Google today presented the Pixel 7 and the Pixel Watch. Previously the Pixel were not on sale in the Netherlands, but now for the first time they are. Will this be formidable competition for Apple’s iPhone?
For some reason, Google never marketed the Pixel phone in the Netherlands. Now that is changing with the Pixel 7. In addition, the company also showed the Pixel Watch. Should Apple start worrying about the iPhone and Apple Watch?
Google Pixel 7 versus Apple iPhone 14
All previous editions never came out in the Netherlands. The company never really gave a reason for that. So we finally get to work with the new phones and the specifications are impressive in any case.
Both the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro look similar in design to the Pixel 6, and these devices also have an aluminum body that extends to the back, over where the cameras are. It is the sturdiest device yet, according to the company. The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch screen and the Pixel 7 Pro has a 6.7-inch QHD display.
In terms of specifications, the cameras are also puking in the 7 series. The Pixel 7 has a 50 megapixel camera and a 12 megapixel ultra wide. The 7 Pro also has a 48-megapixel telephoto camera. On the front is the 10.8 megapixel “selfie camera. This is used not only for selfies or video calls, but also to unlock the phone. According to Google, machine learning learns your face.
Bright boys
Furthermore, the devices are obviously faster than their predecessors. This time, the Pixel 7 has a Tensor G2 GPU and as much as 8GB of RAM (7) and 12GB of working memory (7 Pro). There is also a choice in terms of storage. The entry-level version has 128GB, but you can also double the space to 256GB.
In addition, the battery lasts considerably longer. The Pixel 7 has 4355 mAh battery that lasts about 72 hours (note: on extreme power saving mode). The 7 Pro has a 5000 mAh battery.
Like the Pixel 6, the 7 has exclusive features such as Magic Eraser and Unblur. Regarding the latter, it is interesting that you can also update old photos that are blurry on your phone. The Pixel 7 then removes the blur as best it can.
Also returning is RealTone. With this, people with darker skin tones are better processed in photos, even when there is less light. With this, Google claims the Pixel has the “most inclusive camera. In addition, Google introduces Guided Frame, with which blind people can also take selfies thanks to spoken instructions.
The camera also uses 10-bit HDR to create sharp videos (4K and 60 frames per second). Google has additionally improved zoom. The previous Pixel had 4x optical zoom, the Pixel 7 (and Pro) is now able to zoom in more than twice as far, at 8x. Super Res Zoom takes a photo with your regular camera as well as the telephoto lens and combines that data for a better photo at up to 12.5 megapixels. Stabilization is also applied here.
According to Google, the Pixel 7 is also the safest device yet. A Titan M2 security chip is used for this. These M2 are also used by banks and governments. Also, the Pixel 7 has free VPN, because of this your Internet traffic can hardly be traced. Anyway, as of Android 13, all security options and privacy settings are all together for a better overview.
The devices come in three different colors: Snow, Obsidian black and Lemongrass. The Google Pixel 7 and the 7 Pro are available in the Netherlands exclusively at Belsimpel and T-Mobile.
The Pixel 7 costs 649 euros (749 euros for 256GB).
The Pixel 7 Plus costs 899 euros (999 euros for the 256GB).
Google’s first smart watch: the Pixel Watch
Google also showed off the Pixel Watch. The watch runs on Wear OS 3, and Google also includes Fitbit Pro functionality. Pixel Watch uses deep learning and machine learning, which allows the watch to get a very accurate overview of your heart rate, how much you exercise and when and how long you exercise. By the way, should you experience heart problems (or fall, a feature coming to the smartwatch in 2023), loved ones or emergency responders will be called immediately.
Not everyone will be talking about the appearance. Indeed, the round, stainless-steel watch has hefty bezels, yet Google believes that thanks to its drop-inspired design, these do not stand out. In terms of colors, there is a choice of silver, gold and black. Google is also releasing numerous straps in various colors that can be changed in a completely unique way (you twist them on).
The Google Pixel Watch is available from now on the U.S. Google Store for $349 (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) and $399 for the LTE, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi version. However, it will unfortunately not be released in the Netherlands.