Is the Google Pixel 7 Pro worth buying in 2023?

The flagship of Google Pixel 7 Pro got us seriously excited when it launched last year. It was not a revolution on the Pixel 6 Pro that preceded it, but it got enough hardware and design changes to earn it a coveted CNET Editors’ Choice Award. But that was last year, and things are moving fast in the tech world. So is this phone still worth considering over rivals like the iPhone 14 Pro?

TL; DR: Yes, but you might want to wait.

The Pixel 7 Pro has a ton going for it. It seems very good. Its Android 13 software is a joy to use and its rear multi-camera array takes great photos that comfortably compete with photos of Apple’s best phone. It doesn’t have the most powerful processor, but it has more than enough power to handle anything you’re likely to throw at it. And you’re unlikely to ever notice the difference in power between him and any of his main rivals.

It’s a versatile high-performance phone that has certainly earned its “flagship” title. It manages all of this while also undercutting its competitors in terms of price. At $899 (£849, AU$1,299), its starting price is a notch below the $999 (£1,099, AU$1,749) Apple wants for the base iPhone 14 Pro and economy even bigger on the $1,000 a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra will set you back. The S22 Ultra was originally priced at $1,200 (£1,149, AU$1,849), but Samsung dropped it during the inevitable launch of the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra probably approaching. With take-back offers and agreements with carriersthe Pixel 7 Pro may be even cheaper, making it a more affordable way to put cutting-edge flagship tech in your pocket.

However, unless you’re desperate for a new phone right away, I still advise you to wait. While the Pixel 7 Pro has a lot to offer compared to its fluent rivals, things could change, as OnePlus and Samsung are set to launch their new high-end models for 2023. OnePlus has already shown its OnePlus 11 in China — with some serious specs — with a wider launch expected in February. And although Samsung didn’t tell us anything about the S23 range Still, we’re expecting a February reveal and hopefully the S23 Ultra will be another powerful piece of kit.

It’s safe to assume that both phones will be absolute powerhouses and both will actually focus on photography. The S23 Ultra is unlikely to compete on price, with prices expected to remain the same ($1,200) for the next-gen. However, the OnePlus 11 is perhaps more competitive, as the excellent 10 Pro arrived at just $899 at launch and is now down to just $799. Whether OnePlus is more aggressive with its pricing this time around remains to be seen, but it might be worth waiting until February before deciding where to spend your money.