This video provides a comprehensive review of the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, highlighting Google's distinctive software-first approach to smartphone design. While acknowledging incremental hardware updates such as a redesigned metal camera bar, brighter displays, and the new Tensor G2 chip, the review emphasizes that the core strength of these devices lies in their AI-powered software optimizations.
Key software features discussed include advanced call screening and "Direct My Call," an improved recorder app with upcoming speaker labeling, and the new "Photo Unblur" tool. The Tensor G2 chip's machine learning capabilities are noted as significantly faster and more efficient, driving these smart features. Camera performance is praised for its "Pixel style" photos, improved ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on the Pro model, and impressive software-driven zoom stabilization, though video quality still trails the iPhone in certain aspects. The review also covers battery life (excellent), Face Unlock (fast but limited in low light), minor software bugs, and concludes by positioning the Pixel 7 as a particularly strong value proposition, calling it a "no-brainer" for most users.
Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro: The Smartest Smartphone
0:25 Software-First Philosophy: Google's Pixel 7 and 7 Pro continue their tradition of offering software-based solutions to hardware challenges, contrasting with competitors' focus on raw hardware power.
1:17 Design and Display Updates: Both phones feature a new metal camera bar, integrated into the frame for a unified aesthetic. Displays are brighter (1500 nits Peak on 7 Pro, 1400 nits on Pixel 7). The 7 Pro's 1440p display defaults to 1080p but can be changed for better visuals without significant battery drain.
2:01 Excellent Battery Life: The phones offer consistently great battery performance, with the reviewer routinely ending days with 30-40% charge after 6-7 hours of screen time, attributed to software optimization and an improved chip.
2:39 Tensor G2 Chip: The second-generation Tensor G2 chip shows modest raw power improvements (comparable to Snapdragon 865) but boasts significantly faster (60%) and more efficient (20%) machine learning capabilities, powering Google's AI features.
3:52 Advanced Call Features: Call screening remains useful, and "Direct My Call" now surfaces automated system buttons instantly, saving time.
4:23 AI-Based Face Unlock: The new selfie camera enables AI-based Face Unlock, which is fast in good lighting but struggles in the dark or with masks due to the absence of infrared depth mapping. An under-display fingerprint reader is still included.
4:49 Fingerprint Reader: The under-display fingerprint reader is described as "fine" but not noticeably faster or bigger than its predecessor, lagging slightly behind ultrasonic alternatives.
5:10 Enhanced Recorder App: The recorder app continues to excel at speech-to-text, with an upcoming feature to label different speakers in a conversation.
6:09 Photo Unblur Feature: A new Pixel 7-exclusive AI feature can fix blurry photos, particularly effective on images with motion blur where the subject was initially in focus. This feature is expected to become available on more devices later.
7:37 Impressive Cameras: Both phones share a 50MP primary camera. The Pixel 7 Pro gains a new wider ultra-wide camera with autofocus and a new 5x 48MP telephoto lens.
7:59 Distinct Pixel Photo Style: Photos are consistently excellent in various lighting, characterized by high dynamic range, contrast, and detail, often achieving natural depth of field without portrait mode.
8:22 Macro Photography: The Pro's ultra-wide lens excels at macro photography, capturing impressive close-up shots like an ant.
8:41 Advanced Software Zoom: Google uses a sophisticated software solution for zoom, combining crops from the main sensor and telephoto lens, and offering impressive stabilization at 15x.
10:20 Improved Video & Selfie Cameras: Video quality is slightly better, including 10-bit HDR, though noise levels and autofocus still lag behind the iPhone. Selfie cameras are improved 11MP units, now offering ultra-wide selfies on both models.
10:47 Audio and Sustainability: The 7 Pro's speakers are slightly louder but less bassy than the 6 Pro's, prioritizing vocal clarity. The metal camera bar and frame are made with 100% recycled materials.
11:19 Minor Software Bugs: The reviewer encountered some bugs (e.g., blank media player, disappearing search bar button, Instagram story glitch), though some were resolved with reboots.
12:44 Value Proposition: Priced at $599 for the Pixel 7 and $899 for the 7 Pro, the Pixel 7 is highlighted as a "way better deal" and a strong contender for "value phone of the year" for most users.