Overall, I love the Google Pixel 7 after four weeks of use. Here are some key takeaways:
- Screen size is approximately the same as previous XL phones.
- Usage is fast with no apparent bugs.
- The camera takes clear photos and videos with fun editing features.
- The speaker volume is sufficient and clear.
- Casemate and Amazon Tauri cases are identical and facilitate wireless charging.
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What’s In the Box?
When you receive your Google Pixel 7, the box will contain the phone itself, a double-ended USB-C cable, a USB to USB-C converter, a SIM drawer key, and an instruction manual.
Unlike previous models, a wall charging block and Google Pixel buds are not included.
Use and Review
I initially had a few doubts about this model. I didn’t like the depth of the camera module on the back; it seemed too easily breakable.
Also, during the first few hours after startup, the phone ran slowly. My contacts list disappeared, and Google Maps took five minutes to load. The phone also heated to the point that it was uncomfortable to touch. I attribute these effects to the massive download of apps and updates the phone made during its first few hours, as they have not recurred.
In the time since, I would rate the Pixel 7 five stars in all of the following categories.
Call Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Speaker Volume ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Video Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cinematic/Editing Options ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was also glad to find that this phone would charge using my Gen 1 Pixel Stand. My Pixel 3 ceased recognizing this charger about a year ago.
Case Comparison
I purchased both the Tauri phone case with screen protectors and the Casemate case. The cases themselves were virtually identical, the only differences being the Casemate logo on the back of one and whether the volume button was a single button or divided into two portions.
After about a week of use, I cracked the screen protector. I contacted Tauri via Amazon, and they promptly honored their lifetime guarantee by sending me a replacement.
Google Trade-In
There has been a lot of buzz about delays in Google’s trade-in program. And yes, I experienced them. It was nearly two weeks before Google acknowledged receiving one of my two trade-ins, with the other a week later – both were mailed on the same day.
As many others reported, the tracking information showed the package stuck in Nashville, Tennessee. But, it eventually reached its location.
Google acknowledged and credited the trade-in value about five days after receiving each phone. For the Google Pixel 3XL, I received the full $275 trade-in value that had been quoted at the time of purchase. For the Pixel 3, the quoted value was $235, but this increased to $245 after inspection.
Was trade-in worth it? In my opinion, yes, it was. I purchased the 3XL used for $425 one year after its release. That means I got three years of use from the phone for $150. Not bad for a flagship model.
We purchased the Pixel 3 last year from Amazon for $250. We received all but $5 of the purchase price (plus tax) in the trade-in. Again, not a bad deal if you ask me.
The Bottom Line
The Google Pixel 7 is a solid computing and photographic powerhouse that is essential to my work-from-home/work-from-anywhere lifestyle. It allows me to create content on the go without lugging around my full camera setup or laptop. I would recommend it for any digital nomad.
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.