The anticipation leading up to Google’s event on October 6 was high. With new iPhone and Galaxy flagships having already been announced, the tech industry’s collective eyes zeroed in on this year’s Pixel.
Google used their stage time to unveil a few flagships of their own. As expected, this is the year of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Scroll ahead to learn more about these brand new models, a few of their new features, and the hardware that helps make it all happen.
Tada Images/ShutterstockThe Models
Google’s worst kept secret was revealed to the world on October 6, 2022. Though most people expected to see the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, the official Google event put all the rumors to rest.
The new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro look very similar to last year’s flagships. But don’t let the Pixel 7’s modest aesthetic upgrades trick you into believing that it’s only slightly better than last year’s lineup. These new phones are far and away the most powerful Google phones ever constructed. That’s thanks to the brand-new and impressively powerful Google Tensor G2 processor. The Tensor G2 is faster, more secure, and more efficient than its predecessor.
As for colors, the Pixel 7 is available in Obsidian, Snow, and Lemongrass. The phone comes standard with 128GB of storage with an option to upgrade to 256GB of storage.
The Pixel 7 Pro is available in Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel. The Pro model offers one more storage option over the base model with a 512GB version.1
The Design
Google didn’t take a lot of design risks with this year’s set of Pixels. The phones look a lot like last year’s versions. Both phones boast IP68 water resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass for increased durability. Additionally, both are built with recycled materials.
The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch OLED panel with a refresh rate that maxes out at 90Hz, while the Pixel 7 Pro’s larger 6-7-inch screen is capable of 120Hz. Both screens are much brighter than their previous versions. Roughly 25 percent brighter, according to Google.
The Cameras
2022 saw both Pixel models receive a significant camera upgrade. The Pixel 7 boasts a dual-lens camera on the rear consisting of a 50MP primary lens with optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultra-wide one.
The Pixel 7 Pro comes with the same dual-lens set-up. However, it also includes a third 48MP telephoto camera. This third camera is capable of 5x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom.
Both models benefit from a string of brand-new photo-enhancing features including macro focus mode, Photo Unblur, and Super Res Zoom.
New Features
As is usually the case, this year’s Pixel unveiling included an impressive menu of new smartphone features. The new chip makes for:
- Longer battery life;
- Improved photo quality;
- Better gaming performance, and;
- The best video quality of any Google smartphone ever.
Google has upped their security game too. The company promises to support the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro with five years of security updates and three years of platform updates. Google also revealed their brand new VPN, which launches later this year and will be added to the features list of this year’s new phones at no additional cost.
The Specs
As we mentioned earlier, the base model Pixel 7 comes with a 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED Smooth display. Additionally, the phone comes with 8GB RAM, and a 4,355 mAh battery capable of over 24 hours of battery life and fast wireless charging.
The larger Pixel 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED Smooth Display capable of up to 120Hz. The Pro iteration also comes with more RAM. 12GB to be exact. Its 5,000 mAh battery also holds for over 24 hours of battery life and is capable of fast wireless charging.2
The Price
It’s much easier to get excited about a brand-new smartphone when it’s priced as well as the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. They aren’t exactly giving them away, but this year’s Google lineup is still hundreds of dollars cheaper than its popular competitors.
The Pixel 7 starts at $599, with the optional 256GB storage upgrade clocking in at $699.3 The more expensive Pixel 7 Pro is priced at $899, $999, and $1,099 for the 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions respectively.4
To sweeten the deal, Google is offering a full suite of special offers for those willing to purchase the Pixel 7 upon release. They are:
- Get up to $700 off the Pixel 7 or $800 off the Pixel 7 Pro when trading in an eligible phone through AT&T;
- Get up to $70 off the any Pixel 7 when trading in an eligible phone through Verizon;
- Get up to $750 off the any Pixel 7 when trading in an eligible phone through the Google Store;
- Receive $100 in Google Store credit when purchasing the Pixel 7 directly from Google;
- Receive $200 in Google Store credit when purchasing the Pixel 7 Pro directly from Google, and;
- Get three months of Google One and YouTube Premium.
Conclusion
Although Google decided not to overhaul the look of their new flagship phones, what’s inside marks a giant leap forward for the industry giant. The ultra fast Google Tensor G2 chipset drives a lot of the new features, the new cameras are great, and the price tag for both models is ultra competitive.
So, how do these smartphones stack up next to this year’s Apple and Samsung announcements? The new Pixel lineup is easier on the wallet, certainly. But, to figure out how each phone’s specs stack up, it’s best to start an online search of your own.