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Google Pixel 7: Everything we know

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The Pixel 6 has barely had its time in the spotlight, arriving in the hands of customers at the end of October, but there will always be a reason to keep our eyes on the horizon. The first signs of a Google Pixel 7, the presumed name for Google’s flagship phone for 2022, have appeared. This guide will go through the Pixel 7 release date as well as what it packs under the hood.

When was the Pixel 7 announced?

The Pixel 7 was announced along with the Pro variant on May 11 during Google I/O 2022. This announcement came as a shock to many, considering no one was ready for the Pixel 7 series to be announced until later in the year. During the announcement, not many details were divulged, unfortunately. The surprising appearance was more of a teaser than anything else.

What are the device’s specs?

The key advancement and differentiator of the Pixel 6 from all previous Pixels – and really all Android phones – is the inclusion of a Google Tensor chip, which includes Google-designed hardware to enhance the many machine learning-powered features. For example, the currently exclusive “Magic Eraser” in Google Photos and the digital improvements to your camera shots are able to be quickly processed by the Tensor chip.

The first tidbit uncovered about the Pixel 7 is that it will, unsurprisingly, be powered by a second-generation Google Tensor chip, with the model number “GS201.” The information was discovered through the addition of an internal Google developer board “Cloudripper” to apps on the Pixel 6.

A couple of months after that discovery, our team also uncovered another big piece to the Pixel 7 puzzle. One of our trusted sources revealed that the new GS201 chip would feature a new Samsung modem. The model for this unreleased modem is “g5300b.” Using context and past naming habits from Samsung, we’re confident that this modem will be the Exynos Modem 5300, which is, again, unreleased.

How many versions will there be?

Within the Cloudripper code, there were two codenames for these devices: “Cheetah” and “Panther.” These codenames correspond to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, respectively. The structure of these devices was confirmed during the announcement, cementing the fact that there will be two variants of the generation 7 Pixel. It’s interesting to see that Google seems to be changing its naming scheme on a generational basis now.

When will the Pixel 7 be released?

When Google announced the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, they did reveal one piece of vital information. The Pixel7 and 7 Pro will be available later this fall, confirming our theories about when the devices would be released to the public. We did not, however, anticipate seeing the Pixel 6a and the Pixel 7 being announced in the same 15-minute time span.

This guide is continuously updated as more information is learned.

Comment: Tensor G2 needs to work on heat and battery life above all else for Pixel 7

google tensor

Google’s next Pixel finally has a launch date. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will debut on October 6, and they’ll bring the Tensor G2 chip along with them. While Tensor’s first generation left a lot of room for improvement, it’s energy efficiency and heat generation that needs the most attention this time around.

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Should you buy a new phone now, or wait for the Pixel 7?

The annual Made by Google fall launch is fast approaching, and we’re expecting to see the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro alongside some other surprises. This year, Google is expected to announce and release a refined Pixel 7 lineup that builds up on the solid ground of the Pixel 6 series rebirth last year. With this launch on the horizon, should you buy a Pixel or other smartphone now, or wait until the Pixel 7 is announced next month?

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Sources: Google considers face unlock that relies on Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor, Pixel 7 work ongoing

According to sources familiar with the matter, Google is continuing to work on bringing facial recognition to the Pixel 6 and future devices, including the Pixel 7. Now, the latest direction enlists the Pixel’s under-display fingerprint sensor to be used in conjunction with face unlock.

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Comment: The Pixel 7 might fix one of my biggest complaints about Pixel 6 – smudgy photos

Google’s Pixel phones have long been highly regarded for their camera performance, and the Pixel 6 series is no different – in fact, they’re the best performing to date. And yet, I’m excited for the Pixel 7 because it looks to fix one of my biggest complaints with the Pixel 6’s camera, the blurry photos that have plagued my library over the past several months.

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