Google Pixel 7 Pro

Overview:

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the latest flagship offering from Google, building upon the success of its predecessor, the Pixel 6 Pro. With a price tag of $899, it offers a range of enhancements and refinements, making it one of the top Android phones to consider in 2022.

Features and Specifications:

  • Display: 6.7-inch LTPO, 3,120×1,440 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Google Tensor G2
  • Storage/RAM: Options include 12GB + 128GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB
  • Camera: 50-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and 48-megapixel telephoto
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Pros:

  • Stellar camera with new features and improvements
  • Classy design refinements
  • Android 13 offers a smooth user experience
  • Competitive pricing compared to other flagships

Cons:

  • Battery life is decent but not exceptional
  • Some design elements, like the aluminum strip, may be prone to scratches
  • Might be too large for users who prefer compact phones

Comparison to Other Technologies:

The Pixel 7 Pro competes closely with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. While the iPhone and Galaxy might have certain advantages in specific areas, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a balanced performance, especially in photography, at a more competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The phone was launched October 2022.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Battery life, while decent, might not last into the second day for heavy users.
  • Potential for scratches on the aluminum strip.
  • Night mode images might struggle with flaring in the presence of bright lights.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a worthy successor to the Pixel 6 Pro. While it might not be a revolutionary upgrade, it offers significant refinements in design, camera capabilities, and overall performance. It’s a top contender in the Android flagship market, especially for those who prioritize photography. The phone provides a premium experience at a competitive price, making it a strong choice for Android enthusiasts and general users alike.

Google Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7

Overview:

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the latest additions to Google’s Pixel lineup, succeeding the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Here’s a comprehensive review based on the information provided:

Features and Specifications:

  • Design: Both phones continue the distinctive Pixel design language, with a two-tone back color scheme and a large camera bar, now made of aluminum.
  • Display: The Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 90 Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 7 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate.
  • Camera: Both models come with a 50 MP wide rear camera and a 12 MP ultrawide rear camera. The Pixel 7 Pro also has an additional 48 MP telephoto camera with 5× optical zoom. The front camera on both phones is a 10.8 MP ultrawide lens.
  • Battery: The Pixel 7 is powered by a 4355 mAh battery, and the Pixel 7 Pro has a 5000 mAh battery. Both support fast charging, Qi wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
  • Performance: Both phones are powered by the second-generation Google Tensor chip. The Pixel 7 offers 8 GB of RAM with storage options of 128 GB or 256 GB, while the Pixel 7 Pro comes with 12 GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128 GB to 512 GB.
  • Software: The phones shipped with Android 13 and will receive at least three years of major OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

Pros:

  • Competitive Pricing: The Pixel 7 series is priced competitively, offering high-end features at a relatively affordable price point.
  • Camera Capabilities: The camera system, especially on the Pixel 7 Pro, has been highly praised for its capabilities and features.
  • Software Features: The phones come with several new and enhanced software features, including enhancements to Night Sight, Real Tone, and new features like Guided Frame, Photo Unblur, and Cinematic Blur.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: Some reviewers found the battery life to be lacking, especially when compared to other flagship phones.
  • AI Features: Some of the new AI features were found to be “underwhelming” by certain reviewers.

Comparison to Other Technologies:

The Pixel 7 series is seen as an incremental improvement over the Pixel 6 series. While the design and features have been refined, some reviewers believe the phones to be only marginally superior to their predecessors.

Launch Date:

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro were officially announced on October 6, 2022, and were released in the United States on October 13, 2022.

Common Issues/Problems:

While the Pixel 7 series has been generally well-received, some users and reviewers have pointed out concerns about the battery life. Additionally, some of the new AI features introduced in the Pixel 7 series were found to be less impressive than expected.

In conclusion, the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are solid entries in the Pixel lineup, offering a combination of powerful hardware, impressive camera capabilities, and the latest software features. However, like all tech products, they come with their own set of pros and cons that potential buyers should consider.

Android release date timeline

The Android operating system, developed by Google, has seen numerous version releases since its inception. Here’s a timeline of the major Android version:

  1. Android 1.0 (No codename) – Released in September 2008
  2. Android 1.1 (No codename) – Released in February 2009
  3. Android 1.5 Cupcake – Released in April 2009
  4. Android 1.6 Donut – Released in September 2009
  5. Android 2.0/2.1 Éclair – Released in October 2009
  6. Android 2.2 Froyo (Frozen Yogurt) – Released in May 2010
  7. Android 2.3 Gingerbread – Released in December 2010
  8. Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 Honeycomb – Released in February 2011 (specifically for tablets)
  9. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – Released in October 2011
  10. Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 Jelly Bean – Released in July 2012
  11. Android 4.4 KitKat – Released in October 2013
  12. Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop – Released in November 2014
  13. Android 6.0 Marshmallow – Released in October 2015
  14. Android 7.0/7.1 Nougat – Released in August 2016
  15. Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo – Released in August 2017
  16. Android 9.0 Pie – Released in August 2018
  17. Android 10 (No dessert name) – Released in September 2019
  18. Android 11 – Released in September 2020
  19. Android 12 – Released in October 2021
  20. Android 13 – Released in August 2022

Please note that this list only includes major version releases and not the minor updates or security patches that may have been released in between.

Android 13

Overview:

Android 13 is the thirteenth major release and the 20th version of Android, the mobile operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance led by Google. Released to the public on August 15, 2022, it has since become a significant part of the Android ecosystem. As of August 2023, 33.05% of Android devices ran Android 13, making it the most widely-used version of Android. The first devices to ship with Android 13 were the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

History:

Android 13, internally codenamed “Tiramisu,” was announced on February 10, 2022. The first Developer Preview was immediately released for the Google Pixel series, excluding the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a. This release came approximately four months after the stable version of Android 12. Subsequent releases included Developer Preview 2 in March, Beta 1 in April, and Beta 2 in May. Two more beta versions were planned for June and July, with platform stability achieved in June with Beta 3. The final release began on August 15, 2022, when it was made available to Pixel phones and pushed to the Android Open Source Project.

Changes:

Android 13 introduced several tweaks and improvements. Split Screen mode was enhanced to persist through app changes, allowing users to multitask efficiently. Animations, especially the fingerprint scanner glow on the Pixel 6 series, were refined. The app label font in the Pixel Launcher underwent changes, and subtle haptics were added throughout the user experience. Many of these changes were inherited from Android 12.1 “12L,” which focused on improvements for large format devices like foldables and tablets.

First devices to receive the update:

The first devices to ship with Android 13 were the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

Features:

Android 13 brought several new features to enhance user privacy. A new media picker was introduced, allowing users to select which photos and videos apps can access. The operating system also separated Wi-Fi and GPS permissions, giving apps the ability to search for nearby devices and networks without requesting broader navigational system access. Another notable feature is the ability for users to change the language for a specific app. For instance, one could change the language in the YouTube app from American English to Spanish.

User Experience:

Several changes were made to improve user experience. Apps now need to request permission before sending notifications. Dialog windows, such as the Internet toggle, were refined to align better with the design language. The media player was redesigned, using the album cover as a background and offering more user controls. The multiple users feature was enhanced, allowing the primary user to select which apps a guest user can access, ensuring data privacy between users.

Platform:

The Android Runtime (ART) in Android 13 was updated with a new garbage collector (GC) that utilizes the Linux userfaultfd system call. This update reduces memory pressure, compiled code size, and the risk of killing apps due to low memory during GC. Other changes were made to improve app startup and overall performance.

Security:

Android 13 includes several features aimed at enhancing user privacy. A new permission, NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES, was introduced, separating Wi-Fi and GPS permissions. This change allows apps to search for nearby devices and networks without accessing broader navigational systems. Additionally, a new runtime permission feature was added for apps sending non-exempt notifications, enabling users to focus on essential notifications.

Reception:

While the reception section was not explicitly detailed in the provided content, it can be inferred that Android 13 was well-received given its adoption rate. As of August 2023, 33.05% of Android devices ran Android 13, making it the most widely-used version of Android.