Pixel 7 / Pixel 7 Pro

[Aneres11]

I finally got the 7 Pro on a special offer in the UK with free earbuds, and have been using the phone for around a day so far.

Here are my initial impressions coming from an iPhone 11 Pro Max which I've had for over 3 years now.

- using the Whitestone Dome Glass protector which isnt cheap, but its by far the best screen protector I've had on any phone. I'm using a Ringke Matt Clear case with it and both work brilliant together.
- face unlock works most of the time, although not as flawless as Apple's Face ID which seems to work in near total darkness!
- fingerprint sensor is generally OK even with the screen protector and doesnt seem to be as bad as some of the reports I've read here.
- scrolling web pages on Chrome is a real faff. On Samsung phones its a breeze but this seems to be slower than the 'smooth' experience on the iPhone.
- I can't find an easy shortcut to toggle phone ring silent on/off.
- Garmin watch alerts arent working so maybe a bit of faffing round to do here before i get this to work.
- I really miss the ease of Apple Pay. For Google Pay, as far as I can see I have to unlock the phone, use the Wallet shortcut by swiping down, and tap the card. This seems more of a faff compared to how easy Apple Pay is. Am I missing something here?

So far, the experience is largely down to it being hard to switch over from iPhone to stock Android. I've used Samsung's before but never a Google Pixel so this is an extra hurdle to cross.

Initial impressions are the phone is definitely NOT worth the full price of £849. I can accept what I paid for it which was after some trade in, and other money off vouchers, but definitely not worth full asking price.

I hope my perceptions will change after a week or so using it and I can keep it as a full time phone once the initial shock of iOS to stock Android has gone. I'll post another 'review' in a week or so 🙂

Why isn’t it worth full asking price? The reasons you’ve posted don’t seem to suggest it should cost less than retail. Try Samsung Browser if you don’t like Chrome. It’s a far superior browser anyway IMO.

Seems like your biggest complaint is the fact it isn’t an iPhone.

 

[unclejamaal]

Why isn’t it worth full asking price? The reasons you’ve posted don’t seem to suggest it should cost less than retail. Try Samsung Browser if you don’t like Chrome. It’s a far superior browser anyway IMO.

Seems like your biggest complaint is the fact it isn’t an iPhone.

The battery life and build quality to me doesn't make it worth full retail price.

And yes you're right the negative comments i have made so far about the phone are simply because the phone isn't an iPhone ! Stupid reason I know but I've used iOS the past four years or so and coming back to android after that isn't easy

Having said that I'll give it time and use the pixel for a while longer as it certainly does have good qualities about it.

I'm using it now and have 'fixed' some of the issues that I outlined earlier.

Hopefully the next update from me will be a much more positive one

 

[h.gilbert]

Does the Pixel 7 still have the gesture navigation bar at the bottom of the screen than can't be removed?

I remember hating it on the Pixel 3 because there would often be a small background behind the bar too and it made it look ugly.

 

[Aneres11]

The battery life and build quality to me doesn't make it worth full retail price.

And yes you're right the negative comments i have made so far about the phone are simply because the phone isn't an iPhone ! Stupid reason I know but I've used iOS the past four years or so and coming back to android after that isn't easy

Having said that I'll give it time and use the pixel for a while longer as it certainly does have good qualities about it.

I'm using it now and have 'fixed' some of the issues that I outlined earlier.

Hopefully the next update from me will be a much more positive one

Interesting. I get your point re iOS if you're used to it and you like it. It's always tricky to move between. Thankfully, I like both so can be fluid but I always end up missing android more on iOS than the other way around.
I love the build of the Pixel. I just don't like the curved screen but the leaked renders of the 8 Pro seem to suggest no more curve which is a huge win IMO!

Maybe get some photos snapped with the Pixel... That'll probably make the price of the phone seem a bargain when you see what it can produce! 😋

 

[The point and shoot pro]

As for browsers, edge is deadly on all my devices. I love it. The MS points don't hurt either. free gas for surfing the net!

 

[unclejamaal]

As for browsers, edge is deadly on all my devices. I love it. The MS points don't hurt either. free gas for surfing the net!

I'm using Brave browser and find it very good

 

[robvalentine]

I went from & pro back to Iphone and now have S23 (Small one).
Google pay just needs an unlocked phone so once unlocked hold over terminal and you should be good.
Scrolling is smoother for me on S23, but maybe due to smaller size.
everyone raves about ultrasonic fingerprint, but the pixel one works better for me for some reason
My pixel didn't always like connecting properly to my venu 2 plus, so maybe worth looking into the bluetooth settings.

I paid £850 for the 256gb version which I think is a good price. If I had the pixel software on the samsung it would be perfect I think.

So I ended back on the pixel as the software is better imo than one UI. Plus fingerprint sensor working well is a must for me and too many misses with the S23 and the pixel works nearly every time. Admittedly I have a tempered glass (Spiegel) protector on the S23 and a Whitestone on the pixel

 

[Technerd108]

So I ended back on the pixel as the software is better imo than one UI. Plus fingerprint sensor working well is a must for me and too many misses with the S23 and the pixel works nearly every time. Admittedly I have a tempered glass (Spiegel) protector on the S23 and a Whitestone on the pixel

I am really torn. I have a Pixel and s23 and I like them both a lot.

I waver on which UI I prefer. The Pixel is excellent overall but it just is not as smooth and fast as the s23.

One UI is so amazingly customizable. But Pixel UI is elegant and very well thought out.

The AOD is a good example. On the Pixel you can't do much with it. But it has all the information I need and is easily readable even with my older eyes and no glasses. The screen brightness is automatic on both but the Samsung will dim so much I can barely read anything. I have a animated GIF on my Samsung AOD which is really cool and fun but I don't have temperature without adding an app. So while I enjoy the extra features and customization on the s23 the Pixel AOD is actually more functional.

I find this to be a repeating theme throughout the two UI. But to Samsung credit I no longer hate their UI.

Pixel is great but there are times using it I miss certain features of my Samsung. However I feel in terms of reliability so far the Pixel has been pretty rock solid.

If I absolutely had to choose just one it would really be hard but at the end of the day it would probably be the s23.

However I think in terms of bang for the buck the Pixel line is the best there is on the market.

 

[Vegastouch]

The battery life and build quality to me doesn't make it worth full retail price.

And yes you're right the negative comments i have made so far about the phone are simply because the phone isn't an iPhone ! Stupid reason I know but I've used iOS the past four years or so and coming back to android after that isn't easy

Having said that I'll give it time and use the pixel for a while longer as it certainly does have good qualities about it.

I'm using it now and have 'fixed' some of the issues that I outlined earlier.

Hopefully the next update from me will be a much more positive one

You should use most of the time allowed before you have to give it back or keep it to decide. It does take time to get used to Android coming from iOS and vice versa.

For me the fact it isn't a iPhone is a positive but that's me.

 

[Vegastouch]

I am really torn. I have a Pixel and s23 and I like them both a lot.

I waver on which UI I prefer. The Pixel is excellent overall but it just is not as smooth and fast as the s23.

One UI is so amazingly customizable. But Pixel UI is elegant and very well thought out.

The AOD is a good example. On the Pixel you can't do much with it. But it has all the information I need and is easily readable even with my older eyes and no glasses. The screen brightness is automatic on both but the Samsung will dim so much I can barely read anything. I have a animated GIF on my Samsung AOD which is really cool and fun but I don't have temperature without adding an app. So while I enjoy the extra features and customization on the s23 the Pixel AOD is actually more functional.

I find this to be a repeating theme throughout the two UI. But to Samsung credit I no longer hate their UI.

Pixel is great but there are times using it I miss certain features of my Samsung. However I feel in terms of reliability so far the Pixel has been pretty rock solid.

If I absolutely had to choose just one it would really be hard but at the end of the day it would probably be the s23.

However I think in terms of bang for the buck the Pixel line is the best there is on the market.

My wife needs a new phone. Trying to find a deal for a S23. Best I've seen so far is a trade in on Samsung.com. She is still using her S9.

 

[Technerd108]

The trade in deals are decent now. If she got the s23 with 256gb storage it would cost her $739 with S9 trade in.

If she got a Pixel 7 she would get a higher trade in value of $150 for the S9 and it is on sale for $449. So total cost would end up being $300. If she wants the 256gb model it would cost $100 more. Flat screen, 6.4" 90hz display.

To me you really can't beat the Pixel 7. The s23 is a little nicer but considering the cost it is less than half the price for the 128gb Pixel.

If she got the Pixel 7 Pro it would cost $600 which is still $139 cheaper than the s23 and she would get a better screen and more ram and better camera system.

Right now I think Google Pixel is hard to beat. On my Pixel 7 Pro the fingerprint sensor is actually better than my s23 in terms of reliability.

Deals on the s23 will be during July. If you can wait until then the summer sales will be better. Even then I don't think you can get a better phone for less than a Pixel right now.

 

[unclejamaal]

You should use most of the time allowed before you have to give it back or keep it to decide. It does take time to get used to Android coming from iOS and vice versa.

For me the fact it isn't a iPhone is a positive but that's me.

Definitely.

Having used the Pixel for a few days now, the shock of moving from iOS is wearing off and the experience is a lot more positive.

I'll post a full review once I've been using it a full week or so

 

[Aneres11]

I have a code for £125 off a Pixel 7 Pro from the Google store. If anyone wants it?
I won't be using it as I don't need another 😋.

 

[nfl46]

I have a code for £125 off a Pixel 7 Pro from the Google store. If anyone wants it?
I won't be using it as I don't need another 😋.

I was trying to figure out how much that is in US dollars and forgot about clever iOS 16 feature where you can highlight the amount and it converts it for you. So, roughly $155 US Dollars. Solid coupon code.

Today is my first day back on the P7P train. Still in the box. I’m going to ride it out until the Pixel Fold is release in June.

 

[The Game 161]

I have a code for £125 off a Pixel 7 Pro from the Google store. If anyone wants it?
I won't be using it as I don't need another 😋.

Got the same email lol

 

[unclejamaal]

Ok I did promise a 'mini review' of what I think of the P7 Pro a week later.

Coming from an iphone 11 pro max for the past 3.5 years. Remember I'm only listing the features that I use the most. The experience is different for everyone.

Plus Points:

- bare bones Android. No added bells and whistles.
- customisable to just how you want it.
- swipe up just like an iPhone to see all the apps running, and theres a 'take screenshot' button right there !!! I take a LOT of screenshots for whatsapp convo's and this is a massive plus. !!!
- a bit of patience and Google Assistant works well. However, I found on some contacts it randomly calls a local business which isnt even in my contacts!!! Dangerous to be honest, as I often rely on Siri / Google Assistant while I'm driving.
- Android always has, and will be, the king of notifications. No matter how hard (or not) Apple try, iOS doesnt even come close.
- on the face of it, I've come across less software bugs on Android than iOS in the short time I've been using it.
- camera a lot better on the P7 Pro compared to the 11 Pro Max.
- the Pixel pro buds are a big bonus and work really well with the phone. Havent tried then with the iPhone though!

Negatives:

Battery life on the P7 Pro is a massive let down. Use it for more than a couple of hours or so of Google Maps (which i use a LOT) and watch the battery drain away like mad. Even now, towards the end of the day battery is 49%, and I would say I havent used the phone much at all today, except some browsing and about 30 mins worth of phone calls. Even my iphone with a battery health of 85% is better than the new P7 Pro battery!

Scroll down on browser doesnt seem to be as fast as i found it on the last samsung I had (S8+)

Google Pay is very fiddly. I have multiple cards configured, and the NFC sensor is so sensitive the card reader will read the default card without any option for me to select which card I want to pay with, as soon as I take the phone out of my pocket.

Apple Pay is leagues ahead and works with Face ID and I can easily select which card before I unlock it. This is so much of a problem that I have disabled NFC and Google Pay. I found Apple Pay to be so convenient as I quite often go out running in the middle of nowhere, and I dont like taking any money or my cards with me, and rely on Apple Pay if I need it.

A lot of configuration needed to make it work just like how you want it. iPhone just 'works' most of the time, although iOS 16 has bugs which affect some of my banking apps.


So, will I keep the P7 Pro or not? Honestly, right now, Im in two minds as the features I use the most while out and about work that bit better on the iPhone. I'll still give it time, and definitely wont be selling it in a hurry unless I see a good S23 Ultra deal!

 

[Technerd108]

Siri is being left behind – and Apple knows it

Apple’s Siri circus shows Google has the AI edge

www.techradar.com

I tried using Siri on my iPhone 13 Pro Max and on my iPad air 5 and it was frustrating to say the least.

While using my Pixel 7 Pro I can practically use the phone hands free. I can create and send texts and even documents hands free. Call screening is amazing. AI in photo computation is awesome.

Googles Tensor G2 in our phones is no performance behemoth but it certainly excels in AI tasks and is honestly the reason that I bought the Pixel 7 Pro despite the Tensor G2 and Samsung modem.

I am even more excited about the Tensor G3 which should be a pretty significant upgrade if Google and Samsung can keep thermals and efficiency under control.

As much as I have a love hate relationship with AI it is the future.

As great as Apple Silicon is, it has an Achilles heel of AI. It doesn't seem like this is going to be fixed any time soon.

How much does AI or Tensor G2 features affect your decision making when buying a Pixel?

 

[jamezr]

Installing the May security update!

 

[Dominican]

just got pixel 7 pro 512GB but just found out if buy the phone outside google store can't add warranty wow send it back tomorrow...

 

[unclejamaal]

just got pixel 7 pro 512GB but just found out if buy the phone outside google store can't add warranty wow send it back tomorrow...

Wow indeed and doesn’t make sense !!!

 

[5105973]

I'm trying to decide whether or not to trade my Pixel 6 Pro for the Pixel 7a. Just because I like the coral color and the relatively small size. And I could get the first decent trade in value for the 6 Pro I've seen in ages.

But my 6 Pro is really nice. I just don't use it much because my iphone 13 Pro and 14 Pro Max made me hyper sensitive to the pwm on it. I'll probably end up with pwm headaches again trading it in. Pwm is inescapable on Pixels. There's a reviewer on Android Central who is sensitive and already confirmed that the 7a gives him headaches.

Reasons for not trading include the fact this is a PRO phone and has optical zoom on it.

And that's my inane babble for today. Carry on!

 

[5105973]

Siri is being left behind – and Apple knows it

Apple’s Siri circus shows Google has the AI edge

www.techradar.com

I tried using Siri on my iPhone 13 Pro Max and on my iPad air 5 and it was frustrating to say the least.

While using my Pixel 7 Pro I can practically use the phone hands free. I can create and send texts and even documents hands free. Call screening is amazing. AI in photo computation is awesome.

Googles Tensor G2 in our phones is no performance behemoth but it certainly excels in AI tasks and is honestly the reason that I bought the Pixel 7 Pro despite the Tensor G2 and Samsung modem.

I am even more excited about the Tensor G3 which should be a pretty significant upgrade if Google and Samsung can keep thermals and efficiency under control.

As much as I have a love hate relationship with AI it is the future.

As great as Apple Silicon is, it has an Achilles heel of AI. It doesn't seem like this is going to be fixed any time soon.

How much does AI or Tensor G2 features affect your decision making when buying a Pixel?

How bad is the heating issue of the Tensor G2?

I can get Siri to operate my phone pretty well and answer very basic questions. That’s about it. I’m pretty concerned about the office politics I’ve been reading about Apple and how it impacted Siri’s development.

Anyway, for me it’s a real annoyance when phones run hot and slow down just doing basic things like play YouTube or take photos. I know the demands on the processor are pretty intense for all the fancy AI photo tricks. I want one that can handle the work and not burn my hand. It took a long time for Samsung and Apple to get there for me. My 14 Pro Max stays pretty cool. My s22 and s23 Ultra do well, too. My Pixel 6 Pro gets a little warm when I use the camera.

I am still interested in the Pixel 7A but reported overheating concerns me.

 

[Technerd108]

How bad is the heating issue of the Tensor G2?

I can get Siri to operate my phone pretty well and answer very basic questions. That’s about it. I’m pretty concerned about the office politics I’ve been reading about Apple and how it impacted Siri’s development.

Anyway, for me it’s a real annoyance when phones run hot and slow down just doing basic things like play YouTube or take photos. I know the demands on the processor are pretty intense for all the fancy AI photo tricks. I want one that can handle the work and not burn my hand. It took a long time for Samsung and Apple to get there for me. My 14 Pro Max stays pretty cool. My s22 and s23 Ultra do well, too. My Pixel 6 Pro gets a little warm when I use the camera.

I am still interested in the Pixel 7A but reported overheating concerns me.

Well I wouldn't say it outright overheats but in normal use the phone gets warm. I have never used it to a point where I thought it was hot.

I also haven't really seen it slow down due to heating issues.

It is just that sometimes doing things like web browsing or other mundane tasks it tends to heat up quickly.

I think if Google just added some cooling solutions like Samsung it would be a complete non issue. In a tear down of the Pixel there just wasn't much cooling beyond thermal paste. No vapor chamber.

So I don't think the phone would slow down taking photos or playing YouTube. I have never witnessed it. I have had several apps open included maps, a game, chrome and Gmail and it was getting pretty warm and animations seemed a little slower. But I didn't notice apps slowing down or anything like that.

I think it is possible that maybe the 7a has a better cooling system? Once tear downs happen we will know.

It is more just a Samsung Exynos issue as the chips all tend to heat up fast which can lead to throttling. I think the way Google designed the Tensor G2 with lower clocked dual x1 cores was an attempt to prevent this and probably why they didn't do much with a cooling solution. Also heat dissipation is in itself a cooling system and I am guessing Google thought it was acceptable to use the phone body as the cooling.

 

[drinkingtea]

Simple.

 

[Aneres11]

How bad is the heating issue of the Tensor G2?

I can get Siri to operate my phone pretty well and answer very basic questions. That’s about it. I’m pretty concerned about the office politics I’ve been reading about Apple and how it impacted Siri’s development.

Anyway, for me it’s a real annoyance when phones run hot and slow down just doing basic things like play YouTube or take photos. I know the demands on the processor are pretty intense for all the fancy AI photo tricks. I want one that can handle the work and not burn my hand. It took a long time for Samsung and Apple to get there for me. My 14 Pro Max stays pretty cool. My s22 and s23 Ultra do well, too. My Pixel 6 Pro gets a little warm when I use the camera.

I am still interested in the Pixel 7A but reported overheating concerns me.

My 7 Pro hasn't ever really got hot to touch from memory? I know all Androids are prone to becoming hand warmers at time, and Pixels of the past have been guilty of it for sure!

But this 7 Pro has been ok. Also, I LOVE the coral 7a and think you should just go for it 😛.