Models
As has been standard with all Pixel phones except the Pixel 5, Google will be launching at least two models of the Pixel 7. These are to be dubbed the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. They will share similar designs as shown from Google’s shared images, but the Pro model will likely boast a better display, larger batteries, and an extra camera.
Design
The Google Pixel 7 is to inherit a lot of what Google built into the Pixel 6. It looks quite close to the Pixel 6, with the exception of slight changes to the camera visor or camera bar (whatever you want to call it). This means the visor-like rear camera will thankfully remain a design fixture, as will the centered hole-punch camera at the front. The two tone-design on the glass is sadly gone, but Google is making use of the camera bar to add that extra touch of color this time around.
For a company that moved away from a distinct design with the Pixel 4 and 5 to take ownership of such a striking look can only be a good thing for brand recognition. The Pixel 6’s design truly stands apart from other smartphones. Iterating on it means carving out a look. It’ll be a good choice if Google can keep it going.
Specs
Google is expected to be making some changes to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Notably, the screen size of the Pixel 7 is coming down to 6.2 inches. The Pixel 7 Pro is expected to go up a little and ship with a 6.8-inch display.
Inside, the company is to continue eschewing Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and keep working with its own in-house Tensor chips. There have been reports of a Tensor 2 chip in the works, which Google has confirmed. While that would undoubtedly be more powerful, power is not the area where Google’s first Tensor floundered. The company’s choice of modem resulted in an inconsistent signal performance that has led to a deleterious effect on the battery as shown by battery tests run by GSMArena. Hopefully, the second-generation Tensor chip fares a bit better.
Cameras
Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are expected to keep the same camera layout and specs as the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. This means the Pixel 6 will have a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera, while the Pixel 7 Pro will add a 48MP telephoto lens to the layout.
Google has done this before with the Pixel 3, Pixel 4, and Pixel 5 all sporting the same camera. To be clear, the hardware is good and the camera experience of both phones is superlative. The reasoning here could be the same, with Google focusing on getting the most use of the camera hardware before moving on to newer ones.
Pricing and availability
Google’s v is expected to break cover at the company’s annual #MadebyGoogle event in October. As for pricing, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were aggressively priced, leading to Google making gains in the premium market (at least in North America). It would be wiser for the company to stick with the $600 and $900 starting prices, rather than raising the prices to compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung, both of whom still retain substantial mindshare and ecosystem advantages over Google’s products.