When Google released the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro in October, they captured our hearts. Despite being among the greatest Android phones available, they are not without problems. By switching to its new Tensor custom chipset, the business was able to enhance performance for a variety of AI-related functions – but at the expense of a plethora of glitches and delayed upgrades. But it's a new year, and with the experience of 2021's flagships under its belt, Google is poised to take the Pixel 7 series to new heights. Here's all we know thus far about the phones.
Google Pixel 7 series: Hardware
Google went hard with its Pixel 6 design last year, completely revamping the series. From the divisive under-display fingerprint sensor — a first for the series — to the huge camera bar on the back of the phone, it appears that the firm has finally settled on a new design for its in-house handsets. Unsurprisingly, early leaks indicate Google isn't intending to change much in terms of design, sticking with a similar build for another year.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have been rendered, and comparing them to their predecessors is like playing a game of spot the difference. The camera bar has been given a little redesign, with the corners now flush with the smartphone band. This tweak removes an awkward edge from the Pixel 6, making it more typical of Samsung's current flagship camera bump. It also appears that the sensors are significantly bigger, however it's likely that the final device may conceal these lenses a little more than seen in renderings.
Meanwhile, the mmWave window along both models' tops has been changed. It had a fairly unattractive translucent window that clashed with the rear of the phone on the Pixel 6 Pro — and select carrier variants of the smaller Pixel 6 — On the Pixel 7, we're looking at a lot cleaner, smaller glass embedded into each model's metal rail. It's unclear whether all Pixel models will support mmWave this year, or if the cheaper, smaller gadget would be dependent on carrier involvement. In any case, it's encouraging to see some progress in its implementation.
Although it is still early, we have a very solid notion of what the Pixel 7's internals will look like. Unsurprisingly, Google is developing a second-generation Tensor chipset — after all, no one expected the corporation to abandon its proprietary silicon efforts after only one generation. This GS201 processor, codenamed "Cloudripper" internally, is combined with an unannounced "g5300b" Samsung modem. Expect the typical round of speed improvements and enhanced camera processing, but we'll have to wait for further information before making any more predictions.
Google Pixel 7 series: Software
Google's annual Pixel launch has frequently acted as the ideal occasion for a significant Android upgrade to be rolled out to customers, but it's unclear whether that will happen this year. We're still in the early stages of Android 13 public previews, but the development timetable looks to point to an earlier release date than typical this year.
This would not be the first time Google released an update over the summer. The introduction of Android 8.0 Oreo coincided with a solar eclipse in August 2018, and it was released just a few days afterwards.
Of course, whether or not Android 13 is released alongside the Pixel 7 is unimportant to prospective consumers. When these phones hit shop shelves, they will undoubtedly be running the most recent and greatest OS version.
With Material You, Android 12 delivered a major overhaul, so we don't expect many cosmetic changes with this year's upgrade. However, you never know what will appear in future betas, especially after I/O later this spring.
Google Pixel 7 series: Availability & Price
Pixel flagships have traditionally released around October, and with the Pixel 6a appearing to be on pace for a late April release, it appears that this trend will continue for another year. However, depending on when (and if) the expected Pixel foldable appears, it might put a kink in these plans. For the time being, there's no reason to expect the Pixel 7 to be released in the autumn, but in this ever-changing world, anything can happen.
At this moment, it is only speculation as to how much the phones will cost. The Pixel 6 launched at $599 and the Pixel 6 Pro at $899, and while inflation is high right now, Google looks to be intent on undercutting the competition with its product price. We wouldn't be shocked if the Pixel 7 series debuted at or slightly over the prices of its predecessors, at $629 or $649 and $929 or $949, respectively.
Aside from a few software problems, the Pixel 6 has created a good basis for Google to expand on in 2022. We'll have to wait a little longer to find out what mysteries are hidden in this year's flagship gadgets. If history is any guide, there will be plenty of leaks along the road.
