Pixel 7 Long Term Review - After 18 Months

OnceUponATechie
4 May 202408:03

TLDRThe Pixel 7 has been reviewed after 18 months of use as a primary smartphone. The device initially performed well but has seen some decline over time. The phone's design is praised for its evolution and premium materials, and its camera quality is highlighted as a strong point, with consistent color reproduction across both rear cameras. However, the ultra-wide camera is criticized for not being wide enough. The phone's charging speed is a significant drawback, with a full charge taking 1.5 hours. Battery life has diminished over time, requiring nightly charges. The display is good but lacks a 120Hz refresh rate, and the auto-brightness sensor is not as effective as desired. The Tensor G2 processor handles daily tasks and casual gaming well but struggles with heavy gaming and heats up quickly. The software experience is clean and smooth, with useful AI features, but lacks customization options for certain Google widgets. The phone is running Android 14 and will receive security updates until the end of 2027. For users prioritizing AI features and camera quality, the Pixel 7 is a good choice, but those needing top-tier processing power and fast charging should consider other options. The recommended price range for the Pixel 7 is between 40,000 to 42,000, with alternatives like the Pixel 7A or the upcoming Pixel 8A suggested for budget-conscious consumers.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The Pixel 7 has a premium design with an all-metal frame and unique glass front and back, offering a comfortable grip and durability.
  • ๐Ÿ“ท The camera quality on the Pixel 7 is highly praised, known for its consistency in color reproduction and detailed low-light shots, despite some issues with noise reduction and portrait mode.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The charging speed of the Pixel 7 is a significant downside, with only 23W capability and a total charging time of 1.5 hours from 0 to 100%.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ The phone supports 20W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is a positive feature for those who value wireless charging options.
  • ๐Ÿ“บ The 6.3-inch Full HD Plus AMOLED display is bright and suitable for outdoor use, but the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate is a minor disappointment.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ The Tensor G2 processor performs well for daily tasks and casual gaming but may struggle with heavy gaming, and can get hot during intensive use.
  • ๐Ÿš€ The software experience is clean and smooth, with useful AI features and timely security updates, a strong point for Pixel phones.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The Pixel 7's battery life has diminished slightly after 18 months of use, requiring more frequent charging.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ The phone comes with limited storage options (128GB in India, with a 256GB variant available in some countries) and lacks an SD card slot but supports dual SIM.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ The Pixel 7 offers good value for money in the 40,000 to 42,000 price range but may not be worth it if priced over 45,000.
  • โฑ The Pixel 7 is expected to receive Android 16 as its last major update but will continue to get security updates until the end of 2027.

Q & A

  • How long has the reviewer been using the Pixel 7 as their main smartphone?

    -The reviewer has been using the Pixel 7 as their main smartphone for the last 18 months.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the design of the Pixel 7 compared to previous models?

    -The reviewer believes that Google has nailed the design of the Pixel 7, with it being similar yet different from the Pixel 6 and 8, and that the design is evolving and getting better with each generation.

  • What are the materials used in the construction of the Pixel 7?

    -The Pixel 7 features an all-metal frame, a metal bar that makes it unique, and glass at the front and back, which are considered premium materials.

  • How does the reviewer describe the Pixel 7's camera performance?

    -The reviewer loves the cameras on the Pixel 7, stating that they are known for clicking good photos and that both the back cameras produce good photos, although they wish the ultra-wide camera was a bit wider.

  • What is the reviewer's biggest complaint about the Pixel 7?

    -The biggest complaint the reviewer has about the Pixel 7 is the charging speeds, which they find to be slow, especially considering it is advertised as fast charging.

  • How does the reviewer describe the battery life of the Pixel 7 after 18 months of use?

    -After 18 months of use, the reviewer notes that the battery life of the Pixel 7 has taken a hit and now requires charging before going to bed.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on the display of the Pixel 7?

    -The reviewer finds the Pixel 7's 6.3-inch Full HD Plus AMOLED display to be good and bright enough for outdoor use or watching Netflix, but they wish it had a 120Hz refresh rate instead of 90Hz.

  • What are the storage and RAM options available for the Pixel 7 in India?

    -In India, the Pixel 7 only comes with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM, and there is no SD card slot, but it does support dual SIM with one physical SIM and an eSIM.

  • How does the reviewer assess the gaming performance of the Pixel 7?

    -The reviewer states that the Pixel 7 is suitable for casual gaming, but it is not ideal for heavy gaming due to the Tensor G2 processor getting hot quickly.

  • What are some of the AI features that the Pixel 7 offers?

    -The Pixel 7 offers AI features such as Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and several other AI features that are continuously being updated.

  • What is the reviewer's recommendation on the purchase of the Pixel 7?

    -The reviewer recommends considering the Pixel 7 if one wants AI features, a clean and fluid software experience, and excellent cameras. However, for those who prioritize the best processor for hardcore gaming and rapid charging, they suggest looking elsewhere.

  • What is the expected price range for the Pixel 7, and what is the reviewer's advice on when to buy?

    -The reviewer suggests that if the Pixel 7 is available between 40,000 to 42,000, it makes sense to buy it. If the price is over 45,000, it is advised to wait for a price drop.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“ฑ Pixel 7 Long-Term Review Overview

This paragraph introduces the long-term review of the Google Pixel 7 smartphone, highlighting the author's 18-month experience with the device. The author discusses the phone's design evolution, its premium materials, and the durability of its Gorilla Glass Victus. The camera quality is praised, especially for its consistency in color reproduction across different lenses. However, the ultra-wide camera's narrow field of view is noted as a downside. The charging speed is criticized as being slow, and the battery life has diminished over time. The display is considered good, but the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate is a disappointment. The phone's performance is deemed adequate for daily use and casual gaming but may not suffice for heavy gaming. The software experience is clean and smooth, with useful AI features, but there is a lack of customization options for certain UI elements.

05:00

๐Ÿ”‹ Pixel 7's Battery, Charging, and Software Features

The second paragraph delves into the Pixel 7's battery life and charging capabilities, noting that while it was initially satisfactory, the battery has degraded after 18 months of use. The charging speed is a point of contention, with the phone taking over an hour and a half to fully charge, which the author finds inconvenient. The software on the Pixel 7 is lauded for its clean and smooth user interface, with a focus on Google's implementation of the haptic motor for various feedback sensations. However, the inability to remove certain Google widgets and the absence of a ringer profile tile in the notification panel are seen as drawbacks. The paragraph also mentions the phone's current Android version and its update support, emphasizing Google's timely delivery of security updates. The author concludes with advice on the Pixel 7's price point and alternatives, recommending the phone for its AI features, software experience, and camera quality, but suggesting that those in need of a high-performance processor for gaming or rapid charging should consider other options.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กPixel 7

The Pixel 7 is a smartphone developed by Google. It is the main subject of the video, representing Google's continued evolution in phone design and technology. The reviewer discusses its various features, such as design, camera quality, charging speeds, and software capabilities, which are central to the video's theme of a long-term review.

๐Ÿ’กDesign

The design of the Pixel 7 is a key focus in the video. It refers to the physical appearance and build quality of the smartphone, including its metal frame, glass front and back, and unique style. The reviewer prefers the curved design for its comfort and grip, and also mentions the durability of the Gorilla Glass Victus used in the phone.

๐Ÿ’กCamera Quality

Camera quality is a significant aspect of the Pixel 7, as it is known for producing high-quality photos. The reviewer discusses the phone's dual-camera setup, including a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and their performance in various lighting conditions. The consistency in color reproduction between the two cameras is highlighted.

๐Ÿ’กCharging Speeds

Charging speeds refer to how quickly the Pixel 7's battery can be recharged. The reviewer expresses dissatisfaction with the 23W charging capability, considering it slow compared to other smartphones on the market. This is a critical point in the review as it affects the user experience and convenience.

๐Ÿ’กBattery Life

Battery life is the duration for which the Pixel 7 can operate before needing to be recharged. The reviewer initially found the battery life satisfactory, but after 18 months of use, the battery has degraded, requiring more frequent charging. This is an important consideration for potential buyers, as battery life directly impacts the daily usability of the device.

๐Ÿ’กDisplay

The display of the Pixel 7 is a 6.3-inch Full HD Plus AMOLED screen, which is praised for its brightness and HDR10+ support. However, the reviewer wishes for a higher refresh rate. The display is crucial for the user experience, affecting how media is viewed and how the phone feels to interact with.

๐Ÿ’กPerformance

Performance in this context refers to how well the Pixel 7 handles various tasks, from daily use to more demanding activities like gaming. The reviewer notes that while the Tensor G2 processor is adequate for most uses, it struggles with heavy gaming and heats up quickly. This is an important factor for users who prioritize processing power and gaming capabilities.

๐Ÿ’กSoftware

The software on the Pixel 7 is highlighted for its clean and smooth user interface, with features like click-to-search and AI capabilities. The reviewer appreciates the haptic feedback and the lack of bloatware, but criticizes the inability to remove certain Google widgets. Software is a key differentiator between smartphones and affects the overall user experience.

๐Ÿ’กAI Features

AI features are a selling point for the Pixel 7, including photo editing tools like Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser. These features utilize artificial intelligence to enhance the user's photography experience. The reviewer mentions these as part of the Pixel 7's unique selling points, emphasizing the phone's advanced capabilities.

๐Ÿ’กAndroid Updates

Android updates refer to the software updates provided by Google for the Pixel 7, including security patches and new features. The reviewer notes that the phone will receive Android 16 as its last major update but will continue to get security updates until the end of 2027. Timely updates are important for maintaining the security and functionality of the device.

๐Ÿ’กPrice

The price of the Pixel 7 is discussed in relation to its value proposition. The reviewer suggests a price range where the phone is considered a good buy and advises waiting for a price drop if it exceeds that range. Price is a critical factor for consumers deciding whether the features and performance of the Pixel 7 justify the cost.

Highlights

The Pixel 7 has been used as a main smartphone for 18 months, with initial impressions being great, but experiencing slight changes over time.

Google's design language for the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 is praised for its evolution and use of premium materials.

The Pixel 7 features an all-metal frame, a unique metal bar, and glass at the front and back, offering a comfortable and grippy design.

The Pixel 7's Gorilla Glass Victus is noted for its durability, showing minimal scratches even without a screen protector.

The Pixel 7 is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, allowing it to be submerged in water without issue.

The Pixel 7 is renowned for its camera quality, a legacy since the first Google Pixel phone, with a 50 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera.

Consistency in color reproduction between the main and ultra-wide cameras is a standout feature of the Pixel 7's camera system.

Low-light photography on the Pixel 7 is detailed with minimal noise, despite a tendency to over-apply noise reduction.

The Pixel 7's portrait mode is criticized for often missing the edges of subjects.

The phone supports 4K 60 FPS video recording with the ability to switch between main and ultra-wide cameras during recording.

One of the biggest complaints is the Pixel 7's charging speed, which is considered slow with only 23W capability.

The Pixel 7 supports 20W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, a positive aspect of its charging capabilities.

Battery life has diminished over the 18 months of use, now requiring nightly charges.

The Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch Full HD Plus AMOLED display with HDR10+ support but lacks a 120Hz refresh rate.

The phone's auto-brightness sensor is noted to be less effective, often requiring manual adjustments.

Storage options for the Pixel 7 in India are limited to 128GB with 8GB RAM, with no SD card slot but offering dual SIM support.

The Pixel 7 uses Google's Tensor G2 processor, which performs well for daily tasks and medium-heavy tasks but can heat up quickly.

The phone is suitable for casual gaming but is not recommended for heavy gaming due to the limitations of its processor.

The software experience on the Pixel 7 is clean and smooth, with a focus on AI features and timely security updates.

The Pixel 7 is expected to receive Android 16 as its last major update, with security updates continuing until the end of 2027.

The reviewer suggests that the Pixel 7 is a good purchase at a price between 40,000 to 42,000 INR, but not above 45,000 INR.

For users prioritizing AI features, a clean software experience, and excellent cameras, the Pixel 7 is a strong consideration.

Those in need of a top-tier processor for hardcore gaming or rapid charging should consider other options.

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