Google Pixel 7 Review: The €250 Camera King
Price last updated: Feb 1, 2026
Where to Buy
Pros
- ✓ 50MP main camera still beats most €400 mid-rangers in 2026
- ✓ Android 16 runs smoothly (thanks to Google optimization)
- ✓ Compact size feels great in one hand
- ✓ Face Unlock and Fingerprint work reliably (unlike Pixel 6)
- ✓ IP68 water resistance survives splashes and dunks
Cons
- ✗ 90Hz refresh rate feels slow next to 120Hz cheap phones
- ✗ Tensor G2 runs warm during video calls or gaming
- ✗ Battery degradation is noticeable on used units (expect <5 hours SOT)
- ✗ Charging is slow (20W effectively)
Verdict: If you care about photography on a budget, buy a used Pixel 7. Nothing else comes close.
Overview
New budget phones like the Samsung Galaxy A56 or Redmi Note 15 Pro offer fancy specs: 120Hz screens, 5000mAh batteries. But they all fail at one thing: the camera. The used Pixel 7 destroys them.
The Camera: Still Magical
Google’s computational photography doesn’t age quickly.
- Main Sensor (50MP): Photos have excellent dynamic range and that signature “Pixel contrast.” Night Sight remains class-leading.
- Ultrawide (12MP): Good for landscapes, though slightly softer than the main lens.
- Video: 4K60 video stabilization is rock solid. It’s better than any 2026 mid-ranger.
Performance: Tensor G2 in 2026
The Tensor G2 was never a powerhouse, but for scrolling Instagram, checking emails, and taking photos, it’s buttery smooth.
- Gaming: Diablo Immortal runs on Medium. High-end emulation is a struggle.
- Heat: It gets warm. Recording 4K video for 10 minutes will make the back noticeably hot. This is a known trait.
Software: The Pixel Experience
Running Android 16, the Pixel 7 feels modern.
- Call Screen: Still the best feature on any phone. Let Google Assistant answer spam calls for you.
- Now Playing: Identifies songs automatically on the lock screen.
- Updates: Security updates continue until October 2027, making it safe to use for another 1.5 years.
Battery Life
This is the weak point. Used units often have degraded batteries.
- Expectation: 4-5 hours of Screen-On Time (SOT). You will need to charge by 6 PM.
- Charging: 20W wired charging is slow. Invest in a power bank if you’re a heavy user.
Final Verdict
For €200-€250, the Pixel 7 is a steal. You sacrifice battery life and gaming performance, but you gain a camera that rivals €800 flagships. It’s the perfect first phone for a teenager or a budget-conscious photographer.