Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Review: It’s Not Just About the Cameras Anymore
The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are Google's best smartphones yet, but the competition has already caught up.
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Despite not always having the most competitive technology, Google's Pixel smartphones have always been noted for their superb camera capabilities. However, with the addition of imaging chipsets to some of the most recent top Android phones, manufacturers have been able to produce a similar level of picture quality that easily rivals the Pixel's AI photography smarts. Google's return to the premium smartphone sector in India after four years may delight aficionados and Android purists, but will it be able to entice the vast majority of customers who have switched to other brands? Continue reading to discover out.
Pricing for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro in India
placing is always a sensitive matter in the premium smartphone industry, but Google appears to have done the new Pixels right by placing them significantly below Apple and Samsung's 'Pro' and 'Ultra' options. The Google Pixel 7 costs Rs. 59,999 for an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option, while the Pixel 7 Pro costs Rs. 84,999 for a 12GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. In India, both phones have only been released in their base variants.Pricing for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro in India
placing is always a sensitive matter in the premium smartphone industry, but Google appears to have done the new Pixels right by placing them significantly below Apple and Samsung's 'Pro' and 'Ultra' options. The Google Pixel 7 costs Rs. 59,999 for an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option, while the Pixel 7 Pro costs Rs. 84,999 for a 12GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. In India, both phones have only been released in their base variants.
The capacity may appear to be a bit limited (especially for the Pixel 7 Pro), and there is no option to enlarge it, but this also allows Google to drive consumers into purchasing one of its cloud storage plans. Unfortunately, there is no longer any free unlimited cloud backup available. The Pixel 7 comes in Obsidian, Lemongrass, and Snow colours, while the Pixel 7 Pro comes in Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel. I was sent the Pixel 7 in Obsidian and the Pixel 7 Pro in Hazel for review.
Design of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
I enjoy how Google has made an attempt to differentiate both of its 7 series smartphones, despite having the same revamped design based on the previous Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 7 is smaller than the Pixel 7 Pro, but not as little as Samsung's Galaxy S22, which remains one of the few true compact (or mini) Android flagships.
The Pixel 7's frame features a brushed metal design that is comparable to the Pixel 6a (Review), but feels smoother and appears more refined, with a camera module that looks a lot cleaner thanks to the one piece aluminium band that spans the width of the phone. The Pixel 7 Pro receives a similar finish, but instead features a polished aluminium frame.
The Google Pixel 7's matte texture makes it rather slippery, as expected, so I invariably ended up placing my index finger under the big camera hump, which appears to be Google's distinctive design feature since the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 7 Pro's smooth frame makes it much easier to hold. Both smartphones include polished glass rear panels made of Gorilla Glass Victus, as well as front-facing displays that do an outstanding job of preventing fingerprints and scratches.
Both smartphones have a great heaviness to them, which adds to the quality in-hand feel that the Pixel 6a lacked. The Pixel 7 weighs 197g, while the Pixel 7 Pro weighs 212g, neither of which is excessively overweight in comparison to comparable devices in their respective sectors. Both devices are also dust and water resistant, with an IP68 rating.
During the review time, I noted that the shiny camera module of the Pixel 7 Pro was readily scratched. The Pixel 7's matte-finished camera module, on the other hand, was scratch-free. The Pixel 7 Pro's curved edge display makes it appear and feel more luxurious than the Pixel 7's flat display. When swiping in from the sides, I found the edges of the Pixel 7's frame to be a little sharp. The Pixel 7's bezels are also not as small as I imagined, which detracts from the device's luxury appeal, especially because the Pixel 6a looks so comparable.
Specifications and software for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Despite their disparate prices, the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro share a few components. The new Google Tensor G2 processor, a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 10.8-megapixel selfie camera, and stereo speakers are all included. Both phones have the same communication standards, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB Type-C (3.2), and support for the standard satellite navigation systems.
The Google Pixel 7 comes with a 4,355mAh battery with 20W wired charging, while the Pixel 7 Pro comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery and 23W charging. Both smartphones have wireless charging capabilities of 20W and 23W, respectively, as well as reverse wireless charging (Battery Share) for charging accessories. Surprisingly, the Pixel 7 lacks the Ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna found on the Pixel 7 Pro.
