Google Pixel 7: Everything we know so far

Google’s Pixel 7 is a hotly anticipated Android phone that follows the huge success of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. After a massive overhaul in design and specs, which saw Google pump a lot of money into new marketing strategies, the Pixel 7 is set to continue the triumphs of the Pixel 6 as the best Android value ever.

While there were plenty of murmurings about the device already, Google shocked us by revealing the Pixel 7 during its Google I/O 2022 keynote and confirming a few details about the flagships. While the Pixel 6a is now out in the wild, we still have the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro to look forward to, and we won't have to wait much longer, either.

And what a phone it's gearing up to be. Google confirmed that it will feature a second-generation Tensor chip, but the Pixel 7 may also be equipped with an under-screen camera. Google gave us a few official details, but we are still dependent on rumors for others, so here's a look at what we know so far about the price, release date, design, and more of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.

• More: Google Pixel 6 revisited review

Pixel 7 release date

Google confirmed that the Pixel 7 is coming this fall, and has now confirmed the Pixel 7, along with the Pixel Watch, will be launching on October 6 at a Made by Google event at 10 a.m. ET.

In fact, a specific launch date for the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro had already been leaked. According to notable tipster Jon Prosser on Front Page Tech, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will be available on October 13, with pre-orders available on October 6. This comes from "very reputable sources," with Prosser also stating we can expect an event on October 6. And now we know he hit the nail on the head.

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We’ll see the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro (and possibly a third, high-end model) on October 6.

What about this third model? 9to5Google spotted code related to an unknown Pixel device. Labeled as G10, it will apparently have a completely different display than the upcoming Pixel 7 (P10) and Pixel 7 Pro (C10). Apparently, it's expected to run a Tensor chip, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1440 x 3120 resolution, and physical size — all similar to the Pixel 6 Pro. All signs are pointing to a higher-end Pixel phone, but there are few details about this mystery Google device. 

Now, there's another Pixel phone that's in the mix, one that has a small form factor. A post on Weibo from Digital Chat Station (via 9to5Google) describes a small flagship Pixel phone codenamed "neila," which claims to have "a centered single-hole straight screen [and] family-style rear design." Google is no stranger to small form factors, with its Pixel 4 lineup and previous models being some of the smallest phones on the market.

9to5Google points out that the codename "neila" doesn't fit Google's usual codenames, which are usually animal related, like "Cheetah" and "Panther" for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Whatever the case, a small Pixel flagship, possibly the first sign of a Pixel 7a, could fill the hole for the lack of iPhone 14 mini.

Pixel 7 price

Much like its release date, the price of the Pixel 7 isn’t certain. That said, it would be bizarre if Google decided to bump up the price of its affordably priced flagship smartphones. One of the most appealing Pixel features is the amount it offers at mid-range prices.

After the success of the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G priced from just $499, along with the Pixel 5’s price drop to $699 and the best Android value ever, the $599 Pixel 6, Google hit the mark for mid-tier smartphones bringing flagship capabilities. What’s more, Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that Google has "definitely shown that Pixel 4a, Pixel 5 are a clear value proposition. We'll build on that."

Judging from the minimal differences the Pixel 7 boasts compared to the already radically different Pixel 6, it’s likely we’ll see the Pixel 7 starting at $599 and the Pixel 7 Pro priced from $899. While the second-generation Tensor chip is set to be a substantial upgrade, this shouldn’t change the price of the new phones, seeing as Apple rarely changes its price with each new iPhone and the powerful bionic chip that comes with it.

Pixel 7 design

If you’re a fan of the Pixel 6’s unique design, you’ll be happy to know the Pixel 7 will sport almost the same rear camera array spanning the back panel. This time, however, it doesn't look like we'll be getting a two-tone finish above and below the module.

According to the images available on the Google Pixel 7's listing page, it appears we'll see more of a one-tone finish. So far, colors include Snow, Obsidian, and Lemongrass on the Pixel 7, and Hazel on the Pixel 7 Pro with a gold visor. Will more colors be available? Likely not, but we won't know until the event.

Speaking of, the Pixel 7 colors were teased using a new range of Google Original Chips. That's right, potato chips. This includes the white Snow color option as a "Snow Cheese" flavor, Obsidian black as an "Obsidian Pepper" flavor, the yellow-ish Lemongrass as a "Salty Lemon" flavor, and the Pixel 7 Pro's Hazel color as a "Hazel Onion" flavor.

Potato chips aside, it’s a controversial design that people love or hate, but there’s no denying its stand-out design elements beat many other Android phones on the market. The most notable change appears to be a slight reduction in the thickness of the bar, the extension of the aluminum finish across the bar, and a slight change to the lens array.

We expect some other subtle differences to set the Pixel 7 apart from its previous generation, most notably its slightly smaller size and potentially under-display camera. According to Young, the Pixel 7 display will shrink from 6.4 inches to 6.3 inches, while the Pixel 7 Pro will stay at 6.7 inches. That’s good news for those who enjoy a smaller form factor and the look of the Pixel 6.

Google doesn't appear to want to stray too far from the revamped design of the last generation. Who knows, colors, including Kinda Coral, Sorta Seafoam, and Stormy Black for the Pixel 6 and Sorta Sunny and Cloudy White from the Pixel 6 Pro, may make a return for the Pixel 7.

Pixel 7 specs

Google's custom Tensor chip was one of the more interesting details about the Pixel 6, as it was Google’s first shot at using their own processor on a smartphone without relying on Snapdragon chips.

The company focused on superior performance through advanced on-device AI for faster and better speech recognition and improved image processing, and the second-gen Tensor chip, officially called the Tensor G2, is expected to improve on this with enhanced processing power and better power efficiency. That last one we’re hoping for, as Pixel 6 battery life claims were wildly varied. 

Google also states the Tensor G2 will "bring even more helpful, personalized features to photos, videos, security, and speech recognition."

Google has confirmed that the Pixel 7 will debut with the next Google Tensor chip. This isn't a shock and had been virtually confirmed already by 9to5Google. That teams spotted a Pixel-related codename, “Cloudripper,” believed to be a baseboard or developer board connected to the second-gen Tensor chip.

The processor model number, GS201, was discovered in October last year, and there are now more connections happening behind the scenes. Apparently, the chip will feature a Samsung modem, which may be the yet-to-be-released Exynos Modem 5300.

Two other codenames were spotted that are related to the modem; “Cheetah” and “Panther.” The report states these are believed to be the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. We don’t know all the improvements set to arrive yet, Google leaned only on its advanced AI during the Google I/O 2022 keynote, but we can expect plenty of interesting upgrades.

Pixel 7 cameras

While an under-display camera may be in the cards, with a patent showing how it will switch from display mode and camera mode, we may not see any other camera changes with the Pixel 7. Notable tipster Yogesh Brar, who has also made claims regarding the Google Pixel Fold, stated we will likely see the same optics on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro that were used on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. It isn’t clear what “optimizations” it may offer, but Google’s camera upgrades may come in the form of software rather than hardware. 

To back this up, a developer dug into Google code to reveal camera specs on the Pixel 7. Discovered by developer Kuba Wojciechowski on Twitter, the Google code reportedly had camera hardware configuration details on a number of known, upcoming Pixel devices. The Pixel 7 series is a highlight, with Wojciechowski showcasing that both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will use the same 50MP GN1 main sensor and 12MP IMX381 ultrawide sensor on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

We're big fans of the sensors, but the real change is likely to come in the software the next-gen Pixel phone will boast. However, the Pixel 7 will apparently be getting one upgrade: an 11MP selfie camera. This is similar to the one found on the Pixel 6 Pro, and will also be used on the 7 Pro, according to the developer. 

As for the Pixel 7 Pro, Wojciechowski states the phone will use Samsung’s 48MP GM1 telephoto lens instead of Sony's 48MP IMX586 sensor. Whether this will change the performance of the camera isn't certain, but the developer says "the idea could be to have more sensors from the same manufacturer."

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That means we’ll see the same 50MP Octa PD Quad Bayer lens, with an f/1.85 aperture and 1.2µm pixel width, and 12MP ultra-wide on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, along with a 4x optical 48MP telephoto lens for the Pro. The cameras are a highlight of the Pixel 6, so it won’t be much of a disappointment if the Pixel 7 doesn’t feature any camera hardware upgrades (except for the selfie camera).

Outlook

There are still many features to learn about the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, but following Google I/O 2022 we have a good idea of what Google’s latest smartphone will bring to the table: more of the same. The Pixel 7 shows subtle changes from its predecessor from what we've seen so far, but there's still plenty to learn about what is going on under the hood.

While we wait for the October 6 launch event, check out why we’re fans of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, and how they compare to the best smartphones on the market. In fact, check out the battle between the Pixel 6 vs. iPhone 13, along with the Pixel 6 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro.