Google Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro: Tensor G2, facial recognition and attractive prices

Just one year after the Pixel 6, smartphones of Google’s renewal in the field of products, the manufacturer unveils its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. These two terminals had been formalized last May at the I/O conference, but without detailing the technical sheets. This is today done.

The Pixel 6 successors look a lot like them. Google retains the general look of its previous smartphones, starting with their imposing format and their “bar” welcoming photo modules. However, it abandons the glass finish in favor of aluminum. However, the range retains the IP68 certification which guarantees their tightness.

On the Pixel 7 Pro, there is also a 6.7-inch QHD + screen, like the Pixel 6 Pro. This Oled and LTPO panel still enjoys a refresh rate of 10 to 120 Hz and gains in brightness, according to Google. It should therefore exceed the 894 cd / m² that we measured during the Pixel 6 Pro test. Under the screen sits a new generation of chip signed Google, the Tensor G2, still flanked by 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, as in 2021.

What changes does the Pixel 7 Pro bring to the Pixel 6 Pro? They are relatively rare since Google promises increased screen brightness, increased autonomy thanks to the better efficiency of the Tensor G2, with a capacity maintained at 5000 mAh, but also a photo unit whose sensors are – on paper — identical to those of the Pixel 6 Pro.

By focusing on the details, Google nevertheless promises further exploitation of the 12-megapixel sensor (with ultra wide-angle), which is larger and gains a macro function and autofocus. On the telephoto side, the manufacturer now announces x5 magnification (x4 on the Pixel 6 Pro) with refined management of magnifications between x2 and x5 simultaneously exploiting the main sensor of the smartphone (50 Mpx) and the 48 Mpx sensor with its telephoto lens.

To these elements are added a few other points: Google promises greater performance of the Real Tone function which aims to better restore the skin tone of the people photographed. The Face Unblur function, intended to remove blur on faces after capture, extends to the whole image, while the Night Vision option is faster to limit camera shake. In video, all the sensors are compatible with shooting in 4K at 60 fps, and the Cinematic Blur function – which is reminiscent of Apple’s Cinematic mode – allows you to simulate a background blur in video at 24 fps. The most advanced will note the possibility of filming in HDR 10 bits and of exploiting the images on YouTube like TikTok.

Another element, and not the least: the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 retain fingerprint unlocking, but supplement it with face recognition. A good point given the difficult beginnings of the Pixel 6 in this area.

Photo modules (almost) identical to those of the Pixel 6

The Pixel 7, more compact than the Pixel 7 Pro, sports a 6.3-inch screen, compared to 6.4 inches for the Pixel 6. It retains its Full HD + definition, its 90 Hz refresh rate and Oled technology, but Google promises a 25% increase in brightness. It has 8 GB of RAM to accompany its Tensor G2 chip, a main sensor of 50 Mpx and a second of 12 Mpx (ultra wide-angle), both designed to film in 4K at 60 / s . Should we be worried about it? The Pixel 7 battery does not exceed 4355 mAh, against 4614 mAh for its predecessor, although Google announces increased autonomy.

Let’s end this overview by specifying that the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will be equipped with Android 13 when they are released. In addition to their photography specificities, they will include exclusive features, such as the Audio Message Transcription function, which will automatically convert voice messages into text so that they can be consulted even without headphones at hand. It will work in Messages and French. Google is also talking about adding a feature called Clear Calling by the end of the year to reduce background noise during voice calls.

Unchanged prices

Characterized by their very competitive prices, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were marketed at €649 and €899 in October 2021. Google applies exactly the same prices to its Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, the availability of which is set for October 13, 2022. These prices agree with an endowment of 128 GB, since both benefit from a second version provided with 256 GB of storage and invoiced 749 € (Pixel 7) or 999 € (Pixel 7 Pro). Between October 6 and October 13, Google will give away a pair of Pixel Buds Pro with its Pixel 7, and a Pixel Watch (WiFi) with its Pixel 7 Pro.