Google Pixel 7 Review: The AI-Powered Camera Champ That Won’t Break the Bank

I’ve been using the Google Pixel 7 for the past few months, and it’s quickly become my go-to for capturing life’s moments. Here’s my in-depth, personal take on this impressive smartphone:

Design & Build:

The Pixel 7 doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of design, but it’s a sleek and well-built device. The aluminum frame feels sturdy, and the Gorilla Glass Victus back adds a touch of premium. The horizontal camera bar is a distinctive design element that I’ve grown to love. I opted for the Lemongrass color, which is a refreshing change from the usual black and white. While the phone is a bit slippery, a case easily solves that issue.

Display:

The 6.3-inch OLED display is bright, vibrant, and a joy to use. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth. While it’s not the highest resolution display on the market, it’s sharp enough for most users. Sunlight visibility is decent, but it can struggle in direct sunlight.

Performance:

Powered by Google’s Tensor G2 chip, the Pixel 7 handles everyday tasks with ease. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and I haven’t experienced any lag or slowdown. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it can handle most games without breaking a sweat.

Camera:

The Pixel 7’s camera is where it truly shines. The 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens capture stunning photos with exceptional detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. Google’s image processing algorithms work their magic, producing consistently impressive results. Low-light performance is excellent, thanks to Night Sight mode, and portrait mode creates beautiful bokeh effects. The 10.8MP front-facing camera takes sharp selfies, and video recording is top-notch.

Battery Life:

The 4355mAh battery comfortably lasts me a full day with moderate to heavy use. I’m a heavy social media user, and I often stream music and videos, but I rarely have to charge the Pixel 7 before bed. It doesn’t have the longest battery life out there, but it’s more than sufficient for most users. While it supports fast charging and wireless charging, the charging speeds are not the fastest on the market.

Software & User Experience:

The Pixel 7 runs Android 13, and the experience is as smooth as butter. Google’s software is clean, intuitive, and a joy to use. The Pixel Launcher is highly customizable, and there are plenty of useful features like Now Playing (which automatically identifies songs playing nearby) and Call Screen (which screens your calls for you). The Pixel 7 also receives regular updates from Google, ensuring you have the latest features and security patches.

Connectivity & Additional Features:

The Pixel 7 supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. It’s also IP68 water and dust resistant, meaning it can survive accidental spills and splashes. There’s no headphone jack, but the stereo speakers are surprisingly loud and clear. While there’s no expandable storage, the base 128GB model should be sufficient for most users.

Buying Recommendation:

Who’s it for? The Pixel 7 is perfect for anyone who values a great camera experience and clean software. It’s ideal for photographers, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a flagship-level experience without the flagship price.

Pros:

• Exceptional camera performance
• Clean and intuitive software
• Smooth performance
• Regular updates from Google
• IP68 water and dust resistance

Cons:

• Not the fastest charging
• No headphone jack
• No expandable storage

Overall: The Google Pixel 7 is a fantastic smartphone that delivers an exceptional camera experience, smooth performance, and a clean software experience at a reasonable price. It’s not perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a phone that takes stunning photos and is a joy to use, the Pixel 7 is an excellent choice.