Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro: A Long-Awaited Comeback in India
After a four-year hiatus, Google has finally returned to the Indian premium smartphone market with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The wait has been long for Indian consumers who value Google’s clean software experience and distinct camera prowess. But with a plethora of options from other brands in this price range, will the Pixel 7 series be the comeback Google needs? I got to spend some time with these new devices at a recent Google event in New Delhi, and here are my initial impressions.
Design: Familiar Yet Refined
Initially, both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro feel familiar to the design language of the previous Pixel 6 series. The distinctive camera bar, now featuring a body-matched aluminum finish, adds a unique touch to the back. However, while the design might be familiar, some changes mark the difference.
The back panels, sadly, are fingerprint magnets. While this issue is more pronounced in the Obsidian and Hazel color options, all variants require frequent wiping to maintain a clean look. If you prefer rocking your phone without a case, the lighter color options might be a better choice. The plastic back panels, unfortunately, don’t quite deliver the premium feel expected at this price point.
Despite the similar design, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro offer varying finishes. The Pixel 7 features matte aluminum sides, offering a more natural feel in hand. However, the Pixel 7 Pro boasts polished aluminum sides, reminiscent of the iPhone Pro models, unfortunately attracting smudges and fingerprints.
Both phones feature the same button placement: volume buttons and power key on the right, SIM tray on the left, and a USB Type-C port along with the primary speaker and microphone on the bottom.
Display: Vibrant and Responsive
The Pixel 7 houses a 6.3-inch full-HD+ OLED display, offering a basic 60Hz refresh rate. However, the display is bright with good saturation levels. Meanwhile, the Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch quad-HD+ LTPO OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, capable of adapting the refresh rate for better power efficiency.
Both devices feature thin bezels, and the Pixel 7 feels more natural in the hand due to its compact size. However, the Pixel 7 Pro’s bigger screen can sometimes require a stretch to reach the opposite corner. While the sizes differ, the weight difference isn’t significant – Pixel 7 weighs in at 197g and the Pixel 7 Pro at 212g.
Camera: A Familiar Arsenal with New Tricks
Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro retain the 50-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.85 aperture and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The Pixel 7 Pro adds a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and the ability to capture macro shots due to its autofocus functionality in the ultra-wide camera.
Early impressions indicate improved video quality compared to the previous generation. Images captured in good lighting were impressive, and the Pixel 7 Pro’s macro mode stood out. Google claims a minimum focus distance of 3cm, and my initial testing confirmed excellent picture quality in this mode.
Performance: Powered by Google’s Tensor G2
Both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G2 SoC, accompanied by the Titan M2 security chip. In my limited time, both phones displayed impressive speed and smoothness with no signs of lag.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro run Android 13 out of the box and benefit from Google’s promise of three years of guaranteed Android software updates and five years of security updates. The clean and bloat-free interface, a hallmark of Pixel devices, will undoubtedly appeal to fans of stock Android.
Battery: All-Day Power?
Both smartphones feature respectable battery capacities: the Pixel 7 packs a 4270mAh battery, while the larger Pixel 7 Pro boasts a 4926mAh unit. Google promises all-day battery life, which will be thoroughly tested in upcoming in-depth reviews.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are aesthetically appealing devices showcasing Google’s hardware and software prowess, especially with camera upgrades. The three-year Android upgrade guarantee is likely to satisfy users seeking longevity in a single smartphone.
However, the question remains: will these phones capture the attention of the Indian market after four long years? Will their combination of clean software, powerful hardware, and impressive camera capabilities be enough to stand out in a crowded and competitive premium segment? Only time will tell, but Google’s comeback has certainly been ambitious and well-executed. We’ll be diving deeper into these devices with full reviews soon, so stay tuned for more comprehensive insights.
