Google Pixel 7
Verdict
A solid flagship with impressive cameras and thoughtful software features at an attractive price.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Pixel 7 is definitely one of the best options in the €600-700 range. It has a flagship-worthy performance, although a bit lower than you'd expect, it's one of the best phones for mobile photography, if not the best-in-class, and it has bright OLED, great-sounding stereo speakers, long battery life (with the size category in mind) and exceptional software ensuring timely updates and smart features.”
“The Pixel 7 skilfully builds on its predecessor and stays focussed on being a powerful smartphone at a comparatively low price. This extends from the fast SoC, the very bright and color accurate OLED display all the way to the powerful dual camera. Google is able to round this off with good battery life as well as long-term updates. In addition, they even provide a free VPN from Google One. However, that's not all. On the plus side, there is also wide mobile frequency coverage, including 5G, IP68 certification as well as wireless charging. Although there's still no microSD expansion slot, an optional 256 GB model is available to purchase.”
“The Google Pixel 7 is the best $600 Android phone you can buy, particularly if you want flagship features and performance on a budget.”
“The smaller Pixel steps up on camera quality and finally feels like a premium phone, while keeping price on its side. It still feels artificially held back compared to the Pro, though.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Pixel 7 showcases a modern design with an aluminum camera bar that stands out from typical smartphone designs, making it instantly recognizable. While this unique camera setup adds style, you may find it doesn’t sit flat without a case. Reviewers from many sources note that the phone “feels great in hand” and possesses a more refined finish than previous models.
The recycled aluminum construction complements the Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, enhancing durability without compromising on aesthetics. Users have praised the improved IP68 rating, adding peace of mind with water and dust resistance.
The phone’s design shifts to a slightly smaller, more compact form than its predecessor, making it manageable even for one-handed use. Some reviewers celebrated the return of the well-liked design aesthetics, emphasizing the fun color options, though options like “Lemongrass” polarize opinions around its boldness.
Display(s)
The Pixel 7’s screen delivers a bright and colorful experience, ideal for watching videos or playing games. Its 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animation feel fluid and smooth.
Compared to other phones, the display provides a solid balance between performance and efficiency, excelling in outdoor visibility with high brightness levels.
Techradar praised it, stating that “you’ll find the display incredibly sharp and clear in all lighting conditions.”
Performance
The highly efficient processor focuses on machine learning and AI, providing fast and fluid everyday performance. Experts highlight the chip strengthens low-light photo capture and offers digital unblur to perfect past images.
While test scores suggest lower raw power, the phone excels in real-world tasks like gaming and seamless multitasking, delivering a snappy user experience that feels effortless.
Software & Storage
The Pixel 7 runs the latest Google Android version, offering you a clean and speedy experience. It stands out for minimizing unnecessary pre-installed apps, which many users find annoying on other brands.
Expect five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected longer. Experts state, “The Pixel’s Android experience is the cleanest and most pleasant you can get on any smartphone,” confirming its leadership in software design.
For image tweaks, Pixel 7 includes unique features like Photo Unblur, a handy tool for refining your old and favorite photos.
Cameras
The Pixel 7’s cameras excel, capturing vibrant shots with its 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses. You’ll notice a seamless shooting experience, thanks to Google’s refined software.
Critics at Tech Advisor highlight how it “does everything for you and quickly, too,” underscoring its user-friendly design.
While it lacks the telephoto lens found in pricier models, reviewers agree that Google’s Super Res Zoom makes up for much of it, delivering solid cropped images.
Battery
The Google Pixel 7’s battery exceeds expectations, delivering reliable power that can easily last through a day’s worth of activities. Experts have commended the phone’s ability to maintain ‘a full day of normal use with zero issues.’ This counts as an excellent feature for users tired of frequent recharges.
While the battery is slightly smaller than its predecessor, the efficient Tensor G2 chip helps prolong usage, underscoring Google’s smart design choices. Busy individuals will appreciate that the phone supports 30W fast charging, allowing for significant battery recovery in a short time, even with a charge from 0 to 50% in just over 30 minutes. Offering quick wireless charging as well, it aligns with everyday convenience, ensuring you’re rarely caught off-guard by low battery warnings.
Audio
The phone offers a crisp audio experience, especially during calls, with good vocal clarity even in noisy environments. “Music and loudspeaker quality is better than expected, delivering well-balanced sound,” experts note. This ensures you won’t miss any important conversation details, and watching movies is enjoyable without listening fatigue.
While speakers are effective, for a richer audio experience during movies or music, connecting to external speakers or using quality headphones is recommended. You’ll enjoy the robust sound quality that keeps entertainment engaging and calls crisp.
The Bottom Line
This smartphone stays true to the brand’s focus on delivering exceptional photography and a clean software experience without breaking the bank. With a Tensor-driven smart processor, you can expect quick and intelligent performance. With expected long-term software updates, it’s a secure choice that will remain relevant.
Reviewers from various outlets agree that while the hardware upgrades may seem modest, the price point makes it a top value pick. “It’s just $599…which is super cheap for a flagship smartphone,” noted one expert, reflecting its competitive pricing against other flagship models.
What people actually want to know
How much does the Google Pixel 7 cost?
The Google Pixel 7 launched at $599 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Google Pixel 7 released?
The Google Pixel 7 was released on October 13, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Google Pixel 7?
The Google Pixel 7 has a 4,355 mAh battery.
Is the Google Pixel 7 water resistant?
The Google Pixel 7 carries an IP68 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Google Pixel 7 support wireless charging?
Yes, the Google Pixel 7 supports wireless charging. It supports up to 20W wireless charging.
Does the Google Pixel 7 have a headphone jack?
No, the Google Pixel 7 does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Google Pixel 7 support 5G?
Yes, the Google Pixel 7 supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Google Pixel 7 have NFC?
Yes, the Google Pixel 7 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Google Pixel 7?
Visit Google's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Questions & answers
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