Google Pixel 7: everything you need to know
The Google Pixel 7 is coming in late fall 2022 in two flavors: a cheaper and smaller Pixel 7 model as well as a premium and larger Pixel 7 Pro version.
What are the differences between the two? And what's new from the previous models?
In this article, we summarize the latest leaks and rumors to give you a comprehensive picture of what the new Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro bring to the table. We are updating this article regularly as well with the latest scoops about expected prices, release dates and other news of the upcoming Google flagship phones, so make sure to bookmark this page if you're interested in the Pixel 7 family.
Google Pixel 7 release date
While Samsung and Apple typically unveil their flagship phones in late August to mid-September, Google sticks with much later dates and typically announces its Pixels at the middle of October with an in-store launch toward the end of October.
*Dates are estimations by the author based on annual Google release cycles. Dates are not officially confirmed by Google.
We expect no surprises in 2022: the Pixel 7 family so far seems on track to make its debut in the middle of October.
Google Pixel 7 price
One of the best things about the Pixel 6 family was the surprisingly affordable price, especially of the base non-Pro version.
We don't have any rumors or leaks about the price of the upcoming Pixel 7 series, but below you can find our early expectations.
*Prices are estimations by the author based on previous products in the same category. Prices are not officially confirmed by Google yet.
Considering inflation factors, however, it is also possible that Google will raise prices on the Pixel 7 family, so take the numbers above with a grain of salt. We will have more reliable information about the Pixel 7 pricing closer to their announcement date.
Pixel 7 camera
In 2021, after years of using the same sensor, Google finally updated the camera hardware in the Pixel 6 series, so don't expect another change this year. Instead, Google is expected to stick with these newer sensors for at least a few years.
And as early as mid April, reports from tech insiders have also confirmed that the Pixel 7 series will indeed use the same camera hardware as the previous generation.
Here is what this means: Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will stick with a 50MP main camera sensor that measures 1/1.3 inches, which is on par or larger than most other flagship phones (the larger the sensor, the better its performance in theory). The two phones are also expected to share the same 12MP ultra-wide shooter. The Pixel 7 will only have these two cameras, while the Pro version will also offer a periscope-style telephoto camera at 4X zoom, again in line with what we saw on the predecessor model.
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Camera Hardware:
50MP wide, f/1.85
12MP ultra-wide, f/2.2
48MP 4X zoom telephoto, f/3.5 (only on Pro model)
While we don't expect new camera hardware, Pixel cameras were never just about the hardware. The new Pixel 7 is also expected to bring photo and video quality improvements via software. We don't have any details about any particular features yet, but in 2021, on the Pixel 6, we saw Magic Eraser and Face Unblur make quite the splash.
Pixel 7 processor, storage and memory
The Pixel 7 duo, however, is expected to debut a new processor codenamed 'GS201'.
This mysterious chip is an evolution of Google's very own Tensor, its first home-made mobile chip, that was used on the Pixel 6. Tensor focused on incredible ML performance, but was behind the competition in single- and multi-core CPU performance, so we hope the new 'GS201' bridges that gap.
As for RAM, we expect the Pixel 7 to carry on with 8GB RAM on board vs 12GB RAM on the Pixel 7 Pro model.
And as far as storage goes, both phones are expected to have a 128GB base model, as well as a 256GB version, while the Pro model is likely to have a 512GB model as well.
Pixel 7 design
Google will mostly stick to the previous-gen design for the Pixel 7, which is not a bad thing. Expect a glass sandwich type of look with that signature camera bar on the bottom of the phones that make them instantly recognizable.
The best news, however, might be that the non-Pro model will be more compact. Here is a comparison of the leaked dimensions of the new Pixel 7 family vs their predecessors:
Pixel 7 dimensions: 155.6 x 73.1 x 8.7mm
Pixel 6 dimensions: 158.6 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm
Pixel 7 Pro dimensions: 163 x 76.6 x 8.7mm
Pixel 6 Pro dimensions: 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm
As you can see, the Pixel 7 will be narrower, less tall and thinner, while the Pro version will be a hair thinner, but also a bit wider.
Standard flagship extras like IP68 water protection are expected on both new Pixels, but you will also have the typical shortcomings of modern flagships: don't expect a 3.5mm headphone jack or microSD card support (no expandable storage).
Our biggest hope here is that Google fixes the fingerprint scanner. The Pixel 7 series are likely to stick with an under-screen fingerprint scanner, but we don't know whether it would be of the ultrasonic kind (like Samsung Galaxies) or optical (like the previous Pixel 6). Whatever it is, it has to be faster than the sluggish one on the Pixel 6 family.
Pixel 7 display
In line with the expected smaller physical size of the regular Pixel 7 model, we will also get a smaller screen size as well:
Pixel 7 display: 6.2", 1080p, 90Hz OLED, flat
Pixel 7 Pro display: 6.7", 1440p, 120HZ OLED, curved
The Pro version, on the other hand, could keep the same 6.7" screen size, or even grow to 6.8" according to some rumors.
Expect to see better quality screens as well, with more precise color calibration and higher brightness for more comfortable outdoor viewing.
Pixel 7 battery
With a more compact Pixel 7 and mostly the same sized Pixel 7 Pro, we expect battery sizes to change accordingly.
That is to say, the Pixel 7 is likely to have a smaller battery than the 4,600mAh cell on its Pixel 6 predecessor, while the Pixel 7 Pro will likely stick with a 5,000mAh-ish battery capacity, same as on the preceding Pixel 6 Pro.
We don't expect to see any major changes in battery technology either, so expect both new phones to last one full day, but not much more than that.
Charging speeds of the previous Pixel 6 models was limited to 30W, and we expect the same speeds on the newer models. Both Pixel 7 phones are also due with wireless charging support.
Pixel 7 features and software
The big new feature of the Pixel 7 family will certainly be the new Android 13 operating system.
The Pixel family is traditionally the first one to demonstrate the newest Android version and the Pixel 7 will probably be no exception.
Expect a slew of new camera features as well, but so far, we have no specifics here.
Should I wait for Pixel 7?
You should wait for the Pixel 7 if you are sick and tired of the little compromises that Google makes with Pixels — be it the slow fingerprint scanner of the Pixel 6 series, the poor speakers and slow chip of the Pixel 5, or the sub-par battery of the Pixel 4. The Pixel 7 shapes up to finally fix all those flaws and deliver a more balanced package. Also, it will finally offer a truly compact version!
You should NOT wait Pixel 7 if you are happy with your current phone. Pixel 6 owners will probably have no big reason to upgrade either.
Should I upgrade from Pixel 6 to Pixel 7?
The Pixel 7 series are exciting mostly because they are expected to fix a few ongoing flaws in the Pixel lineup.
We don't expect anything quite revolutionary here, but that's been the case for the whole industry and with a mature smartphone market, it is careful refinement that we value the most.
We don't see a big reason to upgrade from a Pixel 6, but if you have a 2-year old device or older, the Pixel 7 will deliver the clean experience, excellent camera and fast updates that few other phone makers can offer.
