Pixel 7 Series Debut Showcases Ultimate Refinement, Sophistication and Distinction

Google announced Thursday the Pixel 7. This phone is meant to compete against Apple's iPhone, and Samsung Galaxy devices. The Pixel 7 will feature Google's new Tensor G2 processor and a camera with improved zoom, face unlock, and a slightly updated design -- at the same $599 price point as last year's Pixel6.

Preorders for the Pixel 7 start immediately and will be available on Oct. 13.   

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Pre-orders are now open for Google's latest flagship phones. The Pixel 7 will be available in October 2013 at 599 USD and will go on sale on Oct. 13. Take up to $750 off your trade-in, and get $200 in Google Store credit.

Check out our first impression of the Pixel 7.

Google's latest attempt to gain a foothold on the global smartphone market is with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Apple and Samsung largely dominate it. The Pixel 7 is a modest update to last year's Pixel 6, which featured Google's Tensor processor and a revamped design. The Pixel 7's debut follows the September launch Apple's iPhone 14. This phone, like the Pixel 7, only has minor improvements over its predecessor. 

While the Pixel 7's camera may appear similar to the Pixel 6, there are some changes Google claims should make a significant difference. This is especially true for zoom quality. 

The Pixel 7's 50-megapixel main sensor converts into 12.5 megapixels at the middle when zooming at 2x. Google claims that this should produce sharp images similar to those produced by an optical 2x lens. The Pixel 7's 7x zoom can zoom in digitally up to 8x, slightly more magnification than the Pixel 6. 

Only the Pixel 7 Pro comes with a 48-megapixel telephoto zoom lens that can zoom in up to 5x optically or 30x digitally. The Pixel 7 Pro will also get a macro photography mode that is not available on the regular Pixel 7.

Night Sight also works faster on both phones. This should make it easier for you to capture photos in dim environments, without blurring from shaky hands. Google also said its updated Real Tone, the camera feature designed to capture more accurate skin tones, to further reduce noise and improve images taken in low light.

Google's Pixel phones will have a new camera mode that allows users with low vision or blindness to take better selfies. Guided Frame is a feature that audibly guides the user to position their phone so they can frame a perfect selfie. This feature will be available on all phones that have Tensor, Google stated. 

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Photo Unblur can be used to sharpen photos and make them appear more in-focus. This is a new feature that Google introduced last summer. This new tool is available from the Pixel 7 Pro's edit menu. It relies on Google's Tensor G2 processor.

The Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro will get video improvements, including Cinematic Blur, which is basically Portrait Mode for videos. It's a lot like Apple's Cinematic Mode, which it introduced last year on the iPhone 13. 

These are not new features but refinements of existing features that Google has introduced, except for Guided Frame, Photo Unblur, Cinematic Mode and Photo Unblur. They should help Google's already outstanding camera stand out even more when taken together. 

The Pixel 7's 6.3-inch screen is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6's 6.4-inch screen, but larger than the Pixel 6A . The Pixel 7's screen is the same size as the Pixel 6, measuring 1,080 by 2,400 pixels. However, it has slightly higher resolution (416 ppi instead of 411 ppi) due to its smaller size. The OLED display can also be boosted up to 90Hz for smoother scrolling, just like its predecessor.

There is a significant difference in the front of the Pixel 7. The Pixel 7's selfie camera now supports face unlock. It has a higher resolution than the Pixel 6's 8. Google warns that face unlock is not as secure as the Pixel's underscreen fingerprint sensor or PIN. Google is positioning Face Unlock as a convenient way to unlock your phone, rather than an authentication method that allows you to pay for sensitive tasks.

The back of the phone also got a makeover. The design language of the Pixel 7 Pro and 7 Pro is the same as their older siblings. However, each phone has a new metal camera bars that are more prominent than those in the Pixel 6 lineup. The Pixel 7 will come in three colors: black, white, and a soft-yellow, which Google calls obsidian snow, lemongrass, and 

Both phones support 5G. However, access to super-fast but limited millimeterwave 5G connectivity varies by carrier. Unlocked, AT&T and Verizon versions will support millimeter wave 5G, while only the Pixel 7 Pro will support it on T-Mobile's network. Google claims that both Pixel phones can last more than 24 hours on one charge, and up to 72 hours when Extreme Battery Saver mode is activated. Both phones support wireless charging and can recharge up to 50% of their batteries within 30 minutes using the 30-watt charger that Google sells separately.

Google promises five years of security updates and three years general Android OS upgrades for its Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. This is the same promise as the Pixel 6 Pro and 6 Pro. Samsung supports four years' worth of Android OS upgrades for its latest Galaxy smartphones.  

Google also spoke out about some of the features it will add to Pixel phones later in the year. It will provide VPN service free of cost to Pixel 7 and 7 Pro users who subscribe to Google One. You will soon be able to see transcripts of audio messages so you don't need to hear them loud. 

Voice Recorder will also get an update. This update will include speaker labels that make it easier for you to distinguish between speakers during a conversation. Direct My Call, which transcribes automated phone menus in text format, will display the menu immediately so you don't need to wait for the operator verbally to speak all the options. This feature will be available from launch.

Although the Pixel 7 is a minor improvement over the Pixel 6, it demonstrates Google's approach to smartphones. It's yet another sign that Google wants to compete with Apple and Samsung by lowering their prices, launching special software features, and focusing on quality camera images. 

It is significant that Google has managed to maintain the Pixel 7's US price. Although Apple didn't raise the iPhone 14's cost compared to the iPhone 13's, it does not offer a "Mini" version of its iPhone 14 that is as affordable as it did the past two years. This means that Apple's new iPhones have a slightly higher barrier to entry than the previous two years. 

We'll find out more when we have the opportunity to test the Pixel 7 as well as see how much it is an upgrade over the Pixel 6.