Google only just recently presented its mid-range offspring, the Pixel 6a, and now the company is following up with the new Pixel 7 series. The Pixel 7 Pro under review here is the direct successor to the Pixel 6 Pro and essentially sticks to a proven design, but comes with an improved camera setup and a newer SoC.
The predecessor had to endure criticism from end users for yellowish displays, weak reception and a sluggish fingerprint sensor, which is why we pay special attention to these issues in the following review.
On the bright side, prices have remained stable this year and the Pixel 7 Pro starts at around US$$899 for the 128 GB variant, with the upgrade to 256GB costing an additional US$100. The 512 GB model (US$1,300) can only be purchased in the US thus far. This year, all storage versions are also finally available for all color options.
The Pixel 7 Pro has the same striking design as its predecessor, but the camera hump now merges seamlessly into the case frame, which looks even more high quality. The manufacturer specifies the thickness as 8.9 millimeters; we measured 8.55 millimeters without the camera. Including the camera, the Pixel smartphone measures 11.1 millimeters.
Both the front and the back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which has a very pleasing feel and is also visually convincing. Unfortunately, it is also extremely susceptible to fingerprints. Because of the smooth glass surface, users need to watch out for the smartphone on slightly uneven surfaces due to the danger of it slipping away.
The build quality is solid and is characterized by narrow and even gaps. Torsional rigidity is also high, and we were unable to elicit the slightest noise from the Pixel 7 Pro in the corresponding tests. The SIM slot's cover is almost flush with the frame and can accommodate a nano-SIM.
The Pixel 7 Pro is available in Hazel (gray), Snow (white) and Obsidian (black). The battery is permanently installed and the smartphone is dust- and waterproof according to IP68.
Google has given the Pixel 7 Pro a fast 2nd generation USB 3.2 port that works with a data transfer rate of up to 10 GBit/s and supports wired image output. Apart from the Pixel 7, only the ROG Phone 6 offers such a powerful connection.
It should be borne in mind that there is no microSD support when selecting the storage. An IR blaster, an audio jack or a notification LED have not been installed either. The recess in the frame at the top of the Google smartphone is intended for the 5G mmWave antennas, but this mobile standard is not yet available in Europe. Google does not reveal whether the antennas have been installed nonetheless and whether they will be activated later via an update.
In addition to Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E and NFC, the Pixel 7 Pro also supports UWB.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro comes with stock Android 13 and the latest security patches, which are updated monthly. At least three version upgrades and two more years of security updates will be provided (until October 2027). So this means that the smartphone will get Android 16 at the very least; Google reveals the corresponding details on an FAQ page.
In addition to the well-known Pixel features, Google is now providing its own VPN solution for Pixel owners. However, the feature was not available at the time of review and is expected to be added via an update in December 2022.
The smartphone can now translate 48 languages via live translations. This includes written texts in messengers, text captured via the camera, subtitles in videos, and even live translations for speech in some languages. The latter can be launched via Google Assistant with the command "Be my interpreter" and works surprisingly well.
Google preinstalls most of its own apps, but refrains from installing third-party applications.
On paper, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is Wi-Fi 6E capable. Unfortunately, the Google smartphone does not recognize the 6 GHz band of our Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 reference router. This is likely to be amended via a future update. As soon as this is the case, we will provide the corresponding test results. On the 5 GHz network, performance values are very promising and very good in terms of both speed and stability.
In Europe, the Pixel 7 Pro only supports 5G Sub6, which isn't much of an issue currently due to the lack of mmWave networks, but will certainly become more important in the near future. The signal qualities of the Pixel 6 (Pro) were a frequent point of criticism. The Pixel 7 Pro, in contrast, makes a strong impression in metropolitan areas (network: Telekom, 5G) and leaves no room for criticism. In direct comparison to the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, the attenuation (loss of signal) within the same radio cell is slightly higher, but the data transfer performance is at a similar level. So there is no noticeable difference in this scenario.
The Pixel 7 Pro supports a large number of frequency bands, so it should be usable all over the world.
For localization, the Google Pixel 7 Pro uses dual-band GNSS to connect to the GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou satellite networks. Sattelite positioning is very fast and accurate outdoors, but takes longer indoors and the smartphone needs some time before displaying suitable levels of accuracy.
We compared the Pixel with the Garmin Venu 2 fitness smartwatch on a short bike tour. Its tracking capabilities are quite decent, but not as accurate as the Garmin watch. Nevertheless, the performance offered is absolutely satisfactory for navigational tasks.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a dual-SIM smartphone that offers room for a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM. In March 2023, dual eSIM support will be provided via an update. Features such as VoLTE and WLAN calling are supported, but Google has disabled Android's built-in SIP account controls.
We were very satisfied with the voice quality in our tests. When held to the ear, the Pixel smartphone reproduces the user's voice very naturally, although the better microphones make it sound slightly duller than usual. But this is not noticeable in everyday use. Minor background noises are inaudible and filtered out without any loss of quality. The Pixel even copes satisfactorily in noisy environments, such as a busy café, although background noise occasionally slips through and the user's voice sounds a little hollow. The latter effect only becomes more audible in very loud environments, but even then the Pixel 7 Pro does its job really well.
The proximity sensor is located in the panel and reacts very quickly and reliably. However, it has the disadvantage that the screen is dimmed during a call, which does not help when we want to access the quick menu.
The front camera of the Google Pixel 7 Pro works with a resolution similar to that of the predecessor, delivering 10.8 MP. Unfortunately, it only uses a fixed focus. Videos can be recorded in Ultra HD at up to 60 FPS, but those wanting to use HDR will be limited to 30 FPS. Google also offers an automatic night mode and the "Top Shot" function for photography on the front. In the case of the latter, the smartphone records a short video and makes a selection of photos from which the user can choose the appropriate one. In addition, a two-stage face retouching can be activated. An extended wide-angle option is also available for group selfies. Overall, we like the photos with the front camera. Only in backlight do the pictures appear a little pale.
The camera setup on the back is also very similar to that of the Pixel 6 Pro. The main camera uses a 50 MP sensor from Samsung, which is supplemented by an ultra-wide-angle at 12 MP and a 48 MP telephoto lens that promises fivefold (5x) optical magnification. In comparison, the predecessor had fourfold (x4) optical zoom and the ultra-wide angle only had an angle of 114 degrees (Pixel 7 Pro: 125.8 degrees).
The main camera takes really good photos and strikes a good balance in regard to sharpness. This is especially true of close-ups, while image quality is a little weaker in panoramic shots, especially when backlit. Although the dynamic range is high across the entire image, there are some weaknesses in the details. Contours are slightly muddy and washed out. The night mode also produced a few errors in our tests and, among other things, our droid appeared strangely dirty. Google will certainly make improvements here, especially since the low-light performance is otherwise very good.
The optical zoom does its job very well in daylight and can digitally enlarge up to a factor of 30. This strong zoom is no longer suitable for prints, but is quite useful for zooming in on a sign, poster or something similar from a distance. The optical viewfinder in the live view, which is activated at a magnification of 15x, is also practical. Image stabilization is good, but it does not capture movement or moving subjects as well as, for example, Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra or Vivo's X80 Pro.
Despite the now comparatively low resolution, the ultra-wide-angle lens take good photos, even if it cannot keep up with the main camera. Slight aberrations can occur in the peripheral areas, especially where hard edges (i.e. of buildings) are present, and shot noise is greater in these areas. A macro lens is also available. The Pixel 7 Pro switches to macro mode rather quickly early on, but this can be deactivated via a small button.
In terms of videography, Google's smartphone delivers good results, but it cannot keep up with other top smartphones in terms of functionality. The missing 8k mode is certainly the easiest loss to bear, but there is also no choice of aspect ratios whatsoever, and the refresh rates are limited to 30 and 60 FPS. We like the option of being able to record 10-bit HDR videos, although this is limited to Ultra HD at 30 FPS. The slow motion function is only available in Full HD, while the time-lapse is available in 4k for all lenses.
Under controlled lighting conditions, the Google Pixel 7 Pro delivers good image quality. The test chart is captured with a fairly warm white balance, but details remain very clear up to the peripheral area. Subjects appear bright and well-lit in low light (1 lux), but the image is then very cool and correspondingly bluish.
Color reproduction is also very good. Only cyan is a little off target with a slightly increased deviation from DeltaE.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro only comes with a USB-C cable and an OTG adapter (Type-C to Type-A). Those wanting a matching power adapter directly from Google have to shell out an additional US$30, and the wireless charging station costs around US$80. In addition, Google also offers protective cases for its smartphone, which are available from around US$22.
The warranty is 24 months in Germany and cannot be extended. This may differ in other regions, so be sure to check with your supplier before purchasing.
The capacitive touchscreen of the Pixel 7 Pro recognizes up to ten touches simultaneously and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Gliding properties are excellent, especially since Google does not use a protective film. The physical keys sit firmly in the frame and have a short travel.
Google once again installs an optical fingerprint scanner for biometric security. Although this works more reliably than in the Pixel 6 Pro, the contact area remains very small, so that it is easy to misplace the finger. The Vixo X80 Pro is in a different league in this regard, since it uses a large ultrasonic sensor. At least facial recognition is now also on board. This functioned very quickly and reliably under testing, but it should be noted that this is a less secure unlocking method.
The vibration motor delivers both crisp and haptically appealing feedback. Some useful operating aids have also been integrated into the Pixel 7 Pro. For example, a preset action can be triggered by double tapping the back of the smartphone. This could be, for example, turning the flashlight on or off or taking a screenshot. Starting specially selected apps directly is also possible.
The display of the Google Pixel 7 Pro measures 6.7 inches (17.02 cm) and optionally offers QHD+ resolution (3,120 x 1,440), but Full HD+ with a lower pixel density is preset. According to the specifications, the OLED panel is capable of LTPO, which means that the system should automatically vary the refresh rate between 10 and 120 Hz. Unfortunately, this was not confirmed in our tests because the smartphone only switches between 60 and 120 Hz when Smooth Display is activated. The Pixel 7 Pro supports the most common HDR standards (HLG, HDR10, HDR10+). An always-on function is available, but can only be configured to a very limited extent.
The panel brightness reaches an average of a very high 1025 cd/m² in a pure white display with the ambient light sensor activated and is extremely uniform. With a even distribution of bright and dark areas (APL18), the display reaches up to 1,499 cd/m². If you do not use the sensor for control, a maximum of 585 cd/m² is available.
We determined OLED flickering in our measurements with the oscilloscope, but this is very constant at low brightness and is on par with the refresh rate at 120 Hz. As the display gets brighter, the frequency jumps to a stable 240 Hz. The effect is comparable to permanent DC dimming, which is why the likelihood of complaints is lower than with displays that have a choppier progression.
We did not observe any temporal dithering. For this, we examined the display through a microscope during the playback of a 240 FPS slow motion video (dark gray, at full brightness).
We examined color representation using a photospectrometer and CalMAN analysis software. The preset color profile Adaptive offers a slightly more saturated display and uses an extended sRGB color space. As the name suggests, imaging performance is more accurate under the profile Natural. All in all, the Pixel 7 Pro does everything right in this area and delivers impeccable imaging performance.
The Pixel 7 Pro performs very well outdoors and offers very good legibility in all light situations. At most, reflections on the glass surface can be a bit annoying, but this only applies when the display is viewed from the side.
The viewing angle stability of the OLED display is on the expected level and we like it very much. A loss of brightness and a slight green haze can only be seen from very flat viewing angles.
For graphics acceleration, the Google Pixel 7 Pro uses an ARM Mali-G710 MP7, integrated into the SoC, which is the weakest GPU from this series to date. The more powerful G710 MP10 is used in the ROG Phone 6D, for example. Even a variant with up to 16 cores would be possible on ARM's part.
In terms of performance, the diagnosis is mixed. If the older OpenGL ES API is used, the Pixel smartphone is able to double its performance in some places. Unfortunately, the situation is different with the modern Vulkan API, where increases are only in the low single-digit percentage range. While performance is still very high, it offers less reserves in view of the smartphone's long lifespan.
Web browsing is smooth on the Google Pixel 7 Pro. The smartphone falls squarely in the middle of the comparison field. Only in the WebXPRT test are the results quite low. In this case, this is due to Chrome, as Microsoft's Edge scores more points under testing.
The storage speed of the UFS 3.1 memory in the Pixel 7 Pro is very high, but mostly has to concede defeat to competing devices, mainly due to the more powerful storage controllers of the other SoCs. This does not have a negative effect in everyday use.
The ARM Mali-G710 MP7 provides very good performance and stable frame rates in most games. The Pixel 7 Pro's 120 Hz display should also be capable of high frame rate (HFR) gaming, which we analyzed in more detail with GameBench.
The Pixel utilizes this potential well in World of Tanks and rarely drops below 90 FPS. Casual games such as Subway Surfers remain constant at 120 FPS as expected, so long as the game supports such high frame rates. Demanding titles also run smoothly for the most part; PUBG Mobile can be played in Ultra HD at a stable 40 FPS. Genshin Impact is a different story, since stutters can occur in the highest detail settings.
Nevertheless, the Pixel 7 Pro is great for gaming, not least because of the great display and the powerful speakers.
The surface temperatures of the Google Pixel 7 Pro remain well below the 30-degree mark while idling. This changes under permanent load and the values climb above 40 °C in several areas. This is indeed very warm, but still absolutely harmless.
Those who think that the relatively high surface temperatures are the result of good heat dissipation will be disappointed, as the 3DMark Wild Life stress tests reveal. Although the losses are lower than in the competition with Snapdragon 8+, long-term performance is noticeably weaker.
The dual speakers of the Google Pixel 7 Pro provide rather mediocre sound output. The Pink Noise analysis shows peaks in both the mids and the highs, which make for rather unbalanced sound reproduction, especially at high volumes. On the other hand, those who don't go overboard with the volume will get perfectly sufficient sound for everyday use.
Wired headphones or speakers can be connected via the USB-C port, and Bluetooth 5.2 is available wirelessly, but this only supports the most common audio codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC).
In terms of power consumption, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is very frugal. Greater efficiency could certainly be achieved with a functioning LTPO function.
A power adapter is not included in the scope of delivery. The optionally available 30-watt charger is said to charge the Pixel smartphone to 50% within 30 minutes. Not record-breaking, but it is a decent charging speed. Users who already own a power supply that supports USB-PD 3.0 should be able to achieve similar charging speeds.
Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are equally possible. In the latter case, the smartphone can serve as a charging surface for Qi-enabled headphones or other smartphones. If the 7 Pro uses a Qi charging surface, it can be charged with up to 12 watts. Owners of a Google Pixel Stand (Gen. 2) can even feed the Pixel with up to 23 watts.
The battery life of the Pixel 7 Pro is solid, but Google still has room for improvement. Battery runtimes are shorter than expected in our WLAN tests, which is well reflected in the "Reader" test, which should actually run much longer than endless video playback. A phenomenon that was also observed in the smaller Pixel 7.
Google will certainly improve this with an eventual update.
The Pixel 7 Pro is an excellent smartphone. Under testing, it scores with a super bright display that also reproduces colors very accurately. Unfortunately, we are unable to confirm Google's advertising claim about the option of reducing the refresh rate down to 10 Hz for energy-saving purposes. We could only go as low as 60 Hz in our tests.
The improvements of the Tensor G2 enable some new features, but the Google SoC cannot keep up with other premium chipsets in terms of speed. On the one hand, this is due to the larger structure width, but on the other hand, it is certainly also due to the slightly weaker variant of the Mali-G710-GPU. Then again, this has only been noticeable in very demanding games so far.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is an excellently equipped high-end smartphone at a fair price-performance ratio.
The Pixel 7 Pro's hardware features are largely complete. In addition to 5G Sub6, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, an IP68 certification, wireless charging and NFC, a UWB chip is also integrated. Unfortunately, mmWave has been reserved for models in the US thus far, and the smartphone does not yet recognize 6 GHz networks in its WLAN list. Google will most certainly amend this in a future update.
In this price range, competitors are few. The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and the Xiaomi 12T Pro are certainly worth mentioning, along with the Samsung Galaxy S22+.
The Pixel 7 Pro can be purchased directly via the Google Store (where applicable), but is also available via other suppliers such as Amazon. In the US, for example, only the 512GB variant currently appears to be in stock at a price of US$1.300,00. Both the 128GB and 256GB variants appear to be available via Amazon UK for £848.97 and £947.31, respectively.
The above examples are not exhaustive. Prices are as of 18.11.2022 and subject to change. https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BDJ55SSD?tag=notebookcheck-news-de-21
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November 19, 2022 at 09:51PM
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