Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro review: The best pure Android phones, Bar none?
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Page 2 of 2 - Benchmarks, Battery Life, Conclusion
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Benchmarks, Battery Life, Conclusion
Benchmark Performance
The new Google Tensor G2 inside Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro is the brand’s proprietary, second-generation chipset for mobile devices, succeeding the original Google Tensor used on the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.
Google Tensor G2 is responsible for supporting 5G networks, its overall performance and including AI-assisted tasks. Additionally, there’s a Titan M2 security chip that keeps biometrics and security data on-device.
It is a Samsung-made (yes, Samsung takes in semi-conductor manufacturing orders that aren't for their own gadgets) 5nm chipset with two big (Arm Cortex-X1 at 2.85GHz), two medium (Arm Cortex-A78 at 2.35GHz) and four small (Cortext-A55 at 1.80GHz) cores, an Arm Mali-G710 MP7 GPU, with a brand-new Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for machine learning.
Given how Google priced the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, we’re forced to compare it against other premium flagships of 2022, along with its predecessors to see if there are any gains. Google does have a lot of room to work with, but the brand did state that it’s not chasing raw power over features, so we’ll keep our expectations tempered.
One huge caveat before we dig deeper into the benchmark scores – at the time of publishing, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro phones were not compatible with most benchmarking apps, which is likely a deliberate choice by Google given how all the other apps had no compatibility issues. We had to sideload some of our benchmarking apps, and the scores below may not reflect Google’s synthetic processing performance, much less real-world use.
Google Pixel 7 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Vivo X80 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G | OnePlus 10 Pro | Oppo Find X5 Pro | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Google Pixel 6 | |
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JetStream 2.0
JetStream 2 is a combination of a variety of JavaScript and Web Assembly benchmarks, including benchmarks that came before like SunSpider and Octane. It primarily tests for a system’s and browser’s ability to deliver a good web experience. It runs a total of 64 subtests, each weighted equally, with multiple iterations, and takes the geometric mean to compute the overall score. The higher the score, the better.
Geekbench 5
Geekbench CPU is a cross-platform processor benchmark that tests both single-core and multi-core performance with workloads that simulate real-world usage. Geekbench 5 scores are calibrated against a baseline score of 1000, which is the score of an Intel Core i3-8100. The higher the score, the better.
3DMark Wild Life (Unlimited)
3DMark Wild Life is a cross-platform benchmark for Windows, Android and Apple iOS for measuring GPU performance. Its graphics test consists of multiple scenes with variations in the amount of geometry, lights and post-processing effects, mirroring mobile games that are based on short bursts of intense activity. Wild Life uses the Vulkan graphics API on Windows PCs and Android devices. On iOS devices, it uses Metal.
In Unlimited mode, the benchmark runs offscreen using a fixed time step between frames. Unlimited mode renders exactly the same frames in every run on every device, regardless of resolution scaling. The higher the score, the better.
PCMark for Android - Work 3.0 and Storage 2.0
PCMark for Android is a benchmark for testing the performance of Android phones and tablets. The Work 3.0 test checks how the device handles common productivity tasks such as browsing the web, editing videos, working with documents and data, and editing photos. Storage 2.0 checks write-in and read-out performance for internal storage, external storage (if applicable), and SQLite database management. Together, the benchmarks can clue us in on how capable a phone handles everyday use. Work 3.0 scores are above, while Storage 2.0 scores are immediately below for each device - the higher the score, the better.
Benchmark Performance remarks
It appears that Google Tensor G2 kept its raw performance similar to the first Google Tensor. It’s a little confusing since the clockrates were slightly higher this time around. The good news is that Tensor G2 (and subsequently Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro) weren’t compatible with synthetic benchmarks, so it’s likely that the phones were not rigged or manipulated to show impressive numbers. The lower performance were also consistent with last year’s results. Folks expecting a huge gain between phone generations may find it disappointing, but it’s expected as Google did already state that raw performance isn’t a game they wish to play.
While the Google Tensor G2 may not pull impressive synthetic scores, the phones were able to keep consistent temperatures of ~37°C during each test, and were very reliable in real-world use.
The scores also show that the Pixel 7 might make a better purchase choice since you’re not getting significant processing gains from picking the Pro version. If anything, it reinforces how the Pro differentiates itself with less negotiable choices, like an extra Telephoto camera, higher refresh rate, and bigger display size. You’re not going to get “more” with Pro, just as you won’t get “less” with regular Pixel 7.
Battery Life
Our standard battery test for mobile phones has the following parameters:
- Looping a 720p video with screen brightness and volume at 100%
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity turned on
- Constant data streaming through email
The Pixel 7 packs a 4,355mAh battery (259mAh smaller than its predecessor) with nearly the same wired fast-charging (20W) and wireless fast-charging (20W) speeds. The Pixel 7 Pro gets 5,000mAh (almost identical to its predecessor) with 23W wired and wireless fast charging.
Naturally, a lower battery capacity on the Pixel 7 would see shorter-than-before battery life, but the difference sits within an acceptable range. The Pixel 7 also grants us the same uptime as the Pixel 7 Pro (likely because of the latter’s 1440p display setting sapping up power).
Pixel 7 took 32 minutes to charge from 0% to 50% and 1 hour 25 minutes to get a full charge from nothing, using a third-party 65W wall charger. The same adapter netted 35 minutes and 1 hour 47 minutes respectively for the Pixel 7 Pro. We’d use Google’s default 30W charger, but it’s not included in their boxes and is sold separately in the Google Store.
To Pixel or not, that is the question
The Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro duo are wonderful Android phones that do plenty of things right, but also leave a fair room for improvement – with some necessary tweaks more pertinent than others.
If we take stock of what’s good in both models, it would fall upon their high-quality IP68-rated build, their impressively fluid and clean UI, and highly inclusive software-based features that’s only gotten better with time. They also have excellent imaging performance that provides assistance to both pro-level editing (Photo Unblur) and the impaired (Guided Frame). It’s unlikely to find a more encompassing, more sensible, and more practical choice than a Pixel 7 and 7 Pro among the many Android alternatives with all sorts of distracting bells and whistles.
Both Pixel 7 and 7 Pro also see mildly improved sensors for unlocking and payments, while staying relatively glitch-free at launch. These little things help to boost confidence in non-Pixel converts who are curious to learn what the purist Android fuss is all about.
If you had to pick one, which would it be?
If you’re looking at a Pixel 7 Pro, it’s also sweeter with a 1440p resolution display with 120Hz at just S$1,299 (128GB). The extra 48MP telephoto camera does a lot of heavy lifting with excellent in-sensor and optical zoom options, plus it has one of the most functional, stable, long-range zoom in modern Android phones. While its design could afford an update, the Pixel 7 Pro would be one of the first handsets you'd consider if you value a nice display and powerful zoom handling for photography. Just slap a better-looking case on it before you start shooting.
Our personal preference is the more affordable S$999 (128GB) Google Pixel 7. By shaving S$300, we’re getting the same Google Tensor G2 processor with similar performance and battery uptime, while trading out the higher resolution display for a 1080p 90Hz one and skipping out on a telephoto lens. Having a flat display and smaller body also makes all the cool Android 13 shortcuts and accessibility features easier to handle on the Pixel 7. Experientially, it’s easily one of the best 2022 flagship-tier smartphones under a thousand bucks, and having 8x max zoom isn't half bad. Together, both Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have impressive sets of perks that earn high marks in our ratings.
Folks who like to keep all their content on-device might have to consider ponying up S$130 to S$150 more for the 256GB variants (Pixel 7 256GB at S$1,129 and Pixel 7 Pro 256GB at S$1,449), but that’s hardly a deal breaker when premium flagship options generally start at the S$1,300 to S$1,400 range (albeit with better raw performance). For instance, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are priced well under the Vivo X80 Pro and Oppo Find X5 Pro (S$1,699), and your stylish Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G starts at S$1,398.
A better Pixel for the future
That said, Google’s lack of improvements to the Pixel 7’s battery life and raw performance might leave them struggling to compete with true premium flagship alternatives. Its predecessors were excused since it was Google’s first rodeo with its proprietary Google Tensor chipset. But, it’s been a year now, and seeing no improvements in Tensor G2’s performance or battery uptime makes the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro less appealing to current Pixel 6 series users. We had no choice, but to penalise the Pixels on their performance rating for the lapse.
If it wasn’t possible to create huge leaps in processing performance, then perhaps Google should at least consider packing its 30W charger in the box (or offering it as a local bonus) to shore up its value proposition against other competitive Android devices. After all, it’s easier to hook users over with obvious benefits before you lock them in with Pixel’s amazing user experience, interface, and cameras.
Google also hasn’t made upgrading easier for loyal Pixel 6 fans, since there are no trade-up promotions, no change in official pricing, and no freebies or loyalty bonuses for #teampixel.
While its variant availability did improve from last year's 128GB-only spread, Google also did not bring in more colour options for the 256GB SKU, and completely left out 512GB option for the local market. If anything, the older Pixel 6 and 6 Pro received an official price cut (S$50 for Pixel 6, S$300 off for Pixel 6 Pro) on the Google Store at the time of writing.
Perhaps the irony isn’t lost on Google with how Pixel 7 and 7 Pro seems attractive to nearly everyone else but existing Pixel 6 series users. Perhaps it matters more to Google that you’re #teampixel, enjoying all its software features on a high-quality, pure Android phone.
To recap, the Pixel 7 (128GB) starts at S$999, and the Pixel 7 Pro (128GB) starts at S$1,299, and they’re available now local on Google Store and third-party e-commerce sites like Amazon Singapore, Courts Online, Challenger Online, and Shopee.
Design | Features | User-friendliness | Performance | Value | Overall | |
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Google Pixel 7 |
8.5 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 7.5 | 9.0 | |
Google Pixel 7 Pro |
8.0 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
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