A top camera system and intelligent software – the Pixel 7 models from Google promise a lot. But can the new smartphones also convince in the test?
If you want software and hardware from a single source for your smartphone, you can either go for the Apple iPhone or choose the Pixel from Google. With the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, the Internet group has presented its 2022 generation, which promises something above all: intelligent software and great photos. In the test, the Google Pixel 7 (Pro) was able to show other highlights.
Google Pixel 7 (Pro) in the test: design and workmanship
On the outside, not much has changed with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro compared to the previous models. The devices can be recognized from afar by the distinctive camera bar that runs across the entire width of the back and ensures that the pixel does not wobble when it is lying on a table.
The case of the Pixel 7 Pro made of recycled aluminum is available in grey, white and black (Hazel, Snow and Obsidian). On the Pixel 7 base model, the Hazel gray has been replaced with a light green (Lemongrass). All variants look valuable and are excellently processed. However, the black Pixel 7 Pro is prone to fingerprints. It’s also a pity that you can’t continue to use the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro cases, since Google has repositioned the control buttons on the side of the new models.
In addition to the camera, the new smartphones differ primarily in the screen. The 7 Pro’s 6.7-inch display offers a very high resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels (QHD+). The technology used (LTPO-OLED at 512 ppi) ensures that the content appears ultra-sharp. Thanks to a high refresh rate of 120 Hertz, everything scrolls very smoothly.
The Pixel 7’s display is a size smaller at 6.3 inches. Here you will find 1080 x 2400 pixels with OLED technology at 416 ppi and a maximum refresh rate of 90 Hertz. The difference is noticeable, but alone does not justify the considerable price difference of 250 euros between the two variants.
Google chip and long running time
Like Apple, Google, with its Tensor G2 and its own security chip, relies on processors it developed itself, which have become even faster and more efficient. The Google services, which rely heavily on artificial intelligence, rely on this computing power.
The runtime is slightly better than that of the previous models, although the batteries have a slightly smaller capacity. In continuous use, the Google Pixel 7 gave up after a good ten hours in the test, the Pro model lasted a quarter of an hour longer. This is easily enough in everyday life to get you through the whole day.
In contrast to the previous models, the new Pixel models can be unlocked with face recognition. However, Google only relies on the image data from the selfie camera and, unlike Apple, does not use additional sensors on the iPhone. Therefore, this unlocking method is significantly less secure than Apple’s Face ID. For this reason, the payment function Google Pay cannot be unlocked with the pixel smartphones with face recognition, but only with the fingerprint sensor under the display or by entering a password or PIN.
The two Pixel 7 models are the first smartphones to be factory-equipped with Android 13. Google guarantees software updates for the next five years, including three major new Android versions.
Also read: Will the Pixel 7 (Pro) become the Android alternative to the iPhone?
Very good camera with intelligent software
Google focuses primarily on the Pixel 7 Pro. In addition to the larger display, it also has the better camera. Overall, the features of both models are as follows:
- Pixel 7 with dual camera: 50-megapixel wide-angle, f/1.85, OIS, 8x super-res zoom + 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, f/2.2, OIS
- Pixel 7 Pro with triple camera: 50-megapixel wide-angle, f/1.85, OIS + 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, f/2.2, OIS, AF + 48-megapixel telephoto, f/3.5, OIS, 5x optical , 30x Super Res Zoom
The field of view of the Pro model’s ultra-wide-angle camera is thus 21 percent larger. It also has a telephoto lens that enables a 5x optical zoom. With the help of ample computing power, the 7 Pro can even achieve a 30x zoom. However, color noise is also visible. Another advantage of the Google Pixel 7 Pro was the macro mode with autofocus in the test. The impressive motifs that are possible with it can not only be captured with the camera app from Google, but also with apps like Snapchat or Instagram.
Intelligent software with many practical camera modes
The face tracking functions for videos also proved to be very helpful in the test of the Google Pixel 7 (Pro). The main camera with 50 megapixels, a 1/1.3-inch sensor and an aperture of f/1.85 captures sharp, colorful photos. The dynamic range is extremely high, but does not appear artificial.
Although the technical values of the built-in cameras have hardly changed compared to the previous Pixel 6 Pro model, the Pixel 7 Pro has taken a step forward here. Not only in terms of contrast range, but also in terms of skin tone reproduction, exposure and the effective post-sharpening function in the event of motion blur. Resharpening even works for old shaky digital photos that are in Google Photos, at least in most cases.
The “magic eraser” also works with artificial intelligence, which was first introduced with the Pixel 6 and is still impressive a year after its premiere. With a tap of your finger you can remove objects from the picture that disturb a perfect holiday memory. The previous year’s models had already impressed with the night mode. It has been improved again on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, because now you only have to stay still half as long.
Cinema mode with background blur
Videos are now possible in 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on all lenses. The stabilization has been improved again. In addition, the Pixel devices now offer a so-called cinema mode. The Google chips artificially calculate a background blur like in real Hollywood films. In practice it also works quite well. Only rarely do misplaced blurs appear on edges. However, the cinema mode is only available in Full HD resolution, not in 4K.
The exclusive pixel app “Rekorder” also relies on the AI power of Google phones, converting spoken language into written text in real time. This doesn’t work perfectly depending on the quality of the voice recording, but it’s much better than typing out every word of a conversation or lecture from scratch. “Rekorder” now also recognizes the different speakers and assigns the text to the respective person.
You can also benefit from the transcription capabilities of the new Pixel phones for voice messages. This is extremely useful when you are unable to listen to a lengthy voice message. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work with WhatsApp or any other third-party app, only Android’s default messaging app. Google should change that with a software update and an opening of the interface.
Overall, the Pixel 7 Pro is probably one of the best pocket camera systems currently available on the smartphone market. Not only the camera hardware convinced in the test, but also the software with excellent autofocus capabilities for photos and videos. They help enormously in capturing the moment precisely. In the DxOMark test, the smartphone even took first place.
Also read: The smartphones with the best cameras
Pixel 7 in the test: the conclusion
With the many AI functions, such as subsequent sharpening of shaky photos and the transcription of voice messages, the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro set themselves apart from the Android competition in the test. The computing power of the in-house Tensor G2 chip ensures top quality photos and videos. Google has also given the devices a very bright and super-sharp display.
Like the previous model from 2021, the Pixel 7 with 128 GB of memory costs 649 euros. The Pixel 7 Pro with the better camera, the larger display and the larger RAM (12 GB instead of 8 GB) is 250 euros more expensive and available from 899 euros. Doubling the built-in memory costs 100 euros more on Google. If the smooth surfaces are too slippery for you, you should also consider a non-slip cover when calculating the purchase price.
With material from dpa