The Google Pixel 7 Pro has garnered significant attention in the smartphone market, continuing the legacy of its predecessors with a range of upgrades and refinements that appeal to both casual users and tech enthusiasts. This device reflects Google’s vision for what a modern smartphone should be—intelligent, intuitive, and deeply integrated into everyday life. As a flagship product, the Pixel 7 Pro is designed to compete with the best from Apple and Samsung, but with Google’s distinct focus on software, artificial intelligence, and photography. Throughout this review, we will dive into the design, display, performance, software, battery life, camera system, and more to understand how the Pixel 7 Pro performs in real-world scenarios and whether it truly lives up to the high expectations placed upon it.
The first thing that stands out about the Pixel 7 Pro is its design. Google has continued to evolve the aesthetic language introduced with the Pixel 6 series, offering a bold and unique look that sets it apart from other smartphones on the market. The Pixel 7 Pro features a polished aluminum frame that wraps around the device, seamlessly blending into the curved glass front and back. The glass is made from Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring both durability and scratch resistance, while also providing a premium feel in the hand. The device is available in several striking color options, including Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel, each offering a sleek, modern look that is sure to appeal to a wide range of users.
The back of the phone is dominated by the iconic camera bar, which houses the Pixel 7 Pro’s powerful camera system. This bar has been slightly refined from the Pixel 6 series, with a more polished and integrated look that feels more cohesive with the rest of the design. The placement of the camera bar also serves a functional purpose, as it helps the phone to rest flat on a surface without wobbling, unlike phones with protruding camera modules. Despite its large size, the Pixel 7 Pro feels comfortable to hold and use, thanks to its well-balanced weight distribution and ergonomic design. However, it is worth noting that the phone is on the larger side, which may not be ideal for users who prefer more compact devices.
The display on the Pixel 7 Pro is another standout feature. Google has equipped this phone with a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, which offers a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels and a pixel density of around 512 PPI. This results in an incredibly sharp and detailed display that is perfect for everything from browsing the web to watching high-definition videos. The colors are vibrant and punchy, with excellent contrast levels and deep blacks, making the display ideal for media consumption and gaming. The LTPO technology also allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz, depending on the content being viewed. This not only ensures smooth performance but also helps to conserve battery life when high refresh rates are not necessary.
The brightness of the display is another area where the Pixel 7 Pro shines. With a peak brightness of around 1,500 nits in HDR content, the display remains easily visible even in bright outdoor conditions. This makes it a great option for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or in brightly lit environments. Additionally, the display supports HDR10+ content, ensuring that HDR videos and images look their best with rich colors and enhanced contrast. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, providing a layer of protection against drops and scratches, which is essential for a device of this caliber.
Under the hood, the Pixel 7 Pro is powered by Google’s custom Tensor G2 chip, which is designed to offer both high performance and efficiency. This chip is built on a 5nm process and features an octa-core CPU, along with a Mali-G710 GPU. The Tensor G2 is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, which is a key focus for Google. This means that the Pixel 7 Pro is particularly adept at tasks such as image processing, voice recognition, and real-time language translation. In everyday use, the Pixel 7 Pro feels incredibly fast and responsive, with apps opening quickly and multitasking being handled with ease. Whether you are browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing graphically intensive games, the Pixel 7 Pro performs admirably, offering a smooth and lag-free experience.
In terms of storage and RAM, the Pixel 7 Pro comes with either 12GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. The ample amount of RAM ensures that the phone can handle multiple apps running simultaneously without any slowdown, while the various storage options give users the flexibility to choose a model that suits their needs. However, it is worth noting that, like many flagship phones, the Pixel 7 Pro does not offer expandable storage, so users will need to choose their storage option carefully based on their usage patterns.
One of the standout features of the Pixel 7 Pro is its software. Running on Android 13, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a clean and intuitive user experience that is free from the bloatware and clutter found on many other smartphones. Google has refined the user interface, making it more streamlined and user-friendly, with subtle animations and transitions that give the phone a polished feel. The Pixel 7 Pro also benefits from Google’s deep integration of AI and machine learning into the software, with features like voice typing, real-time translation, and adaptive battery management making the phone feel smarter and more efficient in everyday use.
The Pixel 7 Pro is also guaranteed to receive regular software updates directly from Google for at least three years, ensuring that the phone will remain up to date with the latest features and security patches. This is a key advantage of owning a Pixel device, as many other Android phones suffer from delayed or inconsistent updates. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro comes with several exclusive software features, such as the Google Assistant-powered “At a Glance” widget, which provides contextual information based on your location, calendar events, and more.
The camera system on the Pixel 7 Pro is perhaps its most defining feature. Google has long been known for its prowess in computational photography, and the Pixel 7 Pro continues this tradition with an impressive array of camera hardware and software features. The main camera is a 50MP wide sensor, which is accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide sensor and a 48MP telephoto sensor. This versatile camera setup allows the Pixel 7 Pro to excel in a wide range of shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to close-up portraits.
One of the key strengths of the Pixel 7 Pro’s camera is its ability to capture stunning photos in almost any lighting condition. Thanks to Google’s advanced computational photography algorithms, the phone is able to take clear and detailed photos even in challenging environments such as low light or harsh backlighting. The Night Sight feature has been improved in the Pixel 7 Pro, allowing for even better low-light performance, with less noise and more accurate color reproduction. This makes the Pixel 7 Pro one of the best phones on the market for nighttime photography.
The ultrawide camera on the Pixel 7 Pro is also highly capable, offering a 126-degree field of view that is perfect for capturing wide-angle shots of landscapes or group photos. The images produced by the ultrawide camera are sharp and detailed, with minimal distortion at the edges of the frame. The telephoto camera, which offers 5x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, is another highlight of the Pixel 7 Pro’s camera system. The optical zoom allows for clear and detailed close-up shots without any loss of quality, while the digital zoom can capture impressive detail even at higher magnifications, thanks to Google’s Super Res Zoom technology.
In addition to the impressive hardware, the Pixel 7 Pro also benefits from a range of intelligent software features that enhance the photography experience. The Magic Eraser tool, for example, allows users to easily remove unwanted objects or people from their photos with just a few taps. This is particularly useful for capturing clean and clutter-free images, especially in crowded environments. The Real Tone feature ensures that the Pixel 7 Pro accurately represents all skin tones, making it an inclusive camera system that works well for people of all ethnicities and complexions.
The video capabilities of the Pixel 7 Pro have also seen significant improvements. The phone can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, with support for HDR10+ video capture. The results are impressive, with videos displaying excellent dynamic range, vibrant colors, and smooth motion. The improved stabilization features, both optical and electronic, ensure that videos remain steady even when filming handheld or in motion. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro offers several video-centric software features, such as Cinematic Pan, which allows users to capture smooth and slow-motion panning shots, giving their videos a professional look and feel.
Battery life on the Pixel 7 Pro is solid, thanks to the 5,000mAh battery that powers the device. Google has optimized the phone’s software and hardware to ensure efficient power usage, and the Tensor G2 chip plays a significant role in this. In everyday use, the Pixel 7 Pro easily lasts a full day on a single charge, even with heavy usage that includes browsing, gaming, and media consumption. The adaptive battery feature learns your usage patterns over time and adjusts power consumption accordingly, ensuring that you get the most out of each charge.
The phone supports fast charging, with up to 30W wired charging speeds, as well as wireless charging through the Qi standard. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro supports reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds, using the back of the phone. While the fast charging speeds are not as fast as some of the competition, they are still more than adequate for most users, and the overall battery life is good enough that you won’t find yourself needing to recharge the phone frequently throughout the day.
The Pixel 7 Pro also comes with an array of additional features that make it a well-rounded flagship device for various types of users. One of these features is its water and dust resistance, with an IP68 rating. This ensures that the Pixel 7 Pro can survive being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it durable enough for everyday mishaps like spills or exposure to rain. While it’s not recommended to take the phone swimming, the IP68 certification offers peace of mind, especially for users who might accidentally expose their device to water or dust in challenging environments.
Another notable aspect of the Pixel 7 Pro is its robust security features. Google has equipped the device with the Titan M2 security chip, which provides hardware-level security for sensitive data and helps protect the phone from external threats. This chip works in tandem with Google’s software-based security features, including regular security updates and the Google Play Protect system, which scans apps for potential malware. The Pixel 7 Pro also comes with built-in VPN functionality through Google One, ensuring that users can browse the internet securely, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks.
The fingerprint sensor, located underneath the display, has seen improvements compared to its predecessor, offering faster and more reliable unlocking. Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro includes Face Unlock, which provides another convenient method for unlocking the device, though it’s worth noting that this feature is primarily software-based and doesn’t rely on dedicated 3D sensors, making it less secure than the fingerprint scanner for tasks like payments.
For users who rely heavily on smart assistants and voice commands, the Pixel 7 Pro excels in this area as well. Google Assistant is deeply integrated into the device, offering a wide range of hands-free functions, from setting reminders and sending messages to controlling smart home devices. Voice typing has also been enhanced, with the Pixel 7 Pro offering one of the best voice-to-text experiences available on a smartphone. The Tensor G2 chip’s focus on machine learning ensures that the assistant understands and responds to voice commands quickly and accurately, even in noisy environments.
Connectivity on the Pixel 7 Pro is another area where the phone shines. It supports 5G networks, including both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands, depending on the region and carrier. This ensures that users can take advantage of the fastest mobile data speeds available, whether they are in a densely populated urban area or more rural environments. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster and more stable wireless connections when using compatible routers, which is particularly beneficial for users who stream high-definition video or play online games.
Audio quality on the Pixel 7 Pro is solid, with stereo speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. While the speakers aren’t as loud or bass-heavy as some of the competition, they perform well for most use cases, whether you’re watching videos, listening to music, or making video calls. The phone also includes support for high-quality audio codecs like LDAC and aptX HD over Bluetooth, ensuring that wireless audio sounds great when paired with compatible headphones or speakers.
In terms of sustainability and environmental impact, Google has taken steps to make the Pixel 7 Pro more eco-friendly. The phone’s aluminum frame is made from recycled materials, and Google has committed to reducing its carbon footprint across its product lines. The Pixel 7 Pro’s packaging is also designed with sustainability in mind, with minimal use of plastic and an emphasis on recyclable materials. While these efforts may not be the deciding factor for most buyers, they reflect a growing trend in the tech industry to consider the environmental impact of devices and their production.
Overall, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is an impressive flagship device that excels in several key areas. Its design is distinctive and premium, with a durable build that feels great in the hand. The display is one of the best on the market, offering stunning visuals with its high resolution, vibrant colors, and dynamic refresh rate. The performance, driven by the Tensor G2 chip, is fast and efficient, especially for tasks that involve AI and machine learning. The software experience is clean and intuitive, with exclusive Google features that enhance usability and provide a seamless Android experience.
The camera system is arguably the highlight of the Pixel 7 Pro, offering exceptional photography and videography capabilities across various conditions. Whether you’re capturing a landscape, a portrait, or a low-light scene, the Pixel 7 Pro’s cameras deliver consistently great results. The additional features, such as Magic Eraser and Real Tone, further enhance the photography experience, making it a versatile tool for both casual users and more serious photographers.
Battery life is solid, and while the charging speeds may not match some of the fastest on the market, they are more than adequate for everyday use. The inclusion of features like wireless charging and reverse wireless charging adds to the phone’s overall convenience. The Pixel 7 Pro’s security features, connectivity options, and audio quality are also commendable, making it a well-rounded device that caters to a wide range of user needs.
However, the Pixel 7 Pro is not without its downsides. The phone’s large size may be a drawback for users who prefer more compact devices, and the lack of expandable storage means that users need to carefully consider which storage option to choose. Additionally, while the Tensor G2 chip is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, it may not perform quite as well in raw benchmarks compared to some of its competitors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Apple’s A16 Bionic chip.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the Pixel 7 Pro stands out as one of the best Android phones of the year. Its combination of top-tier hardware, intelligent software, and Google’s focus on AI-driven features make it a compelling choice for users who value innovation and a seamless user experience. For those looking for a smartphone that excels in photography, delivers a clean and efficient software experience, and offers solid performance across the board, the Pixel 7 Pro is an excellent option that is well worth considering.
