The Google Pixel smartphone line showcases the latest innovations in Android software and Google‘s own hardware. Each new Pixel generation brings helpful AI-powered features alongside premium flagship specs and cameras. The upcoming Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, slated for unveiling in October 2022, are the center of much anticipation in the Android community.
Powered by Google‘s next-generation Tensor G2 processor for more powerful on-device machine learning, promising camera upgrades, and introducing the latest Android 13 operating system, the Pixel 7 appears set to deliver another compelling duo of smartphones. Informed by several credible Pixel 7 rumors in circulation, this guide unpacks what enthusiasts can expect from Google‘s fall 2022 smartphone lineup.
Key Pixel Generations At A Glance
Before diving into Pixel 7 details, let‘s recap hardware and capabilities of past generations for context:
| Model | Processor | Display | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6 | Google Tensor | 6.4-inch OLED 90 Hz |
Custom Google processor with AI capabilities Dual rear camera system Titan M2 security |
| Pixel 6 Pro | Google Tensor | 6.7-inch OLED 120 Hz |
Additional 48 MP telephoto rear camera 5x optical zoom 5,000 mAh battery 12 GB RAM |
| Pixel 7 | Google Tensor G2 (Rumored) | 6.3-inch OLED 90 Hz |
Expected Upgrades Vs. Pixel 6: – Faster Tensor G2 chip – Improved camera post-processing – Refreshed metal camera bar design – Android 13 software |
Google looks to build on the Pixel 6 generation that first introduced their own Tensor mobile processor in late 2021, bringing meaningful AI-driven advantages over rival Android phones relying on Qualcomm Snapdragons.
Early rumors indicate the Pixel 7 plans to retain much of the Pixel 6‘s core formula while polishing rough edges and introducing Tensor advancements.
Pixel 7 Rumors and Early Leaks At A Glance
Collating details from credible reports in the Android enthusiast community, these represent notable but still unofficial Pixel 7 rumors so far:
Design and Display
- Nearly identical overall design and display sizes/resolutions to Pixel 6 generation
- Refined horizontal camera strip now made of metal instead of glass
Performance Hardware
- Next-generation Google Tensor G2 processor
- Improved machine learning and AI capabilities
- Faster overall performance than Tensor in Pixel 6
Camera Hardware
- 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide sensor cluster rumored to remain unchanged
- But better zoom and video recording expected from software
Software
- Will run latest Android 13 operating system
- New AI-powered features like speech recognition
Tensor G2: What to Expect From Google‘s Upcoming Chipset
The first generation Tensor processor inside the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro saw Google take control over both device hardware and software for unique optimization possibilities. But as an inaugural effort, it came with typical version 1 limitations in peak performance and power efficiency Google now looks to address.
Specific architectural details remain unconfirmed, but based on historical patterns, educated analysis anticipates Tensor G2 advancements in areas like:
Faster CPU Cores
The inclusion of newer Arm-designed performance cores (up to Cortex-X3) could boost peak clock speeds by 25%. This addresses any lag Pixel 6 users saw in demanding apps.
Improved GPU
A better graphics processor fosters quicker, smoother visual rendering in games/apps, while enabling advanced computational photography features.
Dedicated AI Accelerator
Additional silicon devoted to machine learning workloads brings huge gains. We should see features like Live Translate run even faster.
Display Signal Processor
A rumored display processor addition would enable faster screen refresh rates with less battery drain – ideal for the Pixel 7‘s high resolution panels.
Upgraded ISP
An improved image signaling processor enhances camera capabilities for photography and video. Zoom, HDR and extreme low light capture are likely beneficiaries.
Tensor G2 would build on the original chip‘s strengths (e.g on-device AI) while boosting overall speed and battery efficiency. This pays dividends in almost every aspect of the Pixel 7‘s daily usage.
Refining The Modern Pixel Camera System
Google made impressive strides with Pixel 6 photo and video quality thanks to custom imaging algorithms and processing. But a few pain points did emerge, including sub-par zoom and video stabilization. Rumors suggest Google is remedying these weaknesses while keeping the proven camera hardware formula mostly unchanged:
Consistency In Hardware
The distinctive wide + ultrawide camera module on a metal strip will likely persist from Pixel 6 to Pixel 7 models. Sensor resolutions also remain at 50MP + 12MP based on leaks.
Telephoto Additions
The existing 48MP folded telephoto camera featured only on Pixel 6 Pro models provides up to 5x optical zoom. This should carry over with Tensor G2 bringing further Super Res Zoom software enhancements.
Algorithm Improvements
Rumors point to upgraded machine learning models powering photographic styles, HDR+, night sight, portrait mode, and more. Google built their reputation on computational photography, an area Tensor G2 should excel in.
4K + Super Res Video
While video recording resolutions stay similar, Tensor 2‘s ISP and AI silicon should reduce shakiness. Rumors also point to sharper 4K footage with improved HDR. Slow motion captures will also benefit.
In essence, early Tensor G2 benchmarks coupled with Google‘s vast machine learning resources make camera upgrades via enhanced processing the clearest path forward. Outright sensor resolution wars seem unnecessary when software advancements suffice for stunning results – a philosophy Google is banking on.
Software: New Android 13 Capabilities
The Pixel 7 series will be among the first Android phones launching with native support for Android 13 – the newest OS update with helpful personalization tools and smart features thanks to AI advancements.
Visual Refresh
Android 13 brings a refreshed UI with dynamic color theming that draws hues from wallpaper selections. Icons, menus and stock apps have been reworked for a modern flair. Animations and transitions also see tweaks for fluidity. It‘s slick.
Enhanced Personalization
Users gain finer control customizing look/feel and quick settings profiles based on preferences or contexts like work/personal/traveling. Handy for maximizing productivity.
Effective Privacy
Photo picker updates, microphone/camera toggles and permission tweaks give owners transparency and control over what apps can access. Peace of mind.
Seamless Connectivity
Improvements like spatial audio, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, and Fast Pair enhance connections with wireless earbuds and peripherals. Music or videos can also seamlessly switch playback across devices signed into one‘s Google account.
Android 13 lays vital groundwork for Unity OS envisioned to seamlessly bridge phones, tablets, laptops, AR/VR devices. The Pixel 7 should exemplify this multi-screen interconnectedness.
Release Timeline And Cost Rumors
If Google maintains previous Pixel unveiling patterns, we will likely see the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro officially break cover at an October 2022 launch event, followed shortly by preorder and wider retail availability in select global regions.
| Rumored Pixel 7 Release Timeline | |
|---|---|
| October 2022 Announcement Event | Mid-Late October |
| Preorders Go Live | Oct 13-20th (Expected) |
| Devices Ship/Available In-Store | Oct 20-28th (Expected) |
For Pixel 7 pricing, leaked retail listings provide clues that Google seems to be holding the line with modest increases over Pixel 6 generation launch prices from 2021:
| Model | Rumored Prices |
|---|---|
| Pixel 7 | $599+ (128GB-256GB) |
| Pixel 7 Pro | $899+ (128GB-512GB) |
This keeps the series hundreds below iPhone 14 or Galaxy S22 series costs, while packing serious capabilities – especially for Android devotees invested in Google services.
The Outlook On Google‘s 2022 Flagship
Informed by various Pixel 7 rumors from industry sources, Google looks to be preparing an impressively polished successor to 2021‘s Pixel 6 rather than a radical rethink. But that evolutionary approach should pay dividends thanks to Tensor G2 bringing elite-tier processing and AI abilities.
Prospective buyers can expect a refined Pixel experience building on already great foundations in software smarts, computational photography, and Google ecosystem cohesion. Some past Pixel pain points also seem set for long overdue attention through hardware and software updates.
For Android loyalists who favor Google‘s suite of predictive assistance over chasing benchmarks, expect the Pixel 7 to claim the flagship crown once Android 13 rolls out this fall.
