Everything You Need To Know About the Google Pixel 7

Thanks to the Pixel 6, sales of Google smartphones were up over 380% year over year in August 2022. Experts expect that momentum to increase rapidly with the release of the new Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

If you're a Google smartphone user, you're probably wondering what the Pixel 7 offers. That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide to everything the Pixel 7 offers from its amazing camera features to its top-of-the-line specs. 

Keep scrolling for a full breakdown of everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 7 (along with some alternatives for a cheaper or more powerful smartphone option).

Google Pixel 7 Release Date

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Google announced the Pixel 7. It wasn't until they unveiled the phones at an October 6th, 2022 event did these phones come to life. Sales for the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro went live on October 13th, 2022.

How has the interest in this Google phone been since its release? A week after the announcement, one smartphone website polled users. They found that nearly 69% of users were interested in a Google Pixel 7.

That being said, there were issues with users being able to find 512GB Pixel 7 Pros in some European countries. 

This is a common issue with Google smartphones. They simply don't have the presence that Samsung and Apple have, making it hard for consumers to access the Pixel models they're truly looking for.

Google Pixel 7 Pricing

How much does a new Google Pixel 7 cost? Google has kept the price the same as last year's Pixel 6 range (which means you can now get a cheaper Google Pixel 6 if you're interested in upgrading).

While the initial launch price is the same, the specs aren't. Many critics and users have noted that Google seems to have gone above and beyond in improving the Pixel 7. So, while you're paying roughly the same price, you're getting a much better phone.

Google Pixel 7

The launch price of the Google Pixel 7 is $599 in most markets. Some retailers sell at $600, but that one-dollar difference doesn't mean much when you're purchasing a powerful smartphone like this one.

The Google Pixel 7 128GB costs $599, while the Google Pixel 7 256GB costs $699. Note that the Google Pixel 7 doesn't offer an option to upgrade to 512GB. This is something we'll explore in the full breakdown below.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

The launch price of the Google Pixel 7 Pro is $899. Again, you'll find this listed at a flat price of $900, but it's practically the same price.

The Google Pixel 7 Pro 128GB costs $899. The Google Pixel 7 Pro 256GB costs $999, while you can expect to pay just under $1,100 for 512GB of storage with a Pixel 7 Pro.

If you want to buy any of these devices remember that Google offers several offers if you buy one with another device.

This means that if you're looking to purchase a Pixel Watch or Nest Wifi Pro as a holiday gift, for example, you might be able to get a good discount.

Google Pixel 7 Specs

Now, how does the new Google phone stack up to its predecessor? Expect the Google Pixel 7 to boast similar features as the Pixel 6. Some improvements are noticeable if you're a tech-focused user or those interested in smartphone photography.

Colors

The Pixel 7 is available in three exciting colors: Obsidian, Snow, and Lemongrass. 

The sleek Obsidian option offers a classic black look, while Snow adds subtle flair with a glossy white finish. And for those looking to stand out from the crowd, the Lemongrass option adds a pop of color with its vibrant green hue. 

Size

The Pixel 7 is more lightweight than the Pixel 6, weighing just under 196 grams (the Pixel 6 weighs at least 207 grams). 

 Google has also optimized the size of this new smartphone to make it easier to hold.

While the dimensions of the Google Pixel 6 basic model were 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9mm, the Google Pixel 7 is slightly smaller at 155.64 x 73.16 x 8.7mm.

Display

As you might have guessed from the smaller surface area, the Pixel 7 does offer a slightly smaller screen size than the Pixel 6. 

The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch FHD OLED display with 2400 x 1080p resolution and 1,400 nits peak brightness (that's 25% higher brightness than the Pixel 6). Both phones 

offer a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR support. So, not much has changed in that area.

Overall, the display is similar. Some tech gurus have noted that while the display on the Pixel 7 is similar to the Pixel 6, it simply doesn't stand up to other top-tier phones The Galaxy S22 and the iPhone 14, win in user testing in terms of display.

RAM & Storage

Say goodbye to deleting pictures, apps, and files to make room for new things with the Google Pixel 7. 

This phone offers a nice 8GB of RAM and a choice between 128 or 256GB of internal storage (provided by UFS 3.1 technology). You can keep all those extra apps, photos, and videos without worrying about constantly freeing up space. 

Plus, the Google Pixel 7 also has access to Google's cloud storage options, allowing for even more storage possibilities. So go ahead and snap as many pictures as you want- this phone's got plenty of room to spare.

Software

Google Pixel 7 owners can rest easily knowing their devices will run the latest software. Android 13 comes pre-installed, along with Google's Pixel UI for a smooth and intuitive user experience.

And best of all, Google provides a minimum of five years of security updates for 

Google Pixel 7, so you don't have to worry about falling victim to the latest security threats. 

That's a major perk in today's increasingly tech-dependent world, where data breaches and cyber-attacks happen left and right.

Camera

The Pixel 7 camera is impressive, no doubt. 

The dual-camera system doesn't quite stack up to the triple-camera system of the iPhone 14 Pro, for example. That being said, the dual-camera system in this Google phone is still great at this price point.

The Pixel 7s rear camera boasts the following specs:

• Primary: 50MP f/1.85, OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
• Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2, 114-degree FoV

Video: 4K 60FPS

Likewise, you can count on 10-bit HDR video capabilities as well. 

Thus, your phone can accurately record a scene with bright and 

 dark elements without losing any important details. HDR videos also have wider color ranges and better contrast levels, leading to more dynamic and vibrant footage.

The Pixel 7s front-facing camera received the biggest upgrade with the following specs:

• A larger sensor
• 10.8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide selfie camera
• 92.8-degree FoV
• Fixed focus

Overall, for both the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro, people talk the selfie camera the most. 

Battery

The Pixel 7's 4,355mAh Li-Ion battery is a usual highlight 

It has fast  charging capabilities, allowing it to go from 0% to 50% in just half an hour. 

Plus, its battery can last up to over 24 hours with normal usage, meaning you won't constantly worry about finding a charger. And if you do need to charge it? The Pixel 7 supports wireless charging too.

Charging Speeds

Google's 30W USB-C charger can bring a standard Pixel 7 up to 50% in just 30 minutes, making it perfect when you forgot to charge your phone overnight. 

And if you want to save even more time, the Pixel 7 supports fast charging via Qi wireless chargers.

Plus, with its Extreme Battery Saver mode, you can get up to 72 hours of battery life on a single charge. No more worrying about running out of juice.

Google Pixel 7 Pro Specs

Now, how does the Pixel 7 Pro stack up to the Pixel 7? It's pretty similar, honestly.

One key distinction is that the Pixel 7 Pro features a larger, 6.7-inch display compared to the Pixel 7's 6.3-inch screen. It also has a better camera setup, an additional telephoto lens, and improved low-light capabilities. 

Both phones feature exceptional cameras and offer a smooth user experience with the latest Android updates. Here is a quick breakdown of some Google 7 Pro specs to help you make sense of the difference between the two.

Colors

Google's Pixel 7 Pro smartphone comes in three colors: Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel. While the Obsidian and Snow colors are the same as the ones offered with the Google Pixel 7, the Hazel color is great for those seeking a warm, earthy tone.

Size

As is the case with all Pro versions of Pixel phones, the Pixel 7 Pro is slightly larger than the Pixel 7. This is most noticeable on the screen as you gain about 0.4 inches on display. It's also pretty noticeable in the weight of the phone.

Whereas the Pixel 7 weighs just under 196 grams, the Pixel 7 Pro weighs about 212 grams. That difference equals a compact disc.

Display

The Pixel 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO pOLED display with:

• 3120 x 1440p resolution
• 120Hz refresh rate
• HDR support
• Variable refresh rate support (10 to 120Hz)
• 1,500 nits peak brightness (25% higher brightness than the Pixel 6 Pro)

Overall, the display is similar to the Pixel 7 with some minor upgrades.

RAM & Storage

The main difference between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is the upgrade in RAM. When opting for a Pixel 7 Pro, you can upgrade to a whopping 12GB of RAM. Likewise, you'll be able to snag some more storage space.

Pixel 7 Pro users can choose from 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of RAM. 

Software

Google Pixel 7 Pro runs the same Android 13 with Google Pixel UI as the Google Pixel 7 does. In 

terms of software and the processing chip, there is no difference between the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro.

Camera

The Pixel 7 Pro has a triple-camera setup. This makes it the better option for those interested in using their Google phone for photography. The rear camera setup boasts the following lens specs:

• Primary: 50MP f/1.85, OIS
• Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2 plus autofocus and an125.8-degree FoV
• Telephoto: 48MP f/3.5 plus 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 30x (we'll dive into this below)

As is the case with the Pixel 7, the Pro also offers 10-bit HDR recording capabilities. Likewise, the Pro's front-facing camera is the same as the Pixel 7.

Battery

The Pixel 7 comes with a 5,000mAh Li-Ion battery. While this is slightly larger than the Pixel 7s battery, charging capabilities are the same (as are the charging speeds).

What New Features Does the Pixel 7 Have?

While a breakdown of the specs for each phone is helpful, what's more helpful is to understand what's new about this Google smartphone. Here are some new features that set this phone apart.

100% Recycled Content

The new Google Pixel 7 is made with a 100% recycled aluminum frame. This makes it one of the most sustainable smartphones on the market. Using recycled materials reduces the phone's environmental impact and makes it more durable than ever before.

Gorilla Glass Victus

The Pixel 7 is built with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, making it one of the most durable phones on the market. 

The Victus material is twice as strong as previous versions of Gorilla Glass, so your phone is less likely to shatter if you drop it. It's also highly scratch resistant.

If you're using a phone case then this won't be an issue. We'll get into that in just a bit. Just know that the Pixel 7 is pretty durable, even for those who consistently drop their phones or who let their little ones play with it daily.

Tensor G2 Processor

The new Google Pixel 7 is powered by the Tensor G2 chipset, 

a considerable upgrade from the G1. The G2 is designed for better performance and power efficiency, boasting the following specs (for both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro):

• 2x ARM Cortex-X1 @2.85Ghz
• 2x ARM Cortex-A78 @2.35GHz
• 4x ARM Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz

Hence, it's a powerful processor! It's also an upgrade from previous Google phones.

Improved Super Res Zoom

One of the most talked-about features of the new Pixel 7 is the improved Super Res Zoom. 

Not only does this smartphone have a 50 MP main camera with improved Super Res Zoom of up to 7x, but it also has a 48 MP telephoto lens camera with a Super Res Zoom of up to a whopping 30x. 

This allows for crystal clear close-up shots maintaining sharpness even when fully zoomed in. It's an upgrade from the Pixel 6's 2x digital zoom, perfect for capturing tiny details.

Macro Focus on Pro

One of the most impressive new features of the Pixel 7 Pro is Macro Focus. This feature allows users to take Pixel HDR+ quality photos from as close as three meters away, opening up a whole world of possibilities for close-up shots.

Is the Google Pixel 7 Better Than the Google Pixel 6?

So, based on our breakdown, is the Google Pixel 7 better than the Google Pixel 6? That's a tough question to answer, as both phones offer a lot of great features. 

The Pixel 7 does have some advantages over the Pixel 6, though. Namely, it offers access to more advanced camera capabilities and an improved processor. Additionally, it has a more futuristic look. 

However, the differences between the two phones aren't so pronounced for everyday users. 

If you were due for an upgrade anyway, then it's worth upgrading. There isn't a huge difference otherwise, though.

The Best Google Pixel 7 Alternatives

The Google Pixel 7 is a great phone, but it's not the only option out there. If you're looking for a similar phone with slightly different features, here are a few of the best Google Pixel 7 alternatives.

Samsung Galaxy S22

Samsung Galaxy S22 is a great alternative to Google's Pixel 7 lineup. The S22, S22 Plus, and S22 Ultra offer superior chipsets, more feature-packed software, and longer software support. 

Apple iPhone 14

Apple's iPhone 14 series phones are a great choice if you're looking to switch over to iOS from another operating system like Google's. 

The standard and models are solid upgrades over the iPhone 13 series, but they fall short compared 

 to the Pixel 7 series. The Pro models, however, sport more upgrades and features that make them worth the extra cost. 

If you're looking for the best of the best, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple's newest and most powerful phone. It features a larger display, longer battery life, and a better camera than its predecessor.

Google Pixel 6a

If you're in the market for a Pixel but don't want to shell out top dollar for the latest and greatest Pixel 7, the Pixel 6a may be just what you need. 

Google took some of the features from their flagship phone, like the capable processor and Pixel software, but made cutbacks to lower the price tag. 

So while you won't get all of the bells and whistles that come with the Pixel 7, you will still have a reliable option at a fraction of the cost. And when it comes down to it, isn't that what matters?

FAQs Aabout the Google Pixel 7

Still have questions about the Google Pixel 7? Here are answers to some of them.

Is the Google Pixel 7 Waterproof?

The Google Pixel 7 phones carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means they can be submerged in a meter and a half of water for up to 30 minutes.

Does the Google Pixel 7 Support Dual SIM?

If you love the Pixel 7 but need dual SIM functionality, we have some good news for you. The Pixel 7 supports 

dual SIM capability through its eSIM technology, making it easy to use two different phone numbers on one device. 

Does the Google Pixel 7 Come With a Charger?

Unfortunately not. The Google Pixel 7 doesn't come with a phone charger. This is becoming more and more standard, with Apple also deciding to leave out a charger in their iPhone 14 phone kits.

Does the Google Pixel 7 Support Wireless Charging?

Yes, the Google Pixel 7 supports wireless charging. While this works best with the Google Pixel Stand, you can enjoy charging rates of up to 20W for the Pixel 7 and 23W for the Pixel 7 Pro.

Google Pixel 7 Phone Cases

Let's face it, we all drop our phones from time to time. And with Google Pixel 7's beautiful glass exterior and large display, a simple fall can spell disaster for your phone (yes, despite the Gorilla Glass).

That's why a good phone case for your Google Pixel 7 is important. Not only do phone cases add grip and shock absorption, but they also protect the phone from scratches and scuffs. 

Plus, with so many cute and stylish cases, there's no excuse not to have one on your Google Pixel 7. So save yourself the headache (and expense) of repairing a shattered screen and invest in a sturdy phone case today.

Click here to browse through all of our Pixel phone cases.