Google Pixel 7

The Google Pixel 7 has recently been launched with some notable upgrades over its predecessor, the Pixel 6. This device features an improved Google Tensor G2 chip with better AI capabilities, Gorilla Glass Victus build all-around, a better selfie camera, and a smaller display. The Pixel 7 is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, indicating that Google is targeting the compact flagship niche. The camera setup on the back remains unchanged, and there is still no telephoto camera. The battery capacity has gone down in the Pixel 7 as compared to the Pixel 6, but the device can make up for this loss with other hardware improvements.

The Google Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch OLED panel with 1080 x 2400px resolution and can go up to a 90Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 7 offers a small but significant upgrade over its predecessor, mostly in terms of brightness. However, almost all of the Pixel 6's competitors have moved over to 120Hz displays, and 90Hz for a flagship phone nowadays is barely cutting it. The display also complies with the HDR10+ standard, which works fine on YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Google claims that the panel can reach a peak brightness of 1,400 nits on a small screen area during HDR10+ video playback.

Despite the reduction in battery capacity (4,355 mAh vs. Pixel 6's 4,614 mAh), the Pixel 7's battery life hasn't been affected negatively. In fact, it's more efficient than the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7 bumps up the endurance score from 86 to 96 hours, with exceptional video playback runtime and great web browsing runtime. Google's Pixels have always been a bit slow in the charging race, but the Pixel 7 is at least a tad faster than its predecessor. However, the 20W Power Delivery standard that the Pixel 7 uses is just too slow to be competitive nowadays.

The Google Pixel 7 may not be the most affordable option, but it certainly offers some unique features that can't be found in other flagship devices. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Google Pixel 7 depends on your personal preferences and budget.

Despite being a flagship phone with superb camera performance and capable hardware, the Google Pixel 7 Pro has a tough competition in the ultra-premium segment dominated by behemoths like Samsung and Apple. In addition to the vanilla Pixel 7, which has a niche of its own, there are several compact alternatives to the Pixel 7, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and the Oppo Find X5, both within the €600-650 range with excellent camera performance, top-notch display and heavily customized software.

For those willing to go up the price ladder, the Asus Zenfone 9 offers a similar feature set at around €780, while the Xiaomi 12 is a mid-range option with a similar camera setup and prowess priced around the mid-€500. Another well-rounded phone to consider is the Realme GT2 Pro, which costs a little over €600 and has all the bells and whistles of a flagship phone but lacks a telephoto camera and has a huge 6.7-inch display.