The Google Pixel Watch and Pixel 7 series ship this week to eager customers, and our initial reviews are out now. But what questions do you have left? Let’s talk!
Starting with the Pixel 7 series, Google’s latest flagship phones are just minor updates on paper. The cameras get a handful of improvements, the screens are a bit brighter but the same size, and the design is pretty much the same. The biggest upgrade under the hood is the chip, Tensor G2, which upgrades the modem and improves heat issues with increased efficiency and special cooling hardware.
In our Pixel 7 Pro review, we found that the device was proving that Google is learning how to better compete with other major smartphone makers in the flagship space. We said:
the Pixel 7 Pro it is, on paper and in person, a very iterative update of what came before. But it’s a device that shows Google is learning lessons as it goes. Improvements to the chip, hardware, and feature set make the Pixel a more attractive option this year. Pixel phones often tend to look good in a bubble where they’re only compared to other Pixels, but Google is figuring out how to make its phones competitive with everyone else.
The Pixel 7, on the other hand, is even more of an iterative update on its predecessor. But as we pointed out, the updates it brings are at least pretty significant.
To make it simpler: at $599The Pixel 7 is an even better package this year than the Pixel 6 in 2021. All the major bugs that were present with Android 12 appear to have been resolved, and problem areas and pain points have also been addressed without further detriment to the final product. . This is the new default recommendation for most people looking for a new Android phone.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch is Google’s first smartwatch, combining Wear OS and Fitbit into one product. Did the ending work? In our experience so far, it has been better than expected at least. Battery life isn’t ideal and Fitbit integration is a bit limited compared to dedicated trackers, but overall, we’re leaving satisfied.
In our review we said:
Battery life is poor, but it’s manageable. The Fitbit integration is a bit lacking, but it’s enough for me. And really, that’s how most aspects of the pixel clock are. They’re not entirely ideal, but they’re good enough if you don’t have sky-high expectations. This is the first generation of Google’s smartwatch and things are sure to get better.
So far, my verdict is this: the Pixel Watch is a great first attempt at a smartwatch, but it’s not the best smartwatch you can buy for your Android phone. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 5 is a more refined option at a price much best value with its starting price of $279.
But what do you still want to know? Leave a comment below with some of your biggest questions about the latest Google devices.
Pixel 7 and Pixel Watch FAQ
Yes, the Pixel 7 series has a new camera system compared to the Pixel 6. It shares the same 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto cameras, but with new hardware behind it. The Pixel 7 Pro adopts autofocus on the ultra-wide camera, enabling a special macro mode. Meanwhile, the telephoto lens jumps up to 5x optical zoom. Both cameras also use software to enable the equivalent of 2x optical zoom on the main camera’s sensor.
The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro start at the same price as the Pixel 6 series. The Pixel 7 is $599, while the Pro is $899.
Google will provide five years of security updates for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, but only three years of major Android version updates after launch in October 2022.
Google’s Pixel 7 has a new Tensor G2 processor that also adopts a new cellular modem. In theory, this should improve support for cellular networks compared to the previous Pixel 6 series.
Google’s two 2022 smartphones ship in “Snow” White and “Obsidian” Black colors. The Pixel 7 adds a “Lemongrass” yellow option and the Pixel 7 Pro also comes in a “Hazel” green.
The Pixel 7 series has a slightly more accurate fingerprint sensor compared to the Pixel 6 series, but it also adds support for face unlock to add another option besides the fingerprint sensor.
The $599 Pixel 7 has a completely flat screen, but the $899 Pixel 7 Pro has a curved screen on the left and right sides. That said, it’s a lot less drastic compared to the Pixel 6 Pro.
No, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro do not have a headphone jack. Instead, you’ll need Bluetooth headphones like the Pixel Buds Pro or a USB-C adapter.
Google Pixel Watch starts at $349 for the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth model with LTE starting at $399.
No, Pixel Watch is only compatible with bands sold by Google for now as it uses a proprietary system. Third party adapters are likely to arrive on time.
Using Fitbit for health tracking on the Google Pixel Watch is completely optional. You can choose to skip the service and use Google Fit, Strava, or other apps instead.
Yes, Google Pixel Watch works with almost any Android smartphone. As long as your device has Android 8.0 or higher and at least 2 GB of RAM, it is compatible.
No, the Pixel Watch does not work with iPhone.
Google’s Pixel Watch is technically competing with the Apple Watch for the “best smartwatch” crown, but it’s impossible to say which one is better for you as a customer. Really, it all comes down to your choice of smartphone. The Pixel Watch is the best smartwatch to use with a Google Pixel phone. The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch to use with an iPhone.
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