It’s not Pixel perfect, but it’s OK, Google
Smartphone | £599 | whf.cm/Pixel7
Google’s intention with its pixel line of smartphones – to bring hardware and software into a harmonious union – continues with the Google 7. This is a device intended to allow you to experience Android in its purest form.
By flagship phone standards, the Pixel 7 seems like an absolute bargain. It’s admirably specified, with the latest Android 13 OS and Tensor G2 processor, 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM – upgradeable to 256GB/8GB for £100 more.
The Pixel 6 saw a major design overhaul for the Pixel brand, and the 7 keeps the smooth, glossy glass design and protruding camera bar set-up, but refines practically every aspect to make for a seriously sophisticated smartphone. The camera bar is the most notable change, with Google swapping out the long glass strip for a metal bar that blends into the aluminium frame seamlessly.
A capable OLED display measures 6.3-inches on the diagonal and has a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 and a pixel density of 416ppi. Google also claims the display can hit a peak brightness of 1400 nits, 200 nits more than the iPhone 14. The display supports HDR10 content, and also HDR10+, though it’s not clear during testing whether the HDR content we play from Prime Video (the only notable service that serves content in HDR10+) is being shown in HDR10+ or standard HDR10.
The screen boasts a higher 90Hz refresh rate, making for smooth scrolling and animations, and a snappier user experience overall. The same dual camera arrangement of last year’s Pixel 6 remains, with a combo 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultra-wide, and it produces clean and detailed images.
Bold and lively
The Pixel’s display achieves decent brightness and bold colours, but overall, its resolution and lack of shading let it down, and when compared with other Android devices, such as the cheaper, Awardwinning Sony Xperia 10 IV, the flaws in the Pixel’s picture begin to show.
The Sony looks a tad sharper. Details of the alien planet featured at the beginning of Thor: Love And Thunder are still clear and detailed on the Pixel, but the Son
