Google Pixel 7 test: a version 6.5 But still a must have

With the pixel 7 at € 649, Google has largely focused on three major areas: refinement of design, expanding its photo capacities and the integration of more exclusive software functionalities in Pixel. THE Pixel 7 Pro, More expensive, costs € 899 and adds a telephoto lens as well as a 6.7 -inch larger screen.

Google Pixel 7 test: the smartphone at the best value for money on the market?

After the Pixel 7 Pro, place to the “standard” version of the high -end smartphone from Google. Far from being the poor parent, Pixel 7 has many advantages to assert a tighter price.

Launched at the same time as the Google Pixel 7 Pro, THE Pixel 7 resumes the main lines while making some concessions to reduce the price.

Positioned at 649 euros in starting price (for 128 GB of storage), it is 250 euros less expensive than its acolyte better equipped in photo in particular. Some minimum differences that deserve to take a closer look at the little “standard” little brother, but gifted with the same talents or almost.

Pixel 7 forces

The light photo, but always at the top

The Pixel 7 has only two photo sensors on the back: a large angle of 50 Mpx and an ultra-angle of 12 Mpx (125.8 ° of field of vision). If you dreamed of playing with the telephoto and zooming in perfection, you will have to get back to the Pixel 7 Pro. Macro mode is the other big absent. But the Pixel 7 also benefits from the talents of Google’s artificial intelligence and the power of the Google Tensor G2 house chip to do miracles.

It is almost impossible to miss a photo with a pixel 7, day and night. AI catches up almost everything thanks to its correction tools. The magic gum allows you to erase unsightly elements (or people if you wish), the anti-scum option catches the rare movements, and it is even possible to add a blur in the background after taking the photo.

In addition, Google will systematically suggest improvements to embellish your shots, whether filters or brightness retouching.

The zoom remains good, even if it does not go up to X30 in digital or even X5 in optics (you have to be satisfied with an X2 optics). In maximum zoom x8, the loss in quality is felt, but it remains more than honorable and much better than certain competitors.

At night, Pixel 7 is also comfortable, as it is Google’s trademark for several years. At the front, we find the same camera as that of the Pixel 7 Pro, capable of taking group selfies thanks to its ultra-angle-angle. It can film in 4K/60 IPS and is quite good in low light.

A premium design

As for the Pixel 7 Pro, Google reworked the look of its smartphones. The Pixel 7 is elegant with its matt aluminum edges and especially holds well in hand so as not to slide (it is certified IP68 to adorn the immersion and resist dust). It is available in snow white, volcanic black and lemon green.

Note that the 6.3 -inch OLED screen is smaller than that of the Pixel 7 Pro, but very good, with excellent light. On the other hand, you have to be satisfied with an image refreshment rate at 90 Hz against 120 Hz. Only the most experienced players will really perceive the difference, or those who have already tasted 120 Hz.

On the back, the photo module was repositioned in a black bubble, within a metallic strip that occupies the whole width. This allows you not to be embarrassed using the buttons on the side (volume, standby) or holding it. The glass back is quite resistant to all kinds of shocks, less to fingerprints. At the front, the Gorilla Glass Victus glass holds well in front of the potential scratches.

Software functions

Like the Pixel 7 Pro, which we invite you to Reread the test on this specific part, Pixel 7 benefits from functions that differentiate it from other Android (Android 13 here) smartphones. Google notably incorporates instant translation and subtitling tools for any video, but also the possibility of having a vocal message transcribed.

Pixel 7 weaknesses

A load not very fast

Google has announced that it has improved the autonomy of its smartphones and it must be said that it was a bit of the black point in recent years. The Pixel 7 is doing a little better and easily holds the day, a little more in standard use. But don’t expect miracles. In play or video, he can even see his autonomy descend quickly. It is also necessary to count 40 minutes to recover 60% of autonomy and almost 1h40 for a full load, at a time when Oppo or Xiaomi are within 20 minutes.

Heat easily

The Pixel 7 tends to heat quickly if you are in mobile, film or navigate a little assiduously. It is quickly felt under the fingers.

Conclusion

For the price of an advanced mid -range smartphone, the Google Pixel 7 is a gold case. It has many attributes that are found on the top of the range (photo quality, specific functions, fast and efficient processor, refined design) for less than 700 euros, a little more if you want 256 GB of storage. There is probably no better value for money on its segment.

If he makes concessions compared to his big brother, the Pixel 7 Pro, he has something to make one think twice those who would hesitate between the two models. If the quality photo is your priority and the high resolution zoom is not essential, go for it!

Google Pixel 7 test: a version 6.5 But still a must have

The Pixel 7 is a solid choice for those who want an Android phone with a moderate size screen and a good camera at a reasonable price. It is not so different from Pixel 6, But it is a good sign because it shows that Google held on the same winning formula that he established last year, which gave rise to another well-balanced Android flagship phone which continues to sub Coter Apple and Samsung in terms of price.

With the pixel 7 at € 649, Google has largely focused on three major areas: refinement of design, expanding its photo capacities and the integration of more exclusive software functionalities in Pixel. THE Pixel 7 Pro, More expensive, costs € 899 and adds a telephoto lens as well as a 6.7 -inch larger screen.

Pixel 7 is based on many elements presented for the first time with the Pixel 6 and pushes them forward. It has a second generation Tensor G2 processor which feeds certain new camera features. The design is similar to that of Pixel 6, but the accent is more on the bar incorporating all the photo sensors at the back. And once again, Google looks at software features exclusive to Pixel, such as the inclusion of its free VPN service.

Its new smartphone offers a tasty mixture of features, photo tools and price. The battery life could be longer, and you will get an additional generation of Android software support by going to Samsung rather. But Pixel 7 manages to advance a lot of arguments for its price of € 649.

The pixel 7 is a more elegant pixel 6

Pixel 7 has smaller bevels than Pixel 6 from last year. James Martin/Cnet

Pixel 7 has the same global design language as Pixel 6. Once again, the photo part is highlighted with a horizontal bar that extends to the back of the phone. But that of Pixel 7 is made of metal instead of glass.

Google has moved away from the two -color design of the Pixel 6 with the Pixel 7, which is rather covered in one color at the back. It is available in snow, volcanic black and lemon green. The latter seems to be the most exciting color option in the group.

Pixel 7 also has smaller bevels at the front, which gives it A slightly more modern and premium look than the Pixel 6. The screen is a bit smaller, with 6.3 inches against 6.4 inches. It is still large enough to offer more space than devices like the Samsung Galaxy S22, L’iPhone 14 and the Pixel 6a, who all have 6.1 inch displays.

The pixel 7 pro (left) has a 6.7 -inch larger screen compared to 6.3 inch pixel 7 (right). James Martin/Cnet

Google claims that the Pixel 7 screen is reaching a peak of brightness of 1,400 nits, although We still had trouble seeing its content in full sun in certain situations. The Galaxy S22 range, on the other hand, impressed us with the brightness of its tiles.

The metal edges of the pixel 7. James Martin/Cnet

Like its predecessor, the screen of the Pixel 7 A a definition of 1080 x 2400 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection for its durability and the possibility of boosting the refreshment rate until 90 Hz For a more fluid scrolling and entertainment. A disappointing hair on this last point because for this price, several competitors offer 120 Hz.

Pixel 7 cameras against iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22

Pixel 7 camera has slight improvements compared to Pixel 6 from last year. James Martin/Cnet

Pixel 7 has A 50 megapixel main sensor and an ultra-wide-angle camera of 12 megapixels, Like Pixel 6. But Google claims to have made some changes behind the scenes which should improve the quality of the pixel 7 zoom.

During a zoom in 2x, the main 50 megapixel pixel 7 megapixel sensor is now cut in 12.5 megapixels in the center. According to Google, the result should be similar to that of a 2x optical objective. The Pixel 7 can also zoom in to 8x in digital, which represents a slight improvement compared to the 7x zoom of the Pixel 6.

The 2x zoom of Pixel 7 is generally clear and detailed, Although in many cases, the image of Pixel 7 seemed just as good as those taken on Pixel 6, iPhone 14 and Galaxy S22. The photos below are an example.

Pixel 7 vs pixel 6.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

But in the few cases where we noticed a difference, the results were impressive. Take a look at the photos of a panel in the park below, which were taken at the maximum digital zoom level of each phone. The Pixel 7 may not have the longest zoom (this honor goes to the 30x digital zoom in the Galaxy S22), but he certainly has the clearest photo. And this is certainly a tighter snapshot than the 5x digital zoom that you can get with the iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs pixel 6.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

The Horizon line of the East River in this photo, which was taken with a 2x zoom, also seems clear in the photo of the Pixel 7 than on that of the iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

In other scenarios, Pixel 7 generally held its rank. Sometimes he produced a better photo than Apple or Samsung, and other times he found himself behind both. The interior portrait below has been taken under a short light and is not as clear or detailed as that of the iPhone, for example, although it is equal with that of Samsung.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14

In broad daylight, Pixel 7 captured A clear and detailed photo in portrait mode which is properly isolates the subject in the foreground. However, we preferred the photos of Apple and Samsung because they project fewer shadows on the subject of the subject.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22

But the Pixel 7 is efficient for photos in night mode and the colorful photos taken in sunlight.

In the photo below, which was taken in an almost entirely dark room, the Pixel 7 and the iPhone 14 both produced Quite bright images with some details. The photo of the iPhone is the best and brightest, and it also presents the sharper details. But the photo of the pixel 7 is always clear than that of Samsung and displays more precise colors. Take photos in night mode on the pixel 7 is also faster for a few seconds than doing it on the Pixel 6, although it essentially equals Apple and Samsung with regard to the shooting speed.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14

We also really liked this photo of flowers at the park taken on the pixel 7. Of the three phones, we believe that Apple did the best job to balance colors and details while remaining faithful to the scene. Google’s photo nevertheless presents More details in the petals that the Galaxy S22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

But what is more interesting is one of the new editing features that Google added to the Pixel 7. Her name is Photo aburur, And it looks very much like the Face Unburur function which made its debut on the Pixel 6 last year. The idea is that instead of simply accentuating the new photos as faced by aburur, you can browse your photo library and correct the smallest quality photos that may have been taken with older cameras.

We could not believe how much the Pixel 7 improved the sharpness of this photo taken almost 10 years ago. Take a look at the shots below to see the difference.

From our experience, this tool works better in the photos that are blurred. If a photo is too grainy, because there was simply not enough light when the image was originally taken, there is not much that Google can do. It is nice to see that the company does not only think of the quality of the image when it comes to updating photography.

Regarding the video, one of the biggest additions to the Pixel 7 is a functionality called Cinematic Blur. This should seem familiar to Apple users, since the iPhone has a very similar feature called Cinematic Mode. It blurs the background of an image to bring out the subject more, just like the portrait mode for the photos.

The cinematic blur of Pixel 7 works well and is fun to use, but that of the iPhone made the scene more natural. You can check how these clips compare in the Pixel 7 video review integrated into this article.

Real tone and guided framing

Pixel 7 (left) and Pixel 7 Pro (right). Andrew Lanxon/Cnet

Google said that it has improved its Real Tone camera system With more than 10,000 portraits of people to refine how pixel phones make tones of the skin. Real Tone should also work better in the event of low light, said the company.

To put this to the test, we have photographed some of our colleagues using the Pixel 7, the iPhone 14 and the Galaxy S22 and we asked them what photo they preferred and why. By showing them the photos, we did not reveal what images came from which phone to avoid any potential bias.

Theodore Liggians, Social Producer Associate:

“Compared to others, Pixel 7 was the most neutral in all areas. In low light, it maintains what you would see with your eyes, which is not what you want your phone to do in low light situations. In low light, the pixel 7 seems to take warmer photos to boost the color of a subject. Outside, he does a great job to keep the blues of the sky and avoid a blown background. The Lens Flare is a distraction and does not appear in the same image of the Galaxy S22, so I do not know if it is a problem caused by the phone or by the user.

The Galaxy S22 was the best in my eyes. If you did not know that these photos were taken in low light, you would never know. In the event of high exposure, as outside, the Galaxy S22 manages to reduce the brightness and keep the sparkle of the subject. The Galaxy S22 manages to balance and correct the colors to perfection.

The iPhone 14 gives the impression of increasing saturation rather than trying to correct colors in low lighting and strong exposure situations. In low light conditions, it seems to be turned between too hot and dull. In outdoor shots, the colors seem deep and smoothed by the software – almost like an automatic filter. »»

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Imad Khan, senior reporter:

“Overall, I like the photos of the Pixel 7. Outside, he did a good job to capture the subject in the center while doing a little blur on the background. We still note Lens Flare. Inside and in low light situations, it keeps precise colors and textures. HDR is also good.

The Galaxy S22 also produces excellent photos. The goal has a shorter focal length, which means that it brings the center closer to the frame, but that it also shows more New York behind me. There is still Lens Flare at the bottom and it seems that post-treatment has smoothed part of my t-shirt. The greatest focal length lies on me a little, which may seem unnatural. But clarity in low light is good. He is always able to capture the textures of my clothes.

The iPhone 14 seems to be the brightest of all cameras. There is almost a glow around my head when I am in the sun. However, the focal length allows a good framing and the background has a more natural blur. There is a reflection of the goal, but this time it is located above my body. Low light photos are more attenuated than the first two. I note a loss of details and clarity. There is more noise. Interior photos with good lighting seem precise and tones of the skin are good, even if I think there is a minimal skin smoothing. »»

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Lai Frances, social managing producer:

“The Pixel 7 seems to be the most stable in terms of colors for mixed lighting. A little too real, in fact. The colors that come out resemble the colors you would see with your eyes. When it comes to weak lighting, it’s impressive to see how he manages to lighten the photo and keep the tone. On the other hand, the interior lighting gives the impression of being a little exaggerated with regard to the complexion of the skin.

The Galaxy S22 is the most consistent in terms of colors. Of the three, he took the best photos, whatever the lighting situation, and it is quite impressive. The photos were clear, the lighting worked, the subject (me) is correct. In other words, this device is the one to recommend.

The external photos of the iPhone 14 were quite similar to those of the first two phones. But when it was low and mixed interior lighting, color tones tended to move to a warmer or colder side. The mixed lighting photo gave the impression of losing contrast, while the interior and low lighting photos seemed warmer compared to all the other shots. »»

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 vs galaxy s22.

Pixel 7 vs iPhone 14.

Pixel 7 and 7 Pro also have a new feature called Guide Frame (guided framing), which uses vocal clues to help blind or visually impaired to take a selfie. It works automatically as soon as you activate the Google Talkback screen reader.

To test guide Frame, we took a selfie on our sofa, eyes closed. The phone told us precisely if we were in the context or if one of our faces was partially masked.

Pixel 7 performance and autonomy

The Pixel 7 front camera now has the face unlocking. James Martin/Cnet

Pixel 7 works with the new processor Tensor G2 De Google, which is mainly used to supply some of the new features of the camera mentioned above, such as aburur photo. The performances seem to be in accordance with what is expected of a flagship smartphone; The scrolling of the interface generally seems fluid and the applications are quickly launched. The fingerprint sensor also seems faster than that of Pixel 6, which is a welcome improvement. We did not notice any bugs like those who previously impacted the Pixel 6 at the time of its release.

You can unlock the Pixel 7 with your face, unlike the Pixel 6. But Google warns that this feature is not as secure as the use of a PIN code or the fingerprint reader, as it is mainly based on the front camera of Pixel 7. As such, the company positions it only as a way to unlock your phone rather than authenticate purchases.

Face ID, in comparison, projects thousands of invisible points to create a card is your face (and can be used to allow Apple Pay). The good news is that unlocking the face seems to act quickly on the pixel 7. It generally recognizes our face almost instantly.

The autonomy of the Pixel 7 battery is long enough to spend a day with its side. But you may want to take a charger if the day looks long and you plan to use gourmet battery features often. When we left the activated high refresh rate parameter, that we have disabled the adaptive brightness, that the Now Playing song recognition function was activated and we have left the still active display, We have obtained a little more than 15 hours of the Pixel 7 – which is enough to spend a full working day and more.

The deactivation of many of these features made it possible to boost the autonomy of about an hour during an equally busy day. But the battery life will always fluctuate depending on how you use your device. On the days when we were less active and most of our time passions at home or at the office, we had about 30 to 44 % of the battery capacity when bed.

Pixel 7 software

The pixel 7 and pixel 7 pro operate on Android 13. Andrew Lanxon/Cnet

Pixel 7 works under Android 13. Pixel 7 and 7 Pro owners have free access to the virtual private network, or VPN, from Google.

Other software improvements, let us quote the transcription of audio messages and the possibility of immediately transcribing automated menus when calling free numbers, without having to wait.

Google also promises Five years of security updates for the Pixel 7 range and at least three years of upgrades to the Android operating system. It’s not bad, but Samsung promises four generations of updates to the Android version in more than five years of security updates.

Pixel 7: the essential

Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7 (right). Andrew Lanxon/Cnet

Pixel 7 is a continuation of Pixel 6, offering a good combination of useful features, solid photo technology and a correct price. It happens after Google has tried some different strategies to make its pixel phones stand out in recent years.

THE Pixel 4, For example, had a movement detection radar system to allow faster unlocking and contactless gestures. But he never managed to win. Google then simplified the Pixel 5 by deleting this radar system and focusing more on the camera. Pixel 6, however, seems to have set the direction Google intends to follow in the predictable future by adding features that take advantage of its Tensor chip.

That said, there are some improvements that we would like to see in the Pixel 8, especially around autonomy. Samsung also beats Google with regard to the management of generations of Android software, the brightness of the screen and the level of pure and simple magnification of the zoom in its camera. However, the zoom of Pixel 7 is impressive of clarity at its maximum level, and features like Photo Unburur helps the camera of the Pixel to continue to stand out.

Overall, Pixel 7 has many arguments, especially for € 649, making it a solid choice for Android fans who upgrade a phone over two or three years.

Read the full test

• Writing note

The Parisian tested: the Google Pixel 7, the ideal Android smartphone ?

Does the phone designed by Mountain View giant deserves all the praise addressed by criticism when it was released at the end of 2022 ? After several months of daily use, here is our opinion.

Always an ace of the photo. Google has carved out a great reputation in the field of photography, in particular thanks to the power of its algorithms, which sublimate the clichés. Unsurprisingly, the pixel 7 makes an almost perfect copy. By day, photos of the 50 megapixel main sensor are very successful. The bitter is excellent, shimmering colors and work on contrasts flatters the retina, while remaining natural.

Even the zoom defends itself well, at least until X5. A great software feat since the Pixel 7, unlike the upper model, the 7 pro (899 euros), is without telephoto lens.

But it is especially at night that the Pixel 7 reveals all its assets. The rendering is impressive in the vast majority of cases, with well -colored, well exposed and clear photos. On this point, he looks in the eyes of the phones sold much more expensive, like the Samsung Galaxy S23 (959 euros) and the iPhone 14 Pro.

The selfie sensor of 10.8 Mp, is also convincing: the details of the face remain numerous and the rather faithful skin carnation. It is also possible to expand the field of vision, ideal for group photos. Let us not finally forget the other great force of pixels: the portrait mode. This one is always at the top with a bokeh effect (the background blur) controlled and a nice highlighting of the subjects.

A unique software experience. We find on the Pixel 7 all the software features that made the success of the Pixel 6. Let us cite, among other things, the magic gum, which allows to easily erase elements on a photo (See the clichés below), And now available on all Android phones; The “listening” mode which automatically identifies the music broadcast nearby. Or the real -time textual transcription of the vocal recorder. The Pixel 7 also incorporates its own functions, such as a VPN which, once activated, secures your connection. Practical, for example, if you use public Wi-Fi. We should also mention the Photo Unburur mode, which can improve a blurred photo (with more or less success). So many good ideas that make the “pixel experience” very pleasant.

Solid performance. The homemade chip, the Tensor G2, coupled with 8 GB of Ram, turns the device without problem. No daily slowdown. The software experience, moreover, is more successful than last year with the Pixel 6 since no bug, no Lag or Crash has appeared during these four months of use. No problem either concerning demanding 3D games even if, for some, it will be necessary to accept some graphic concessions.

We liked it less

Too slow load. It is a handicap from which the Pixel 6 suffered: the recharging of Pixel 7 is slow, very slow even … It takes more than 1h35 to fill 100 % the 4,355 mAh of the battery, with the official charger – not supplied, and Sold 30 euros. We are far from the prowess of Realme, Oppo and Xiaomi, some of which find all their tone in 15/20 minutes. On the autonomy side, the Pixel 7 gets away with it: it will easily hold a day and a half, in mixed use.

A beautiful screen … but limited to 90 Hz. The Pixel 7 is equipped with a 6.3 -inch AMOLED slab, a Full HD + definition (2,400 x 1,080 pixels). We salute the accuracy of colors and the maximum brightness, very high. But you can deplore a cooling rate limited to 90 Hz, while some direct competitors go up to 120 Hz. That said, the difference will remain little perceptible on a daily basis for most users.

Only three years of Android updates. Google promises five years of security patches, which is rather high in the Android universe. But we regret that the giant is satisfied with only three years of Android updates at the end of the phone, where Samsung, for example, goes up to four years. Not to mention Apple that offers an iOS update for six years. Frustrating to say that, after October 2025, the Pixel 7 will no longer have the latest software news. Clearly, the Mountain View company must do better on this point.

Verdict

At 649 euros, the Pixel 7 is undoubtedly one of the best Android smartphones of the moment, even four months after its release. Gifted in the photo, he holds on this point the high dragee with more expensive devices. It also has well thought out software features, which distinguish it from its competitors. Well balanced elsewhere, it does not suffer from any big defects. However, Google would have been to line up with Apple concerning the duration of software updates.