The discounts make for some pretty solid savings, though with Google I/O and the rumoured Pixel 7a just around the corner, it’s tough to say whether the deals are worth it.
The Pixel 7a is rumoured to be around the price (or slightly more than) the Pixel 6a, so before you grab one of these phones, it’s probably worth considering whether you’d like to save $200 and get the 6a now, get the 7a at launch, or get the Pixel 7 now for roughly the same cost as the 7a at launch.
Google’s Camera app has received a new update that brings exciting features to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro as part of the March Feature Drop.
The update includes the required code needed to enable faster Night Sight on the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro, as shared by 9to5Google. Additionally, the latest version of the Camera app doesn’t only offer updates for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are also receiving a revamped zoom UI with the update.
The update is now rolling out on the Play Store, and the new zoom controls are only available on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The new UI features light blue line segments, replacing the white dots used in the previous version, to indicate the different zoom levels. Additionally, the font for the zoom level indicator is now larger and easier to read, and it uses the same light blue colour as other areas of the Camera app.
We’re uncertain why the new zoom interface is limited to the latest Pixel flagship. It’s also unclear if the UI will roll to older Pixel devices as well.
You can find the latest version of Google Camera on the Play Store. The update is rolling out now, so you might not see it immediately.
Google has released its first Pixel Feature Drop of 2023 rolling out to devices now and over the next few weeks.
Faster ‘Night Sight,’ a previously Pixel 7 and 7 Pro exclusive feature, is making its way to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Google says it can do this thanks to the power of its Tensor chip.
Magic Eraser is coming to more Pixel phones as well. The feature allows users to remove distractions like photo bombers, and lets you change the colour of an object to make it blend in with the image better. Oddly, Google doesn’t state what Pixel devices are getting the feature.
The Pixel now has Health Connect built-in, which allows users to store, connect and share data from compatible health and fitness apps. Health Connect lets users store data on-device and provides a central set of controls to manage health and fitness data.
Further, users can see timers across all their Pixel devices without unlocking the handset. This means if you set a timer on your Nest Hub, ‘At a Glance’ will also show the countdown on your Pixel device.
The Pixel Watch now has fall detection, which can detect if you’ve taken a hard fall and then connect users to emergency services. Once connected to emergency services, the watch will play an automated message to request help wherever you are. It’s worth noting that the Apple Watch also offers similar features.
In the coming weeks, the Pixel Watch will offer new sound and display settings on Wear OS 3+, making it easier to customize audio and visual experiences on the Pixel Watch.
Google is also bringing existing features to more regions, languages and devices.
For instance, Fast Pair is now available on select Chromebooks, Hold for Me is now available in Japan, you can now use two eSIMs on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Google’s Pixel phones have a bit of a reputation for being buggy, though the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have been less buggy than their predecessors. Less buggy doesn’t mean no bugs at all, however.
The latest bug plaguing Pixel 7 series devices is a bit of a head-scratcher: the phones won’t save close-up pictures captured in low light with the flash on at zoom levels between 2-5x. If that sounds oddly specific, well, you’re right.
Reddit user ‘u/MintySkyhawk‘ posted a video of the bug in action (via Android Police). MintySkyhawk was trying to take close-up pictures of his PC internals with a Pixel 7 Pro’s 5x periscope lens and noticed the photos weren’t being saved to his phone.
Another user responded that they were able to replicate the issue, and Android Police says it could replicate the problem on both a Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, including on one running Android 13 QPR2 and Android 14 DP2. In my testing, I couldn’t reliably replicate the bug on my Pixel 7, but it did happen to me a few times.
Based on details shared on Reddit, it seems the bug is related to the Google Camera app and, more specifically, likely a glitch with the app’s HDR. Outside of the specific circumstances listed above, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro devices seem to be taking photos just fine. My tests, as well as Android Police’s testing, used Google Camera version 8.7.250.494820638.44.
Hopefully, Google will get around to fixing this particular bug sooner rather than later. It’s a real strange one, though, so it might take a while to get it fixed. In the meantime, I guess avoid taking zoom pictures with the flash on, and when you do, always check to make sure it saves.
Google’s October 2022-released Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are undoubtedly some of the best flagship smartphones available on the market right now, with an upgraded Tensor G2 chipset, a premium camera bar finish, and variable refresh rate displays. However, the phones have had their fair share of issues since launch.
It was discovered last year that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro’s batteries drain fairly quickly, with the phones consuming more than normal power when used in high brightness modes. The devices draw roughly 3.5W to 4W at around 600 nits. Worse, it can consume up to 6W at the Pixel 7 Pro’s peak brightness of 1500 nits. Some users have also reported instances where their Pixel 7 Pro’s buttons have fallen off. Users have reportedly been complaining about this issue since the launch of the Pixel 7 back in October, but a lot of the complaints came around New Year’s. Complaints have hit the Google Support Forums and Reddit.
Now, another issue that has been prevalent since the devices were released has come to light. Pixel 7 Pro users have reported instances where their phone feels laggy and janky to scroll, and Google is finally acknowledging the issue, as first reported by Android Police.
“We are aware of this issue and working on improvements for an upcoming software update,” a company engineer wrote in Google’s issue tracker thread. It’s the first time in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro’s four-month existence that Google acknowledged the issue. A fix will likely be rolled out with the March 2023 feature drop. It’s worth noting that not all Pixel 7 series devices have had the issue.
We aren’t certain what causes the problem. There’s a possibility the Pixel 7 Pro’s 120Hz refresh rate display could be to blame. It’s worth noting that the issue primarily affects the Pixel 7 Pro, with only some Pixel 7 users complaining about the problem. MobileSyrup reporter Dean Daley has a Pixel 7 Pro and hasn’t run into the issue. Similarly, news editor Jon Lamont hasn’t encountered the problem with the Pixel 7.
Does your Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro’s display feel jittery to scroll? Let us know in the comments below.
Counterpoint Research released a new report breaking down the cost of the mmWave variant of the Pixel 7 Pro. It costs around $413 USD (about $553.85 CAD) to manufacture and uses about 50 percent of Samsung-made components.
Spotted by 9to5Google, the Counterpoint Research report breaks down the bill of materials for the mmWave Pixel 7 Pro to reveal which components came from which manufacturers and how much everything cost. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the $413 figure only covers the production cost, leaving out things like marketing, research and development, and other production-related fees.
Moreover, Google offers Pixel 7 and 7 Pro models, a set with Sub-6 5G and a set with both Sub-6 and mmWave 5G. The mmWave models (GQML3 and GE2AE, respectively) generally aren’t available in Canada, given that Canadian networks don’t yet offer mmWave 5G. Presumably, the mmWave models cost more to make, so the $413 figure likely represents the upper end of production costs for Google’s phones.
With that in mind, it’s particularly interesting to see that in the parts breakdown, the Pixel 7 Pro display takes up about 20 percent of the cost to produce the device. Samsung makes the QHD+ AMOLED display used in the Pixel 7 Pro.
Google’s custom Tensor G2 processor and Titan M2 security chip account for seven percent of the total component cost. Google developed the processor jointly with Samsung, and it’s manufactured using the 5nm extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) process. Google’s Tensor G2 cost an estimated $10 more to produce than the first-gen Tensor chip.
Samsung also makes the camera sensors used in the Pixel 7 Pro (main, zoom, and selfie), as well as the components needed for telecom connectivity, though the mmWave antennae are developed jointly with Murata. Samsung and Micron jointly provide the Pixel 7 Pro’s RAM.
There are several components sourced from companies other than Samsung too. This includes Skywrks for the Wi-Fi connectivity and SK Hynix for the 128GB NAND Flash storage modules built with the UFS Gen 3.1 standard. Sunwoda Electronic packages the battery while ATL supplies the battery cells, and NXP and IDT supply the Quick Charging IC and wireless charging coil, respectively.
Throughout the years, we’ve seen a lot of problems with Google’s Pixel smartphones, so another Pixel 7 Pro issue isn’t all that weird. Now, an Android Central writer has noticed that the volume rocker has popped off his Pixel 7 Pro.
According to AC, people have been complaining about this issue since the launch of the Pixel 7 back in October, but a lot of the complaints came around New Year’s. Complaints have hit the Google Support Forums and Reddit about others who have had this issue.
It’s unclear if this is only a Pixel 7 Pro issue, but many people complaining are owners of the larger flagship. This seems to be a manufacturer’s defect, but it also can be considered wear and tear, so hopefully, this issue is covered under warranty.
I haven’t had this issue, nor has MobileSyrup‘s Jon Lamont, who has a Pixel 7.
The phone also has other issues, like how easy it is to scratch, which I noticed during my first week of reviewing.
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve had this issue.
Although Samsung’s new Galaxy S23 series is stealing the headlines right now, those shopping for a new phone and who don’t want an S23 might want to consider Google’s Pixel phones, which are currently on sale (alongside several of the company’s accessories).
Currently, the Canadian Google Store has the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, Watch, Buds Pro and Chromecast with Google TV on sale:
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Over the last few years, the Canadian smartphone market has become bland.
While devices from manufacturers like Motorola, OnePlus and TCL still occasionally make their way here, usually, they can’t compete against heavy hitters from Samsung and Apple. So with my flagship round-up this year, I’m keeping things simple.
Samsung’s Z Fold 4 is an amazing smartphone as well, and it gets an honourable mention this year, but this list is primarily focused on “candybar” flagships.
I’ve spent several weeks with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S22 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro. I snapped pictures, played games, browsed the internet and generally put the three devices through their paces. While all three are solid, they also shine individually in their own way.
Let’s get into it:
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max
I specifically spent time with the iPhone 14 Pro Max over the iPhone 14 Pro because I wanted to focus on devices with similar screen sizes to the S22 Ultra and the Pixel 7 Pro to ensure equal footing (though the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro offers the same feature set as the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max). Additionally, the Pro Max offers better battery life thanks to its larger cell, which is something I’m always after when it comes to smartphones.
Out of the three devices, I used the iPhone 14 Pro Max for the longest period because I didn’t have prior experience with the smartphone, unlike the Pixel 7 Pro and the S22 Ultra.
If you’re an Apple user, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a great device. However, I wouldn’t suggest upgrading from the iPhone 13 Pro, as there isn’t much of a leap forward. That said, thanks to the 14 Pro’s ‘Dynamic Island,’ its new 48-megapixel primary shooter and Emergency SOS via Satellite, the 14 Pro is a great smartphone.
While Dynamic Island doesn’t work with every app yet, it’s still useful when listening to music or following directions. It allows the iPhone 14 Pro’s camera hole punch to expand and display animations when using certain features, like when you’re on a phone call. It makes the iPhone 14 Pro series stand out from its competitors and adds a quick, easy way to access apps when they’re in use.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s triple camera setup takes great photos. While the Galaxy S22 Ultra might offer slightly better camera performance under certain lighting conditions (at least to me), the iPhone 14 Pro’s photos are generally more true-to-life. Check out the photos below to see the iPhone 14 Pro’s camera performance.
I haven’t needed to use Emergency SOS via Satellite (thankfully), but I tested the feature at an event in New York City when Apple gave me the opportunity to see how it works. Though few iPhone 14 Pro users will ever use Emergency SOS via Satellite, the feature offers great peace-of-mind. If you’re ever in a situation where you’re hiking, for example, without access to regular cellular services and need help, you can connect to a Globalstar satellite and message for help.
I won’t say that Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro is the best smartphone on the market, but in Canada, where our access to flagships is very limited, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a great option, especially if you already live in Apple’s ecosystem.
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra
Switching over to the king of Androids, Samsung’s Galaxy S22 Ultra. 2022 was a year of frivolous updates for the South Korean tech giant. In short, if you own an S21 Ultra, there is nearly no reason to upgrade to the S22 Ultra. The S22 Ultra features a 108-megapixel primary shooter and 10x optical zoom in its 10-megapixel shooter. It also offers a 40-megapixel primary shooter and comes with a stylus.
Like other phones on the list, the S22 Ultra sports a 120Hz refresh rate screen with a 3040 x 1440 pixel resolution, ensuring it displays content beautifully (sometimes even better than the iPhone 14 Pro).
The S22 Ultra’s 108-megapixel primary shooter is paired with Super Clear Glass and Lens in order to improve low-light photography, and during my time with the device, this was quite evident. Low-light and night images look great and are still detailed. Further, the handset sports an impressive 10x zoom optical, which is better than any other smartphone on the Canadian market.
Take a look at some of the photos I snapped with the S22 Ultra below.
On top of the great camera capabilities, the S22 Ultra comes with the S Pen stylus. While I’m not the biggest fan of the S Pen, it’s popular with Note users (RIP). The S Pen’s 2.8ms latency is impressive, making writing on the S22 Ultra feel instantaneous and fluid. However, it still doesn’t feel quite like writing on paper. There are also other useful stylus features like ‘Air Gestures’ for controlling media, and you can use it as a remote shutter to snap pictures.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra features top-of-the-line specs, including a quad-camera setup, a sizable 5,000mAh battery, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and much more. It’s the top of the Android world in Canada, but of course, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny for the smartphone.
Google’s Pixel 7 Pro
The last of the three flagships you should consider is the Pixel 7 Pro. This flagship gives users the purest Android experience compared to the other Android handset on this list. It’s also the most affordable, coming in at $1,199 (and it was recently on sale for $879), which is an incredible price considering how solid of a smartphone the Pixel 7 Pro is.
The device features great specs as well, which easily puts it against the S22 Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro. This is alongside a solid display, striking design, all-around decent camera and great pricing.
Additionally, the Pixel 7 Pro features a 50-megapixel main sensor, offers 5x optical zoom and is able to achieve 10x zoom through a sensor crop technique. The device also features great low-light performance and vivid-looking pictures that are full of detail. Check out some of the pictures I’ve shot with the 7 Pro below.
The Pixel 7 Pro also has a nice design. My model is hazel, and you can see the sometimes bronze, sometimes silver camera bar showcasing the handset’s three cameras. The rest of the rear sports a glossy glass material that attracts far too many fingerprints and smudges for my taste, but I’m fond of the grey-green colour. The Pixel 7 Pro also comes in ‘Obsidian’ (black) and ‘Snow’ (white) and offers an aluminum frame that melds into the camera visor on the handset. I like the design of the Pixel 7 Pro, and personally, it’s my favourite of the three flagships.
The Pixel 7 Pro is the most affordable of the three, so while it doesn’t have the best cameras of the three or the best Geekbench scores, it does have the best pricing.
Honourable mention
Though they’re not on this list, I still want to mention Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. The foldables are great devices, especially the Fold 4, which I reviewed earlier this year. I love foldables and think they’re the way of the future. Unfortunately, they aren’t for everyone just yet. The Flip 4 comes at a great price but lacks a flagship camera, display, battery and more, making it not comparable to other main flagship smartphones on this list.
The Galaxy Fold 4, on the other hand, features a pretty good camera array, great displays, okay battery life, but a very hefty price tag that makes it not worth it for most people looking for a new smartphone.
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Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has done another blind camera test, pitting sixteen smartphones against each other and having participants on the internet vote for their favourite pictures taken from these devices.
However, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, Moto Edge 30 Ultra, Nothing Phone (1), Oppo Find X5 Pro, Realme 10 Pro+, Asus ROG Phone 6, Sony Xperia 1 IV, Xiaomi 12s Ultra, Asus Zenfone 9 and the Vivo X80 Pro+ on the list are not available in Canada, which is worth keeping in mind.
This year the MKBHD used an ELO rating system similar to what you find in competitive games to break down devices into ‘Best Overall,’ ‘Best HDR,’ and ‘Best Portrait.’
The Pixel 6a won the contest, with the Pixel 7 Pro in second place and the Zenfone 9 in third for best overall photos. The S22 Ultra was fifth on the list, and the iPhone 14 Pro landed in seventh.
It’s worth noting that the Pixel 5a won the blind camera contest last year, so that’s two years in a row for Google’s Pixel a series handsets.
