Google Pixel 7

It's not Pixel perfect, but it's perfectly OK, Google

Boasting a solid and eye-catching design, smooth day-to-day operation and a bountiful feature set, the Pixel 7 is a fine choice for those wanting to take their first step into the world of Android phones. By usual smartphone standards, it seems like a bargain, too. Starting at £599, the Pixel verges on the upper end of the budget range, undercutting its most obvious Apple rival, the iPhone 14, by nearly a third of its asking price. It is also launching at the same price as its predecessor, the Pixel 6.

For this, you get an admirably specified device, equipped with Google’s brand new, in-house developed Tensor G2 processor, 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. There is a 256GB storage / 8GB RAM option for £100 more; with no option to expand the memory via an SD card, it is worth springing for the extra storage if you plan on snapping lots of pictures or downloading movies and music.

The Pixel 7 sits in the middle of Google’s current line-up, between the budget Pixel 6A (£349), and the more expensive Pixel 7 Pro (£849). The Pro offers a larger, higher- resolution display, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an extra telephoto-lens camera.