Last week’s Google event sparked a conversation among tech enthusiasts about the Pixel 7. One colleague commented that it wasn’t as big an upgrade as the Pixel 6, and this statement is objectively true. However, it’s also fine to accept that some upgrades are more incremental than others.
The Yearly Refresh Cycle
We’ve all come to accept that hardware makers are locked into a yearly refresh cycle. In fact, most years are going to be iterative, with some upgrades being more significant than others. This is how the tech industry works. Last year was an exception, as the Pixel 6 broke out of the cycle and changed the conversation around Google’s smartphone efforts.
The Pixel 6: A Breakout Year
The Pixel 6 was a game-changer for Google’s smartphone line. It finally answered the question of why people should choose a Pixel over other flagships, marrying excellent hardware and software with an affordable price point. The Pixel Watch, announced at the same event as the Pixel 7, is another significant step in this direction.
The Pixel 7: A Refinement
In contrast to the Pixel 6, the Pixel 7 is a refinement of existing technology rather than a breakthrough. It’s not a bad thing; it shows that Google has mastered its craft and can iterate on what works well. With a starting price of $599 for the base model and $899 for the Pro version, Google is more competitive than ever in the flagship market.
The Camera: A Well-Rounded and Impressive Feature
One area where the Pixel 7 truly excels is its camera. The feature relies on the ultrawide lens to deliver impressive macro shots without a specific macro lens. Light also makes a world of difference for these types of shots, and the results are authentic skin tones and Night Sight capabilities.
Exclusive Software Updates
The biggest exclusive software updates arrive on the Speech side of things. Voice Recorder adds new languages, including Canadian English, American Spanish, and Hindi English. Google’s quest to make automated phone menus less annoying continues with pressable menu options that populate even before the robot voice speaks them.
Pricing: A Cornerstone of Google’s Smartphone
With a starting price of $599 for the 7 and $899 for the 7 Pro, Google is more than competitive on flagship pricing. You can spec the 7 Pro up to $1,099 by opting for the 512GB storage option, but in a world where the competition routinely starts above $1,000, pricing remains a cornerstone of Google’s smartphone.
The Verdict
The Pixel 7 is not a revolutionary device, but it’s an excellent refinement of existing technology. With its impressive camera and competitive pricing, Google has created another quality premium device that will appeal to fans of the brand. If you’re due for an upgrade or want a new phone with a great camera, consider the Pixel 7.