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After the now pertinent annual renewal of Android's standard-bearers, the Google Pixel 7 come to our analysis table to demonstrate everything you have to say. And it is a lot, in all areasGoogle proves that its resume as a manufacturer is now as complete as it is representative, even if it has some slight blemishes.
We're so used to mobile phone manufacturers updating their catalogs every year that it's very difficult to keep track of their entire genealogy. In Google's case, it's not so complicated, since has been taking a parallel strategy to that of Apple; without raising the prices too much (at least not that much). As was the case last year, the Google Pixel 7 underlines its high-end potential without the price being exorbitant. And that's not the only thing that's repeated,
Google Pixel 7
Screen
6.3-inch OLED
Ratio 20:9
FHD+ resolution (1,080 x 2,400 pixels)
416 dpi
90 Hz refresh rate
Gorilla Glass Victus
Processor
Google Tensor G2
Titan M2 Security Coprocessor
RAM memory
8 GB LPDDR5
Storage
128/256 GB UFS 3.1
Rear cameras
Main: 50 megapixels, f/1.85, 82º, OIS, EIS
Wide angle: 12 megapixels, f/2.2, 14º
Front camera
10.8 megapixels, f/2.2, 92.8º
Battery
4.355 mAh
30W fast charging
Wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging
Software
Android 13
Connectivity
Dual SIM (SIM + eSIM)
5G
WiFi 6E
Bluetooth 5.2
NFC
USB-C
Others
Fingerprint reader under the screen
facial unlock
IP68
Dual stereo speakers and dual audio
Dimensions and weight
156.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm
197 grams
Price
From 649 euros
Google Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 7 is a phone that feels premium In the hand, it also assaults the eye with its undeniable appeal. It maintains the design line imposed by the company's devices with very smooth lines, absence of edges, Pastel colors highlight the phone's category and the rear camera strip offers the touch of distinction that the Pixel 7 needs to be a Pixel.
From the front, the phone makes good use of the front panel without sacrificing bezels; the lower chin is thicker. The screen is flat, the glass has slightly curved edges, and there's a slight tactile issue that I noticed upon first grasping it: The metal body has a fine burr that catches your fingers when sliding them along the edge of the screen.. With a cover it is not noticeable.
The metal body exudes robustness, solidity and the aforementioned feeling premiumGoogle has reduced the dimensions of the phone, making it much more manageable: It doesn't look so wide; which allows for a better grip, especially for those with somewhat smaller hands (it appears somewhat elongated). I can't say it's a compact or small phone, but at least it doesn't look exaggerated in size. Which is saying something.
On the right side, Google anchors the volume and power buttons, both at a convenient distance; with the typical drawback of the Pixel: the order is reversed (he power (it remains above).
The top edge is clean except for the secondary microphone; on the left is the nano-SIM tray (single, the second card is an eSIM); on the bottom edge, the Pixel 7 offers the USB-C connector, the output for the second speaker (the other is in the call earpiece, just above), and the second microphone. The openings on this bottom edge are not centered.
Google surprised with the rear band for the photographic module of the Pixel 6As a result of this innovation, the Pixel 7 maintains its identical dimensions and thickness, although with one clear difference: the entire surface is metal except for the lens area. A priori, this seems like a success to me; not in vain. the glass in that area scratches too easily (My Pixel 6 has a very noticeable scratch on it.) The phone doesn't wobble on the table when resting on its back. And it can be problematic for those who use game controllers attached to their phone, as is the case with the Razer Kishi: The lens band prevents the controller from being attached to the Pixel 7.
It is waterproof and dustproof with IP68 protection, its construction is exquisite, The materials appear to be of much higher quality than is usual for the price.It's a Pixel, and even the chosen color tones add distinction and character to the smartphone. I think it has just the right dimensions to balance screen size with ease of use. And it's not excessively thick, although it's not thin either.
I already mentioned it in the design section: Google has refined the dimensions of its mid-range Pixel to make it a little smaller; which results in a smaller width, point that greatly facilitates grip (The softened body at the edges does the rest, I'm glad Google isn't going for an angular iPhone-style design.) The screen plays a crucial role in reducing dimensions: from 6.4 inches on the Pixel 6, Google goes to 6.3 on the Pixel 7.
I think the reduction in surface area is a success: this way the size is compressed without losing multimedia capacity along the way. Those 0.1 inches do not represent a setback: Google repeats with a Excellent quality OLED display that looks perfect from any angleAnd it refreshes at 90 Hz, more than enough to boost the phone's fluidity.
Very good color representation, natural tones and without saturation (the screen options allow you to customize this aspect minimally), the maximum brightness is more than enough to see the content even in sunlight (reaches peaks of 1,400 nits according to the phone's specifications), the minimum brightness is annoying in complete darkness (there is the option of reduce that minimum value by software) and the automatic mode responds well to ambient lighting.
The frames are large (almost two millimeters except for the lower area, which is almost four millimeters), the hole for the front camera is four millimeters in diameter: the Pixel 7 takes advantage of the front in 84.9 % (data from GSMArena). The screen offers very high contrast, the touch response is at the highest level and is protected by glass Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. In principle, it should be scratch-resistant: my Pixel 6 has the same glass and hasn't received a single scratch even though I've been using it without a screen protector (it does have a case).
I couldn't have put together a better display: for the price of the phone, I think Google has managed to equip it with a top-notch screen. And it improves biometric registration.
The biometric section maintains the usual fingerprint scanner under the panel. This scanner is optical: it takes advantage of the high brightness of the screen to illuminate the grooves of the finger and compare them with the fingerprint registered during the configuration processThis process is quick, just like each reading.
Simply place your finger on the designated area and the Pixel 7 unlocks instantly. The reader hasn't given me much trouble, generally failing even outdoors (it can cause some reading errors in bright light). Google has improved the scanner's effectiveness compared to the Pixel 6., at least that's the impression I got while reviewing the new phone.
While the fingerprint scanner has improved, the big new feature in the biometrics section is facial unlocking. After many rumors, Google decided to include it in the Pixel 7With the usual caveats: since the phone uses the front-facing camera, facial analysis can't compare the exact volume of each face; so the phone could be unlocked by someone who closely resembles the Pixel 7 owner. Google specifies it this way.
It is much more comfortable, despite the drawbacks: Google does not support face unlock for maximum security situations., such as payment authorization. Only the fingerprint (or PIN/password) is valid in these processes.
The excellent level achieved by the screen is maintained in the sound section: listening to music is a delight, also play movies, games, and any other multimedia content. HD audio quality: The Google Pixel 7 offers dual stereo speakers with high power and fidelity, includes adaptive sound for the speakers (recognizing the environment and adapting the equalization to the noise), and has broad compatibility with Bluetooth codecs. I miss improvements for multimedia audio and an equalizer accessible from the sound settings.
The stereo speakers are located on the bottom edge of the phone (next to the USB C) and in the call earpiece (top area of the screen). Their combination results in consistent audio reproduction, full of nuances and without excessive distortion at high volumes. (It does pick up some harshness, but it's not annoying.) It maintains bass boost and reaches peaks of 100 dB of sound pressure. Without spoiling the sound, these are extremely high-quality speakers.
When it comes to headphones, you have the option of using wired or wireless headphones. The Pixel 7 doesn't have a 3.5mm jack, so a USB-C audio adapter is essential. With DAC: Google still doesn't enable analog audio through the portSound quality will vary depending on the headphones, with an average of just stellar. And two details worth highlighting: the Pixel 7 offers noise cancellation on calls (powered by Google's AI) and spatial audio.
The most common way to use Bluetooth headphones is by using them. For the analysis I used both the Pixel Buds Pro like the Bose 700 NCH, in both cases with high-level results (I'm sticking with the Buds, the combination with the Pixel is fantastic). Very good audio quality, great fidelity and with just the right amount of bass boost.. Additionally, the Pixel 7 supports a diverse selection of Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, Qualcomm aptX, and aptX HD.
Another detail that I found exquisite is the behavior of the vibration motor. Google has included a component that applies precise physical feedback to phone interactionsThe vibration is gentle when you pull down the notification area, more powerful during notifications, and it manages to convey the sensation of real touch to your fingers. Ultimately, the Pixel 7 offers one of the best vibrations I've experienced on an Android device. I find it delightful.
The balance achieved in multimedia playback makes the Google Pixel 7 a true high-end product, even though the price isn't excessive (nor cheap, of course). The performance leaves just that impression, despite the raw numbers.
With the Pixel 6, Google surprised by presenting its own chip, a SoC developed in collaboration with Samsung that remained somewhat far from what was achieved by Qualcomm and its Gen 1. After the logical brain renewal, it was time to find out if Google had fully exploited the design to achieve peak performance commensurate with the most premium range of smartphonesThe answer is no, but I don't think it's that bad given the price of the Pixel 7. The Pro is a different story.
He Google Tensor G2 It's an excellent processor for all tasks, I didn't find it lacking at any moment. The Pixel 7 runs graphically demanding games at maximum quality (Genshin Impact runs with hardly any stutters at its highest settings), the system is delightfully fluid and All background tasks neither slow down nor heat up the phoneIn fact, I only noticed a noticeable rise in temperature after several tests with 3D Mark's stress mode.
The figures of benchmark always They should be taken as a guideline and not as a reliable example of how the mobile phone performs.. Still, it is noticeable that Google is far from Qualcomm or Apple, also from the MediaTek's best DimensityAt least when it comes to the CPU and GPU, the NPU's AI performance is a different story.
Below you have the figures for benchmark that I achieved on the Google Pixel 7 compared to its direct competitors. I ran the tests with the battery between 40 and 50 % capacity.
GOOGLE PIXEL 7
XIAOMI 12T PRO
POCO F4 GT0
XIAOMI 12 PRO
ONE PLUS 10T
GOOGLE PIXEL 6
SAMSUNG GALAXY S22 ULTRA
OPPO RENO8 PRO
PROCESSOR
GOOGEL TENSOR G2
QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 8+ GEN 1
QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 1
QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 8 GEN 1
QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 8+ GEN 1
GOOGLE TENSOR
EXYNOS 2200
MEDIATEK DIMENSITY 8100-MAX
RAM
8 GB
8 GB
8 GB
12 GB
16 GB
12 GB
12 GB
8 GB
GEEKBENCH 5 (Single-Core/Multi-Core)
1.022
3.029
1.269
4.054
1.197
3.442
1.250
3.762
1.068
3.397
1.003
2.859
1.171
3.574
947
3.703
3D MARK (WILD LIFE UNLIMITED)
6.761
11.010
10.031
10.332
7.715
–
5.967
3D MARK (WILD LIFE STRESS)
6.758
4.893
–
10.118
6.678
–
10.234
9.831
7.010
4.454
–
5.966
5.826
PCMARK (WORK 3.0 PERFORMANCE)
10.449
9.242
13.481
13.180
16.765
15.207
14.043
12.791
Beyond the numbers obtained by the performance tests, the Pixel 7 has nothing to envy of other high-end models. The RAM and storage are fast, it offers dual SIM (nano SIM and eSIM) with support for dual 5G (Sub6), includes WiFi 6E connectivity (It's no longer available in UWB, only available on the Pixel 7 Pro.) and security is enhanced with the Titan M2 coprocessor and the Trusty isolated execution environmentThe combination of hardware and software is a constant in the phone.
The differences between generations aren't exaggerated; so far, the Pixel 7 has been pretty similar to its predecessor. But let's talk about the battery: Google decided to cut this vital component to leave it at 4,355 mAh (from 4,614 mAh). It's not a huge difference, but it does end up being noticeable: without having reduced autonomy, our protagonist sees his endurance diminished with the generational leap.
There's no major problem with everyday use; the Pixel 7 holds up without difficulty. Battery management improves with use and is quite well optimized; although I noticed a slight extra power consumption with the screen off (this figure may change as Google updates the phone).
Squeezing the capacities of the battery suffers: With a demanding game hour you can fly a 15-20 % capacityWithout too much strain, it's possible to get up to two days, at least on Wi-Fi and with very moderate use. As for screen time, 5-6 hours on mobile networks is typical. I mostly averaged about seven hours on Wi-Fi.
In the area of charging I can't help but point out: the fact that the Pixel 7 doesn't come with a charger in the box, or as an option with the purchase, not only represents a lack of respect for the buyer, It also prevents you from taking advantage of the full capabilities of fast charging with the phone straight out of the box.Google claims this model supports 21W fast charging with the 30W charger it sells in-store. For my tests, I used a Motorola charger with a maximum power of 125W; the Pixel achieved an average charge of 22W (measured at a power outlet).
Below are the charging times and what the phone needs to revive from 0 to 100 %.
Apart from fast charging with USB C cable, the Google Pixel 7 includes wireless charging at a maximum of 20 W and reverse wireless charging (initially at a maximum of 10 W, Google doesn't specify this). I haven't encountered any problems using either.
The Google Pixels draw attention to the software, mainly due to the fact that they are as close as possible to what Google believes Android should be. Be careful, this does not mean that the Pixel 7 comes with “pure” or “stock” Android, which is still a layer with exclusive details of the company that makes the phone and creates the operating system. There aren't many details like that. And the jump between generations provides new tricks.
Android 13 right out of the box with three key software updates guaranteed. In addition, the Pixel 7 starts with the latest security patch and with the promise of receiving a minimum of five years of these updates, the security onesAll with the guarantee of getting the latest updates on the day they're released, as well as enjoying trial versions of upcoming operating systems.
During testing, I encountered some display errors, and there were also some very occasional crashes that forced me to restart the phone. Beyond these inconveniences, always due to the fact that the software is not yet final, the Pixel 7 doesn't present any kind of inconvenience: the interface moves like a charm, the animations are very smooth (90 Hz contribute to this), Android 13 is very polished aesthetically and Google's own additions fit perfectly with the so-called "pure" experience. I can't think of a better phone for an Android enthusiast who doesn't want to spend the extra that a Pixel Pro entails.
Own interface, At a glance widget that shows information as needed (options increase), color customization is much broader thanks to Android 13, Google's AI levels up with the Pixel 7 and Tensor G2 (notable improvement in voice recognition with Assistant in GBoard, Clear Calling for crystal-clear voice calls, lossless digital zoom, instant translation and automatic subtitles, both in Spanish), Digital Wellbeing now records snoring with sleep mode enabled. (works pretty well according to my tests), Now Playing improves its music recognition, Google boosts the sound of the speakers with its Adaptive mode and not much else.
Most of the software updates focus on the camera and editing the images you take: Google Photos is the main protagonist, I'll talk about it in the next section. Also, I have to make a note: most of the Pixel 7's exclusives They will also come to the Pixel 6 (some even to previous models). Although the new phones do have one advantage: Google offers One VPN completely freeHowever, we'll have to wait until the end of the year for it to be available, according to the company.
Excelling in photography is a must for Google, as it has been demonstrating for years. With each new Pixel, we see a leap forward in the photography segment, which is generally focused on software. This is also the case with the Google Pixel 7: The capture hardware is identical to that already offered by the Google Pixel 6.
With similarities in sensors, optics, and stabilization, the phone's three cameras look like this once their features are stripped down:
The photographic set chosen by Google is consistent, of great quality, allows for notable performance in any scene and, what is not within the reach of the hardware, is complemented by a system of computational tools that They act as a complement to facilitate automatic shotsAs is its trademark, all of Google's ingenuity happens behind the scenes, even though the processing work is evident once the image is taken (it usually takes a little over a second to generate the final image).
The hardware remains unchanged, but there is a noticeable improvement in the way the system works. With the Pixel 7, Google makes a notable leap in digital zoom (up to 8x without spoiling the result), improves Auto HDR, Google claims that skin tones are even more natural, and in terms of naturalness, it continues to maintain the original colors and white balance; although it tends to apply excessive contrast. It also overemphasizes contours.
The shots are generally of very good quality, regardless of the lighting. Google knows how to extract light even from near-dark situations, but the processing tends to show through: It often comes across as somewhat aggressive and artificial..
The cameras perform perfectly in terms of autofocus, and are also very fast with manual focus when marking a point on the screen. It's still great at tracking moving objects.: simply point at a lavender flower blowing in the wind and it will stay in focus constantly. This is one of the notable advantages of the hardware and software package built into the Google Pixel 7 (which was already available on previous phones, with no noticeable improvements in performance).
The main sensor captures a great deal of detail from the entire scene, including the background. The dynamic range is very good, preserves the naturalness of the colors without showing excess saturation, the photos are sharp (sometimes too sharp, it can over-shape the edges, which underlines the artificiality of the image) and it suffers from lens flare when light hits the lens diagonally. This problem isn't as pronounced as it is on the Pixel 6, but it's there.
Now it's the wide-angle camera's turn. The lens's wider viewing angles capture more of the scene without creating a noticeable "fish-eye" effect: Google corrects optical defects at the edges very well.The Pixel 7 maintains remarkable detail despite the smaller size captured by the sensor. It offers a great dynamic range, emphasizes natural colors and white balance, and suffers from no differences in processing compared to the main sensor. It does experience more problems when the light falls.
One of the most striking improvements of the Pixel 7 is the AI applied to distance photography. The Super Res Zoom has been with us since the Pixel 3, but Google has given it an impressive boost with a 8x capture on the Pixel 7 that almost looks like the result of an optical array of lensesThe enlarged image usually looks sharp, defined, and without excessive watercolor, at least during the day. At night, the zoom suffers, but it's surprisingly capable.
The capture options are extensive, although I still miss a manual mode "a la Google." This shortcoming aside, the Pixel 7 offers an excellent night mode (a good result thanks to the stabilizer and AI), Portrait mode is still one of the best on smartphones. (almost perfect profiling and the halo on the contours imitating the optics of SLR cameras), the phone can select the best shot from a whole burst (capture is automatic), the pixel 7 keeps long exposure photos and action shots, it also saves the photographs in RAW (DNGs of about 10 MB with washed-out images lacking contrast and color; it is optional).
The front camera is weaker than the rear cameras. However, what Google lacks in hardware, it makes up for in software: selfies are usually of excellent quality and with the natural bokeh that Pixels are used to. In addition to the added benefit of skin tone, the Pixel 7 manages to capture the subject's tones very well, with optimal results even in medium lighting situations.
Below is a sample of photos taken with the Google Pixel 7. If you want to see them in their original size, along with some RAW shots, go to this Google Photos album.
In video recording, the Pixel 7 is boosted by the AI enhancement offered by the Tensor G2. In addition to the excellent hardware stabilization that the Pixel 6 already included, and at the hardware level it does not vary, Google offers a cinematic mode with which it achieves a close-up of cinematic shots. With this mode the mobile applies real-time background blur. And it gives you the option to adjust the focus point by tapping on the screen (thanks to object tracking, the recording system achieves high-impact shots).
The Pixel 7 records in up to 4K and 60 FPS; with 4K and 30 FPS if 10-bit HDR is enabled. Maximum stabilization is achieved at 1080p: the Pixel 7 allows you to activate OIS (lens stabilization) and EIS (electronic image stabilization with cropping) alongside HDR. The results are of a very high stabilization, such as attaching the Pixel 7 to a gimbal.
In terms of quality, Google achieves one of the best video recordings on an Android. It's an excellent counterpoint to the advanced automatic features of the photo modes.
Every encounter with a Pixel has something special, it's like that old friend you've always known and that It is capable of surprising you even when you expect it. Still, it also has its bad moments, like any good friendship. In the case of the Google Pixel 7, those moments aren't many, but they are there.
It's a superior smartphone, especially when you compare what it offers with its market price: I can't think of any better options for the 649 euros it costs.. An exceptional camera, the screen is at the same level, listening to music is a delight, quite compact in dimensions and even the finishes transfer the sensation premium that only a few phones offer. Despite this positive appearance, the "worse" points are less highlighted; such as the lack of a charger, the sharpening processing, battery reduction, or even Google not giving enough years of key Android updates. Is it so difficult to overcome Samsung's four years?
The balance between what you get and what it costs is its main strength. It will definitely be on my shortlist for a personal phone; I'll have a hard time getting rid of it. Or not so hard: since I have the Pixel 6, the absence of the 7 will not be so noticeableI also think it's a negative point.
9.0
Google Pixel 7
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