Google Pixel 7: Everything You Need To Know

UPDATE (February 11, 2025): The Google Pixel 7 is now getting the Android security update for February 2025. You can read more about it at the end of the article.

Google announced two new smartphones today, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. These are basically the company’s new flagship smartphones and direct successors to the Pixel 6 series. The company did not revamp the design completely this time around, but it did make some changes to differentiate this year’s lineup. Both devices come with better protection of the camera visor on the back, thanks to the metal cover on top of it.

The camera hardware did not see major changes compared to last year either, but there’s still plenty to talk about. We’ve already covered both phones extensively on the site, but if you want to grab a ton of information in a single article, this is the one. Here we’ll focus on the Pixel 7, the smaller of the two new flagships. If you’d like to know its price, specs, features, and so much more… read on.

How much does the Google Pixel 7 cost?

The Google Pixel 7 starts at $599. That basically means it has the same price as the Pixel 6 when it launched last year. That price applies to the 128GB storage option. There is a 256GB storage model on offer as well, and that variant will set you back $699. The device is available to pre-order starting today, by the way.

Should I wait for a price drop?

The Google Pixel 7 is priced more than fair considering the competition. Chances are it will not get a price drop anytime soon. So, if you’re planning to hold out on buying one just because you think you can get a discount in the near future, chances are that it won’t happen. If you’re interested in this phone, and you plan on buying a phone soon, our advice would be to go ahead and do it.

Where can I buy the Google Pixel 7?

The Google Pixel 7 is easy to come by in the US, you’ll find it in all the usual places that sell the Pixel. You can get it directly from the Google Store, or from Best Buy. You can also grab it from carriers, if you want. It will likely be available from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. You can also finance your Pixel 7 through Google Fi, and possibly the three aforementioned carriers. Do note that the carriers may also offer some special deals.

Buy the Google Pixel 7 (Google Store)

Buy the Google Pixel 7 (Best Buy)

What offers are available from Google?

In the US, you can get up to $750 off any Pixel 7 phone with a qualifying trade-in. On top of that, Google is offering up to $200 in Google Store credit towards your next purchase.

What offers are available from AT&T?

AT&T has announced that new and existing AT&T customers can get a free Google Pixel 7, or up to $800 off the Pixel 7 Pro with eligible trade-ins. The company also said that users can take advantage of AT&T’s buy one Pixel Watch and get one free offer.

What offers are available from T-Mobile?

If you’d like to purchase the Pixel 7 from T-Mobile, you can get a $500 discount with a new line of service. You can get up to $800 off for the Pixel 7 Pro, but with a new or existing Magenta Max plan and an eligible trade-in.

What offers are available from Verizon?

Verizon is offer a free Pixel 7 with an eligible trade-in. Of course, the value of a trade-in will depend on what phone we’re talking about, and in what condition it is. Verizon does accept broken phones as well, though. Do note that you also must be on an eligible Unlimited plan for this. You can also grab a $100 discount on the Pixel Buds Pro, and 20% off on select cases and screen protectors.

What carriers support the Google Pixel 7?

When it comes to the US, all three major carriers support the Pixel 7. Namely, we’re talking about AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. The device itself supports both mmWave and Sub-6 5G networks, so you’ll get proper 5G support regardless of which carrier you choose.

In addition to the aforementioned carriers, a ton of MVNOs also support the Pixel 7. That goes for Google Fi, Cricket, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Straight Talk, and more. Do note that not all of the will sell the phone, though, even though they will support it. You can simply grab it from Google, and opt for one of the MVNOs.

What colors are available?

The Google Pixel 7 comes in three color options. Those colors are Lemongrass, Obsidian Black, and Lemongrass.

The Lemongrass color is basically a very light white color, combined with a light gray frame and camera visor. The Obsidian Black color combines a black backplate, with a dark gray frame and camera visor. And last, but not least, the Snow color comes with a white backplate, and silver frame camera visor protection.

What are the specs of the Google Pixel 7?

Below are the specs for the Google Pixel 7, and next to it, you’ll notice specs for the Google Pixel 7 Pro, for comparison’s sake.

What new features did Google unveil?

When it comes to software features, Google focused largely on camera features. Android 13 is well-known to everyone by now, and you’re getting all those goodies, along with a bunch of camera features that we’ll touch upon below.

Cinematic Blur

Cinematic Blur is one of the main new camera features on the Pixel 7 series devices. This is essentially Google’s version of Apple’s Cinematic Mode. It allows you to switch between two subjects, while keeping one focused, and the other blurred (the background one). This technique has been used in cinematography for a long time, and it can be useful on phones if you shoot specific types of videos.

Extreme Battery Saver

The Extreme Battery Saver is another feature Google is promoting for both Pixel phones. This feature basically shuts down all apps except those you select, and thus prolongs battery life considerably. The apps that don’t work will be grayed out on the display. Do note that system apps such as Phone, Messages, Clock, and Settings will remain active no matter what, you cannot disable those.

Photo Unblur

Photo Unblur is a brand new feature Google presented during its Pixel 7 series keynote. It can remove blur from images, basically make blurry images look great. Google did show some really impressive samples during the keynote.

Guided Frame

For people who are blind, or have poor vision, and like to take selfies, this is the feature to use. Guided Frame will give out audio instructions, haptic feedback, and offer high-contrast visual animations.

10-bit HDR videos

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro also got 10-bit HDR support for video recording. You’ll now get higher contrast videos with wider color ranges.

What official cases are available?

With the Google Pixel 7, Google released a similar case as the one last year. That case comes in three color options, and Google used the same color names as for the devices themselves, well, for the most part. So, you have Lemongrass, Obsidian, and Snow Chalk options. These cases are a bit different than the ones last year. Google changed the physical button covers. Last year, the same material the case was made from covered the physical buttons, that’s no longer the case. This time around, the company included pieces of metal or plastic (either way, they have a metallic finish), to make these cases feel more premium, and offer more clickiness. You can check out all the color variants below, and take a closer look. These are the only official cases Google announced, and they’re priced at $29.99 each.

Buy Google's official Pixel 7 case (Google Store)

Lemongrass case:

Obsidian case:

Chalk case:

Google is offering various different, third-party cases through its website, though. You can get a leather case from Bellory, OtterBox’s Defender Series case, or a case from Case-Mate. Those are only some examples. Follow the link below and choose your own!

Buy a third-party Pixel 7 case (Google Store)

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Updated February 6, 2024:

Google has released a new update for its Pixel phones, a security update for February 2024. One of the devices that is getting that update is the Pixel 7, of course. There are no specific entries for the Pixel 7a in the changelog, but there is one that targets all phones that the update is coming to. Google has released a fix for “stability or performance with certain third-party apps”.

Updated March 6, 2024:

As part of the Pixel Feature Drop update for March 2024, Google is making a couple of changes, and adding new features along the way. One of the most notable changes is an improved Call Screen feature. Your Pixel 7 will now be able to help you get the call on the way if the caller is silent. You’ll get a prompt from the Google Assistant to move things along.

The Pixel Feature Drop also improves Instagram compatibility. It enables you to capture and share 10-bit HDR videos directly on Instagram Reels. On top of that, you can also upload and share Ultra HDR photos to your Instagram feed.

This Pixel Feature Drop also delivered a Pixel 7 series-specific change. The Circle to Search function is finally available on Pixel 7 phones. All you have to do is summon Google Assistant, circle what you’re interested in, and there you go.

Updated April 4, 2024:

Google has started rolling out the Android security update for April 2024. Many Pixel devices are getting it, including the Google Pixel 7. This update comes with 28 general security fixes for Android, and 25 which are specific for Pixel devices. Google, unfortunately, did not detail those security fixes. What the company did detail, is bug fixes.

This update also delivers some bug fixes to Pixel devices. Four entries are included, but only one is related to the Pixel 7. Google issued some camera stability improvements, which improve the experience when changing zoom levels. That action should be smoother than ever before.

Updated May 9, 2024:

The Google Pixel 7 is one of Pixel devices that are receiving a new Android security update. This update is for May 2024, and it’s not a major one, not at all. The next one, for June, will be. That will be the next Pixel Feature Drop. This update only improves Bluetooth LE audio performance on the phone, and that’s it. It is rolling out to all Pixel 7 variants in the US and beyond, regardless they were purchased. Do note that it may take some time before all models receive the update, though, so be patient.

Updated June 13, 2024: (Pixel Feature Drop)

Google has started rolling out the Pixel Feature Drop for June 2024. The thing is, most of the features mentioned in this update are exclusive for the Pixel 8 series of devices. Features such as Gemini Nano support, and DisplayPort support. Some of the features Google started rolling out are available for the Pixel 7 too, however. Speaker labels are available on the Pixel 7, as the phone will be able to recognize different speakers as you’re recording a session.

In addition to that, The Pixel camera can now automatically identify the best moment from your photo in HDR+ with a single shutter press. That way it’ll be easier to capture people’s face while you’re taking pictures. The last addition to the Pixel 7 has to do with reverse image lookup. If you spot an unknown phone number, you can now do a reverse phone number search from your phone’s call log.

Updated August 29, 2024: (August 2024 security update)

The August 2024 Android security update is now rolling out to the Pixel 7. This is not a large update by any means. In addition to security improvements issued by Google, there is only one changelog entry mentioned. Google has issued a fix for stability issues when switching from a user without a screen lock, to a user with a screen lock… but only under certain conditions. The update is rolling out in stages, as per usual, so be patient if you still didn’t get it.

Updated September 13, 2024: (September 2024 security update)

Google is now rolling out its September 2024 Android security patch to Pixel phones. The Pixel 7 is one of those devices. Along with standard security improvements and fixes, Google has also listed a “Fix to remove third party APK to address security vulnerability” in the changelog. This probably has to do with the Showcase demo app, but we’re not entirely sure about that. That app did present a security vulnerability, so… chances are that’s what got removed. In any case, this update is rolling out in stages, so be patient if you didn’t get it yet.

Updated October 22, 2024: (Android 15 & Pixel Feature Drop)

The Google Pixel 7 is now getting Android 15 and the latest Pixel Feature Drop. You can read more about Android 15 by clicking here, while we’ll talk more about the Pixel Feature Drop changes here. Not all of them are coming to the Pixel 7, like the Underwater photography mode and Audio Eraser, for example, What is available, however, is the improved Astrophotography mode. You can now also access Night Sight photography directly via the Instagram camera.

The Pixel Weather app has also been improved. Do note that the pollen data may not be avaialble in all regions, however. Google is also making it easier for your phone to automatically adjust the vibration intensity of ringtones, notifications, and alerts.

Updated November 13, 2024: (November 2024 security update)

The Google Pixel 7 is now receiving a new security update, one for November 2024. It is receiving that update along with a number of other Pixel phones, of course. All of them are getting fixes for 21 security issues that Google has found within Android. In addition to that, Google mentioned something else in the changelog. This update brings “general improvements for performance and stability in certain UI transitions and animations“, says Google. The update is rolling out over the air (OTA), and it will arrive to your phone soon, if it hasn’t already.

Updated December 13, 2024: (December 2024 Pixel Feature Drop)

The last Pixel Feature Drop of 2024 is now rolling out, and the Google Pixel 7 is getting the update, along with many other Pixel devices. With that being said, this update does not bring all the new features to the Pixel 7, but some are included. For example, the Pixel 7 is now able to peek into conversations between the caller and the AI agent during an automatic Call Screen. You can also answer or decline a call at any time during the screen session.

On top of that, Gboard is getting new emoji, while ‘Expressive Captions’ are included in the update. Ai can now automatically capture the intensity and emotion of how someone is speaking for any content with sound on your phone. That even goes for livestreams. Fall Detection is coming to a new market as well, plus more.

Updated January 20, 2025: (January 2025 security update)

The Google Pixel 7 is one of the company’s devices that are now getting the January 2025 Android security update. This update is based on Android 15, of course, and it delivers 26 security fixes to the phone. They range from high to critical, and the update weighs notably less than 100MB.

Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series devices did get some additional fixes as part of this update, but the same is not the case for this phone. Only security fixes are included, there’s not mention of anything else in the changelog.

Updated February 11, 2025: (February 2025 security update)

Google has started rolling out a new security update, the one for February 2025. This Android security update is rolling out to a number of Pixel devices, including the Google Pixel 7. The update fixes some high-level CVEs, including a Pixel-specific issue. That has to do with the battery mitigation subcomponent. An issue with audio output in Android Auto, which was popping up under certain conditions, has also been fixed. This update does not bring new features, though. It’s also rolling out in stages.