Long-term review: Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro

I was convinced I’d test the Google Pixel 7 Pro for 14 days and then go back to the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Then it became my new daily driver, and I ordered the Pixel Buds Pro right along with it. For the first time, Google has built a real flagship, in technology and design. asgoodasnew provided the Pixel 7 Pro, and according to the video description, the company had no say in the content.

Design and build quality

The earlier Pixel models felt more like toys to me, with matte plastic and squeaky colors. The Pixel 6 was already more serious, the Pixel 7 Pro continues that and is on a par with Apple and Samsung in design.

• Display: 6.7-inch OLED with 120 Hz, subtly curved.
• Body: 100% recycled aluminum, only 212 grams. Sustainability and high-quality design together deserve bonus points.
• Camera block: Sticks out less than on the Pixel 6 Pro.
• Buttons: The volume and power buttons have moved down, which I welcome with small hands. The swapped order takes getting used to.
• Unlocking: The optical in-display fingerprint sensor works excellently most of the time, and so does face unlock, mostly.

Everyday use: smooth, with a very good battery

The device runs buttery smooth, and animations are playful. The vibration motor is the most pleasant I’ve ever had on a smartphone. The speakers sound clear and natural, with nice spatial sound. The 5,000 mAh battery lasts almost two days, at 10 p.m. I often still have 50%, and I’m more of a heavy user. On top of that, the Pixel 7 Pro makes lots of helpful suggestions, such as who has a birthday next week, how long the way home takes or which song is playing right now. Reverse wireless charging, free sorting of the home screen and split screen are included.

The device costs €899 RRP and, according to Jen, is about 30% cheaper than the smallest iPhone 14 Pro model.

Criticisms

There are only two:

1. Rare freezes: The device never lags, but rarely freezes completely for several seconds and then carries on. Since the December update, I haven’t had a single dropout.
2. Emojis: They look like they’re from ICQ in the 90s. My wish to Google for 2023: update them.

Camera

The Pixel 7 Pro has a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens. Video is available in 4K, and the selfie camera has 10 megapixels.

Pixel Buds Pro

I bought the Pixel Buds Pro during Cyber Monday week. I’m glad that Google is building an ecosystem.

• Pairing is quick and reminds me of AirPods or Samsung, with an assistant.
• The sound is sensationally good, and the noise cancelling is on the level of the AirPods Pro for me.
• The shape pressed into the ear at first, and I had to search longer for a good fit.
• I think the gesture control for volume up and down is great.
• Every second or third time, there is a small offset between the left and right earbud with a slight echo. Re-pairing or switching them off and on doesn’t help. I’m hoping for an update, because as it is I can’t really use the buds in everyday life.

Buying used at asgoodasnew

Ad: Many of my devices are used, which saves a lot of money. At asgoodasnew you pick the condition. The devices are checked and refurbished in a German workshop and are 100% functional. There is a 30-month warranty and a 30-day right of return. You can also sell used tech there.

Verdict

Apart from a few criticisms, the Pixel 7 Pro has made it all the way to the top for me. With the ecosystem of watch and buds, I still see room for Google to improve, but I’m glad they’ve set out on the path.