Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional Assessment: It’s Not Simply Concerning the Cameras Anymore
Google’s Pixel smartphones have all the time been identified for his or her glorious digital camera capabilities, regardless of not all the time having essentially the most aggressive {hardware}. However with a number of the current crop of flagship Android telephones sporting add-on imaging chipsets, producers have been capable of ship an identical stage of imaging high quality that simply rival the Pixel’s AI pictures smarts. Google’s return to the premium smartphone phase in India after 4 lengthy years might have fanatics and Android purists very excited, however can it nonetheless appeal to the overwhelming majority of customers who’ve moved on to competing manufacturers? Learn on to seek out out.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional pricing in India
Pricing is all the time a sensitive topic within the premium smartphone house, however Google appears to have carried out justice to the brand new Pixels by pricing them well-below the ‘Professional’ and ‘Extremely’ choices from Apple and Samsung. The Google Pixel 7 is on the market for Rs. 59,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, whereas the larger Pixel 7 Professional is priced at Rs. 84,999 for the 12GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. Each telephones have been launched in simply their respective base variants in India.
The storage could appear a bit restricted (particularly for the Pixel 7 Professional) with no choice to increase it, however this additionally permits Google to push customers into shopping for one in all its cloud storage plans. Sadly, there’s no free unlimited cloud backup accessible anymore both. The Pixel 7 is on the market in Obsidian, Lemongrass, and Snow finishes, whereas the Pixel 7 Professional is on the market in Obsidian, Snow, and Hazel. I acquired the Pixel 7 in Obsidian and the Pixel 7 Professional within the Hazel end for assessment.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional design
I like how Google has made an effort to offer each of its 7 collection smartphones a special really feel, regardless of having the identical overhauled design which relies on the earlier Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The Google Pixel 7 is smaller than the Pixel 7 Professional, however not as small as Samsung’s Galaxy S22, which nonetheless one of many few correct compact (or mini) Android flagships.
Google’s Pixel 7 (proper) and Pixel 7 Professional (left) have Gorilla Glass Victus on the entrance and rear panels
The Pixel 7’s body has a brushed steel look which seems much like the Pixel 6a (Review), however feels smoother and seems extra refined with a digital camera module wanting loads cleaner due to the only piece aluminium band that stretches throughout the width of the cellphone. The Pixel 7 Professional will get an identical therapy however has a cultured aluminium body as a substitute.
As anticipated, the matte end of the Google Pixel 7 makes the cellphone fairly slippery, so I all the time ended up putting my index finger underneath the thick digital camera bump, which appears to be Google’s signature design characteristic for the reason that Pixel 6 collection. The polished body of the Pixel 7 Professional makes it loads simpler to grip. Each smartphones have polished glass rear panels created from Gorilla Glass Victus and the identical goes for the shows on the entrance, each of which did a superb job of resisting fingerprints and scratches.
The Google Pixel 7 Professional’s rear digital camera module will get scratched simply
Each smartphones even have a pleasant heft to them which added to the premium in-hand really feel, which I felt was lacking on the Pixel 6a. The Pixel 7 weighs 197g and the Pixel 7 Professional weighs 212g, each of which are not abnormally heavy in comparison with different units of their respective segments. Each units additionally characteristic an IP68 score for mud and water resistance.
Throughout the assessment interval, I seen that polished digital camera module on the Pixel 7 Professional bought scuffed very simply. The matte-finished digital camera module of the Pixel 7 nevertheless didn’t decide up any scratches in any respect. The curved edge show of the Pixel 7 Professional actually makes it feel and look extra premium in comparison with the flat show of the Pixel 7. I additionally discovered the perimeters of the Pixel 7’s body a bit sharp when swiping in from the perimeters. The bezels on Pixel 7 are additionally not as skinny as I anticipated it to be, which takes a bit away from the gadget’s premium appeal, particularly for the reason that Pixel 6a seems fairly related.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional specs and software program
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional do share a couple of widespread elements regardless of being priced far aside. There’s the brand new Google Tensor G2 processor, a 50-megapixel main digital camera and 10.8-megapixel selfie digital camera, and stereo audio system. Communication requirements between the 2 telephones additionally stay similar, with each providing Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB Kind-C (3.2), and assist for the standard satellite tv for pc navigation methods.
The Google Pixel 7 will get a 4,355mAh battery with 20W wired charging, whereas the Pixel 7 Professional will get a much bigger 5,000mAh battery with 23W charging. Each smartphones assist wi-fi charging at 20W and 23W respectively and likewise assist reverse wi-fi charging (Battery Share) for charging equipment. Surprisingly, the Pixel 7 is lacking the Extremely-wideband (UWB) antenna that is accessible on the Pixel 7 Professional.
The Google Pixel 7 (proper) seems fairly much like the Pixel 6a (left) which was launched earlier this yr in India
Each the Google Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Professional run the newest model of Android 13, which has been customised to ship the distinctive Pixel software program expertise. The telephones are loaded with software program smarts akin to the extremely correct voice recorder app that may additionally do real-time transcription of audio to textual content. These smarts additionally make their manner into different apps just like the Google Assistant-powered keyboard which might additionally enter textual content in textual content fields precisely utilizing simply voice instructions. The telephones are additionally able to transcribing audio messages within the Messages app, which is helpful.
As for the interface, there’s now extra diversified color palettes to select from upon choosing a wallpaper. Nonetheless, themed icons proceed to stay in a beta state and just a few third-party apps at present assist the design characteristic.
Google’s software program efficiency on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional is fluid due to no added bloatware
Google continues so as to add software program and Tensor-powered options in its Pixel smartphones yr on yr, and this yr isn’t any totally different. The brand new Tensor G2 permits for options akin to Cinematic Blur which applies the bokeh impact to video recordings, and Photograph Unblur which does a good job at sharpening outdated and lately shot blurred images from any supply.
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional are assured to get Android updates for the subsequent three years, and safety updates for the subsequent 5 years.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional Efficiency
Software program efficiency was fluid throughout each the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional, although I seen some random situations of stuttering initially. I additionally encountered my fair proportion of interface-related bugs which have been extra widespread once I first started utilizing the units, however these disappeared after subsequent software program updates. Each telephones warmth up a bit while you’re merely looking via the interface outside throughout the day or when downloading massive recordsdata or video games, however I had no issues in any other case.
Efficiency in benchmarks turned out as anticipated, however Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional fall behind the present era of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered units such because the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 or the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Pixel 7 Professional with 12GB of RAM managed scores of 1,039 and three,116 in Geekbench’s single and multi-core assessments respectively. When it comes to graphics, the Pixel 7 Professional achieved scores of 60fps, 120fps, and 37fps in GFXBench’s Manhattan 3.1, T-Rex and Automotive Chase assessments respectively. The Pixel 7 with 8GB RAM and its decrease decision show additionally got here fairly shut when it comes to benchmark scores.
Gaming efficiency was fairly good on each telephones. I attempted out Name of Obligation: Cell which defaulted to ‘Excessive’ graphics and body charge settings, however managed to run easily on the ‘Very Excessive’ settings too. The Pixel 7 and seven Professional are inclined to warmth up barely whereas taking part in video games however this did not have an effect on efficiency an excessive amount of.
The Pixel 7 Professional (left) has a 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED show whereas the Pixel 7 (proper) has a 90Hz full-HD+ AMOLED panel
The 6.3-inch full-HD+ show on the Pixel 7 is of the AMOLED selection and produces a sharp-enough picture due to its 416ppi pixel density. It is sufficiently vibrant outside and the 90Hz refresh charge felt enough, each whereas taking part in video games and through common utilization. The 6.7-inch QHD+ curved-edge AMOLED show on the Pixel 7 Professional is sort of massive, however doesn’t really feel as unwieldy because the Galaxy S22 Extremely’s show, which is broader.
The Google Pixel 7’s show, not like the Pixel 7 Professional, doesn’t characteristic LTPO expertise which based on Google lets its refresh charge differ between 10Hz-120Hz. Nonetheless, enabling the ‘Present refresh charge’ possibility in Developer Settings revealed that it solely went from 60-120Hz so far as I might inform, which was a bit unusual. Color replica on each the shows are vivid on the default setting however altering this to ‘Pure’ made it extra true-to-life. The contact sampling charge on each smartphones was spot-on so there was no downside when swiping via apps and even taking part in intensive 3D video games.
Battery life on the Google Pixel 7 was fairly good and it simply lasted for one and half days with informal use, together with some gaming and digital camera utilization. Sadly, issues weren’t nearly as good on the Pixel 7 Professional because the battery normally wouldn’t final past a full-day of use. Our HD video loop take a look at mirrored related outcomes with the Pixel 7 lasting 14 hours and 34 minutes, whereas the Pixel 7 Professional managed 12 hours and half-hour.
This could possibly be all the way down to its QHD+ show on the Pixel 7 Professional, which based on an earlier report, is claimed to devour extra energy in comparison with different telephones with an identical panel. Regardless, the with day-to-day utilization, its battery life remains to be fairly poor in comparison with units such because the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra which has an equally massive and high-resolution show.
Charging the Google Pixel 7 and seven Professional was a comparatively sluggish expertise too. Since each smartphones do not include a charging adapter within the field, I relied on my 61W USB PD adapter to get the job carried out. The Google Pixel 7 managed to cost from zero to 100% in 1 hour and 47 minutes, whereas the Pixel 7 Professional achieved the identical in 1 hour and 55 minutes. Certainly, that is comparatively sluggish even when in comparison with Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Extremely’s 45W quick charging. Evaluate this to the Vivo X80 Pro which expenses its 4,700mAh battery absolutely in simply 36 minutes (utilizing the charger that comes within the field) and instantly, Google’s charging speeds for its new Pixels feels dated.
Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional Cameras
The Google Pixel 7 has two rear cameras. There is a 50-megapixel main and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle digital camera. The Google Pixel 7 Professional has three which incorporates the 50-megapixel main as the Pixel 7, a barely totally different 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle digital camera with a 126-degree subject of view (as a substitute of 114 levels), and a 48-megapixel telephoto with 5X optical zoom and as much as 30X SuperRes Zoom. Each smartphones share the identical selfie digital camera which is a ten.8-megapixel shooter, which doesn’t have autofocus.
The brand new Movement images options consists of the Lengthy publicity and Motion pan modes for including a artistic blur impact to images
The digital camera app’s interface of the Google Pixel 7 and seven Professional is usually “Pixel”, with fast settings tucked underneath the settings icon situated in the top-left nook. Not a lot has modified right here in comparison with the Pixel 6a which I reviewed earlier this yr. There’s a new Cinematic video mode (accessible on each telephones) which does a good job at taking pictures topics with blurred backgrounds, however is simply able to doing so at 1080p with a slightly unstable body charge.
Google lastly added macro functionality on the Pixel 7 Professional (not accessible on the Pixel 7) and it really works very well. Macro images have been sharp and had good particulars. This mode would not allow you to get as near your topic as you’ll be able to with an iPhone 13 Professional, nevertheless it’s nonetheless shut sufficient. Extra importantly, Google additionally permits you to shoot macro images with Auto Night time Sight (barely longer exposures are supposed to herald extra mild), nevertheless it didn’t make a lot of a distinction to the end in my expertise.
Additionally new is Movement Pictures which incorporates Lengthy publicity and Motion pan. Movement images delivers an impact that’s much like choosing Lengthy Publicity to a Stay Photograph on an iPhone. The outcomes are fairly good in all forms of lighting situations and makes for attention-grabbing lengthy publicity images without having a tripod. Motion Blur provides a movement blur to the background on a transferring topic. It is tough to make use of however the outcomes are fairly strong. What’s extra is that each of those modes can be utilized even at 2X or 5X zoom.
Google’s Pixel 7 Professional can shoot Movement images in all forms of lighting and even at 2X or 5X zoom (Faucet to see full measurement)
The variations in picture high quality between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Professional are negligible. The one distinction lies within the ultra-wide angle cameras, the place the Pixel 7’s digital camera affords a barely constricted subject of view (114 levels) versus the Pixel 7 Professional (126 levels). The Pixel 7 additionally showcases minor purple-fringing in the direction of the perimeters.
Coming to picture high quality, I in contrast the pictures from the Pixel 7 Professional with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely as it’s arguably the greatest smartphone when it comes to digital camera functionality within the Android house.
The first digital camera on the Pixel 7 Professional snaps some actually good images which are not too sharp and likewise pack in loads of particulars. Google doesn’t over-process the pictures like Samsung does. I discovered the Galaxy S22 Extremely’s images a bit saturated (sometimes Samsung) and with elevated sharpness, which corrupts the textures on objects at a distance. Nonetheless, that is solely seen should you pixel-peep.
Google Pixel 7 Professional daylight digital camera samples (Faucet to see full measurement)
With images taken with the Pixel 7 Professional’s ultra-wide-angle digital camera, Google as soon as once more manages to outdo Samsung however solely by a tiny margin. Colors from the Pixel 7 Professional are pure and the tone is much like the first digital camera. Google’s processing additionally manages to seize extra particulars and higher dynamic vary.
In relation to zoom, I seen that the Google Pixel 7 Professional handles images higher with much less sharpening, whereas Samsung tends to sharpen images fairly a bit from the 3X magnification onwards. Surprisingly, the Pixel 7 Professional maintains good picture high quality until 5X optical zoom, exhibiting effective particulars like antennas on buildings within the distance. Pictures captured at 10X are nonetheless fairly spectacular, with the standard taking a noticeable hit at 30X. Samsung’s telephoto pictures take a success at 3X zoom for some motive however then kicks into gear from 10X, delivering sharp however contrasted images as much as 30X, submit which the picture high quality takes a noticeable hit.
Google Pixel 7 Professional versus Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely zoom comparability (Faucet to see full measurement)
As for selfies, Samsung captures sharper-looking selfies which can be filled with element. Samsung additionally manages higher and extra natural-looking color tones in comparison with the Pixel, which for some motive made my face seem orange (in all probability because of the setting solar). Edge detection with Portrait selfies is extra correct on the Pixel 7 Professional.
Google Pixel 7 Professional vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely low-light zoom comparability (Faucet to see full measurement)
In relation to low-light zoom efficiency, the Pixel 7 Professional comes out on prime once more, this time for consistency. Google’s Pixel 7 Professional one way or the other manages to maintain the colors in test and constant between alongside the zoom vary and likewise performs higher on the subject of noise discount. I might nonetheless spot some blotchy textures round lit up objects, however these nonetheless regarded much better than the noisy pictures from the Galaxy S22 Extremely. Regardless of Samsung’s telephoto {hardware} managing a 100X magnification, the leads to low mild appeared like oil work, with flat textures.
When it comes to basic low-light efficiency, the first cameras of each the Pixel 7s and the Galaxy S22 Extremely do a great job in capturing good particulars with low noise, however aren’t capable of deal with lens flares very properly from ambient lighting. Having too many vibrant mild sources within the scene tends to drop the picture high quality drastically, which I discovered a bit unusual particularly since I had the Pixel’s Auto Night time Sight and Samsung’s ‘Nightography’ modes turned on. These are speculated to routinely calibrate the cameras primarily based on accessible mild.
Nonetheless, the Google Pixel 7 Professional nonetheless managed significantly better picture high quality, regardless of exhibiting lens flares whereas Samsung’s pictures turned out textureless and noisy. With their respective Night time modes on, the Galaxy S22 Extremely tends to ship higher dynamic vary with a great stage of element.
Google Pixel 7 Professional vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely ultra-wide digital camera comparability in low mild (Faucet to see full measurement)
Google’s Pixel 7 Professional shoots the very best quality video at 4K 30fps and 4K 60fps in daytime. Movies recorded at 1080p turned out a bit uneven with an unsteady framerate. Stabilisation was good and so was the dynamic vary. Nonetheless, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Extremely carried out loads higher in any respect recording resolutions, with a rocksteady framerate and glorious stabilisation.
In low mild nevertheless, issues took a u-turn. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely’s footage was fairly noisy and with low element. There’s additionally focus-hopping which was fairly annoying. Google’s Pixel 7 and seven Professional surprisingly managed higher high quality movies in low mild, in any respect recording resolutions. Stabilisation was additionally good and the identical could be mentioned about dealing with lens flares, which Google managed higher than Samsung. Each smartphones are able to recording HDR video, however the Galaxy S22 Extremely did a greater job when taking pictures in daylight.
Total, Google’s Pixel 7 Professional fares higher than the Galaxy S22 Extremely for basic objective pictures because it manages higher high quality images and movies in every kind of lighting situations. Samsung however did a greater job with selfies, whether or not it was day or evening, and additionally has the sting on the subject of the utmost zoom stage. The Pixel 7 captures practically similar images because the 7 Professional, which ought to be ok to most causal customers. Nonetheless, should you want macro functionality or high-quality zoom, then the 7 Professional has the benefit.
Verdict
Google’s Pixel 7 is a strong premium smartphone with good digital camera efficiency, battery life and a good show. It is not going to win many factors on type and design, primarily as a result of it seems similar to the mid-range Pixel 6a (Review), regardless that it is constructed utilizing extra premium supplies. A strong competitor to the Pixel 7 is the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G (Review). It’s compact, affords related battery life, a quicker 120Hz refresh charge, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. It additionally seems extra premium with its razor-thin show bezels and is on the market from Rs. 62,999.
The Google Pixel 7 Professional will get nearly the whole lot proper save for battery life and charging speeds, which falls wanting expectations. Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra (Review) might value much more with costs ranging from Rs. 1,08,990, nevertheless it provides equally good worth by providing higher battery life, quicker 45W charging, a built-in S-Pen stylus, distinctive design, and higher telephoto capabilities.
As for direct rivals to the Pixel 7 Professional, we’ve the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G (Review) at Rs. 84,999 onwards and the Vivo X80 Pro (Review) at Rs. 79,999. These two telephones positively provide good worth and equally spectacular digital camera efficiency because the Pixel 7 Professional. What offers the Pixel an edge although is its software program expertise and the promise of well timed software program updates, which can all the time arrive on the Pixel 7 collection earlier than another smartphone.
