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Is the Google Pixel 7 still a good buy? We conducted an in-depth long-term review to reveal its performance, camera quality, and battery life two years later. Find out if it’s worth it .
Google Pixel 7 Definitive Review
When the Google Pixel 7 launched in October 2022, it was hailed as a benchmark for what an affordable flagship phone could be. Nearly two years later, with newer models like the Pixel 8 and even the Pixel 8a on the market, the question isn’t about its initial reception—it’s about its longevity.
Most reviews you’ll find on the first page of Google are from the launch period, filled with initial impressions and unboxing photos. But what happens when the honeymoon phase is over? What about the real-world issues that only surface after months of use? This article is the definitive guide to the Pixel 7’s performance, durability, and value , built on an analysis of long-term user feedback and the latest industry data.
Whether you’re looking to buy a refurbished device, considering an upgrade from an older phone, or simply curious about how your current Pixel 7 is holding up, this guide will provide a transparent look at the device two years after its release.
Executive Summary and Verdict
After an extensive analysis of the phone’s long-term performance, the verdict is clear: the Google Pixel 7 remains a powerful testament to the value of an intelligent, software-first smartphone. Its camera, clean Android experience, and durable design have held up exceptionally well.
However, there is a disconnect between the device’s strong initial performance and the reality of long-term use. The Pixel 7 is not without its flaws. User forums are filled with recurring complaints about heating issues, screen burn-in, and battery degradation. While a compelling option for those on a budget, potential buyers must weigh its enduring strengths against these very real, long-term weaknesses.
This nuanced reality is not fully addressed by the high-ranking, launch-era content. This report serves to fill that gap, providing a comprehensive and honest assessment for a user in 2025.
Core Specifications & Value Proposition in
One of the Pixel 7’s most enduring strengths is its strong feature set for a phone in its price segment. While newer models have arrived, the Pixel 7 still holds its own, particularly in the mid-range and refurbished markets. Here is a quick comparison of the phone’s key specifications:
| Feature | Google Pixel 7 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Google Pixel 8 |
| Display | 6.-inch FHD+ (080×200) OLED, 90Hz | 6.7-inch QHD+ (0x20) LTPO OLED, 20Hz | 6.2-inch FHD+ (080×200) OLED, 20Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G2 | Google Tensor G |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5 | 2 GB LPDDR5 | 8 GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 28 GB / 256 GB | 28 GB / 256 GB / 52 GB | 28 GB / 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP (wide), 2 MP (ultrawide) | 50 MP (wide), 2 MP (ultrawide), 8 MP (telephoto) | 50 MP (wide), 2 MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 0.8 MP | 0.8 MP | 0.5 MP |
| Battery | ,55 mAh | 5,000 mAh | ,575 mAh |
| Biometrics | In-display Fingerprint, Face Unlock | In-display Fingerprint, Face Unlock | In-display Fingerprint, Face Unlock |
| Durability | Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, IP68 | Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, IP68 | Gorilla Glass Victus front and back, IP68 |
This table shows that the Pixel 7 retains competitive hardware for . While newer models have higher refresh rates and more advanced processors, the Pixel 7’s core specs provide a solid foundation for day-to-day use.
Design and Display
The Google Pixel 7 design was a significant refinement of the Pixel 6’s look, and it continues to be a premium-feeling device. The use of Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back provides solid scratch resistance and durability. Its polished aluminum camera bar gives it a distinctive and elegant look. Users consistently praise its compact size, which makes it comfortable to hold with a single hand, a rare quality in today’s smartphone market. The phone also boasts a good-quality OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring a smooth visual experience for most tasks.
However, long-term ownership has exposed a significant weakness. In online forums, a notable number of users have reported issues with screen burn-in. This is particularly common around the persistent, brightly-colored elements of the user interface, such as the navigation bar or the Google Maps app when used for extended periods. While not a universal problem, it is a risk associated with the device’s display and a crucial consideration for a used or refurbished purchase.
Performance
The Google Tensor G2 chip, which powers the Google Pixel 7, has always been a point of confusion. On paper, its synthetic benchmark scores consistently underperform compared to flagship processors from Apple and Qualcomm. This often leads to a misleading conclusion that the Google Pixel 7 is a slow phone.
However, the real-world user experience tells a completely different story. Google’s design philosophy for the Tensor G2 chip is not about raw processing power for benchmarks, but about optimizing for on-device machine learning and AI capabilities. This explains why day-to-day operations like scrolling, launching apps, and using AI-powered features like Photo Unblur feel “incredibly smooth and fast”. It’s the “Tensor G2 paradox”—a chip that performs poorly in a lab but shines in real-world scenarios due to its AI-first design
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This unique focus allows the Google Pixel 7 to handle advanced tasks like real-time language translation, advanced speech recognition, and other complex AI models directly on the device.
A major user complaint related to performance is the phone’s tendency to get hot during heavy use and while charging. While this heat rarely leads to a noticeable slowdown, it is a consistent and inconvenient issue for users who play graphically demanding games or run multiple applications simultaneously. This is a crucial area where the Google Pixel 7 falls short of its competitors and is a key factor to consider before buying.
A Legacy of Computational Photography
The camera is arguably the Google Pixel 7 biggest selling point, and it continues to be a class leader in its price range. Google’s approach to photography is centered on computational imaging, where powerful software algorithms process images to produce stunning results. The dual-camera system, which includes a 50 MP wide and a 2 MP ultrawide lens, is more than just hardware; it’s a powerful tool for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Features like Photo Unblur, which uses the Tensor G2 chip to sharpen blurry photos (even old ones), and Cinematic Blur, which adds a depth-of-field effect to videos, were revolutionary at launch and still provide a massive creative advantage.
However, some long-term users have raised concerns. A common complaint, particularly in , is the perceived degradation of camera quality after software updates.5 While this is often anecdotal, it points to a user sentiment that later software updates have sometimes prioritized new features over maintaining the original image quality.
Battery Life & Longevity
At launch, the Google Pixel 7 ,55 mAh battery provided a solid “beyond 2-hour battery life”. But as any smartphone owner knows, battery performance degrades over time. For a user in , the reality of the Pixel 7’s battery is that heavy use will almost certainly require a midday charge.
Many long-term users report having to charge their phone once or twice daily, especially when using power-intensive apps like GPS navigation or streaming video for extended periods. This is a natural consequence of the phone’s age but is an important detail that is absent from most initial reviews.
The Software Experience
The single most important reason to choose a Pixel phone is the software. The Google Pixel 7 shipped with Android and was set to receive five years of security updates. This commitment to long-term support is a major selling point, ensuring the phone remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features.
The clean, “pure” Android experience is a stark contrast to the custom user interfaces from other manufacturers. Google continues to roll out exclusive software features to its Pixel line, ensuring the phones feel fresh and innovative. For instance, the Google Pixel 7 now supports
Circle to Search, a powerful new feature that allows users to gesture over anything on their screen to perform a Google search without leaving their current app. The continued stream of features and a promise of support until 2027 are a core part of the Google Pixel 7 enduring value.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 7 is an excellent example of a phone that has aged gracefully. It succeeds because of its well-rounded, software-first design that prioritizes the user experience over spec-sheet bragging rights. In an increasingly competitive market, its camera remains a highlight, and its software experience is a gold standard for Android.
For the modern consumer in or even 2025, the Pixel 7 represents an incredible value. It’s a compelling option for those who prioritize a fantastic camera, a clean and intuitive user experience, and long-term software support. However, its long-term heating and battery issues are real and should be considered, particularly for those who are heavy power users. Ultimately, the Pixel 7 proves that while a phone’s launch is important, its true value is measured by its performance years down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pixel 7 still a good buy in ?
Yes, it’s an excellent value proposition, especially if you can find it at a discounted or refurbished price.6 Its camera, pure Android software, and Tensor G2’s AI capabilities still provide a premium experience that outclasses most mid-range competitors.
Does the Pixel 7 have heating issues?
Yes, many users report the phone gets noticeably warm during heavy use, such as extended gaming sessions or video calls. This is a widely documented issue that is not a deal-breaker for most but is an inconvenience to be aware of.
How is the battery life of the Pixel 7 after two years?
The battery life is a mixed bag. While it was excellent at launch, long-term degradation means you may need to charge the phone twice a day with heavy use. Light-to-moderate users may still get a full day out of it.
What about the Tensor G2 chip? Is it slow?
No, it’s not slow. While it may not win on synthetic benchmark tests, its real-world performance is fluid and fast, thanks to its focus on machine learning and AI. You will likely not notice any performance issues in daily use.
