Everything we know about the Google Pixel 7 thus far
Despite the fact that the Google Pixel 7 isn’t expected to be released until the autumn, speculations and leaks about the company’s next flagships have already begun to surface.
We’re eager to see how Google can expand on its new Tensor chipset and enhanced camera systems after the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro proved to be the company’s greatest phones ever by some distance. As for the Pixel 6’s flaws, like as its short battery life and low-end specifications, we’d want to hear what Google plans to do about them as well.
Right now, there aren’t many rumours to go on. However, we already know what we’d want to see on the Pixel 7 based on early information. Read on for the latest Google Pixel 7 rumours, as well as our wish list for the company’s next flagship device.
Rumors about the release date and pricing of the Google Pixel 7
Since its inception, Google’s phone release schedule has generally held up well in the market. As a result, we’d expect Google to announce the Pixel 7 in October 2022, without any other rumours to rely on.
In terms of price, we’re crossing our fingers that Google maintains the Pixel 7’s costs as low as the Pixel 6’s. At $699/£599 and $899/£849, respectively, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are hundreds of dollars or pounds less than the flagships of their respective manufacturers. If Google can deliver the next generation of Pixels at a comparable level, it will entice many Android customers away from other companies.
Rumors about the Google Pixel 7
The first-generation Tensor chipset included in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is supposedly being replaced with a second-generation Tensor processor being developed by Google. For the Pixel 7, it’s a no-brainer to upgrade the processor, but Google hasn’t given any indication of what they’ll change, other than the normal gains in processing power and energy efficiency.
A new second-generation Tensor chipset has been found to be linked to two new Pixel smartphones, which 9to5Google thinks to be the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. An unannounced Samsung modem with model number ‘g5300b’ is tied to the GS201 chipset, according to the site’s source. The codenames Cheetah and Panther, which 9to5Google thinks are the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, are tied to this new modem.
To say this is a significant step forward would be an understatement; anticipate more information to be released in the near future.
Rumors of an under-display selfie camera for the next-generation Pixel have also surfaced. Based on Google’s recent patent application, the company has developed a system that uses a mirror system to display either the camera or a section of the phone’s display, depending on what the user needs.
Despite the fact that this is simply a patent, it might still be years before it is ready for use, if it ever does. But that would be a fantastic centrepiece for a future Pixel.
The design of the Google Pixel 7
David “xLeaks7” Kowalski has allegedly released several renderings of the upcoming Google Pixel 7. While the design is identical to that of the Pixel 6, there are a few notable variances. There’s an oval cutout for the twin cameras in the camera bar, as well as a front-facing punch hole that might indicate to an under-display camera.
There is a possibility that these renderings are for the long-rumored Google Pixel 6A. This is because the device’s measurements are 155.6 x 73.1 x 8.7mm, indicating a 6.1-inch screen. 6.4 inches would be a reasonable estimate.
What we hope to see in the Google Pixel 7
We’re not going to let the absence of Pixel 7 rumours stop us from making our own wish list. We can only hope that Google is listening to user feedback on the design of its future smartphone.
Fingerprint readers that are more dependable
We had several issues with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s under-display fingerprint scanners in our evaluations. Since Google has previously used a fingerprint reader on its phones, this is Google’s first effort at placing the scanner under the screen. However, this does not justify the scanner’s unreliability.
We’d be delighted if Google could only work out the flaws in its optical fingerprint reader. That’s fine, but it could also employ Samsung’s Galaxy S21’s Qualcomm’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner technology, which uses soundwaves to identify your fingerprints and hence is less impacted by scratches on the screen.
Alternatively, Google might delete the fingerprint sensor and utilise face recognition unlocking, like it did with the Google Pixel 4. However, none of these systems worked well, and more development was needed before they could match the smoothness and reliability of Apple’s Face ID technology. In order to incorporate the required sensors, Google may have to go back to using a bigger top bezel.
All models will have improved and brighter screens.
It is possible that Google may enhance the Pixel 7’s screens in one or more ways. Brightness is the first thing you’ll want to pay attention to. Even at maximum brightness in direct sunlight, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s screens are dull. If Google could increase the brightness of the Pixel 7’s display by a few hundred nits, it would be a significant improvement over the Pixel 6 series’ display issues.
The Pixel 7’s screen is another area that may benefit from an upgrade. A 120Hz Pixel 6 Pro is available whereas a basic Pixel 6 only has a 90Hz refresh rate. This is a step forward from the 60Hz that used to be the standard for smartphones, but we’d like to see Google offer 120Hz as well – look at the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. The Pixel 6’s FHD resolution may benefit from being bumped up to QHD, but it’s not as big of a difference as it is for the Pixel 6 Pro.
According to one of our TG writers, who just purchased a Pixel 6 Pro, the flat display on the Pixel 7 Pro would be preferable to Google’s current curved display. Curved displays were not previously used by Google until the Pixel 6 Pro. If enough Pixel 6 Pro owners protest, Google may not bring them back. In terms of usability, curved edges assist users engage with the massive 6.8-inch phone’s display.
The Pixel 6 has a second camera on top of the main camera.
The Pixel 6 only features two back cameras, which may be considered a gimmick by some. If you compare it to other high-end smartphones that now provide up to four cameras with depth sensors, such as the Pixel 5, Pixel 4, or even the entry-level iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, you’ll be disappointed (such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra).
Even if it couldn’t match the Pro model’s 4x optical zoom, a telephoto lens would be a sensible option for the Pixel 7’s third camera. Adding a depth camera or a specialised macro camera for very close-up images might also be beneficial for improving AR functionality and improving portrait shots.
a longer life for the battery
The Pixel 7 series has a greater need for this feature than any other phone series, thus it’s something we want to see with every new iteration.
The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, although having the biggest batteries ever in a Pixel phone, had unsatisfactory battery life when connected to the internet via 5G. If you don’t have access to fast and reliable Wi-Fi everywhere you go, you’ll be at a serious disadvantage as 5G networks spread throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
There’s no reason to believe that the batteries in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (4,614 mAh and 5,000 mAh, respectively) are overly tiny. Instead, Google should concentrate on making optimal use of the cells’ electricity.
The ability to charge more quickly
Even though Google made progress in this area with the Pixel 6, there is still work to be done before it can be considered a true contender.
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro can now charge at up to 30W cable and 23W wireless after years of utilising 18W charging. A third-party 30W charger charged the Pixel 6 to barely 29% capacity in our tests, despite the fact that it had a pretty high charge wattage. (An adapter is not included with the Pixel 6). That’s not very quick, particularly when compared to phones like the OnePlus 9 series, which can charge to almost full in half an hour.
It’s conceivable that using a Google-branded socket would speed up charging, but for now, this is a major disappointment. There is room for improvement in Google’s charger for the Pixel 7, and it may be improved by employing a dual-cell battery like the OnePlus 9 to increase the power.
An indicator that tells you something is wrong.
The alert slider is a must-have for iPhone users (and to a lesser degree, OnePlus owners). To fast activate or stop notification noises without unlocking the phone or even turning on the screen, this is an excellent method.
We’ve never seen an alert slider on a Pixel phone before, and considering that only Apple and OnePlus phones utilise it, it seems doubtful that Google would alter its mind about this. Our belief is that this would be a fantastic addition to the Pixel 7 anyway.