Google Pixel 7 - 6.3" (8GB RAM, 128GB ROM) Android 13 -5G- Obsidian

Even though the Google Pixel lineup gets much media attention, it's still rather niche due to its limited market availability. However, Google has been trying really hard for the last couple of generations to appeal to a wider audience by delivering some unique features. Even the stock Android running on today's Pixels isn't exactly stock, as it has some neat tweaks and exclusive features. There are even reports that Google plans to ship a record number of Pixels next year.

On the surface, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro aren't much different from the Pixel 6 series while introducing some small but notable upgrades. Maybe that's part of the reason why we think the 7th generation has a good chance of winning over new fans around the globe. Although "the globe" might not be the best choice of words given the limited availability as usual.

The Pixel 7 offers a few key improvements over its predecessor, the Pixel 6. It's now running on an improved Google Tensor G2 chip with better AI capabilities, Gorilla Glass Victus build all-around, a better selfie camera and a smaller display. As a result, the Pixel 7 is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, which is a clear indication that Google is aiming for the compact flagship niche. And although smaller, the Pixel 7's display is considerably brighter.

Google Pixel 7 specs at a glance:

• Body: 155.6x73.2x8.7mm, 197g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).
• Display: 6.30" AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 416ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G2 (5 nm): Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G710 MP7.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 13.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm, 1/1.31", 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2, 114˚, 1/2.9", 1.25µm.
• Front camera: 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 4355mAh; Fast charging 20W, 50% in 30 min (advertised), Fast wireless charging 20W, Reverse wireless charging, USB Power Delivery 3.0.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); NFC; stereo speakers.

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro come with the usual chipset upgrade, a camera tweak here or there, and a refined design, on top of a handful of software novelties.

Naturally, our eyes are drawn to the Pro more so than the vanilla, so we're starting our review journey with that one. One of the two key differences this year, looking at the spec sheet, is the new telephoto camera, which trades in the larger sensor size for a longer zoom reach - that doesn't immediately strike us as an entirely positive development, though the 5x zoom is appreciated.

The other new bit is the chipset. The tailor-made Tensor G2 comes with some new CPU cores and a new GPU, as well as who knows exactly how many under-the-hood improvements, but is still manufactured on a 5nm process, when competitors are at 4nm.

Physically, the handset is the same as last year, but also different. The camera strip on the back is still here and just as prominent, only now it's part of the aluminum frame and not a separate glass piece as last year.

And that's more or less what's changed for the 2022 Pixel Pro. Here are some of the important numbers before we get going.

Google Pixel 7 Pro specs at a glance:

• Body: 162.9x76.6x8.9mm, 212g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).
• Display: 6.7" LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak), 1440x3120px resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 512ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G2 (5 nm): Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G710 MC10.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM; UFS 3.1.
• OS/Software: Android 13.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm, 1/1.31", 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2, 126˚, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, AF; Telephoto: 48 MP, f/3.5, 120mm, 1/2.55", 0.7µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom.
• Front camera: 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 23W, Fast wireless charging 23W, Reverse wireless charging, USB Power Delivery 3.0.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); NFC; stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband (UWB) support.