A pair of new Google phones has arrived, and you might be considering picking up the two models, particularly in light of the positive reviews the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro receive. Google''s latest handsets have a lot to offer, particularly an updated Tensor processor that builds upon the customer''s smart features and improved photography last year. So, you''re getting premium features for less than you''d pay for many of the leading flagships.
Generally speaking, it''s an attractive strategy for a lot of smartphone shoppers, especially those who have already purchased a Pixel phone and have discovered how impressive Google''s cameras can be in the pictures. Current Pixel owners will need to ask themselves if it''s time to upgrade to a new Google device.
We''ve not only reviewed the most recent Pixels, but also reviewed all the Pixels, so we''re very familiar with Google''s smartphones over the years. For some people with older Pixels, upgrading to the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro isn''t too costly a decision. But if you''ve got a newer model, we can offer you options.
Here''s a look at Pixels that have come out in sinc 2019 and what you''ll gain if you pay $599 to $899 to upgrade to a new Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro.
Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
The first public offering will be released in October 2021.
Best features: Tensor chip, 50MP main camera, and a new design with a horizontal camera bar.
What''s missing: A responsive fingerprint sensor, improved battery life
The Pixel 7, the Tensor G2 chip, is wowing us. It''s worth remembering that the Pixel 6 was the first to acquire Google''s own silicon. However, some of the features introduced with the Tensor G2 will likely remain Pixel 7 exclusives. There''s still a lot to do with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro''s version of the Tensor.
These were the first Pixel phones to include a design that''s now apparently standard for Google''s handsets the horizontal camera bar stretching across the back of the phone. Google has refined that look for the Pixel 7, but that''s not exactly the sort of thing you should do after one year.
The Pixel 6 models were the first to upgrade to Google''s 50MP main camera, which Google utilizes for its flagship cameras. In fact, the camera hardware on the Pixel 7 is essentially identical to its predecessor, with the exception of the front camera.
If you bought the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro when these phones came out a year ago, you''re still enjoying excellent camera phones and unique Tensor-powered experiences. It''s a good bet that at least a few of those Pixel 7-exclusive features will likely arrive on other Tensor-powered devices like the Pixel 6. We''d advise you keep an eye on your phone.
Google Pixel 6a
The first poster is now available, from July 2022.
Best features: Low price, same Tensor chipset as Pixel 6, bright display
What''s missing about the Telephoto lens and the longer battery life?
The Pixel 6a is actually the last Android version of the Pixel 7, so if you purchased one, you''re still enjoying that new phone smell. More to the point, you''re benefiting from the same Tensor processor that powers the Pixel 6 flagships, but in a much cheaper device.
Perhaps the Pixel 7 is stoking your FOMO with its more advanced Tensor G2 chipset and beefier camera hardware. (The Pixel 6a sticks with a 12.2MP camera instead of the 50MP main sensor used by both the Pixel 6 and 7, and there''s no telephoto lens like you''d find on the Pro models.) However, as with the Pixel 6 and other phones on this list, you''ve been able to upgrade to Android 13, and you may even see a new Tens
Upgrade outlook: The Pixel 6a was probably purchased for $449, which appealed to you at some level. Even if the Pixel 7 is $150, there is no Pixel 7 deal to reduce the cost of costly people, since the current one came out a few months ago.
Google Pixel 5
The first draft of the campaign is now available for October 2020.
Best cameras: Featuring an ultra wide lens, powerful power-saving features
What''s missing: A more powerful processor, a large-screen version
The Pixel 5 was the last Google flagship phone to use a Snapdragon chipset and a somewhat underpowered one at that time. Despite the Snapdragon 765G chipset that enabled the Pixel 5 to operate on its own, it is just really unfavorable.
Although computational photography has advanced in the last two years, many new features have been added to the Pixel 5 via a software update.
The Pixel 5, either with a XL or a Pro version, had a 6-inch display, irrespective of whether or not you liked larger phones.
Upgrade outlook: The Pixel 5 is still two years after its release, and you might anticipate a first year of use if you wanted. However, the difference between a new Tensor chipset and an older Snapdragon processor that isn''t even one of Qualcomm''s top-of-the-line chipset will be noticeable for upgraders. We believe you should make the jump.
Google Pixel 5a
The first publication of the paper will be published in August 2021.
Best features: excellent cameras, lower-$500 price, and bright display
Fresh chipset, global availability are all missing.
The Pixel 5a, which was reportedly the last Google product to go without a Tensor processor, was apparently the last device Google made without its own silicon. In fact, the 5a used the same Snapdragon 765G as the Pixel 5, so that chip was even older when the Pixel 5a finally rolled around.
If you lived outside of the US or Japan, you never had to experience the Pixel 5a''s twin charms of excellent cameras and a low price tag for yourself. Google restricted the phone''s release to those two countries at the time due to pandemic-related components shortages. Although the Pixel 5a was still a solid budget device with excellent cameras that might hold their own against more expensive phones.
Owners of Pixel 5a are able to upgrade their phones to a bright, new Tensor-powered world, so why should people with a Pixel 5a hold on to their phones? Besides the fact that the Pixel 5 has a 10-month head start on the Pixel 5a, Google''s A Series phones are all about maximizing value. Holding out until next year will permit Pixel 5a owners more than their money''s worth.
Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
The first issue of this year''s edition will be released in October 2019.
Best features: 90Hz refresh rate, great cameras, and MotionSense feature
What''s missing: A bright display, 5g connectivity
Remember Motion Sense, the Pixel 4 feature that accelerated face unlocking and supported some gesture controls. Many people who stick to their Pixel 4 models have probably done this, as this was the only Google smartphone to incorporate the feature. Imagine what await these individuals when they upgrade to a Tensor-based Pixel.
If the regular Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL had unusually dim displays, then upgrade it would. That''s not a problem with the new Pixel 7 models, who are much brighter than their predecessors, so we didn''t really see the Pixel 7 outside in bright sunlight.
Yes, Tensor will be a significant step forward from the Pixel 4, and camera improvements of the previous three years will be fantastic to have. But that change in displays will be just like night and day.
Perspectives for a new Pixel 4 have benefited you for three years, but the either Pixel 7 model will be a significant upgrade from 2019''s flagships.
Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G
The first two days of August 2020 (4a) and November 2020 (4a 5G) will be released.
Best features: Low price, ample storage, and excellent camera
What''s missing is 5G compatibility (from the original Pixel 4a), an additional rear camera (on the original 4a), and long battery life.
Two different Pixel 4a models one with 5G connectivity, and another that didn''t. The Pixel 4a 5G also included a second rear camera, although a single lens didn''t prevent the Piel 4a from producing the finest photographs in its price range.
Although these phones came out in the second half of 2020, they have even more similarities with the Pixel 4 flagships that came out the previous fall. For that reason, you''re probably due for an upgrade if you''ve got a Pixel 4a, especially if it''s the non-5G version.
Really, the question isn''t whether or not the Pixel 7 or Pixel 6a is the right phone for you. Our Pixel 7 vs. Pixel 6a comparison can help you decide between newer hardware and the Pixel 6a''s lower price.
Why should older Pixels upgrade to Pixel 7?
We don''t know how many Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3a models are out there in the wild yet. However, we''re willing to believe that those phones aren''t getting any Android updates lately. For this reason, it''s likely time to ditch that older phone in favor of something similar to the version of Android 13 that is installed on Google''s most recent handsets. That being said, enhanced camera capabilities will be a bonus when it comes to having an updated operating system once more.
Why should other Android devices upgrade to the Pixel 7?
The transition from another Android device to the Pixel 7 is another challenge, as well as the answer depending on how you feel about your current smartphone, and how new it is. It''s hard to justfy an upgrade to any phone if you''ve owned your current model for two years or less. Even a 2- to 3-year-old phone can still be fully functional, assuming it''s still charging a lot.
The Pixel 7 makes a compelling case for an upgrade. We''re talking about the best cameras on any Android phone, and depending on how you feel about the iPhone 14, the best camera phone overall. The actual Pixel design makes Google''s phone stand out, and the Tensor-driven experiences Pixel owners enjoy give the Google handset a unique feel.
The possibility of which Android phone is right for you requires a deeper debate on what you''re looking for in a phone. But the Pixel 7 features certainly make a compelling argument for getting Google''s phone.