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Google Pixel 7 vs older Google phones: Should you upgrade? – Android Authority

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Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

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Google returned to proper flagship territory last year with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and continues the trend with the Pixel 7 series. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are iterative updates, but that’s not necessarily bad for a company whose biggest problem is consistency. Of course, you get the expected upgrades with faster processors, a more refined design, and the latest software package.

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro aren’t massive overhauls and don’t stray from the formula Google established last year. This brings up the interesting question, is the Pixel 7 series worth the upgrade if you have an older Google phone? We pit Google’s latest against everything that’s come before to find out.

Read more: Everything you need to know about the Pixel 7 series


Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 6a

google pixel 6a window

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The Pixel 6a is Google’s latest addition to its popular “a” series. Like the other devices in the line, the Pixel 6a borrows the best elements of its flagship namesake, including the new design language and the Tensor processor, while cutting costs everywhere else to make it one of the most affordable Pixels you can get your hands on. The Pixel 6a and the Pixel 7 series are in two completely different smartphone categories, so it’s no surprise that the latest flagships are objectively better phones.

The Pixel 7 series gives you better build quality, a faster processor, more RAM, higher storage options, and wireless charging. And the smaller phone’s dual camera setup with its 50MP primary camera is better than the 12MP cameras you get with the 6a. You can also make the jump to a three-camera system with the 7 Pro. The 7 and 7 Pro also have larger displays with higher refresh rates. The only thing common between the three phones is the software, with all of them eligible for the latest versions of Android for the next three years, along with security updates for the next five.

See also: The best affordable Android phones you can get

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are definitely better compared to the Pixel 6a. But if you’ve already bought the latter this year, you’re probably not looking to upgrade. Yes, the Pixel 6a isn’t as good, but it’s got good cameras, solid performance, an excellent software experience, and even extras like water resistance. More importantly, it’s half the price of the standard Pixel 7. The Pixel 6a is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly phone. But if you want the latest and greatest, the Pixel 7 series is the way to go.

Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 6 series

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro lying on autumn leaves

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Pixel 6 series and the 6 Pro, in particular, was Google’s return to the flagship space after its mid-range predecessor. The series brought a much-needed upgrade to the Pixel line, with the 6 series featuring an all-new design, a homebrewed processing package, more RAM and storage than previous devices, and a superior camera system, especially with the Pro.

For seemingly the first time, Google decided to stick with the tried and tested formula with its latest Pixels. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro carry a lot of the design language and hardware from their predecessors, so it’s not the overhaul that some hope for year after year. While the spec sheets might look the same, key upgrades across the board exist.

Read more: Pixel 7 vs Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 Pro vs Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro come with displays that are 25% brighter, making the vivid colors pop even more. The new and faster Tensor G2 powers the two phones, and the more refined design with a metallic bar and single-tone colorways make for a less flashy but still premium look. And even though the camera hardware is similar, you get plenty of new and exciting camera features with the latest Pixels.

The Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have a lot going for them, but if you already have their predecessors, there’s no reason to upgrade. In fact, we include the 6 and 6 Pro as viable alternatives to get instead of the latest Pixels if you want to jump into the Pixel world while saving some money. Newer is better in this case, though. It also helps that the new Pixels are available in many more countries this time. So while you don’t need to upgrade, if you were waiting to buy a new phone, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are the way to go.


Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5a

the google pixel 5a on a piece of cement showing its back in mostly black color

Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority

The Pixel 5a was an exciting addition to the “a” line. Instead of being a cheaper alternative to its flagship counterpart, like other phones in the series, it replaced the Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4a 5G. Despite being released last year, the 5a has the same processing package as Google’s 2020 releases, looks the same, has similar hardware, and offers an identical software experience.

The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are, unsurprisingly, solid upgrades over the Pixel 5a. The new design stands out, the Tensor G2 chip offers better performance, and you get a superior camera package. Of course, there are also flagship extras like more RAM, storage, wireless charging, and a better IP68 rating for dust and water resistance (compared to IP67 for the Pixel 5a).

Even then, it’s probably too soon to upgrade from the Pixel 5a unless you can get a good deal on a trade-in. The Pixel 5a will get a couple more Android software upgrades and four more years of security updates, so it won’t be left behind. It’s not the most powerful and will start to show its age sooner than a flagship. But until it does, you can safely hold on to it.


Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 5

Google Pixel 5 in hand

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Pixel 5 was Google’s attempt at doing something different during a time when true flagships were only getting more expensive. It was a mid-range device through and through, but Google’s AI smarts for the camera and the software experience made for a far better phone than the specs or its price point would suggest. It’s no surprise that despite falling well behind the competition on the specs sheet, the Pixel 5 was still an incredibly popular device in 2020.

Because of its mid-range nature, it’s no surprise that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are better than the Pixel 5. The vanilla Pixel 7 is a closer comparison, with similar features like a 90Hz display, dust and water resistance, and wireless charging. The Pixel 7 brings more power to the table, has a more modern design, and has a much better camera package. It’ll also get more software upgrades, which is to be expected with a newer phone.

The Pixel 5 holds up quite well a couple of years later and will get another major software upgrade and a few more years of security updates. You don’t need to upgrade from the Pixel 5 unless you want to.


Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 4 series

Google Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 XL in orange and white

David Imel / Android Authority

Google made a lot of interesting but ultimately divisive choices with the Pixel 4 series. The unsightly notch from its predecessor was gone, but the forehead returned, this time with a lot of tech in tow. The Motion Sense and Soli radar system helped with Face Unlock. But that led to Google completely removing the fingerprint scanner from these phones. Seeing how every future Pixel brought back the fingerprint sensor, it was obviously not a great decision at the time.

The Pixel 4 and 4 XL were the first in the series to come with a dual-camera system and 90Hz display refresh rates. The camera proved to be the only saving grace for otherwise poor devices. They were costly, had plenty of software bugs and glitches, and to say that the battery life was disappointing is putting it kindly.

The Pixel 4 series hasn’t aged well, so it’s probably time for an upgrade.

The Pixel 4 series is three years old, and flagships usually last longer. Unfortunately, these phones haven’t aged particularly well, with people still complaining about battery-related problems and software issues. It’ll get Android 13, but that’s also the end of the road as far as major upgrades go.

So if you’re looking for an upgrade, now is a great time. The Pixel 7 series is better in every way, and while it likely won’t be a stranger to its share of bugs, Google has done a much better job of refining and improving the overall experience.


Google Pixel 7 vs Pixel 3 series and older

Pixel 3 XL hands on

The high price points of the Pixel 3 series were a huge point of contention when the phones were released in 2018 and led, in part, to the introduction of the “a” series. Of course, other phones were priced similarly, but most offered a lot more to justify their thousand-dollar price points. That’s not to say that Google didn’t try, though.

The Pixel 3 wasn’t a vast improvement, but the Pixel 3 XL introduced a handful of new features, even if not all of them were greeted kindly. The colossal notch looked out of place even on a 2018 phone. But it did house a dual-camera setup to cover all your selfie needs. You also have the premium build quality, dust and water resistance, and wireless charging. The phones weren’t bad, but just far too expensive.

See more: How Google’s Pixel pricing has changed over the years

Now is the perfect time to upgrade if you’ve held onto your Pixel 3 or 3 XL. The older Pixels will no longer receive major Android upgrades (the last was Android 12) and will reach the end of the security update cycle next year. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro bring a lot of what might have enticed you to the Pixel 3 XL a few years ago. You’ll get a new design, fantastic cameras, beautiful displays, and a smooth software experience. They are also cheaper than the Pixel 3 series was at launch if that makes your decision easier.


Should you upgrade to the Google Pixel 7 series?

Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Whether you should upgrade has always been easy to answer for the Pixel line because every phone is different and new. The Pixel 7 series is the first that is an iterative update, similar to what we’ve seen from Samsung and Apple over the years. That’s definitely not a bad thing. But it also means you don’t have to upgrade to the latest Pixels if you have the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro. Yes, you’ll get a better camera experience and a faster processor. Everything else is mostly the same, though. So unless there’s a great trade-in deal on offer, you don’t need to make the jump yet.

You can also safely hold on to the Pixel 6a, Pixel 5a, and Pixel 5 for at least a year or two. The Pixel 7 series is better than these phones in every way. But most of these would be recent purchases. Even if they are mid-rangers, you don’t need to upgrade your phone every year or two. But if you are still rocking a Pixel 4 or Pixel 3 series phone, now is the time to jump to the latest that Google offers.

Google Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7

Tensor G2 processor
Upgraded camera
Low price

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Best Google camera
High-quality display
Big battery


Will you be upgrading from an older Google smartphone to a Pixel 7? Let us know in the comments!

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Take-Two Interactive to Acquire 'Borderlands' Developer Gearbox From Embracer Group for $460 Million – Yahoo Canada Sports

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Take-Two Interactive has acquired video game developer Gearbox, the maker of the “Borderlands” franchise, from Embracer Group for $460 million.

Per Take Two, the company “expects the transaction to deepen its successful relationship with Gearbox Entertainment and to provide increased financial benefits through a fully integrated operational structure.”

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As part of the deal, Take-Two will acquire Gearbox IP, including “Borderlands” and “Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands” franchises, games published by Take-Two’s 2K Games, as well as “Homeworld,” “Risk of Rain,” “Brothers in Arms” and “Duke Nukem.”

Currently, Gearbox has six “key interactive entertainment projects in various stages of development,” per Take-Two, which includes five sequels, two from “Borderlands” and “Homeworld” universes, and at least one “exciting new intellectual property,” all of which have been acquired in the sale.

Take-Two’s purchase of Gearbox is expected to close in June, pending regulatory approval. Upon completion, Gearbox will operate as a studio within 2K, continuing to be led by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford and his management team.

Former Gearbox owner Embracer, a Swedish gaming conglomerate who snapped up the rights to “Lord of the Rings” two years ago, has undergone a severe restructuring program over the past year, which has seen the company shut down or dispose of dozens of games studios and titles and lay off hundreds of staff, resulting in aftershocks that have reverberated throughout the games industry.

The sale of Gearbox marks the latest insistence of Embracer unloading assets, following the company divesting Saber Interactive.

“Our acquisition of Gearbox is an exciting moment for Take-Two and will strengthen our industry-leading creative talent and portfolio of owned intellectual property, including the iconic Borderlands franchise,” Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said. “This combination enhances the financial profile of our existing projects with Gearbox and unlocks the opportunity for us to drive increased long-term growth by leveraging the full resources of Take-Two across all of Gearbox’s exciting initiatives.”

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An OLED iPad Pro and the first big-screen iPad Air will reportedly arrive in May – Engadget

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Apple will finally launch new iPads in early May, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Expected are a new iPad Pro with an OLED display and a faster iPad Air, including a 12.9-inch model for the first time in that lineup. The details of the upcoming iPad models have been consistent, circulating through the rumor mill since last year.

The new iPad Pro models will reportedly add OLED displays (offering deeper blacks and richer colors) and run on the new M3 chip, already found in several Macs. The new tablets are said to launch alongside a redesigned Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Other than a white color option, the latter has remained unchanged since its arrival four years ago.

Meanwhile, the iPad Air will supposedly run on a new processor. Bloomberg didn’t specify which, but — considering the current model uses the M1, and Apple likely wants to reserve the M3 for the more expensive Pro — the M2 sounds like a safe bet. The 12.9-inch screen option would mark the first time the iPad Air line has offered a display larger than 10.9 inches. Although Apple will charge more for that model than the smaller sibling expected alongside it, that would be the cheapest way yet to get a supersized iPad screen.

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Gurman said early this month that the new tablets would launch alongside the M3 MacBook Air, but the laptop arrived without any iPads in tow. He now reports that Apple’s release schedule was pushed back to finish working on the devices’ software and ironing out the kinks from the “complex new manufacturing techniques” they require.

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Ashleigh Oakridge offers boutique-style condos with concrete construction – Vancouver Sun

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Peterson Group’s latest project will be chock-full of amenities and have timeless interiors

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It may not sound exciting to say the big selling points for a new condominium project are that it’s concrete construction and four storeys. But start thinking in terms of getting all the benefits of concrete-tower construction in a sophisticated, boutique-style building of only 34 to 35 units, chock-full of amenities, situated on a quiet, tree-lined Vancouver street and the appeal is obvious—especially to those downsizing in the neighbourhood.

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“That on its own really sets it apart because if you want to be in a boutique setting, you don’t love the idea of highrises, and you want a concrete home type, there aren’t many options. It’s highly unique,” explains Barrett Sprowson, vice-president of sales and project marketing at Peterson Group, the developer of the Ashleigh Oakridge project, which will be composed of three buildings when completed.

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Two of the three buildings, the Berkley and the Alma, will be constructed first, with the Cambridge following later. Each one will have its own curb appeal, but all are designed to integrate into the neighbourhood, hence the plan to maintain the existing trees. The wellness amenities of sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools and fully-equipped fitness room are centrally located in the Berkley for all the residents’ use. All three buildings have their own rooftop amenities that feature an indoor-outdoor flow from an expansive entertainment and co-workspace to patio lounging, dining, fire pits, communal gardens and children’s play area.

The interiors at Ashleigh Oakridge will feature classic styling with design-forward touches.
The interiors at Ashleigh Oakridge will feature classic styling with design-forward touches. Photo by Supplied by Peterson Group

The interiors of the homes, which Sprowson says offer generous, well-laid-out floorplans, feature numerous elevated design details that complement a classic esthetic. His personal favourite is the pot filler over the gas cooktop in the kitchen. “There’s not too many times you run into that, and there’s a little feature that’s practical, helpful and useful but is also tricky and expensive to do,” he says.

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The interior design team at Ste. Marie Studio framed their overall concept around the idea of classic styling accented with design-forward touches.

“We looked at it through the lens of a single-family home and wanting it to feel really timeless,” says Craig Stanghetta, founder and creative director of Ste. Marie Studio. “We don’t want it to feel that it doesn’t have a little bit of risk. There’s a little bit of risk in terms of some brushed metal accents.”

Their use of a bold marble for the kitchen backsplashes makes a dramatic visual statement, but though striking, the pattern is a classic marble, not one heavily veined, and one that would be at home in a Paris apartment or a New York brownstone, Stanghetta observes. In the larger homes, they’ve used it to wrap the islands. “They become a big feature, but in some of these other ones, we’re using the manufactured stone in those areas and letting the backsplash be the big design gesture,” Stanghetta says.

The wellness amenities will include sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools and a fully-equipped fitness room.
The wellness amenities will include sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools and a fully-equipped fitness room. Photo by Supplied by Peterson Group

In the smaller units where the backsplashes are marble, but quartz is used on the counter and island surfaces, the team introduced a dining table-island combination that works for multiple uses—kitchen prep, home office or dining—and the generous bank of wall storage available in the L-shaped configuration allowed for this unique style of island.

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“I think we just acknowledged that sometimes people are prioritizing different things, and if you’re in a one-bedroom living scenario, then we want the flexibility to choose your own adventure with that piece of furniture,” Stanghetta explains.

The appliance package is Miele and features built-in coffee makers, gas ranges, speed ovens, wall ovens and, in some units, wine fridges. There are also sleek can lights over the islands and open shelving for personalizing the space. Sprowson notes that the full-height pantries also boost the kitchens’ functionality and that, though expected when downsizing from a single-family home, they’re often not an option in condo living.

“It’s also a striking kitchen. You look at the marble backsplash and the marble countertop with the waterfall edge, and you’ve got all the functionality, but it’s also, dare I say, very pretty to look at,” he says.

When complete, each building at Ashleigh Oakridge will have rooftop amenities that include an entertainment and co-workspace, patio lounging, dining, fire pits, communal gardens and children's play area.
When complete, each building at Ashleigh Oakridge will have rooftop amenities that include an entertainment and co-workspace, patio lounging, dining, fire pits, communal gardens and children’s play area. Photo by Supplied by Peterson Group

The bathrooms reflect that same mix of functionality and sophisticated styling, with details like flattering sconce lighting and wall-mount toilets. Stanghetta says the floating shelf under the medicine cabinet creates a “nice balance of high-functional storage but then these clean lines that also give you a more fully designed and realized space.”

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He notes that the double vanities in the larger bathrooms have an oversized countertop, a beautiful detail that works with the timeless design concept: attention to detail that will last. The combination of timelessness with contemporary accents creates interiors that reflect the project’s overall vision.

The development is ideally situated to allow residents to be central to everything while enjoying a quiet location.

“This is a viable option for anyone who wants concrete, a good amount of space, decent amenities, all the walkability and proximity to Oakridge and all the cool stuff that’s on the Cambie corridor,” Stanghetta observes.

Ashleigh Oakridge

Project Address: 5080 Ash Street, Vancouver

Project Scope: A development of three, four-storey, concrete, boutique buildings offering one, two and three-bedroom homes that range from 590 to 1,800 square feet. Each building features rooftop amenities and a shared wellness and fitness centre in the Berkley building.

Developers: Peterson Group

Architects: GBL Architects

Prices: Starting in the low $800,000s

Sales centre: Ashleigh PC 2094 W 43rd Ave, Vancouver

Sales centre hours: Open daily (Except Friday), noon to 5 p.m.

Sales phone: 604-476-429

Website: ashleighoakridge.com

Occupancy date: Estimated completion summer 2028

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