Google Pixel 7 rumors and leaks — everything we know so far

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Rumors and leaks about Google’s next flagships have already begun to surface, although the Google Pixel 7 isn’t expected to be released until the autumn at the earliest.

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. We’d also want to hear what Google plans to do about the Pixel 6’s flaws, such as its low battery life and the cheapest model’s restricted capabilities.

Right now, there aren’t many rumours to go on. However, the first details are beginning to emerge, and we already have a clear vision for the Pixel 7. Read on for the latest Google Pixel 7 rumours, as well as our wish list for the company’s next flagship phone.

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Rumors about the release date and pricing of the Google Pixel 7

Over the previous several years, Google’s phone release timetable has been very consistent. According to one rumour, the Pixel 7 will be unveiled in October 2022, along with the Google Pixel Watch, and we’d bet on it. (Others speculate that the Pixel Watch might debut during Google I/O in May.) In 2021, display components for the Pixel 7 will arrive a month sooner than they did for the Pixel 6 in 2021, according to analyst Ross Young.

At Google I/O 2022, which begins on May 11, Sundar Pichai has announced that new hardware would be unveiled. However, the Pixel 7 won’t be available at that time; instead, the Pixel 6a, which will be more affordable, will.

In terms of price, we’re crossing our fingers that Google maintains the Pixel 7’s costs as low as the Pixel 6’s. There are hundreds of dollars or pounds in savings to be had with Google’s newest flagship phones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, both priced at $699/£599 and $899/£849, respectively. If Google can sell the next generation of Pixels at a comparable level to other Android companies, it will draw many people away from those other brands’ products..

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Rumors about the Google Pixel 7

The first-generation Tensor chipset present in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro seems to be getting a successor from Google in the form of a second-generation Tensor processor. Although it’s evident that the Pixel 7 will have a new processor, Google hasn’t revealed what the new processor will look like or how it will increase the phone’s processing power and battery life.

(Image credit: OnLeaks/Carhp)

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. The chipset’s model name is ‘GS201,’ and it’s associated with an unannounced Samsung modem model number ‘g5300b,’ according to the site’s source. The codenames Cheetah and Panther, which 9to5Google thinks to be the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro respectively, are tied to this new modem.

This is the closest proof yet that development on the devices is under way, so anticipate information to start flowing in soon after this point..

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An under-display selfie camera might be included to Google’s next-generation Pixel. In a patent application, Google proposes to use a mirror system to alternately show the front-facing camera or a portion of the display, which would improve upon the current under-display selfie camera technology found on phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the ZTE Axon 30, which both use the same basic design.

This is only a patent, and it might be years before it’s ready for usage, if it ever does come to fruition at all. But that would be a fantastic centrepiece for a future Pixel. ‘

New rumour claims that Google will not modify the Pixel 7’s cameras from those on the Pixel 6 model. It’s understandable, considering how drastically different the Pixel 6 is from the Pixel 5, but we’re still hoping for some new features and enhancements.

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Design of the Google Pixel 7

OnLeaks has released images of the upcoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. However, there are a few slight variances between the design of the Pixel 6 and the Pixel XL. These include an oval cutout for the main/ultrawide cameras placed in the camera bar, as well as an unseen punch hole in the front that might indicate an under-display camera.

Because the measurements indicated a smaller display than the existing Pixel 6, we first concluded that the Google Pixel 7 mockups revealed by David “xLeaks7” Kowalski were really for the rumoured Google Pixel 6A. However, according to Ross Young, Google seems to be reducing the Pixel 7’s screen size from 6.4 inches to 6.3 inches. The Pixel 7 Pro is expected to have the same 6.7-inch screen size as the Pixel 6 Pro.

(Image credit: TechGoing)

According to rumours, the Pixel 7 will be available in black, white, coral, and blue as its basic colour options. If these images are any indication, a sky blue option for the Pixel 7 Pro might be a good fit for the high-end phone.

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There’s a new image for what’s believed to be a Google Pixel 7 cover that shows off the next-generation Pixel’s eye-catching camera.

It seems that the camera bar introduced in the Pixel 6 is still there, however two of the three back cameras may have a pill-shaped cutout instead of a circular camera cutout and a flash. We’d be wary of this image since it doesn’t seem to be in line with Google’s current hardware design style.

Pixel 7: what we hope to see from Google

We’re not letting the paucity of speculations about the upcoming Pixel 7 stop us from creating our own wish list. We can only hope that Google is listening to user feedback on the design of its future smartphone.

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A fingerprint scanner that is more accurate and dependable

In our assessments of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, we criticised the under-display fingerprint scanner. 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.

As long as Google can fix the problems with its present optical fingerprint reader, we’ll be satisfied. 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, like with the Google Pixel 4, Google might do away with the fingerprint sensor entirely in favour of face recognition unlocking. 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 fit the required sensors, Google may have to go back to using a bigger top bezel. Rumors are circulating that the Pixel 6 Pro may still include face unlock, and if that occurs, it’s a safe bet that the Pixel 7 Pro will have it as well.

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All models will have brighter and better screens in the future.

For the Pixel 7 series, there are a few ways that Google may enhance the screens. 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 screen specifications of the regular Pixel 7 variant might also be improved. The Pixel 6 Pro has a 120Hz refresh rate, whereas the normal Pixel 6 has a 90Hz refresh rate. This is a step forwards 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 an issue 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. There is a risk that Google will not employ a curved display again if enough Pixel 6 Pro owners express their displeasure. The main problem would be ergonomics, as the 6.8-inch phone has curved edges that make it easier for users to interact with the display.

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The Pixel 6 has a second camera on top of the main camera.

In some ways, Google has underserved the Pixel 6 by providing it with just two back cameras. Since some high-end phones are now delivering up to four cameras plus a depth sensor, this isn’t a bad number, but it’s a disappointment since some other high-end phones are now offering up to four cameras and a depth sensor (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. A specialised macro camera for ultra close-up images, or a depth camera for more accurate portraits and greater AR performance, may also be a desirable addition.

Battery life that lasts longer.

For the Pixel 7 series, it’s more crucial than most other phone series to include this feature.

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The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro had unsatisfactory battery life while connected to 5G, despite having the biggest batteries ever in a Pixel phone. As 5G networks spread throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond, it’s going to become an increasingly huge concern unless you can depend on frequent and fast Wi-Fi connections everywhere you go.

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.

Improved battery life

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.

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Pixel 6 and 6 Pro can charge at 30W cable and 23W wireless after years of utilising 18W charging. We found that the Pixel 6’s battery only achieved 29 percent capacity after half an hour of charging using a third-party 30W charger. In the packaging, the Pixel 6 does not come with a charger. In light of phones like the OnePlus 9 series, which charge to almost full capacity in half an hour, that’s not very quick.

It’s conceivable that if you use a Google-approved charger, the Pixel 6 may charge significantly quicker, but as it is, this is a disappointment. There is room for improvement in Google’s charger for the Pixel 7, and a twin-cell battery option like the OnePlus 9 might help speed up the process.

An indicator that tells you something is wrong.

In the case of iPhone and OnePlus owners, the alert slider is an essential function. To fast activate or stop notification noises without unlocking the phone or even turning on the screen, this is an excellent method.

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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. No matter how you slice it, this would be a fantastic addition to the Pixel 7.

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