Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 7 is a flagship Android smartphone developed by Google as part of its Pixel lineup, featuring the second-generation Tensor system-on-chip, a 6.3-inch OLED display with 90 Hz refresh rate, and a dual rear camera system emphasizing computational photography.[1][2] Announced on October 6, 2022, at the Made by Google event, it was released on October 13, 2022, starting at a price of $599 for the 128 GB model.[1][3] Measuring 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and weighing 197 g, the Pixel 7 sports an IP68-rated aluminum frame made from 100% recycled material, with Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, and a distinctive horizontal camera bar on the rear.[2][1] It includes 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM paired with 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, a 4,355 mAh battery supporting 20 W wired charging and 20 W wireless charging, and connectivity options like 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.[2] The rear camera setup consists of a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, while the 10.8 MP front camera enables features like Face Unlock; video recording reaches 4K at 60 fps.[2] Powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor (5 nm), the device launched with Android 13 and is eligible for up to five years of major OS updates (through Android 18) and five years of security patches, extending support until at least October 2027.[2][4] Notable software features include AI-driven tools like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, Real Tone for skin representation, and enhanced Google Assistant integration via the Titan M2 security chip.[1] The Pixel 7 emphasizes seamless integration with Google's ecosystem, including VPN by Google One and accessibility improvements, positioning it as a compact, camera-focused alternative to the larger Pixel 7 Pro.[1]Development and Launch
Development
The Pixel 7 series was conceived as the direct successor to the Pixel 6 lineup, with a primary emphasis on advancing Google's custom Tensor processor to its second generation, known as Tensor G2, to enhance on-device machine learning performance.[5] Following the Pixel 6 launch in October 2021, development efforts intensified under Google's hardware team, culminating in an early preview of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at the Google I/O developer conference on May 11, 2022, where the devices were showcased with the upcoming Tensor G2 chip.[6] Manufacturing for the Pixel 7 series was handled primarily by Foxconn, with production facilities in southern China and a portion shifted to Vietnam to diversify supply chains amid geopolitical tensions and tariffs.[7] Google targeted a production volume of over 8 million units for the series, aiming to roughly double its overall smartphone shipments compared to the previous year and expand market reach.[8] Key engineering challenges during development centered on bolstering AI capabilities through the Tensor G2, which addressed limitations in the original Tensor by improving machine learning speed by 60% and efficiency by 20%, enabling advanced features like real-time photo processing and language translation.[9] For camera hardware, the team focused on refinements to sensor integration and AI-driven image processing, while incorporating an upgraded modem for better connectivity stability.[10] These efforts prioritized software-hardware synergy to push boundaries in accessible AI without relying solely on raw power increases.[11]Announcement and Release
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were officially unveiled on October 6, 2022, at the annual Made by Google hardware event held in Brooklyn, New York.[1] This livestreamed presentation highlighted the devices' integration of the second-generation Google Tensor chip and emphasized their role in advancing AI-driven features for photography and user experience. Pre-orders for both models opened immediately after the announcement on October 6, 2022, through the Google Store and select retailers worldwide.[12] In the United States, major carriers including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile partnered with Google to offer the devices, providing incentives such as trade-in credits up to $700 and promotional discounts tied to unlimited data plans.[13] These partnerships facilitated broader accessibility, with unlocked versions available directly from Google and carrier-locked options for subsidized purchases.[14] The devices launched on October 13, 2022, initially available in 17 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and Denmark.[15] This marked an expansion from previous Pixel generations, which were limited to fewer markets, and included first-time availability in several European nations like Denmark and Sweden.[16] At launch, the Pixel 7 started at $599 for the base 128GB model, while the Pixel 7 Pro began at $899 for its 128GB configuration, maintaining pricing parity with the prior year's Pixel 6 series.[17] Higher storage variants were offered at premiums, with options up to 512GB for the Pro model, and regional pricing adjusted accordingly—for instance, £599 and £899 in the UK, and ₹59,999 and ₹84,999 in India.[18]Specifications
Design
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro feature a refined design emphasizing durability and ergonomics, with both models constructed around an aluminum frame made from 100% recycled content. The front and back panels utilize Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and drop resistance, paired with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.[19][20][2] The Pixel 7 measures 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm and weighs 197 g, offering a compact form factor suitable for one-handed use. In contrast, the larger Pixel 7 Pro is 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm and weighs 212 g, providing a more substantial grip while maintaining slim bezels around its display. Both incorporate the signature horizontal camera bar, crafted from aluminum and seamlessly integrated into the rear frame to house the rear camera array without protruding excessively.[21] Aesthetic options differ between the models to highlight their distinct personalities. The Pixel 7 is available in Obsidian (matte black), Snow (off-white), and Lemongrass (pale yellow-green), all featuring a single-tone matte glass back with a zirconia-blasted finish for a non-reflective, fingerprint-resistant surface that departs from the glossy backs of previous Pixel generations. The Pixel 7 Pro expands to Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel (warm greenish-gray), complemented by a polished aluminum frame and back for a premium, reflective sheen.[1][22][23]Hardware
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are powered by the Google Tensor G2 system-on-chip (SoC), fabricated on a 5 nm process by Samsung. This custom-designed processor features an 8-core CPU configuration consisting of two high-performance Arm Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.85 GHz, two Arm Cortex-A78 cores at 2.35 GHz for mid-range tasks, and four efficiency-oriented Arm Cortex-A55 cores at 1.80 GHz, paired with a Mali-G710 MP7 graphics processing unit (GPU).[24] The SoC also includes a dedicated Titan M2 security coprocessor for enhanced data protection and an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) optimized for machine learning workloads.[1] Memory and storage configurations differ between the models to support varying performance needs. The Pixel 7 includes 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB, while the Pixel 7 Pro upgrades to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM with storage variants up to 512 GB; neither model supports expandable storage via microSD.[16] These specifications enable smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding applications, with the Pro's additional RAM benefiting more intensive computational tasks.| Feature | Pixel 7 | Pixel 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch Actua OLED, FHD+ (1080 × 2400 pixels), 416 ppi, 90 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, up to 1400 nits peak brightness | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, QHD+ (1440 × 3120 pixels), 512 ppi, 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+, up to 1500 nits peak brightness |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |