Notebookcheck Logo

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro prototypes re-surface in hands-on video comparing them against Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro retail units

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro could be joined by the Pixel 7 Ultra at this year's October hardware launch event. (Image source: Unbox Therapy)
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro could be joined by the Pixel 7 Ultra at this year's October hardware launch event. (Image source: Unbox Therapy)
A well-known Youtuber has obtained prototypes of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, other examples of which emerged earlier this year. While the pair resemble Google's current flagship smartphones, the company has refined its design language with the Pixel 7 series. As a result, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are smaller than their predecessors, among other changes.

The first signs of the Pixel 7 series arrived a few months ago, with Google confirming the existence of Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro successors in May at its I/O 2022 conference. While rumours of a Pixel 7 Ultra have since emerged, only prototypes of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro have leaked so far. Now, the Unbox Therapy YouTube channel has showcased two prototype units, comparing them against the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro in the process.

According to Unbox Therapy, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are Engineering Verification Test (EVT) 1.1 units, emphasising that these are early prototypes. For reference, Google will create Design Validation Testing (DVT) and Production Validation Testing (PVT) units before releasing either smartphone. Also, Google has remote wiped the two units, presumably because someone connected them to the internet. Still, the bootloader identifies the Pixel 7 as 'panther', a codename that has surfaced in other leaks. Equipped with 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB of storage, 'panther' has two rear-facing cameras, matching its predecessor.

(Image source: Unbox Therapy)
(Image source: Unbox Therapy)

Likewise, the Pixel 7 Pro has three rear-facing cameras and is codenamed 'cheetah'. Predictably, the Pro model also features 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256 GB of storage. If the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are anything to go by, Google will offer flagship Pixel 7 models in more than one memory configuration. However, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro may only come in 8 GB of RAM and 12 GB of RAM variants, respectively. While the pair could match their predecessor's memory configurations, Unbox Therapy has highlighted some visual changes.

As the photo above demonstrates, both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are smaller than their predecessors. For some reason, Unbox Therapy decided against measuring either device's height. The Pixel 7 is a touch narrower than the Pixel 6 though, with the former measuring 73.2 mm compared to 74.92 mm for the latter. The Pixel 7 has a smaller display too, albeit with thinner display bezels. Similarly, the Pixel 7 prototype weighs 195 g, 10 g lighter than the Pixel 6.

By contrast, the Pixel 7 Pro measures 76.68 mm across and 8.82 mm deep, making it wider but thinner than the Pixel 6 Pro (75.89 mm/9.02 mm). In saying that, this year's Pro model still measures 11.5 mm if you include its camera housing and is 1 g heavier than its predecessor at 209 g. Overall, there should be a bigger visual difference between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro than there is with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Based on current rumours, Google will present the pair alongside the Pixel Watch on October 13 at a dedicated hardware event.

Purchase the Google Pixel 6a on Amazon

(Image source: Unbox Therapy)
(Image source: Unbox Therapy)
(Image source: Unbox Therapy)
(Image source: Unbox Therapy)
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
Mail Logo
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 08 > Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro prototypes re-surface in hands-on video comparing them against Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro retail units
Alex Alderson, 2022-08-20 (Update: 2024-08-15)