Google Pixel 7 review
The Google Pixel 7 is an iterative update to last year's model, with a few small changes that don't quite live up to the hype. The phone has a slightly more compact size and a brighter screen, but it's not exactly a groundbreaking update. Design-wise, the Pixel 7 has a similar look to its predecessor, with a slight decrease in display size from 6.4 inches to 6.3 inches. However, it still features an OLED display with a 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The fingerprint reader is well-placed under the display, and the stereo speaker setup produces good sound quality. Under the hood, the Pixel 7 packs the same Google Tensor G2 chipset as the Pro version, which provides decent performance but falls behind the current competition in benchmarks. Battery life has improved despite a smaller battery size, and charging speeds are respectable with up to 20W power delivery. The camera setup remains largely unchanged from last year's model, with a 50-megapixel main cam and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The selfie cam has been upgraded to a higher-resolution 10.8-megapixel sensor, producing good results in ideal lighting conditions. However, low-light performance and video recording are solid across all cameras. Overall, the Pixel 7 offers some nice flagship-grade features at a lower price point of around $650. While it may not be the most exciting update, it's still a well-rounded premium smartphone that's worth considering for those who value its camera capabilities, AI-based functionality, and timely software updates.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 7 boasts a slightly more compact design compared to its predecessor, with a smaller display and body. However, it's still a relatively large device, measuring in at 6.3 inches and featuring a substantial weight. The back of the phone is made of Gorilla Glass Victus, while the frame and camera strip are constructed from aluminum. This one-piece design provides a premium feel, and the IP68 rating ensures that the Pixel 7 can withstand dust and water exposure up to a depth of 1.5 meters. One notable aspect of the Pixel 7's design is its slightly smaller display, which has been reduced from 6.4 inches to 6.3 inches. This change may not be immediately apparent, but it does contribute to a more compact overall feel. The OLED panel still boasts a crisp 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, making for a smooth and responsive viewing experience. The fingerprint reader is cleverly integrated beneath the display, providing easy access and a clean aesthetic. Audio-wise, the Pixel 7 features a stereo speaker setup with the earpiece serving as the top speaker. This configuration delivers good loudness and sound quality, with clear vocals and decent bass response. Storage options are limited to 128 or 256GB, with no expandability via microSD card. The Pixel 7 packs the same Google Tensor G2 chipset as its Pro counterpart, built on a 5-nanometer process. This mid-tier CPU configuration delivers respectable performance in benchmarks, although it falls short of competing flagships. In real-world use, however, the Pixel 7 feels snappy and responsive, with no noticeable issues. Overall, the Google Pixel 7's build quality and design are solid, if not particularly groundbreaking. The phone's premium materials and attention to detail make it a pleasure to hold and use, even if its smaller display may take some getting used to.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel 7 has made some subtle improvements in battery life, despite having a smaller capacity than its predecessor. The phone's 4355mAh battery may seem less substantial compared to the previous model, but it has managed to outperform expectations. In our testing, the Pixel 7 achieved an impressive endurance rating of 96 hours, which is a testament to its efficient power management. This means that users can expect around four days of regular use before needing to recharge, assuming moderate usage patterns. The phone's battery life has been improved through various optimizations, including more efficient software and hardware tweaks. Charging speeds are also respectable, with support for up to 20W fast charging. However, it's worth noting that the phone doesn't ship with a charger adapter, requiring users to provide their own. While not the longest-lasting device on the market, the Pixel 7's battery life is still commendable, especially considering its compact size and powerful hardware. Overall, the improvements made to battery life in the Pixel 7 are a welcome addition, making it more suitable for daily use without worrying about running out of juice too quickly.
Display
The display on the Google Pixel 7 is a slight improvement over its predecessor, with a slightly smaller size of 6.3 inches compared to last year's 6.4 inches. However, it still retains an OLED panel with a 1080p resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The fast refresh rate makes movements on the screen smooth, although it may not be as silky as a 120Hz panel. One notable upgrade is the maximum brightness of the display, which can reach up to 460 nits in manual mode, and boost to over 970 nits in auto mode when exposed to bright conditions. This results in a more vibrant and detailed visual experience, especially outdoors. The fingerprint reader on the Pixel 7 sits under the display, making it easily accessible and convenient for users. However, its speed may not be as quick as some other competitors. Audio-wise, the Pixel 7 has a stereo speaker setup with the earpiece doubling as the top speaker. The loudness is good, and the sound quality is decent, with clear vocals and adequate bass. In terms of storage, the Pixel 7 comes in two variants - 128GB or 256GB, but it's not expandable via microSD. While the display on the Pixel 7 may not be a groundbreaking improvement, it still offers a great viewing experience for users. The slight reduction in size and increase in brightness make it a more manageable and visually appealing device overall.
Camera
The Google Pixel 7's camera system has always been a highlight of the series, and this year is no exception. While some may have expected significant upgrades, the reality is that the Pixel 7 brings many of the same strengths as its predecessor, with a few welcome tweaks. The main camera on the Pixel 7 is still a 50-megapixel sensor, paired with an ultra-wide-angle lens that shoots at 12 megapixels. The results are excellent during the day, with clear and consistent images featuring plenty of detail and contrasty shadows. Colors are vibrant without going overboard, and dynamic range is impressive. One of the standout features of the Pixel 7's camera system is its ability to take great photos in a wide range of lighting conditions. In good light, the camera produces stunning results with excellent sharpness, exposure, and color accuracy. Even at night, the main camera can produce some truly exceptional shots, thanks to Google's Night Sight mode. The ultra-wide-angle lens also performs well, producing good-quality images with plenty of fine detail and a decent amount of dynamic range. However, it's worth noting that there's no autofocus on this lens, so you'll need to use the main camera for close-up shots. One area where the Pixel 7's camera system falls short is in the ultra-wide-angle camera's performance at night. Without Night Sight active, photos can be quite noisy and lacking in detail. However, when using Night Sight, the results are much improved, with good sharpness and plenty of detail. Selfies on the Pixel 7 are also a highlight, thanks to the new 10.8-megapixel selfie camera. In ideal lighting conditions, these shots look great, with good exposure, sharpness, and color accuracy. However, in less-than-ideal situations like backlit or indoor scenes, selfies can come out rather soft. Overall, the Google Pixel 7's camera system is a solid performer that delivers excellent results in a wide range of scenarios. While it may not be the most significant upgrade over its predecessor, it remains one of the best camera systems on any smartphone at this price point.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 7 is a solid addition to the flagship market, offering top-notch features at an affordable price point. Starting with the price, the Pixel 7 is available for around $650, which is significantly lower than many other flagships on the market. Considering its price, the Pixel 7 delivers exceptional value. The phone boasts impressive cameras, a bright and vibrant display, and snappy performance, all of which are hallmarks of a high-end device. While it may not be the most compact or feature-packed smartphone out there, the Pixel 7's design is clean and well-crafted, with a durable Gorilla Glass Victus back and IP68 water resistance. One of the standout aspects of the Pixel 7 is its camera performance. The main camera takes excellent photos during the day, with good detail, contrast, and vibrant colors. Low-light performance is also impressive, with Nightsight mode delivering great results even in dimly lit conditions. While the ultra-wide camera isn't as impressive, especially at night, it's still a useful feature for capturing wider shots. Another area where the Pixel 7 shines is its software experience. Android 13 offers a clean and bloat-free interface, with timely updates from Google ensuring that you'll get the latest features and security patches for at least three years. In terms of value, the Pixel 7 punches well above its weight class. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other flagships, its price point is hard to beat. If you're in the market for a premium smartphone with great cameras, solid performance, and timely software updates, the Pixel 7 is an excellent choice – especially at its affordable price.
Performance
The Google Pixel 7's performance is a mixed bag. On paper, it packs the same second-gen Google Tensor G2 chipset as its Pro counterpart, built on a 5nm process. This brings new mid-tier CPU cores and higher clock speeds, along with a new GPU and improved tensor Processing Unit (TPU). However, in real-world use, the Pixel 7 doesn't quite live up to expectations. In benchmarks, it lags behind current competition, particularly those running top Qualcomm silicon. But in everyday use, performance is still smooth, with no noticeable issues. One area where the Pixel 7 shows improvement over its predecessor is sustained performance – it outlasts the previous model in our tests. The Tensor G2's processing power is put to good use with region-specific AI-based features, which are a highlight of the stock Android experience on the Pixel series. However, these features don't necessarily translate to significant gains in overall performance. Battery life, on the other hand, has improved despite a smaller battery capacity (4,355mAh) compared to last year's model. The Pixel 7 scores a good endurance rating of 96 hours in our tests, and it supports up to 20W power delivery charging. In terms of storage, the Pixel 7 offers 128 or 256GB options, but there's no expandability via microSD. This might be a drawback for some users who prefer more flexibility. Overall, while the Pixel 7's performance is respectable, it doesn't quite live up to the promise of its hardware specifications. It's still a smooth and enjoyable experience, but one that falls slightly short of expectations in certain areas.
Pros
1. Flagship-grade cameras
2. Improved battery life
3. Brighter screen
4. Stereo speaker setup
5. Stock Android experience
6. Wireless charging support
7. Good performance
Cons
1. No groundbreaking updates
2. Smaller battery capacity
3. Lower price is not worldwide
4. Competitors have better battery life and charging speed