Pixel 7 wish list: Things we’re really hoping for [Video]

Google’s next flagship series isn’t too far away, especially if the conventions of the previous launch periods are followed. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a wish-list of things we really hope to see from the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro launch.

The Mountain View company wasted absolutely no time in unveiling the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. We know there will be some minor changes to the Pixel 6 bug redesign – hopefully that means big improvements. As you might expect, the second-generation Tensor chip will also be at the heart of the upcoming smartphone duo, but there are no details yet on how it will hold up against its predecessor or the competition.

Our previous Pixel 6 wish list was well fulfilled when the devices finally launched. However, some persistent issues haven’t helped the current flagship Made by Google smartphones as fans complain about some common issues.

Video – Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro Wishlist: Things we really want to see

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Improved fingerprint scanner and face unlock

The biggest gripe most people have with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro is the fingerprint scanner. It’s quite the biggest complaint we’ve seen. Google is dropping the Pixel 6’s scanner in the upcoming Pixel 6a and at least from the official early unboxings it looks like it’ll be a lot faster and hopefully more accurate.

If an updated under-display scanner is used, it needs to be more reliable for anyone using the Pixel 7 series. The removal of a capacitive fingerprint scanner hasn’t gone quite as well as Google had hoped. For this reason, we also want Face Unlock to come with the new Pixel series as well. It’s a confusing situation to see how Face Unlock works in recent Android 13 beta builds, but we’d also like the ability to have face unlock alongside an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Pixel 4’s Face Unlock was fast and accurate. While we’re not expecting a full return of the feature without a 3D face-scanning camera, we’re hoping that Google’s software-based option will finally arrive fully on upcoming devices. Sure it wouldn’t be quite as safe, but it would still be a nice inclusion. Maybe eventually we’ll see Face Unlock make a proper return, but until then, at least we can hope.

Improved camera zoom range

Putting a 4x periscope zoom lens in the Pixel 6 Pro was an excellent decision. With the help of Super Res Zoom, images look great even beyond the 10x zoom range. Add in a dash of Google color tuning and post-processing, courtesy of Tensor, and it’s been an incredible return to form for the Pixel camera.

Ever since Huawei wowed the P30 Pro with its incredible zoom capabilities, Android manufacturers have steadily improved the flagship phones’ telephoto cameras. After a few years of a main wide and ultrawide combo, the Pixel 6 Pro is the first flagship since the Pixel 4 to offer greater zoom control.

Now that Google is back head-to-head with the best in the business after a major camera upgrade, it would be great to go one step further and expand the Pixel 7 Pro’s zoom capabilities with an expanded hybrid zoom range. Going beyond the 10x optical range would certainly be a start and allows for even better images beyond the Pixel 6 Pro’s current 20x zoom cap.

120Hz for both device displays

A 120Hz display was high on our Pixel 6 wish list, but this time we want to see it in the smaller Pixel 7 series as well. Sure, the regular Pixel 6’s 90Hz panel is fine, but that 30Hz bump makes a huge difference in running Android 12. Animations are just a little smoother, and for anyone coming from an older model or For a phone with a 60Hz display, that would be quite a noticeable jump.

Adaptive screen resolution

While it’s very likely that the Pixel 7 will come with an FHD+ screen and the Pixel 7 Pro with a QHD+ panel, it would be great to have the option to adjust the screen resolution in the device settings. This could no doubt be added to Android 13, if it was a Pixel exclusive feature that would be very welcome.

On the Pixel 7 Pro in particular, the ability to shut down to FHD+ resolution and maintain a 120Hz refresh rate could offer some battery life benefits — although it could also be a great option to toggle it into Battery Saver and Extreme modes Battery Saver”. Dropping down to HD+ resolution could be great for multi-day lifespan alongside all the other optimizations applied when these modes are enabled.

Faster wired charging speeds

Our wish was granted last year when the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro with 30W charging were added. Annoyingly, this isn’t “true” 30W charging because even if you buy the optional power adapter, the accessory actually gets you closer to 23W charging.

The new Pixel Stand also only hits 23W, which isn’t exactly fast and is even less impressive given that the old 18W Power Brick charges have similar speeds overall. That’s why faster charging has once again been pushed onto our Pixel 7 wish list.

The 50W wired charging would be a great addition, especially if the Pixel 7 series keeps big batteries above the 4,500mAh threshold. A charger is unlikely to return in retail packaging, but it would be a good option for those wanting improved charging speeds.

Improved tensor performance

Google’s first attempt at a custom processor was pretty solid overall. Sure, it’s not the most powerful, and it’s not quite at the top of the benchmark charts. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t like to see a little extra grunt under the hood of the second-gen Tensor chip.

If it comes close to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and still offers the extra processing power for things like real-time translation and enhanced image effects, then we’d consider it a success. Gaming is a big area where the Tensor processor doesn’t quite stack up, most games run smoothly, but it would be great to see a few more frames in the most intense mobile titles. As long as it nails the basics and outperforms the first-gen Tensor processor, Google is once again a winner.

Uniform screen bezels

The Pixel 5 has the most aesthetically pleasing Pixel display yet, and that’s thanks to the use of consistent display bezels on all sides. While this might explain the use of a pretty terrible under-display earpiece speaker, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ prove that it’s possible to have unified bezels and a great earpiece speaker.

Android 12 and Material They actually feel more at home on the Pixel 5’s rounded sides and small bezels than on the Pixel 6 series with its more angular looks. Shaving off your forehead and chin would be a great way to ensure that we think Android 13 “fits” better with the upcoming flagship duo.

Pre-installed screen protector

Not all screen protectors are created equal, but when many other high-end Android phones come with a basic protective cover pre-applied, we wonder why Google hasn’t followed suit. Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus and Xiaomi are far bigger players in the market, offering this basic coverage for brand new devices at a variety of price points.

Sure, if that’s not possible due to Google’s broader focus on using recycled materials, then we can accept that decision. Once launched, getting a good screen protector, especially for the Pixel 6 Pro’s curved screen, was a minefield. Google has never offered pre-installed screen protectors, but the Pixel 7 series would be a great place to start as a “premium” product. Also, it would be very desirable to have some level of protection out of the box.

What hardware or software features are on your own Pixel 7 wish list?

Is there anything you’re really hoping for or looking forward to from the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro? Let us know your Pixel 7 wishlist points in the comments section below.

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