Google Pixel 7 launch event: how to watch and what to expect

What we know so far: the the Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google released this video of the Google Pixel 7 Pro showing its full design.

Google has confirmed (opens in new tab) that the Pixel 7 Pro will launch with the new Tensor G2 chip, to bring GPU, NPU, and modem improvements to this year’s model. However, now thanks to a large spec leak by the prolific Yogesh Brar (opens in new tab), it looks like this could be the only major upgrade for the Pro model.

According to the leak, the display on the Pixel 7 Pro will be the same as on the Pixel 6 Pro, and the battery is also said to be the same with a 5,000mAh capacity and support for 30W fast charging. 

Moving on to camera setup, the Pixel 7 Pro will allegedly have a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto setup, as seen on its predecessor. Upgrades will apparently come as the telecamera uses a new sensor – the Samsung GM1, rather than the Sony IMX586. The selfie camera will have a small upgrade as well with the addition of autofocus, although the resolution will remain at 11MP. 

I put my hands up, I’m a total Apple iPhone user (opens in new tab), but that means I’m even more interested to know about the latest Google Pixel 7 phones. And Twitter is here with more speculation on these hotly-anticipated devices.

How will the Pixel 7 Pro compare to the Pixel 6 Pro?

The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were officially announced at last year’s Pixel Fall Launch event, on October 19, 2021. 

When we got our hands on the smartphone, it’s no secret that we gave the Google Pixel 6 Pro top marks (opens in new tab) for camera performance, but with the new Apple iPhone 14 Pro (opens in new tab) and the Samsung Z Fold 4 (opens in new tab) and Z Flip 4 (opens in new tab), even a company as immense as Google is going to have to do a lot to keep up with the competition.

The Pixel 6 Pro was the first phone powered by Google Tensor, the company’s first custom mobile chip.

Here’s a refresher of last year’s Made by Google Pixel Fall Launch, which gives you an idea of what we might see at tomorrow’s event.

Yet more glimpses of the new Google Pixel collection

Usually a launch event is a chance for manufacturers to surprise us with new models, but it seems like Google can’t resist showing off its new Google Pixel Collection ahead of tomorrow’s official live stream!

“Designed to work together. Built to work for you. With premium metal finishes and colors that complement one another, the Google Pixel Collection brings together Pixel’s phones, watch, and buds for personalized help throughout your day.”

This is very similar to September’s Apple event, where we saw the company launch its iPhone 14 lineup (opens in new tab), along with a new Apple Watch and AirPods 2.

Google Pixel 7 – what do the analysts think?

Several analysts have commented ahead of tomorrow’s Made by Google event; here are thoughts from Ben Wood, Chief Analyst and CMO at CCS Insight:

“It is perplexing that Google wants to be in the cut-throat business of manufacturing smartphones, and it is hard to see how it is a profitable venture for the company. We assume Google sees Pixel products as a demonstration of ‘the art of the possible’ when it comes to Android smartphones. Furthermore, it’s a way of keeping other Android licensees on their toes in terms of support for new features.”

“The new Pixel devices offer further evidence that smartphone innovation has stalled. All major phone makers are focusing on making already good products even better, but there’s little in the way of disruption….”

“Pixel phones appeal to technology enthusiasts who want the latest version of Android and like having something different from the mainstream choice of Apple or Samsung.”

“Given the similarities to last year’s devices, it seems likely the stand-out features will remain the impressive Pixel camera system and access to the latest version of Android.”

“It’s unlikely Google will take any share from Apple with the new Pixel devices – iPhone owners remain incredibly brand loyal. The bigger concern must be for rival Android smartphone makers, including Samsung, which dominates the segment, or smaller Chinese manufacturers. Google has incredible resources and could put huge amounts of money behind Pixel – but it must strike a fine line. Weakening established Android phone makers makes little sense when Apple poses such a great threat to the whole ecosystem.”

Meanwhile, Google Pixel investigates the most important debates for us… 😄