After having created the surprise with its Pixel 6 last year, Google intends to impose itself again on the high-end smartphone market with its Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Two photophones with an ever-ambitious technical sheet, combining premium equipment, advanced features and above all a contained price.
Presented two weeks ago by Google, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are now available at Fnac. As with its Pixel 6, the Mountain View company intends to convince users by betting on excellent value for money.
The Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro are displayed respectively from 649 euros and 899 euros. Surprisingly moderate prices for these smartphones which are already announced among the best photophones of this end of the year.
Through these new references, Google is once again trying to establish itself in the field of mobile photography and is relying even more than in the past on artificial intelligence (AI). And although their design is largely borrowed from that of the Pixel 6, the technical sheet of the Pixel 7 brings interesting developments, especially in terms of performance and photo.
A signature design inspired by the Google Pixel 6
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. This new series still consists of two smartphones, including a compact 6.3-inch model (the Pixel 7) and a second 6.7-inch (the Pixel 7 Pro).
Like the Pixel 6, these new terminals accommodate a horizontal photo block extending over the entire width of the smartphone. A design that differentiates them from the rest of the mobile market. This year, the frame of the photo sensors on the back is made of a more noble material than the 2021 models, namely aluminum, matte on the Pixel 7 and polished on the Pixel 7 Pro.
At the front, the Pixel 7 inherits a reduced screen from 6.4 to 6.3 inches. In addition to this modification, few changes should be noted compared to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The Pixel 7 benefits, like its predecessor, from an FHD + display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. Same observation on the side of the Pro with its QHD + definition and its adaptive 120 Hz.
The biggest evolution in display concerns brightness. It can now reach 1,500 nits on the Pro version, which is 25% more than the previous model. If these Pixel 7 have an obvious family resemblance on the design side, they have also inherited the photo excellence of their predecessors.
Camera: improved AI for new features
The photo is the area in which Google wants to stand out. With each new generation of Pixel, the brand strives for excellence in this area.
On this point, if the performance of the sensors evolves on the Pixel 7, the technical sheet alone does not make it possible to apprehend it. The Pixel 7 retains a 50-megapixel main module, as well as a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle. And the Pixel 7 Pro still comes with a 48-megapixel telephoto lens.
Contrary to the market trend, Google is not embarking on a pixel race. The American brand focuses more on the software part, that is to say on the AI, to strengthen the performance of its sensors.
With its Pixel 7 Google has the ambition to never need more than one click to take great photos. And to do this, he put the package aside features.
For example, photo and video portraits gain in authenticity with the RealTone, which allows for a more varied and accurate display of skin tones. Snapshots automatically become sharper with the option Anti-blur. And with the magic eraserone click is enough to remove an object or a person from a photo.
Videos are automatically given a very nice background blur with the Cinematic Blur, for a rendering more Pro “. Finally, Google has also thought of the visually impaired, who now benefit from a voice guide in the photo application to help them better frame their selfies.
All these new options require performance and responsiveness. They then rely on the power of a brand new chip: the Tensor G2.
A Made by Google chip at the service of AI, but not only
Since its Pixel 6, Google has endeavored to better control all of its components. He thus abandoned the chips designed by other specialists, to create his own SOC (Security operations center) according to his needs.
As such, the Pixel 7 embed the second generation of Tensor chip. Engraved in 4 nm, the latter is 60% faster than the first version. This equipment supports both raw and AI performance, for even more efficient photo processing.
As a bonus, the energy performance of the Tensor G2 is improved by 20% compared to the first Tensor chip. It better preserves the autonomy of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, estimated at more than 24 hours by Google and 72 hours with the ultra battery saver.
Pixel 7s run natively on Android 13, the latest version of the OS. Like the Pixel 6, they benefit from the first Android updates and 3 years of operating system updates. A duration extended to 5 years when it comes to security patches.
Unexpected value for money
The last surprise of these new Pixel 7 is their price. While the market does not hesitate to inflate the prices of its high-end smartphones, Google has not increased its prices compared to last year. And this, even though the Pixel 7 are as, or even more, efficient than the Pixel 6.
The Google Pixel 7 is currently sold from 649 euros in Volcanic Black, Lime Green and Snow colors.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is available from 899 euros, in Volcanic Black, Sage Green and Snow colors.
Alongside the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Google also launched a brand new Google smartwatch, the Pixel Watch (Pixel Watch we tested).
The Pixel Watch is available in a Wi-Fi version or with 4G connectivity, starting at 379 euros.
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