utilizing this quite a bit. With no method to modify your geolocation, it's not the most feature-rich solution available, but I do like the peace of mind that comes with knowing that nefarious individuals aren't watching me when I surf the internet.Call Screen and Now Playing are also returning, and because of Tensor G2's strength, each technology seems even more responsive. Better even, the already fantastic Recorder app can now identify and classify specific speakers in addition to having improved speech-to-text accuracy.To be honest, I have a hard time finding any software-related shortcomings with the Pixel 7. But the fingerprint sensor on the phone still acts erratically, just as it did with the Pixel 6, so I'm not too thrilled with that. I've tried repeatedly scanning my thumb to attempt to repair it, but it continues to act strangely. Thanks to Face ID, this is not as much of an issue as it once was, but it still detracts from an otherwise excellent user experience. The Pixel 8 should hopefully come with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.

Photography

The Pixel 7 cameras are, in a word, magnificent, which shouldn't surprise anybody. Because of Google's virtually unmatched camera software, both the front and rear lenses carry on the long-standing pattern of Pixel phones outperforming their weight in terms of photography.The Pixel 7 has the same back camera array as the Pixel 6, which consists of a 12MP (f/2.2) Ultrawide lens in addition to a 50MP (f/1.9) regular lens. The Pixel 7 Pro requires a significant financial outlay for anyone seeking a telephoto lens, although the 2x digital zoom offered by the regular model is still rather adequate.In every lighting situation, the Pixel 7 is up to the task. Under perfect circumstances, its photos' quality and dynamic range easily rate among the best on the market. Low light conditions are also ideal for it, as long as you give Night Sight enough exposure to bring finer details out of the shadows. To briefly discuss Portrait Mode, I don't really like it on any smartphone I use, but those who do find it appealing have many of options.

Design

This device's intelligent software complements the look of the Pixel 7, which replaces the Pixel 6's glass camera bar with a single piece of matte metal. It's a little adjustment that makes a major visual improvement to the smartphone and seems to have fixed one of my main complaints about the device from the previous generation: sliding. The phone holds its position no matter what surface I lay it on, in contrast to its predecessor that slid about the place whenever it had the chance.Three hues of the Pixel 7 are available: Lemongrass, Snow, and Obsidian. Though it has spent the most of its life in a Dbrand Grip Case, I chose Obsidian to assist cover any blemishes. Given that the phone feels good in the hand whether it is in a cover or not, I believe they are all visually appealing enough. Still, I would give everything to see a Coral option come back.Display

The Google Pixel 7 display doesn't seem to be much that different from the Pixel 6 screen, based on a quick glance at the specifications page and the phone itself. Even though it is just 6.3 inches smaller, it still has the same 1080p AMOLED display with a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz. Here, brightness is the main distinction, and what a difference it makes.With a maximum brightness of 1,400 nits, Google says the Pixel 7 is up to 25% brighter than the Pixel 6. I can testify that it is visibly brighter, even though I am unable to confirm this. The Pixel 7 has eliminated all of the issues I experienced with the Pixel 6's screen visibility in direct sunlight, so it's most evident on bright, sunny days.The Pixel 7's brightness increase enhances the visual appeal of games, images, and videos, adding to the overall pleasure of viewing material. The display's bezels are also tiny and attractive, and I'm still shocked by how often I ignore the selfie camera while playing a game or streaming anything.The 10.8MP (f/2.2) selfie camera on the front of the Pixel 7 is a considerable improvement over the Pixel 6. While I could certainly need more experience taking individual selfies, I often utilize the group selfie tool to snap group photos with friends or my dog or just my boyfriend.The Pixel 7's rear cameras can now record in 10-bit HDR thanks to the Tensor G2 chipset. Every lens has the ability to record 4K/60 frames per second. Even if I personally think the film shot with the iPhone 14 looks better, the Pixel 7 is still a great phone, particularly when you compare the two models' prices.Google included a new feature called "Photo Unblur" to the Pixel 7 and revived "Magic Eraser" from the Pixel 6 outside the camera eyes. The latter works well in an emergency, but the former is still helpful in eliminating the occasional onlooker who could ruin your ideal photo. Even though the technology is amazing, I seldom utilize it since I'm never completely satisfied with the outcome.

Power Source

On the Pixel 7 product website, Google states that the device has "beyond 24-hours battery life," with an average charging period of about 31 hours. Of course, the degree to which you do this varies with the frequency and volume of use, but based on my own experience, these assertions are generally true.For hours on end, my Pixel 7 is left in a wireless charging station where it consumes 20W of power. Although I wish Google had seized the chance to improve charging speeds with the Pixel 7, they are good enough right now, since my phone often remains fully charged.Nevertheless, the Pixel 7 hasn't failed me and still has a good amount of energy at the end of the day on days when I'm not at my desk and don't feel like carrying about a portable battery charger and USB Type-C connection.

Performance

Along with the Tensor G2 chipset, Google's more powerful Mali-G710 GPU makes its debut with the Pixel 7. Though it offers just slight performance gains over the Pixel 6 setup, this combination isn't a significant improvement.The Pixel 7 nonetheless offers a satisfying gaming experience. Regardless of your skill level, you may enjoy yourself and almost maximize the game's settings, whether you're an avid fan of Apex Legends or Genshin Impact. Nevertheless, I did see that when the phone is busy, it might become a little warm. Though it's definitely not molten, it's heated enough to cause a stir.Just keep in mind that the Pixel 7 isn't the greatest gaming smartphone available; if that's your main worry, I'd suggest looking into the ASUS ROG Phone 7 Ultimate or the iPhone 15 Pro.

Is it wise to purchase the Google Pixel 7?

• Yes: If you want the best phone camera setup for $600.
• Yes: If you like customizing the look and feel of your phone.
• Yes: If you’re looking for the best iPhone alternative.
• No: If gaming is your top priority.
• No: If you need a telephoto lens.

The Google Pixel 7 combines an excellent camera array with an equally amazing software experience to become all that the Pixel 6 should have been and more. Its Tensor G2 processor proves to be very user-friendly, making it seem like the smartest smartphone even if it isn't the most powerful one available.With the Pixel phones, Google has shown that it is back on track after years of feeling as if it had lost its way. The future has never looked better.

If you are not a Google Pixel 7 user

In the event that you ultimately determine the Google Pixel 7 isn't the right smartphone for you, we've included a few recommendations below.

Apple iPhone 14The Apple iPhone 14 is being offered for less than it cost at debut, much like the Pixel 7. Although the software on this smartphone differs significantly from that of the Pixel 7, it still has many of the same benefits, including excellent cameras.Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Pixel 7 Pro builds upon the greatest features of the standard model, making it even better. The Pro's telescopic lens, larger resolution display, and faster 120Hz refresh rate are the key advantages of choosing it. See our whole review of the Google Pixel 7 Pro here.