Even though the Pixel 7 isn’t expected to launch until the fall, there have already been a number of rumours and leaks about Google’s upcoming big flagships.
We’re looking forwards to seeing how Google builds on its new Tensor chipset and improved camera systems after the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro have proven to be the company’s best phones yet. Also, we’d like to know what Google plans on doing about the Pixel 6 series’ weaknesses, such as poor battery life or limited specifications on the basic model.
Not many rumours have surfaced as of late. However, we already know what we’d like to see on the Pixel 7 based on early information. Here are the latest Google Pixel 7 rumours, along with our wishlist for the company’s next flagship phone.
Rumors about when and how much the Google Pixel 7 will cost
Over the past few years, Google’s release schedule has been fairly consistent. According to one rumour, Google will unveil the Pixel 7 in October 2022, along with the Google Pixel Watch, and we’d bet on that. In fact, according to analyst Ross Young, display parts for the Pixel 7 will ship one month earlier than those for the Pixel 6 in 2021.
As far as pricing goes, we’d like to see Google keep it as low as the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, both priced at $699/£599 and $899/£849, are significantly less expensive than the competition’s top-of-the-line models. If Google can offer the next generation of Pixels at a similar level to other Android brands, it will tempt many users away from those other brands’ phones.
Rumors of the Google Pixel 7
If true, the second generation Tensor chipset found in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is being developed by Google. Since the Pixel 6 had an outdated CPU, it’s apparent that the Pixel 7 will have one as well. However, there’s no word on what exactly Google plans to update, except from the typical increases in processing power and energy efficiency that chipsets strive for every year.
From there, 9to5Google has found evidence linking a new second-generation Tensor chipset to two brand new Pixel devices — the 7 and 7 Pro, it believes. GS201, the chipset’s model name, is said to be associated with an upcoming Samsung modem model number ‘g5300b,’ according to a source for the site. In turn, 9to5Google believes that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will use the codenames Cheetah and Panther, respectively.
This is the closest proof yet that development on the gadgets is under way, so anticipate information to start flowing in soon after.
Another theory has it that the next-generation Pixel would have a selfie camera hidden behind the screen. An under-display selfie camera on select phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 or ZTE’s Axon 30 has been improved by Google by using a mirror system to show either a portion of the display or an under-display camera as needed.
Because it’s still only a patent, it may be years before it’s ready for use, if it happens at all. In any case, it’d be a fantastic feature to have on a future Pixel.
One of the latest rumours suggests that Google isn’t going to change the Pixel 7’s cameras. It’s understandable, given how drastically different the Pixel 6 is from the Pixel 5, but we’re still hoping for some new features and enhancements.
Design of the Google Pixel 7
OnLeaks has released images of the upcoming Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, which show two familiar devices. There are some subtle differences in design from the Pixel 6. These include an oval cutout for the main/ultrawide cameras placed in the camera bar, as well as an invisible punch hole in the front that might point to an under-display camera.
If these renderings were for Google’s reported Pixel 6a, which would feature a smaller screen than the existing Pixel 6, we’d have assumed they were for that device instead. However, according to Ross Young, Google seems to be reducing the Pixel 7’s screen size from 6.4 inches to 6.3 inches. In terms of screen size, the Pixel 7 Pro is expected to measure 6.7 inches in diagonal.
The basic Pixel 7 is expected to be available in black, white, coral, and blue hues. There have been no leaks about the colour options for the Pixel 7 Pro, but based on these images, it seems like a sky blue hue will be available.
What we hope to see from the Google Pixel 7
We’re not going to let the paucity 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. For the first time, Google has positioned the fingerprint sensor underneath its screen, rather than placing it on the back of its phones. However, this does not justify the scanner’s inconsistency.
For now, we’re OK with Google’s present optical fingerprint reader. This may also be a viable strategy if it choose to employ the Samsung Galaxy S21’s Qualcomm’s ultrasonic fingerprint reader technology, which uses sound waves to identify your prints and is less impacted by scratches on the screen.
A third option is the use of face recognition unlocking, like Google did with the Google Pixel 4’s fingerprint scanner. Apple’s Face ID technology, however, was the only one that worked well and reliably without a lot of effort. In order to fit the sensors, Google may have to resort to a bigger top bezel.
All models will have improved and brighter screens.
Google might enhance the screens of the Pixel 7 series in a number of ways. Brightness is the first thing you’ll want to pay attention to. Especially at full brightness, the screens on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are shockingly dull, even in direct sunlight. One of the Pixel 6 series’ biggest flaws is that it’s difficult to see the screen of your smartphone when it’s dark. If Google could increase the brightness of the Pixel 7’s display by a few hundred nits, that would be a huge improvement.
The screen specifications of the regular Pixel 7 variant should also be improved. The basic Pixel 6 only has 90Hz, as opposed to the 120Hz of the Pixel 6 Pro. The 120Hz offered by phones less expensive than the Pixel 6 — such as Samsung’s Galaxy A52 5G or Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 10 Pro — is an improvement over the 60Hz previously available, but we’d like to see Google adopt it as well. 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.
As someone who just purchased the Pixel 6 Pro, I’d like to see Google forego the curvature of the display for a flat one in the Pixel 7 Pro. There is a risk that Google will not employ a curved display again if enough Pixel 6 Pro owners express their displeasure. Ergonomics would be the main concern, since the enormous 6.8-inch touchscreen phone’s curved edges make it easier for consumers to engage with.
The Pixel 6’s standard camera now has a second lens.
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 4x optical zoom of the Pixel 7 Pro model, a telephoto lens would be a sensible option for a third camera on the basic model. A specialised macro camera for ultra close-up images, or a depth camera for more accurate portrait shots and greater AR performance, may also be a desirable addition.
a longer lasting battery
This is something we want to see in every new phone generation, but it’s especially critical for the Pixel 7 line.
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. It will become more important as 5G networks expand out throughout the United States and the rest of the world unless you can count on frequent and fast Wi-Fi connections everywhere you go.
A battery capacity of 4,614 milliamp hours and 5,000 milliamp hours is not excessive for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, respectively. As a result, Google presumably needs to work on maximising the amount of power it can draw from the cells.
faster recharging
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.
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro can charge at 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 if you use a Google-approved charger, the Pixel 6 may charge significantly quicker, but as it is, this is a disappointment. In order to enable quicker charging at the same wattage, Google may use a twin-cell battery like the OnePlus 9 or increase the charger’s wattage.
An indicator that tells you something is wrong.
In the case of iPhone and OnePlus owners, the alert slider is an essential part of the device.. Without having to unlock or even turn on the screen, you can immediately activate or mute notification sounds with this handy feature.
As far as we know, Google has never included an alert slider on a Pixel phone, and considering that it’s only found on Apple and OnePlus models, it’s doubtful that it will. As for the Pixel 7, we still believe that this would be a fantastic addition.