Google Pixel 7 Pro Review: best features

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a powerful and impressive smartphone that brings many refinements over the previous model. It features a large, 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a large 5000mAh battery, and a top-tier camera. The new Tensor G2 chip highlights the phone’s strong AI and machine learning capabilities. It makes it a great choice for users who rely on these features.

One of the standout features of the Pixel 7 Pro is its camera, which has received significant upgrades over the previous model. These improvements should result in better low-light performance and more accurate focus, resulting in higher-quality photos and videos.

Performance-wise, the Pixel 7 Pro should be a significant step up from its predecessor thanks to the inclusion of the Tensor G2 chip. This chip designs specifically for machine learning tasks and should provide a significant boost to the phone’s overall performance.

New Features

• Tensor G2 chip
• Security upgrades upto 5 year
• Camera upgrades
• Macro focus
• Cinematic Blur for a video shoot
• Longer and 2X optical grade zoom
• Free VPN with Google One

Design and Color

The Pixel 7 Pro is a stylish and sturdy smartphone with a sleek glass back and a distinctive camera strip. The aluminium frame gives the phone a premium feel, and the glossy finish adds a touch of glamour. The camera strip now integrates into the frame, making the phone even more robust and durable. However, it is worth noting that the camera bar may get some micro scratches over time.

There are three colour options to choose from Obsidian (black), Snow (white), and Hazel (grey with a gold camera bar). The Hazel colour option is particularly eye-catching and adds a touch of sophistication to the phone. Overall, the Pixel 7 Pro is a visually appealing phone that is sure to turn heads.

Display

The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a large, 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1440p resolution, providing a sharp and clear visual experience. The phone also has a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, giving smooth and seamless scrolling. For screen protection, Google has used Gorilla Glass 7, the most current option available. The screen has a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits, although it falls slightly short of the brightness levels reached by the iPhone 14 Pro.

In terms of biometric authentication, the Pixel 7 Pro offers an in-screen fingerprint scanner and facial recognition. While the fingerprint scanner is slower and requires more force compared to previous models, facial recognition is a new addition to the Pixel line. However, this feature is not as secure as 3D facial recognition systems and only use for unlocking the phone. For payments and banking apps, the Pixel 7 Pro requires a fingerprint scan or password for added security.

Camera

The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a triple rear camera system that includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP 5X telephoto camera. The main camera’s 50MP sensor has been carried over from the previous year’s model, but Google has found a new use for it by cropping it to take a 12MP centre shot that provides optical-grade 2X zoom. The ultra-wide camera has also been made wider to match the field of view of other flagship phones. The telephoto camera has undergone a significant change, now offering 5X zoom instead of just 4X on the previous model.

Google also uses additional techniques to improve the quality of shots taken at 10X magnification. At longer zoom ranges like 15X, other phones may struggle with hand motion, but the Pixel 7 Pro’s Zoom Stabilization feature helps to lock the camera onto the subject and maintain a stable shot. In addition to its camera hardware, the Pixel 7 Pro also offers several software features such as Magic Eraser, which makes it easy to remove unwanted objects from photos, and Macro Focus, which allows for high-quality close-up macro shots.

The phone also has a new feature called Cinematic Blur, which blurs the background in videos to make the subject stand out. While the video quality on the Pixel 7 Pro slightly improves from the previous year, it still lags behind the Galaxy S22 Ultra and the industry-leading iPhone in terms of overall quality. Colours may appear dull at times and noise may appear in low-light footage. However, the phone does offer solid stabilization and the ability to use all three cameras for video recording.

Performance and Benchmark

The Tensor G2 chip in the Pixel 7 Pro is a significant improvement over the original Tensor chip found in the Pixel 6. Its faster cores and more efficient manufacturing process make it capable of delivering a 10% boost in multi-core performance. The addition of the Mali-G710 GPU also makes the Pixel 7 Pro a more capable gaming device, although it may not quite match the performance of dedicated gaming phones. The device also comes with plenty of RAM, with 12GB of LPDDR5X available for smooth multitasking. When it comes to storage, the Pixel 7 Pro comes in three options, with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB available. Overall, the Tensor G2 chip and other hardware improvements make the Pixel 7 Pro a formidable device for both productivity and gaming.

Android Version

The Pixel 7 series boasts a clean and smooth Android experience, with a host of useful features designed to enhance the user’s experience. One of the standout features is Assistant voice typing, which can suggest relevant emojis as you type. This makes it easier to express yourself in messages. The phone can also transcribe audio messages in the messaging app, making it easier to stay on top of conversations.

Another useful feature is the Recorder app, which now includes speaker labels, making it easier to keep track of who is speaking in recorded conversations. The Pixel 7 series also includes Pixel Call Assist, which automatically speaks to spammers and filters them out during phone calls, saving you time and hassle.

For businesses, the Pixel 7 series offers Direct My Call, which provides a list of menu options right away, making it easier to navigate through automated phone systems. Clear Calling is another useful feature, which filters out distracting sounds while enhancing the voices of friends and colleagues, improving the clarity of phone calls.

Finally, one of the biggest advantages of the Pixel 7 series is the commitment to timely software updates and security updates. Google has promised to deliver updates on the day of release for the Pixel 7 series and to provide 5 years of security updates. It gives users peace of mind and ensures that their device stays up-to-date and secure.

Battery

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a highly-anticipated smartphone that boasts some impressive features, including a 5000mAh battery and a Quad HD+ display. However, many users have been disappointed to find that the phone’s battery life does not live up to their expectations. Despite the large battery capacity, the Tensor G2 processor and the high-resolution display consume a significant amount of power. It makes it difficult for the phone to last through a full day of moderate usage.

According to reports, the Pixel 7 Pro struggles to maintain its battery level during extended periods of voice calls, social media browsing, music streaming, and photography. Even with light usage, the phone’s battery level can drop to 30 per cent or lower by the end of the day. This can be particularly frustrating for users who rely on their phones to stay connected throughout the day.

Many users have also noticed that the phone’s battery drains significantly overnight, even when it is not in use. This can leave the phone with a low battery level in the morning, making it difficult to start the day with a fully charged phone.

Google needs to optimize the battery life of the Pixel 7 Pro better. While the phone’s features and performance are impressive, the poor battery life is a significant drawback that needs to be addressed. Hopefully, with future updates, Google can optimize the power consumption of the Tensor G2 processor. The Quad HD+ display, allows the Pixel 7 Pro to live up to its full potential.

Charging

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that offers users a range of convenient charging options. One of the most notable features of the phone is its support for fast charging, which can help to quickly power up the device when needed.

According to Google, the recommended charger for the Pixel 7 Pro is a 30W charger. However, it’s important to note that actual charging speeds for the phone max out at 23W. This means that while you may be able to charge the phone faster with a 30W charger, it will not be any faster than with a 23W charger.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Pixel 7 Pro does not come with a charging brick in the box. This means that you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t already own one.

In addition to traditional charging methods, the Pixel 7 Pro also supports wireless charging. This is a convenient option for those who prefer not to deal with cables and ports. The phone is capable of charging at the same 23W speeds as the Pixel Stand 2nd gen charger. It gives you the option of fast wireless charging if you have a compatible charger.

All in all, the Google Pixel 7 Pro offers users a range of convenient charging options. Whether you prefer traditional charging methods or wireless charging, you’ll be able to power up your device quickly and easily.

Charging time

• in 15 mins — 25%
• 30 mins — 49%
• 45 mins — 69%
• 1 hour — 83%
• Through wired, a full charge takes 2 hours and 9 minutes
• a wireless, full charge takes 4 hours and 1 minute

Audio quality and haptics

The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a dual speaker setup, which includes a bottom-firing main speaker and a secondary speaker in the earpiece. This setup provides decent sound quality for a smartphone. It can reach high volumes without becoming muddy or distorted, and it has a bit of depth to the sound. In comparison to other high-end smartphones, such as the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the sound from the Pixel 7 Pro is more pleasing. However, when compared to the iPhone 14 series or the top-of-the-line Asus Ron Phone, the Pixel 7 Pro’s speakers lack the power and depth to truly compete. Overall, the loudspeakers on the Pixel 7 Pro can be considered above average, but not quite excellent.

Pixel phones are known for their excellent haptics, and the Pixel 7 Pro is no exception. There are no major changes in haptic feedback on this year’s model.

Verdict

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a flagship phone that showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and refinement. With a slightly improved design, brighter screen, better cameras, improved video capabilities, and longer battery life, the Pixel 7 Pro is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. Additionally, machine learning and voice recognition features have been enhanced, making the device even more convenient to use.

However, one area where Google needs to improve is the reliability of their devices. In the past, Pixel phones have been known to suffer from slowdowns, bugs, and other issues. The Pixel 7 Pro needs to prove that Google can create a problem-free device that remains fast and reliable after long-term use.

From our initial experience with the device, it appears that many of the bugs have been addressed and the phone runs smoothly. However, only time will tell if the Pixel 7 Pro holds up over the long term.

Despite this, the Pixel 7 Pro remains an incredible value at its price point and is a joy to use. It’s a solid device that is sure to impress, and therefore it receives our enthusiastic thumbs up.

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