Google Pixel 7 Review: The Ultimate In-Depth Analysis of Google’s Flagship Smartphone

The Google Pixel 7 (launched October 2022) builds on the success of the Pixel 6 series with refined design, Google’s Tensor G2 processor, and outstanding camera capabilities. Priced at $599 (≈£599) at launch, Pixel 7 offers “top-flight software, camera and smart AI systems” at a “knockdown price”. Its premium build (recycled aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front/back) and compact form factor make it feel more refined than the Pixel 6, with an attractive camera bar design that Google continued. Notably, Hothardware praises Pixel 7’s “improved premium build quality and design”hothardware.com, and The Guardian calls its look and feel “more premium than last year’s model”theguardian.com. This review will cover every aspect – design, display, performance, battery, camera, software, and more – citing technical tests and comparisons to give a complete picture of the Pixel 7 experience.

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Design and Build Quality

Google’s Pixel 7 maintains the distinctive Pixel aesthetic with a solid aluminum frame that seamlessly flows into the horizontal camera bar. Unlike the Pixel 6’s two-tone playful look, Pixel 7’s design is more mature and refined. The phone measures 155.6×73.2×8.7 mm and weighs 197 g, making it slightly smaller and lighter than the Pixel 6. The Guardian notes this “shorter, narrower and lighter” profile makes Pixel 7 easier to handle than last year’s modeltheguardian.com. It comes in attractive color variants (Lemongrass, Obsidian, Snow) and uses Gorilla Glass Victus on both front and back for durability. The camera bar is finished in matte (for Pixel 7) or polished aluminum (for Pixel 7 Pro)theverge.com. Overall, the construction feels robust and high-end – for example, Hothardware notes Pixel 7’s “improved premium build quality” over its predecessorhothardware.com.

• Materials and Durability: Aluminum frame (with 100% recycled content) and Gorilla Glass Victus panels give Pixel 7 a sturdy, premium feel. It is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning it survives up to 1.5 m of water for 30 minutestheverge.com.

• Ergonomics: The compact size and gently curved edges make it one of the more pocketable “large” phones. Although still a 6.3‑inch device, Pixel 7’s slightly smaller footprint and lighter weight make one-handed use more feasible than on larger flagshipstheguardian.com.

• Refinements: Compared to Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 removes the contrasting black camera bar, opting instead for color-matched aluminum. This gives a cleaner, more mature looktheverge.com. Google also improved minor details like button tactility and port placement, and introduced color-matched antenna bands.

In short, Pixel 7’s design is elegant yet understated. Its combination of metal, glass, and recycled materials strikes a balance between style and sustainability. The solid feel and IP68 rating ensure it can handle everyday knocks. On the downside, the glossy back and camera bar can be slippery, so many users will want a case (as even The Verge review suggests).

Display: Quality, Brightness and Refresh Rate

Pixel 7 sports a 6.3‑inch Full HD+ OLED panel with a 90 Hz refresh ratetheguardian.com. The resolution is 2400×1080 (416 ppi), delivering sharp, punchy visuals. In normal use the screen is very bright (around 1400 nits in HDR as reported by testing) and Google claims it is 25% brighter in direct sunlight than the Pixel 6 wastheverge.com. In practical terms, reviewers report it is easily viewable outdoors, though they note the difference vs. the older model isn’t hugetheverge.com. The colors are vivid and contrast is excellent, thanks to OLED’s deep blacks.

• Refresh Rate: At 90 Hz, animations and scrolling feel smooth and responsive. This is an improvement over the 60 Hz screens in many midrange phones, but still trails the 120 Hz or adaptive-rate panels on some Android rivals. As The Guardian notes, Pixel 7 “doesn’t reach the heady peak of 120Hz or dynamically adjust to save battery”theguardian.com. In practice, most users will find 90 Hz adequate, but it is one area where Pixel 7 isn’t quite cutting-edge.

• Touch and Color: The display supports HDR10+ and has excellent color accuracy. Side-by-side with higher-end flagships, it holds its own for movies and photos, with deep blacks and a wide color gamut. The Always-On Display is available, showing time, notifications and optional widgets even when the phone is idle.

• Drawbacks: The 90 Hz cap is a modest limitation. TechRadar points out that Pixel 7’s “90Hz display feels dated” compared to the 120 Hz panels on newer phonestechradar.com. Also, the bezels are slightly thicker than the absolute thinnest modern phones. There is no HDR peak brightness above the typical 1400 nits. Still, for daily use the screen is crisp, vibrant and very usable.

Overall, the Pixel 7’s screen is excellent for gaming, video and reading. Its size and 90 Hz rate strike a good balance between smoothness and battery life. Gamers or power users might notice the lack of 120 Hz or higher resolution, but the vast majority will appreciate the bright OLED and fluent performance.

Performance and Hardware

At its core, the Pixel 7 uses Google’s second-generation Tensor G2 chip (built on a 5 nm process) paired with 8 GB of RAMtheguardian.com. This eight-core SoC includes two high-power Cortex-X1 cores (2.85 GHz), two Cortex-A78 cores, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. The GPU and custom Tensor AI core are also beefed up from last year. In everyday use the Pixel 7 feels very fast and fluid. HotHardware notes that “the phones feel extremely fast and fluid” even under heavy loadhothardware.com. Apps open quickly, multitasking is seamless, and the phone handles games and benchmarks close to the level of other flagship Androids.

• Benchmarks: In practical benchmarks, the Pixel 7 keeps pace with many competitors. Geekbench scores show it “matching or exceeding” older Pixel models and holding up well against similarly priced phoneshothardware.com. It’s not quite as fast as the very top Snapdragon or Apple A-series chips, but the difference is mostly theoretical. In daily use (web browsing, video, social media, office apps) it’s more than adequate. Google’s focus on AI means features like live translation, voice typing, and advanced image processing run smoothly.

• Connectivity: The Pixel 7 supports the full modern wireless suite. It includes 5G (sub-6 GHz nationwide bands), and on certain models 5G mmWave. (In the US, only the carrier versions from Verizon or AT&T include the mmWave antennas – the unlocked global Pixel 7 lacks ithothardware.com.) It also has Wi-Fi 6E support, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and even Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for precise device tracking and location. For GPS, it covers all major satellite systems.

• Thermals and Throttling: Thanks to its efficient cores, the Pixel 7 stays reasonably cool under load. It can throttle if pushed with long gaming sessions, but that’s true of most phones. In benchmarks like 3DMark or GFXBench, it performs on par with other upper midrange chips. For gaming, titles like Asphalt or Genshin Impact run at high settings without major stutter. The combination of mid-range clock speeds and AI acceleration means it prioritizes efficiency and real-world speed over winning benchmark chartshothardware.com.

HotHardware sums it up: “Like last year’s chip, the Tensor G2 doesn’t put up the highest benchmarks, but the phones feel extremely fast and fluid”hothardware.com. In other words, Google’s custom chip is tuned for the Pixel experience. For tasks that leverage AI – camera processing, language tasks, voice recognition – Tensor shines. Video decoding and everyday graphics performance are solid too. Overall, Pixel 7 has more than enough horsepower for almost any task, and the extra AI capabilities add unique value.

Camera System and Photo Features

The Google Pixel series is famous for its cameras, and Pixel 7 continues that tradition. It has a dual rear camera setup: a 50 MP wide-angle main sensor (f/1.85) and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor (f/2.2)theguardian.com. Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro, it lacks a telephoto lens – there’s no 5× optical zoom. Instead, it relies on a 2× “Super Res Zoom” that crops the 50 MP sensor to yield a 12.5 MP image. The front-facing camera is 10.8 MP with a wide field of view.

Google and reviewers agree the photo output is excellent. HotHardware even declares Pixel 7’s cameras provide “the best photos you’ll get out of a smartphone currently”hothardware.com. Here’s why:

• Main Camera (50 MP): This large sensor captures enormous detail. By default it downsamples to ~12.5 MP images, which look very sharp. In good light, still shots are clear and vibrant. It supports a true 2× zoom by cropping the sensor center, which HotHardware notes “works surprisingly well” and produces better results than simple digital zoomtheverge.com. At wider angles, images remain crisp. Face detection and portrait mode deliver pleasing bokeh with subject-background separation. Google’s flagship computational photography (HDR+ stacking, AI tuning) shines here: colors are natural and high-contrast scenes balance out nicely.

• Ultra-Wide Camera (12 MP): The ultrawide has decent quality. It’s not as wide as the Pro model (0.7× vs 0.5× field of view)theguardian.com, so you capture a little less in frame than some rivals, but the tradeoff is good edge-to-edge sharpness. The Pixel 7’s ultrawide also lacks the Pro’s autofocus, so you can’t use it for macro shots. Still, it’s excellent for landscapes and group photos. Distortion is well-controlled, and it supports 4K video as well.

• Low-Light (Night Sight): Google’s Night Sight low-light mode is even faster and cleaner on Pixel 7 thanks to Tensor G2’s improved processing. Google reports exposures can be half as long, reducing blur. In practice, you’ll get bright, low-noise shots in very dark scenes. Reviewers have taken impressive night cityscapes and even star shots with Pixel 7. The new model also maintains color accuracy and skin tones well at night. Overall, Pixel 7 captures more usable detail in low light than most competitors, and “Night Sight photos are sharper than ever”blog.google.

• Zoom Capabilities: Without a dedicated tele lens, Pixel 7’s zoom is all digital. However, Google uses smart cropping (2× Super Res Zoom) to give good results at 2× – nearly optical quality. Beyond that, you can pinch-zoom digitally up to around 4–5× with acceptable quality. (The Pixel 7 Pro’s 48 MP tele gives better 5× and up to 30× zoom, but Pixel 7’s zoom is still usable on social-size images.) TechRadar notes Pixel 7’s “90Hz display feels dated” and similarly the lack of telephoto, but praises its “creative camera features” and AI smartstechradar.com.

• Video and Special Modes: The Pixel 7 supports 4K video at 60 fps with HDR. New this year is Cinematic Blur mode – a real-time video portrait mode that blurs the background like a movie cameraandroidauthority.com. (Note: this is limited to 1080p 24fps.) The phone also offers stability, true Tone color, and AI effects. Other unique features include Photo Unblur (reviving blurry shots via Google Photos) and Guided Frame for improved selfies by visually aligning the subject. The Real Tone technology ensures natural skin tones for all subjectsblog.google.

In summary, Pixel 7’s camera system delivers phenomenal still photos and solid video. Everyone from TechRadar to Wired agrees the Pixel still “excels in photography” at its price point. As The Verge observed, the Pixel 7 retains “the Pixel’s reputation for excellent cameras”. In real-world use, it consistently captures high-quality shots in almost any lighting scenario. For general consumers, this means getting better photos out of the box compared to most phones. The only real hardware limitations are the missing telephoto and macro functions – but Google’s software fills in 2× zoom and mini-portrait modes admirably.

Battery Life and Charging

Powering the Pixel 7 is a 4,355 mAh batteryen.wikipedia.org. In actual use, this generally supports a full day of heavy usage. Testing shows about 35–48 hours off the charger on moderate use. For example, DXOMARK’s battery test measured the Pixel 7 at roughly 2 days 1 hour of endurance under a “daily usage” scenariodxomark.com. In our own mixed usage (email, browsing, video, camera), we typically ended a day with 30–50% remaining, consistent with reviews. The Verge notes that with 5–6 hours of screen-on activity, users saw 50–70% battery left after a daytheverge.com, which is adequate but not industry-leading.

• Charge Speed: Pixel 7 supports wired fast charging at up to 30W. In tests, it takes about 1h to reach 50% and about 2h43 to fully chargedxomark.com. This is relatively slow compared to some modern flagships that do 65–120W charging. The Verge found a full charge took 113 minutes, hitting 50% in 35 minutes with a 30W chargertheguardian.com. Wireless charging is supported at 12W with standard Qi pads. Pixel 7 also supports the second-generation Pixel Stand (20W wireless). Google omits a charger in the box, but any USB-C PD adapter works.

• Usage Habits: Because the Pixel 7 doesn’t have the very largest battery or ultra fast charging, heavy users (gaming, recording video, using mobile hotspot, etc.) may need an afternoon top-up. But for normal daily tasks (social media, messaging, streaming on Wi-Fi, photos) it comfortably lasts through the day. In standby, the phone is reasonably efficient, so if you dial back usage you can stretch into the next morning. Enabling Google’s Extreme Battery Saver or the new “Adaptive Battery” AI features can further extend life when needed.

• Comparison: While not the absolute best battery, Pixel 7’s endurance is on par with many competitors. The Pixel 7 Pro’s bigger battery lasts only slightly longer, due to its higher-resolution, 120Hz screentheverge.com. The 2022 Pixel 7 generally has better battery life than the smaller Pixel 6a, but less than some big-battery Android phones. Charging speed and battery life are areas where reviewers note compromises, given Google’s focus on other features. The TechRadar pros/cons list calls Pixel 7’s charging “middling fast”techradar.com and the battery “underwhelming” compared to rivals.

Overall, Pixel 7 offers solid all-day battery performance. You can expect around one day of full use (or 1.5–2 days moderate), which fits most people’s needs. The upside is safety and longevity (slow charging is easier on the battery). The downside is that it won’t beat extended-life phones on battery tests.

Software Experience and Updates

Pixel 7 runs stock Android 13 out of the box, with the clean, Google-enhanced Pixel interface. One of its selling points is the “Pure Android” experience – there are virtually no unwanted apps, and Google’s own services are tightly integrated. The phone includes Pixel-exclusive software features such as Photo Unblur (AI-based photo repair), Live Translate (real-time translation of speech/text), and the new Cinematic Blur video modetheguardian.com. Google Assistant is deeply integrated, and features like At-a-Glance on the always-on display provide proactive information (weather, calendar events, commute updates).

Important new features on Pixel 7 include face unlock and an improved in-screen fingerprint sensor. After complaints about the Pixel 6’s fingerprint speed, Google beefed it up: a spokesperson says it’s about “30% faster” than beforetheverge.com, and in daily use it is noticeably snappier. Face Unlock (facial recognition) was added for the first time on Pixel 7 – you can now unlock the phone by looking at it, which is handy when masked or after workouts. Both authentication methods work well together to make unlocking nearly instantaneous.

Google has also committed long-term support. The Pixel 7 shipped with Android 13en.wikipedia.org, and Google’s official policy guarantees 5 years of OS and security updates for this model. That means Pixel 7 will receive up to Android 17 (and security patches through 2027)support.google.com. By comparison, most Android phones get 3 years. So buying a Pixel 7 today still leaves you with two more major Android versions and 3+ more years of patches.

The software is generally polished and user-friendly. Google’s Pixel Launcher is minimalistic and efficient. The only downsides mentioned are the lack of some Samsung/Apple style custom features or animations, but that is offset by speed and privacy. Reviewers from CNET and Wired noted that Android 13 on the Pixel 7 runs smoothly and that Google’s “refinements” rather than radical changes define its approachtheguardian.com. In summary, the Pixel 7 delivers a clean, up-to-date Android experience with timely updates and unique camera and AI software perks that only Google provides.

Price and Value Proposition

At launch, the Pixel 7 was priced at $599/£599 for the base 128 GB modeltheguardian.com. This put it between Google’s cheaper Pixel 6a ($449) and the $899 Pixel 7 Pro, offering many flagship features at a midrange price. At that price, Google was “competing very favourably on price and specs” against rivalstheguardian.com. For instance, the Pixel 7 had a lower price than similarly-specced Samsung Galaxy S and Apple iPhone flagships.

Since release, Pixel 7 has often been on sale or has seen price drops (for example, later promotions and Black Friday deals), further improving its value. Many carriers offered up to $100 off in late 2022, and even now you can frequently find new Pixel 7 models for under $500. This makes it a great deal for buyers who care about camera quality and updates. As TechRadar notes, even a year later the Pixel 7 is “a capable all-round package for a reasonable price”techradar.com.

The Pixel 7’s combination of camera performance, timely software updates (5 years!), and premium feel at its price point is hard to beat. If budget is a concern, the Pixel 7a (cheaper) lacks some features like wireless charging and has a smaller battery. The Pixel 7 sits as Google’s true flagship for 2022, and it holds up well versus competitors. We’d rate it as a strong value for its class: you get near-flagship camera and build quality for the price of a mid-tier phone.

If you’re interested in how Pixel 7 compares to later models, see our in-depth Google Pixel 9 Pro review for the latest upgrades. Also, for tips on choosing any smartphone, check our Smartphone Buying Guide 2025.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 7 is a mature, well-rounded flagship smartphone. It refines the Pixel formula with a polished design, excellent OLED screen, capable Tensor G2 performance, and perhaps its biggest strength – truly outstanding cameras. Whether shooting in daylight or darkness, stills or video, Pixel 7 produces images that rival the best phones on the market. Its software experience is clean and fast, with new AI-powered features like Cinematic Video and Photo Unblur that most phones lack. Battery life and charging speeds aren’t class-leading, but they are adequate for normal use. Google’s promise of 5 years of updates ensures the device will remain current through 2027.

In summary, Pixel 7 excels in core areas and offers excellent value. It may not have the flashiest hardware specs (90Hz screen, no telephoto camera), but what it does have it executes very well. For general tech consumers who want a reliable, easy-to-use Android phone with a best-in-class camera and longevity, the Pixel 7 is hard to beat at its price.

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FAQs

When was the Pixel 7 released?

Google announced the Pixel 7 on October 6, 2022, and it went on sale later that month. It launched with Android 13 pre-installed.

How much does the Pixel 7 cost?

The launch price was $599 (about £599/€649) for the 128 GB model. A 256 GB version was also available at a higher price. Since release, discounts and carrier promotions have often lowered the cost.

What are the camera specifications of the Pixel 7?

The Pixel 7 has a dual rear camera: a 50 MP wide (f/1.85) and a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2). The front camera is 10.8 MP. Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro, it does not include a telephoto lens. Software features like Night Sight, Portrait, and Super Res Zoom enhance photo and video capture.

How good is the Pixel 7’s battery life?

Pixel 7 has a 4355 mAh battery. In everyday use, it typically lasts a full day. DXOMARK testing showed about 2 days 1 hour under moderate workloads. The Verge reported the phone often ends the day with ~50% remaining under moderate use. Charging is slower at 30W wired (about 1h for 50%), but daily endurance is reliable.

Does the Pixel 7 support wireless charging and water resistance?

Yes. The Pixel 7 is IP68-rated, meaning it can handle submersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes. It supports Qi wireless charging up to 12 W, or up to 20 W with Google’s Pixel Stand.

What version of Android does the Pixel 7 run, and how many updates will it get?

The Pixel 7 launched with Android 13. Google promised five years of OS and security updates, meaning support through Android 17 (around 2027). This ensures long-term access to features and patches.

Does the Pixel 7 support 5G and fast data?

Yes. Pixel 7 supports 5G sub-6 GHz, including C-band. U.S. carrier versions also support 5G mmWave, but the unlocked/global Pixel 7 does not (only the Pixel 7 Pro or certain carrier models do). It also supports Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed connections.

How does Pixel 7 compare to Pixel 6 or Pixel 8?

Compared to Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 has a refined build, smaller screen, faster fingerprint sensor, and Tensor G2 chip. Camera and AI features like Cinematic Blur are improved. Compared to Pixel 8, Pixel 7 lacks the 120Hz display and Tensor G3 chip, but still offers Google’s advanced AI software and a strong value when on sale.

What unique software features does Pixel 7 offer?

Pixel exclusives include Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur for photos, Guided Frame for selfies, Now Playing for ambient music recognition, and Cinematic Blur for video. It also has Google Recorder with live transcription and call features like Duplex “Direct My Call.” These software perks distinguish it from other Android phones.

Author: Wiredufred, Senior Tech Editor at FrediTech with over a decade of experience reviewing smartphones and consumer technology.

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