A bargain that’s impossible to beat

Catering to each high-end and budget-conscious shoppers isn’t any simple process, however 2021’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Professional did simply that, revitalizing Google’s hit-and-miss smartphone sequence within the course of. With the Google Pixel 7, Mountain View is as soon as once more trying to hit the candy spot between flagship specs and experiences with out breaking the financial institution. With a worth that severely undercuts its closest rivals from Samsung and Apple, does Google make just a few too many compromises, or is that this the smartphone discount of the last decade? Let’s discover out in Android Authority’s Google Pixel 7 evaluate.

• Google Pixel 7 (8GB/128GB): $599 / £599 / €649
• Google Pixel 7 (8GB/256GB): $699 / £699 / €749

Google’s Pixel 7 could be politely considered constructing firmly on the Pixel 6 sequence, in as far as little or no has modified except for a barely modified design. That’s not essentially a foul factor although, as Google strikes to refine reasonably than revamp a smartphone components it’s lastly discovered some degree of success with. With the Pixel Watch now additionally in play, Google’s newest launches goal to cement the corporate as a major-league {hardware} participant within the Android ecosystem — with the Pixel 7 appearing as the best entry level for newcomers.

Because the successor to 2021’s value-oriented Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 enters the market with a price ticket that screams typical upper-mid-range cellphone. However don’t let that deceive you. The Pixel 7 is embued with the identical machine studying Tensor G2 smarts, spectacular 50MP essential digicam, and even the identical general design language and construct high quality because the model’s costlier Professional variant. In actual fact, the 2 telephones are extra alike than they’re completely different, at the very least in terms of all-important software program capabilities. The exception is that the Professional continues to be the mannequin of alternative for these after Google’s greatest digicam package deal, however extra on that later.

The Pixel 7 does make just a few different cuts to the Professional’s components to hit the worth level, too. There’s much less RAM within the common mannequin, all the way down to 8GB from 12GB, however that gained’t make a significant distinction exterior of maximum multitasking. The Pixel 7 is available in two reminiscence choices, 128GB and 256GB; eschewing the 512GB most capability of the Professional variant. With no microSD card help both, the cellphone would have you ever depend on Google One cloud storage subscriptions do you have to want additional house past the 256GB restrict. Like its predecessor, the package deal is housed behind an analogous 6.32-inch 90Hz FHD+ show however with a better peak brightness of 1,400 nits. The cellphone additionally options acquainted 21W wired and wi-fi charging capabilities, a essential and ultrawide rear digicam partnership, and a smaller 4,355mAh battery (down from 4,614mAh on the Pixel 6).

As is par for the course as of late, Google forgoes a charger within the field. You’ll need to carry your individual USB Energy Supply PPS-compatible plug if you would like peak charging energy. Nonetheless, it does embrace a USB-C to USB-C cable, Fast Change Adapter, SIM ejector, and needed paperwork.

The Google Pixel 7 is available in Obsidian (black), Snow (white), and Lemongrass (yellow) colorways. Every of those has a unique, complementary digicam bar coloration to spice issues up, however these choices are undoubtedly not as daring and colourful because the Pixel 6’s two-tone aesthetic. The Pixel 7 went on sale on October 13 in 17 areas all through Europe, Asia, and North America. It’s in the stores from the Google Retailer and varied main third-party retailers.

As is the theme all through this evaluate, the Pixel 7’s design builds on the Pixel 6 whereas being cautious to not injury the dear foundations. Google has stored its predecessor’s distinctive digicam bar, tinkering with the look to retain as a lot of now established model id as attainable. The extruding black glass digicam bar is changed by a metallic accent housing with distinct digicam cutouts. The perimeters are a magnet for particles and dirt, however such is the worth for a design that’s distinctly completely different from the corner-positioned cameras on different flagship units.

The brushed metallic body wraps neatly round to the facet chassis, which provides a contact of polish. You’ll discover sturdy and satisfying buttons on the right-hand facet, accompanied by the acquainted USB-C and speaker ports on the underside of the handset. Your entire package deal is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (an improve over the Pixel 6 which opted for Gorilla Glass 6 on the rear) and an IP68 score for mud and water resistance. It’s constructed to final and definitely feels prefer it; a stable achievement at this worth. That stated, the glass again is a fingerprint and smudge magnet. Both slap a case on it or get used to carrying microfiber cloths round with you.

The common Pixel 7 has a flatter show than the Professional mannequin, however that comes with chunkier bezels as a trade-off. Fortunately, the attractive 6.32-inch OLED show stays usable in a single hand, even with out rounded corners. Whereas smaller than the Pixel 6’s panel, the pixel density and screen-to-body ratio is increased. In actual fact, the machine itself is smaller, thinner, and lighter than the Pixel 6. It’s not fairly sufficiently small to be thought-about compact just like the Sony Xperia 5 IV, and it’s taller than the iPhone 14, however it would slot in a pocket with a case on far more comfortably than bigger flagship telephones.

Personally, I most popular the Pixel 6’s design, at the very least aesthetically. There’s one thing slightly odd in regards to the Pixel 7’s understated but futuristic design that doesn’t fairly work collectively for me. Perhaps the black digicam housing, metallic, and gloss combo is a bit a lot, like a pinstripe swimsuit paired with a plaid tie. However I can see how others might want the curved and metallic look over the Pixel 6’s stable glass digicam bar. Both approach, I do miss the extra enjoyable two-tone coloration choices that basically helped make the Pixel 6 your individual. Nitpicking apart, there’s no denying that the rebuild feels strong within the hand and it’s slightly bit higher constructed general. It’s a welcome refinement, even when it won’t be to everybody’s style.

Transfer previous the aesthetics, although, and also you’ll discover just a few hidden enhancements onboard. The Pixel 6’s doubtful optical in-display fingerprint scanner has been fine-tuned and is now empirically extra responsive than its predecessor. In case you’re nonetheless uncertain about this comparatively crude technique of fingerprint scanning in comparison with high-end ultrasonic fashions, Google provides the choice to make use of Face Unlock for the primary time because the Pixel 4. Simply bear in mind that, because it solely makes use of primary imaging reasonably than 3D depth knowledge, the Pixel 7’s Face Unlock function can’t be used with banking apps or different safe biometric companies. It’s merely there to shortly unlock your display screen — one thing it does very nicely.

We’ve taken arguably far too many footage with the Pixel 7 sequence throughout the Android Authority staff, and we’re collectively satisfied this is likely one of the greatest digicam telephones ever produced at this worth. Whether or not it’s powerful HDR lighting, taking pictures at night time, or getting a bit extra artistic with Cinematic video, the Pixel 7 has you nicely lined. Broadly talking, Google’s machine studying smarts proceed to assist its Pixel smartphones punch nicely above their price ticket, making pictures capabilities one of many chief causes to choose up the Google Pixel 7. Simply see for your self within the gallery under or try the full-res samples on this Google Drive folder.

Publicity, colours, and element are all spot-on throughout a variety of situations. That being stated, the Pixel 7 misses out on the extra versatile taking pictures options of its greater sibling. It’s caught with a fixed-focus ultrawide digicam (so that you don’t get the Pixel 7 Professional’s macro mode), and the cellphone lacks a telephoto lens for long-range optical zoom.

In actual fact, the rear digicam {hardware} is fully unchanged from the Pixel 6, solely the selfie digicam has been upgraded to match the Professional’s 10.8MP decision. So whereas we are able to’t assist however love what Google has performed right here, we can also’t ignore that a number of the standard gripes persist. This features a comparatively restricted 114-degree ultrawide subject of view and occasional focus points. In the meantime, zoom high quality solely holds as much as about 3x, regardless of the inclusion of Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom machine studying smarts. Although admittedly, the actual fact it could take usable 3x zoom photographs in any respect with no devoted {hardware} is spectacular.

Whereas we’re being choosy, there are just a few areas during which the already excellent Pixel 7 cameras may nonetheless be higher. Very low-light snaps, as an illustration, could be a little grainy and noisy, notably in darker areas. Portrait pores and skin textures are nonetheless too harsh, owing to the mode’s crop issue, whereas pores and skin tones could be too heat, and bokeh edge detection nonetheless isn’t good both. Particularly in terms of wonderful hairs and sophisticated background separation. The selfie digicam is a bit softer, which might often be a grievance however really helps even out the Pixel’s oversharpening, leading to marginally better-looking portraits.

As for taking pictures modes, Motion Pan and Lengthy Publicity stay; they’re suitably enjoyable to make use of however more likely to be shortly forgotten about. Evening Sight is 2x sooner to seize photos than final yr, however the high quality is just about the identical. General, the pictures function expertise isn’t meaningfully elevated from the admittedly already stable Pixel 6. A lot of the contemporary pictures magic is reserved for after you’ve taken the shot, however we’ll get to that within the subsequent part.

That stated, the Pixel 7 has a brand new trick up its sleeve for taking pictures — Cinematic video. This provides the identical synthetic bokeh blur as Google’s Portrait mode to movies, although it’s restricted to 24fps, a 1080p decision, and may solely be used with the primary digicam. At its greatest, the outcomes are aggressive with Apple’s Cinematic mode, however latest iPhones can shoot in 4K too and produce barely sharper footage even at FHD. Each undergo from acquainted software program bokeh points round hair edges, however Apple’s implementation is rather a lot higher at making certain constant foreground and background separation. The Pixel wobbles out and in of focus much more frequently. In case you’re extra occupied with commonplace videography, the Pixel 7 information 4K at 60fps from each lenses, can seize 10-bit HDR at 4K at 30fps, and provides rock-solid digital video stabilization.

General we’re sufficiently impressed with the Pixel 7’s photograph and video seize options, but it surely isn’t with out some compromises. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t have all of it on a funds. Google’s primary package deal lacks the enjoyable of the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with a devoted macro lens or the telephoto credentials of the marginally pricier Galaxy S21 FE, although it trounces each as a point-and-shoot digicam cellphone. Its twin cameras are additionally an analogous setup to the costlier iPhone 14, so Google’s reasonably priced choice is aggressive in that regard, too. It’s additionally a step forward of the funds Pixel 6a because of the superior essential sensor.

After pictures, Google’s “default” tackle Android 13 is one other stand-out cause to get your palms on the Pixel 7. With fully-fledged Materials You theming and a smattering of Pixel-only options, sequence followers really feel that is the definitive model of Android. It’s exhausting to disagree.

The ins and outs of Android are nicely documented, and the core expertise feels very acquainted. So let’s step again to take a look at the massive image. After years of disjointed companies, Google is lastly leveraging its broader ecosystem for its handsets, making a cohesive expertise for Pixel house owners that’s, arguably, a lower above what you’ll discover elsewhere within the Android ecosystem.

For example, Photograph Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Portrait Mild — a easy modifying instrument used to change the lighting round faces — mix to make the Pixel 7’s model of the Google Images app an much more highly effective platform for modifying footage, outdated and new. Machine-learning enhanced Recorder and voicemail message transcriptions are useful, even when not more likely to be universally helpful options, whereas offline Google Assistant typing for GBoard returns and is snappier than ever because of the Tensor G2. Google’s AI smarts actually assist give the cellphone a singular and helpful edge.

In the meantime, freebies like three months of 100GB Google One storage and YouTube Premium offer you a bit extra out of Google’s present companies only for being a Pixel buyer. After all, Google would love you to pay for these long-term too, however the level is that there’s a Google service inside simple attain for nearly each want you may need, from work to play.

Sadly, different intriguing Pixel 7 options aren’t included out of the field. Clear Calling and a free VPN by Google One are scheduled for upcoming function drops later in 2022. As nice as Google’s function drop thought is for long-term worth, the unknown arrival dates of some options make it unattainable to guage whether or not these are price investing in at launch. Though some fast math suggests VPN financial savings alone may repay a good portion of the handset over 5 years of use.

General, the Pixel 7’s software program is clear, intuitive, and helpful — simply what you need from a contemporary cellphone.

One other what’s outdated is new once more function is Google’s Tensor G2 chipset. Sporting a really comparable CPU association to the primary Tensor, day-to-day efficiency continues to be snappy sufficient for all of your common apps. Multitasking is a breeze, notably when paired with the show’s 90Hz default mode. Nonetheless, similar to with the primary era, this isn’t a benchmark topping chip, which could depart efficiency fanatics slightly underwhelmed.

Colleagues at Android Authority seen the Tensor G2 can turn into slightly heat when flipping by means of a number of apps and even watching movies for prolonged durations. Nonetheless, I haven’t seen the identical propensity for heating up any greater than another cellphone I’ve used just lately (although it’s cooler within the UK this time of yr). Most significantly, any warmth buildup doesn’t appear to have a extreme influence on efficiency.

With that in thoughts, gaming undoubtedly causes the cellphone to perspire. The chip’s Mali-G710 MP7 GPU, though it’s newer, doesn’t present an extra efficiency enhance over the unique Tensor chip’s graphics core, so it sits nicely down the graphics benchmarking pecking order. That stated, we’ve seen a lot improved sustained efficiency with the brand new graphics processor. Below excessive stress, the Tensor G2 makes up for its lack of peak efficiency and closes the hole between many Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 handsets. That bodes nicely for utilizing the cellphone for protracted, intensive periods on hotter days.

Benchmarks are one factor, however what about real-world gaming use? I logged a rock stable 60fps taking part in over an hour of Apex Legends and Name of Responsibility: Cellular with the graphics settings cranked up. Tensor G2 actually isn’t quick on energy for a number of the extra well-liked titles on the market. The larger uncertainty is how this chip will deal with extra demanding video games a few years down the road, with the comparative lack of uncooked energy suggesting it gained’t sustain in addition to immediately’s rival flagship chipsets. However then once more, that’s not such a priority with a $599 price ticket, and the Tensor G2 hums alongside simply properly for a mid-range processor — one which, lest we neglect, can also be pushing the boundaries of machine studying capabilities on smartphones.

With warmth listed as a minor problem and a smaller battery onboard in comparison with the Pixel 6, you may be involved a few knock-on for battery life. Fortunately there’s no such correlation. The Pixel 7 survived a day of heavy gaming, net looking, and video watching and nonetheless made it to mattress with 15% to spare. With lighter workloads, predominantly checking electronic mail and listening to music, I may comfortably make it by means of the day with half the reasonably sized 4,355mAh battery to spare. Relying in your wants, you’re more likely to see between a day or two’s price of screen-on-time. That is excellent news as a result of wired charging is painfully sluggish even with a suitable USB Energy Supply PPS wall plug. The 21W charging takes a painstaking one hour and 41 minutes to full. You may hit 50% in half-hour, however that gained’t be sufficient juice to take you thru a full day with significant headroom.

That stated, there are cases the place you’ll see the cellphone chug down the battery extra shortly, and it’s principally when utilizing the digicam. Recording a 15-minute Cinematic video took 7% off the battery and heavy digicam periods utilizing portrait, night time sight, and different AI-infused modes chugged down a good bit of juice. The brighter show actually helps out in out of doors viewing, however also can take a little bit of a bit of your day by day utilization metric if cranked up for an extended time period. General although, the Pixel 7’s battery life is powerful sufficient, however the charging energy cap does let it down a bit.

• Bluetooth audio: With no headphone jack, you’ll be reliant on the Pixel 7’s help for SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC Bluetooth audio codecs. There’s an LE Audio toggle within the Pixel 7’s developer settings, however we had been unable to substantiate if that is purposeful because of a scarcity of supported headphones.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and Wi-Fi 6E spherical out a strong connectivity suite that can have you ever nicely lined for quick wi-fi knowledge transfers and different connectivity wants. There’s no ultra-wideband (UWB) help right here, that’s unique to the Professional mannequin. Talking of connectivity, the Pixel 7 seemingly addresses a significant problem we noticed with the Pixel 6, offering a way more strong knowledge connection in congested places.
• Show: The panel’s coloration is great and the decision is sharp sufficient, making your snaps and HDR strikes look elegant. The show’s 90Hz mode is loads easy even subsequent to 120Hz rivals, however I solely clocked it decreasing the refresh price to 60Hz. It’s not as battery pleasant as a number of the ultra-low refresh LTPO panels we’ve seen.
• Audio system: These audio system are loads loud aren’t as spectacular because the Pixel 7 Professional’s setup. They’re upper-mid-heavy and missing bass, producing a tinny high quality on heavier tracks. Stereo separation isn’t good, as the highest speaker is hidden behind the show, but it surely’s wonderful sufficient to listen to most of what’s occurring within the combine.
• Updates: Google guarantees a not-quite industry-leading three OS upgrades and 5 years of safety patches for the Pixel 7. With Android 13 delivery out of the field, this implies the cellphone will see core function updates till Android 16 in 2026, adopted by safety patches for an additional two years. Presently, solely Samsung provides a greater coverage with its 4 years of OS upgrades. Whereas it’d be honest to anticipate Google — the corporate behind Android — to at the very least be tied for the highest spot, 5 years of safety help continues to be fairly nice.
• 5G: US fashions from the Google Retailer, AT&T, and Verizon help mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks. Different areas, such because the UK and the remainder of Europe, solely help sub-6GHz bands. All areas sport a single-nano SIM and an eSIM.

Regardless of its budget-friendly $599 price ticket, the Pixel 7 is each bit a competitor to the costlier Apple iPhone 14 ($799 at Greatest Purchase) and Samsung Galaxy S22 ($839.99 at Amazon). With picture high quality, video options, and a strong construct that rival entry-level flagships from Apple and Samsung, the Pixel 7 sequence is an absolute steal by comparability. Whereas these rivals have their very own deserves, they’re powerful to suggest for $200 extra.

There are equally priced buys on the market worthy of your consideration, too, in fact. Samsung’s Galaxy A53 5G ($349.99 at Amazon) is extra reasonably priced nonetheless, provides long-term help, and has a 120Hz show and quad digicam setup. Nonetheless, it doesn’t provide the 4K/60fps video capabilities, high-tier efficiency, or essential digicam consistency you’ll get from the Pixel 7.

In case you’re comfortable to spend on the opposite facet of the Pixel 7’s price ticket, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE ($699.99 at Samsung) nets you a 3x telephoto digicam for extra versatile pictures, a touch sooner flagship-tier SoC, and a barely swankier show. That’s not too unhealthy for an additional $100, although it’s pretty uninteresting when it comes to design and, once more, can’t match the Pixel 7’s main shooter for pictures.

For world audiences, the OnePlus 10T ($649.99 at Amazon) beats Google on the numbers sport. Providing 150W super-fast charging, a triple digicam setup with a macro lens, and a high-performance Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor onboard. Even so, the Pixel will completely higher swimsuit demanding photographers and will probably be supported slightly longer than OnePlus’s guarantees of three main Android updates and 4 years of safety patches.

Maybe the most effective various choices come from Google itself. We’ve mentioned the variations between the Pixel 7 Professional ($899 at Amazon) and Pixel 7 at size, and whereas the previous — itself a relative discount in comparison with $1,000+ flagships — will get the most effective upgrades for Google’s seventh-generation telephones, $300 is some huge cash to avoid wasting. The Pixel 6a ($449 at Amazon), in the meantime, is even cheaper and retains numerous Google’s software program smarts, however loses out on a excessive refresh price show, prime digicam {hardware}, and the battery life takes a slight hit.

Finally it’s very tough, if not unattainable, to beat Google’s worth proposition.

The Pixel 7 is a dwelling run for Mountain View. With long-term software program help, an expansive app and have ecosystem, and stable efficiency, the Pixel 7 covers all of the bases after which some for a worth that’s $200 lower than the competitors. Moreover, the digicam package deal is great, on steadiness, and stays one of many main causes to dive into Google’s handset. But when that’s not sufficient, the prospect of future function drops hints that the cellphone will solely turn into higher over time, similar to the Pixel 6.

The one actual criticism we are able to degree is that the handset isn’t a significant enchancment over the earlier era. Google has, fortunately, stored its worth stagnant to mirror this. Though the addition of Tensor G2, stronger rear glass, retooled fingerprint scanner, and a brand new selfie snapper are good to have (to not point out the improved knowledge reception), they’re not a cause to improve. The sluggish charging instances and so-so audio system additionally take some polish off the handset, highlighting that Google needed to retain some compromises to maintain the worth down.

By comparability, the Pixel 7 Professional has seen just a few extra noteworthy upgrades than its little sibling, together with a 5x periscope digicam and a wider ultrawide digicam that lastly has autofocus. It additionally continues to boast a brighter 120Hz QHD show, marginally sooner charging, and a notably greater battery. Google has seemingly paid much less consideration to bettering the common Pixel 7 components. Even so, these are all worthwhile compromises to avoid wasting a substantial $300 over Google’s premium flagship.

Though these actually into their pictures will little doubt be (rightly) tempted by the Professional mannequin, there’s numerous cellphone to like with the Pixel 7, and it comes at a worth that’s nearly unattainable to remorse. That makes the Pixel 7 extremely simple to suggest, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a cellphone to take you thru a busy work day, deal with gaming periods in your commute, or snap great-looking footage of your family members. Google’s reasonably priced flagship can do all of it.