Despite its numerous bugs, we fell in love with the Pixel 6 series. The funky new Android 12 design came together with a Google phone that finally had a fast enough processor, its very own design identity and a camera that is almost as good as the very best. Oh, and let’s not forget how much cheaper all of that is compared to iPhones and Galaxies!
The Pixel 7 will be an important next step for Google to establish itself as a major player in the smartphone market, something that it has never really been. But first, all of that will happen IF and only IF the Pixel 6 sales are at least somewhat successful.
We don’t doubt Google’s long-term plan with developing its own chip, but that first step still has to be a success to encourage the company to persevere.
So what can we expect of the Pixel 7? It’s way too early to tell, but my speculation and fear is that Google will continue focusing on AI, machine translation and all of that goodness… which is cool, but not quite the mainstream feature that will make someone switch to a Pixel. What I instead think has to happen is Google making a relentless focus on photo and video quality, as well as working on fixing all those battery drain issues around the current Pixel 6. It’s actually the Pixel 6 that needs to get those features straightened up via software updates, but the Pixel 7 has to be even better and not feel quite as rushed as the Pixel 6.
Also, Google has to find a solution to the fingerprint scanner issues on the Pixel 6. It’s also embarrassing that you cannot use any form of face ID on the Pixel.
All of this will be harder to achieve if Google splits its focus and decides to launch a foldable device. The risk there is that Google could spread itself thin and risk an established form factor for an experimental one such as a foldable. I’m not convinced the risk is worth taking, and it seems that Google so far is of the same opinion as the rumored Pixel Fold has not materialized in 2021.
For Google: CaseMe Google Pixel 6 Case, CaseMe Google Pixel 6 Pro Case
