6 phones to consider before you buy

Google has lastly launched the Pixel 7 collection, coming months after the corporate first teased the gadgets. The 2 telephones nonetheless supply the identical enticing worth tags as their predecessors, in addition to 5 years of safety updates and a few good software program options. The telephones won’t be for everybody, although. Moreover, lots of you won’t truly be capable of purchase them in your market. So, what are your different choices? We’ve acquired you coated with our listing of the most effective Pixel 7 options.

Shopping for the correct Google Pixel 7 various

The Google Pixel telephones actually excel in terms of digital camera high quality, a clear tackle Android, software program replace commitments, and AI-powered options. However there are some telephones that do higher in a few of these areas, whereas the Google telephones even have a number of gaps in comparison with different handsets.

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 collection is arguably the highest contender on this regard. It won’t have a clear tackle Android, however you’re nonetheless getting spectacular cameras, a superior dedication to updates, and a few helpful software program options. And these telephones can be found in additional markets, in addition. It’s additionally price contemplating the Pixel 6a in order for you a less expensive Pixel expertise, notably if the cellphone is on particular.

For a extra detailed rundown of our suggestions, see our abstract beneath.

The most effective Google Pixel 7 options

• Samsung Galaxy S22 collection: Samsung’s 2022 flagships supply superior chipsets, 120Hz OLED screens, and versatile cameras throughout the board. The One UI Android pores and skin additionally stays one of the feature-packed skins round, providing options that Google nonetheless hasn’t dropped at Pixels.
• Google Pixel 6 collection: You are able to do worse than the Pixel 6 telephones if you wish to keep throughout the Pixel sphere. A succesful Tensor chipset permits options like offline dictation, Magic Eraser performance, and extra. You’re additionally getting massive batteries, loads of system updates, and top-notch digital camera high quality.
• Apple iPhone 14 collection: Apple’s latest iPhones are price contemplating in order for you entry to a fair tighter ecosystem of services. The usual and Plus iPhones are disappointing upgrades over the iPhones 13 collection, whereas the Professional fashions get all the important thing upgrades.
• Google Pixel 6a: Don’t wish to spend some huge cash however nonetheless desire a Pixel? Then the Pixel 6a is price a glance. Google took the Pixel 6 idea and made some sensible (and not-so-wise) cutbacks within the identify of a lower cost tag. However you’ve nonetheless acquired a succesful processor and that Pixel software program.
• Sony Xperia 1 IV: Sony’s first 2022 flagship brings an modern variable telephoto digital camera, permitting you to get native optical zoom in a smartphone. Different promoting factors embrace a 4K 120Hz OLED display, a big battery, and loads of enthusiast-level digital camera options.
• OnePlus 10T: The OnePlus 10T doesn’t fairly have the Pixel 7 line’s digital camera high quality, slick software program, or AI-powered options, however those that need loads of horsepower ought to take into account it anyway.

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 collection is unarguably the face of Android so far as high-end gross sales go, and there’s cause for that. These telephones can be found in a ton of nations around the globe in comparison with Google’s comparatively modest footprint.

In any occasion, all three telephones deliver highly effective processors, high-quality 120Hz OLED screens, feature-packed software program, and versatile rear digital camera setups. The addition of a Google-beating degree of software program replace assist is a superb cherry on high.

The Galaxy S22 Extremely is the top-end mannequin of the lot and it’s acquired a ton going for it. Standout options embrace an S Pen with an built-in slot, a cutting-edge digital camera system that features a 108MP foremost digital camera and 10x periscope shooter, and a 120Hz QHD+ display. Sadly, this does come on the expense of a chonky design.

The Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus don’t fairly attain these heights, however you’re nonetheless getting a high-quality 50MP digital camera, stable 3x telephoto digital camera, and ergonomic designs. Samsung has, nonetheless, in the reduction of on battery capability on these two handsets in comparison with final 12 months.

Those that fancy a Pixel cellphone however don’t need the Pixel 7 collection for some cause ought to positively maintain the Pixel 6 collection in thoughts. You aren’t getting the newest Tensor processor, however the Pixel 6 collection nonetheless has a ton of shared DNA with the brand new telephones.

Shared options embrace the identical foremost digital camera, related display specs, related battery sizes, the identical charging speeds, wi-fi charging assist, and an IP68 score. Even the Tensor G2 processor isn’t a giant improve over the unique Tensor, that includes the identical CPU however an upgraded GPU and improved AI silicon.

The usual Pixel 6 includes a 50MP+12MP rear digital camera setup very like the Pixel 7, whereas the Pixel 6 Professional includes a 50MP+12MP+48MP setup that’s related at first look to the Pixel 7 Professional. Nevertheless, the 48MP periscope digital camera is a 4x shooter right here (with 20x hybrid zoom) in comparison with the brand new cellphone’s 5x/30x capabilities.

It’s additionally price noting that the Pixel 6 collection suffers from a sizzling Tensor chipset and unreliable wi-fi connectivity. The latter doesn’t appear to have an effect on each mannequin however it’s nonetheless lamentable. In any other case, these telephones are positively among the many greatest Pixel 7 options round.

Apple not too long ago launched the iPhone 14 collection, and it’s actually a story of two halves so far as these telephones are involved. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus look extra like refreshed variations of the iPhone 13. In the meantime, the iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max get all of the upgrades.

The iPhone 14 Professional handsets ship a strong A16 Bionic SoC that ought to blow previous the Pixel 7’s Tensor G2 processor, a so-called Dynamic Island (two show cutouts) in lieu of a notch, and a 48MP foremost digital camera. Staying with the digital camera aspect of issues, you’re additionally getting a 12MP ultrawide digital camera and a 12MP 3x telephoto shooter. The latter has nothing on the Pixel 7 Professional’s 48MP 5x periscope digital camera and 30x hybrid zoom, although.

Don’t wish to splash out on the Professional fashions? Then the usual iPhone 14 fashions are for you. These gadgets stick to final 12 months’s nonetheless beefy A15 Bionic chipset, a 12MP foremost digital camera (and 12MP ultrawide digital camera), and that broad notch.

Apple’s telephones additionally give clients entry to a complete new ecosystem of apps, providers, and {hardware}. So if you wish to get out of the Google ecosystem pool and dip your toes within the Apple waters, that is the best way to go. Toss in best-in-class software program assist and these gadgets make for fairly nice Pixel 7 options.

Google’s mid-range Pixel for 2022 isn’t any slouch, doing an honest job of distilling the fashionable Pixel expertise into a less expensive product. The Pixel 6a brings the identical Tensor chipset as final 12 months’s telephones, as much as 5 years of safety updates (and three OS updates), and many of the similar software program options. You’re additionally getting an IP67 score, a succesful 12MP+12MP twin rear digital camera system, and a 4,410mAh battery. So issues look fairly stable on paper.

It’s not all good although, because the Pixel 6a lacks a excessive refresh charge display, is restricted to a paltry 18W wired charging, and skips out on wi-fi charging. You additionally get ageing Gorilla Glass 3 for the entrance and miss out on the Lengthy Publicity suite of digital camera options (together with Motion Pan).

The Pixel 6a is on the market for $450, which is $150 greater than the vanilla Pixel flagship. Does the value tag justify the cutbacks? Effectively, we didn’t assume so in our overview, however the cellphone is unquestionably price shopping for for a bit of cheaper.

Sony’s Xperia 1 collection of flagships have lengthy taken an fanatic strategy to images and multimedia, and the Xperia 1 IV continues this pattern. True to kind, you’ll discover a 4K/120Hz OLED display right here, some high-quality cellphone audio system, and a few attention-grabbing digital camera tech.

Extra particularly, the Xperia cellphone packs a triple rear digital camera system consisting of a 12MP foremost digital camera, 12MP ultrawide shooter, and a 12MP variable telephoto sensor. Sure, Sony managed to squeeze a variable tele digital camera right into a slim smartphone design, with this digital camera able to optical zoom between 3.5x and 5.2x. The corporate additionally presents perks like 4K/120fps assist throughout all three cameras, and two Professional digital camera apps (Photograph Professional and Video Professional).

Different notable options embrace a 5,000mAh battery, a 3.5mm port, microSD assist, and wi-fi charging. It’s not all sunshine and roses for the Xperia 1 IV although, because the machine has a disappointing replace coverage (two OS updates, three years of safety patches), extraordinarily gradual wired charging instances, and a steep $1,600 asking worth.

The OnePlus 10T makes fairly a number of compromises in comparison with the usual Pixel 7, comparable to water resistance, wi-fi charging, and ultrawide digital camera. So why did it make the listing? Effectively, the OnePlus 10T brings a strong Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor that beats the Tensor G2, for starters.

The OnePlus cellphone additionally serves up blazing-fast 150W wired charging speeds, a 4,800mAh battery, and an ideal 120Hz OLED display. For sure, this all makes for an ideal Pixel 7 various if you happen to worth cell gaming.

In saying so, the OnePlus 10T is $50 costlier than the vanilla Google cellphone. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless price contemplating in order for you a really highly effective, fast-charging cellphone — particularly if you will discover it at a reduced worth.

Our verdict: OnePlus 10T overview

Honorable mentions

That’s it for our listing of the most effective Google Pixel 7 options however there are many different choices on the market. Take a look at a few these picks beneath:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 ($999): Want Google had a foldable? Effectively, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a stable comfort prize. Count on a pocket-friendly clamshell kind issue, a 6.7-inch 120Hz folding display, and a small secondary show for notifications and digital camera previews. The comparatively small battery is likely one of the few downsides to this machine.
• Asus Zenfone 9 ($699): The Zenfone 9 is an honest various in order for you a extra compact flagship cellphone, additionally bringing a top-notch processor, IP68 score, 3.5mm port, and gimbal stabilization tech. It’s $100 costlier than the Pixel 7 although, whereas nonetheless lacking out on wi-fi charging and long-term software program updates.