Google Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro: Tensor G2, facial recognition and attractive prices

Just a year after the Pixel 6, smartphones of Google’s innovation in products, the manufacturer reveals its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. These two terminals had been formalized last May at the I/O conference, but without detailed technical sheets. This is done today.

The Pixel 6 successors look a lot like them. Google retains the general look of its previous smartphones, starting with their impressive format and their “bar” welcoming photo modules. However, it abandons the glass finish in favor of aluminium. However, the series retains the IP68 certification, which guarantees their tightness.

On the Pixel 7 Pro there is also a 6.7-inch QHD + screen, just like the Pixel 6 Pro. This OLED and LTPO panel still has a refresh rate of 10 to 120 Hz and increases in brightness, according to Google. It should therefore exceed the 894 cd/m² we measured during the Pixel 6 Pro test. Under the screen sits a new generation chip signed by Google, Tensor G2, still flanked by 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage space, as in 2021.

What changes does the Pixel 7 Pro bring to the Pixel 6 Pro? They are relatively rare, as Google promises increased screen brightness, increased autonomy thanks to the better efficiency of the Tensor G2, with a capacity maintained at 5000 mAh, but also a photo unit whose sensors – on paper – are identical to those of the Pixel 6 Pro.

By focusing on the details, Google nevertheless promises further utilization of the 12-megapixel sensor (with ultra-wide angle), which is larger and gets macro function and autofocus. On the telephoto side, the manufacturer now announces x5 magnification (x4 on the Pixel 6 Pro) with refined control of magnifications between x2 and x5, simultaneously utilizing the smartphone’s main sensor (50 Mpx) and the 48 Mpx sensor with its telephoto lens.

Added to these elements are a few other points: Google promises greater performance of the Real Tone feature, which aims to better restore the skin tone of the photographed subjects. The Face Unblur feature, meant to deblur faces after shooting, expands to the entire image, while the Night Vision mode is faster at limiting camera shake. In video, all the sensors are compatible with recording in 4K at 60 fps, and the Cinematic Blur function – reminiscent of Apple’s Cinematic mode – allows you to simulate a background blur in video at 24 fps. The most advanced will notice the possibility to film in HDR 10 bit and utilize the images on YouTube as TikTok.

Another element, and not least: Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 retain fingerprint locking, but supplement it with facial recognition. A good point considering the rocky start of the Pixel 6 in this area.

Photo modules (almost) identical to those on the Pixel 6

More compact than the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch screen compared to the 6.4 inches of the Pixel 6. It retains its Full HD + definition, its 90 Hz refresh rate and Oled technology, but Google promises a 25% increase in brightness. It has 8 GB of RAM to accompany its Tensor G2 chip, a main sensor of 50 Mpx and a second one of 12 Mpx (ultra wide angle), both designed to film in 4K at 60/s . Should we be concerned about it? The Pixel 7 battery does not exceed 4355 mAh, against 4614 mAh for its predecessor, although Google announces increased autonomy.

Let’s finish this overview by specifying that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will be equipped with Android 13 when they are released. In addition to their photography specifications, they will include exclusive features such as the Audio Message Transcription function, which automatically converts voice messages into text so that they can be consulted even without headphones at hand. It will work in Messages and French. Google is also talking about adding a feature called Clear Calling by the end of the year to reduce background noise during voice calls.

Unchanged prices

Characterized by their very competitive prices, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were marketed at €649 and €899 in October 2021. Google applies exactly the same prices to its Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, whose availability is set for October 13, 2022 These prices agrees with a grant of 128 GB, as both benefit from a different version with 256 GB of storage and are billed at €749 (Pixel 7) or €999 (Pixel 7 Pro). Between October 6 and October 13, Google will give away a pair of Pixel Buds Pro with its Pixel 7 and a Pixel Watch (WiFi) with its Pixel 7 Pro.