It’s not Pixel perfect, but it’s perfectly OK, Google
Boasting a solid and eye-catching design, smooth day-to-day operation and a bountiful feature set, the Pixel 7 is a fine choice for those wanting to take their first step into the world of Android phones. By usual smartphone standards, it seems like a bargain, too. Starting at £599, the Pixel verges on the upper end of the budget range, undercutting its most obvious Apple rival, the iPhone 14, by nearly a third of its asking price. It is also launching at the same price as its predecessor, the Pixel 6.
For this, you get an admirably specified device, equipped with Google’s brand new, in-house developed Tensor G2 processor, 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. There is a 256GB storage / 8GB RAM option for £100 more; with no option to expand the memory via an SD card, it is worth springing for the extra storage if you plan on snapping lots of pictures or downloading movies and music.
The Pixel 7 sits in the middle of Google’s current line-up, between the budget Pixel 6A (£349), and the more expensive Pixel 7 Pro (£849). The Pro offers a larger, higher-resolution display, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an extra telephoto-lens camera.
Google’s handset is smart and feels nice in the hand. Taking the reins from the Pixel 6, which saw a major design overhaul, 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. Its 200g weight is some sort of Goldilocks spot, as it feels weighty and premium in the hand without being bulky or cumbersome. We love the look of our Obsidian review model – the gunmetal aluminium accents are the epitome of sleek.
Less funky looking
The phone takes a minimalist approach, with no extra function buttons or headphone jack; you will find just the standard lock button, volume rocker and USB-C charging port adorning the edges of the device. While this keeps the phone low-key, it is missing the character of the Pixel phones of old with their brazen neon lock buttons and funky two-tone design. This appears to be Google’s way of showing us that the Pixel has matured.
Pixel phones are primarily vessels for the purest Android experience, and the Pixel 7 endeavours to continue this mission. The phone ships with Android 13, the latest Google OS, and it brings a host of quality of life and customisation
