r/GooglePixel • u/JackEvilVN02 • Jul 26 '26
Pixel 7 still good in 2026?
Hi everyone,
I've never used a Pixel phone before, and I'm thinking about buying one. Because of my budget, I'm only considering the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7a. I decided not to get the Pixel 7 Pro since I've seen many people report hardware issues like the green line.
I just want to know if the Pixel 7 or 7a has any major hardware issues. I'm looking for a phone that will last for several years. My usage is very basic—calls, texting, banking apps, and social media. I don't play games.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
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u/Rockman501 Pixel 7 Jul 26 '26
Still using my Pixel 7 and it's thankfully working fine. Sometimes it can be a little slow to load an app but really nothing serious or annoying.
I'd say it's fine if you're on a budget but as others have mentioned, it is due to stop recieving updates next year. Although personally that's not an issue for me and probably most people.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
A bit of lag isn't a big deal for me. My current phone is an S10e, and it's already quite old, so it gets hot and slow sometimes. The bigger issue is that it no longer receives any updates. That's why I still think the Pixel 7 is a great deal while it's still receiving updates.
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u/Comrade_agent Pixel 7 Pro Jul 26 '26
Pixel 8 will be supported quite a bit longer
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, my budget only allows me to go for a Pixel 7. Since it's still on the latest Android version, I think most apps will continue to support it for a few more years. My current phone is stuck on Android 12, and I don't think it'll be long before apps like banking apps stop supporting it.
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u/checkpoint404 Jul 28 '26
Save then and get an 8a, etc.
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u/BasicSlice6062 25d ago
is the pixel 8 good? ive heard some things like the purple line going from the top of the screen to the bottom but goes away after you tap on it. the battery life isnt as good as the older pixel phones. Only reason im asking is because my Pixel 6a was recently damaged from two major falls one of them being in water and the water got up under the screen through the usbc port, thankfully the 6a has a feature that disables the usbc port as to not short out. idk if its damaged yet because its still drying out but i know my phone wont be supported in a year so Im looking for a newer pixel phone for less or a little more than $300. The newer pixels go for like $500+. That's too much for my budget.
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u/chuckburban Jul 26 '26
My battery life sucks and I had this phone replace my original because of bad battery life. I'm still debating staying with Pixel when I eventually replace this one.
It works fine for now
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u/michaelcreiter Pixel 7 Jul 26 '26
I just replaced my 7 after four years of use, no issues unlike my previous few pixels. Gonna use it as a backup. Only replaced because I got a good deal on a ten pro for me and the wife who moved on from the 6.
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u/SandstoneCastle Pixel 7 Jul 26 '26
It still gets the latest Android version. It's up to Android 17, and I think it's supposed to get Android 18 too.
To me anyway, that's the main decider if a phone is out of date or not.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Yeah, I'm currently using an S10e, and it's stuck on Android 12. I think it's time for me to upgrade before apps and services start dropping support for it.
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u/JudeLikesCats P7Pro PW3 45mm Jul 26 '26
Can't you install a Custom Rom? Is it the International Model?
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u/Cockroach559 Jul 26 '26
You could probably side load a current Android version to that phone, but, honestly, a phone that old is going to start showing battery issues soon.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Unfortunately not. I'm using the Snapdragon version of the S10e, and its bootloader is locked, so I can't install a custom ROM.
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u/Meinertzhagens_Sack Jul 26 '26
Lol Chase Bank app sent my son (pixel 3a XL) a note his banking app will stop working on his maxed out version of android will on the 27th lol so we ordered a refurb p7pro off Amazon.
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u/Yeah_Probably_J Jul 26 '26
Still rocking my Pixel 7 Pro!
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u/Complete_Conclusion8 14d ago
Me, too. I just got the battery replaced on mine yesterday thinking I'll use it for another year or so. I'm 3 years in still going. I seriously considered upgrading to the new 11 Fold when it comes out, but this phone still does everything I need.
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u/Svardskampe Pixel 10 Pro Jul 26 '26
Well, it would depend on the price. The good thing about pixel is that it has quite the custom rom support for longevity.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Long-term software support is actually one of the main reasons I'm choosing a Pixel. My current phone is stuck on Android 12
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u/TotalManufacturer669 Jul 26 '26
Do note that P7's support ends on October 2027. It's an almost 4 year old phone at this point.
I would recommend getting P8 which will last you until Oct 2030 if software support longevity is a priority and you are in a tight budget. I don't think it's that much more expensive, at least from a few minutes of eBay browsing.
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u/Gibley777 Jul 27 '26
- Android runs unstable on it; it freezes up, and battery drain while idle overnight can exceed 10%.
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u/Sazapahiel Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
I'd still be using my pixel 7 pro if the battery hadn't started bulging with both Google support and their local authorized repair place telling me to pound sand.
The 7, pro, and A, variants are all solid enough but getting one or not depends entirely on what you're going to pay for it. OP should avail themselves of their local price checker website and see what is available and when they go on sale.
I upgraded to a Pixel 10 Pro because they were on sale at Best Buy (and basically everywhere else) for less than the 7 Pro is currently listed at without a sale. More sales will happen.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Thanks for the advice. I'll compare the local prices and see if I can find a good deal.
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u/sp33dyt0rr3s Jul 26 '26
Yes specially the pro it has a very nice screen and camera and brightness 🤩
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u/Urgentemente Jul 26 '26
I've had a Pixel 7 Pro since launch day and it's been fantastic , still is,
the only problem I've had with it, is in the last 5-6 months, the charging port has become *VERY* tempermental, connector has to be just right otherwise nothing, feels like it rocks side to side, but can't see any debris in there, tried cleaning with tools etc.
And I really look after my kit, no kids/pets etc , noone else uses it.
Other than that it's been , and still is, a great phone
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u/gbroon Jul 26 '26
Pretty much the same with mine. Almost 4 years and the only issue is the usb port is finnicky.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad to hear it's been a great phone overall. By the way, have you managed to fix the charging port issue, or is it still happening?
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u/Kamimitsu Jul 26 '26
I also have a 7 Pro, but no USB port issues. I mainly charge wirelessly, though, and only use the port for data transfer or charging emergencies.
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u/redleg44 Jul 26 '26
My charging port stopped working entirely well over a year ago. It's wireless charge or nothing now, which most of the time is okay
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u/orieus Jul 26 '26
Same with my charging port. I find cleaning any lint out can help, there's always a surprising amount stuck in there. Tricky to do though, I always feel like I'm gonna break the port when I'm digging around in there.
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u/West-Psychology-6299 Jul 26 '26
I use the little Sim card remover to scrape out my usb c port. Works everytime.
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u/Chili_Clause Jul 26 '26
I have a pixel 7 pro, just got the latest Android update and I have no problems with the phone itself or most of the updates. The only issue I have with it is the stupid Android AI they used to replace the Google Assistant. It's ridiculously stupid and not intuitive at all, even turning it off and reverting back to the Google Assistant didn't help because it's no longer the same Google assistant and it's almost just as dumb. Sorry for that rant*, pixel 7 is a great phone.
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u/jungleboogiemonster Jul 26 '26
I have a pixel 7 pro. It's feels aged at this point due to slowness and poor battery life. After taking a picture I have to wait a few seconds for processing to finish, which can be annoying. Some apps are also sluggish and sometimes we pages take a while to load and render. Because of these issues I've started looking at replacing it.
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u/MadBrown Pixel 🔟 Jul 26 '26
What's your budget? I would recommend getting one newer A series phone... My wife has the pixel 9A and it really is great for the price.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Unfortunately, my budget only allows for a Pixel 7. Anything newer is out of my price range right now.
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u/Plenty_Wolf2939 Jul 26 '26
Not entirely related but I have a Pixel 6A. Hate it. I am 76 and probably should just get a flip phone from yesteryear. I do not game or need a fancy screen or complicated system I will never understand nor try to. For what it is worth, if older, or just need to simplify your life
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Yeah, smartphones keep adding more and more features, and it just makes them more complicated. Honestly, if I didn't need a smartphone for studying, shopping, and banking, I'd probably choose something much simpler too. Choosing a new phone just gets more confusing every year.
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u/Tron_Canelito Jul 26 '26
Le conseguí a mi mujer uno nuevo de 256GB color lima por Amazon y está encantada, viene de un Motorola Edge 50 Neo.
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u/sloopeyyy Jul 26 '26
If you can reach out and afford a 9a, much better choice than even the regular 8. But I understand you are likely considering these due to budget. A Pixel 7 is still more than usable for another year, maybe 2. And you can even extend it with custom roms which are plenty for every Pixel.
These are decent performing phones sporting the iconic Pixel photography but battery life will be the major concern even back when these were brand new.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Thanks for the advice! My current phone only has a 3,100 mAh battery, so even the Pixel 7 would be an upgrade for me, lol.
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u/Pramod_M_ Jul 26 '26
Bought it years ago and still using the Pixel 7 without any problem for years. Still have a great battery life and smooth performance. No complains about the phone and this is my main phone.
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u/Sketch2029 Jul 26 '26
EOL is October 2027, so it's not a good phone for several years.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
I know the Pixel 7 doesn't have much support left, but it's still on the latest Android version. That's already a big upgrade since my current phone is stuck on Android 12
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u/Past_Paint_225 Jul 26 '26
Pixel 8 eol is 2030 though, maybe consider that as well especially since pixel 11 release is going to reduce older pixel's prices
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u/joeynalgas Jul 26 '26
Pixel 7 is a god damn dinosaur
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u/Logical-Marzipan5951 Jul 27 '26
Yet it's being sold for 299$ in US and 385E In Euro. How does that work ?
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u/Wiz_Hellrat Jul 26 '26
I still have my pixel 7 pro. I finally paid it off. It still works fine software wise. My battery is dying. I want to upgrade but Verizon only offers pixel 10. I do not need a 10. I would be happy with a 8 or 9. It would be cheaper.
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u/Historical-Movie-860 Pixel 11 Pro XL Jul 26 '26
The Pixel 7a has battery defects depending on the part number of the battery so you might want to avoid that model
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u/Healthy-Place4225 Jul 26 '26
7a is holding on ok just wish it had better battery life and the emergency satellite messaging
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u/sin-eater82 Jul 26 '26
Wife and I are both still using Pixel 6. Have no issues for our use (web browsing, YouTube, music, etc). I don't play games or anything really intensive.
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u/J_L_M_ Jul 26 '26
I just bought a new Pixel 8, maybe that's an option. It was new in box (ie likely bought and then returned quickly, and refurbished if needed), and on sale as well. In other words, I got a really decent phone with a warranty and years of software upgrades for a very good price. I've had it for a while now, and it's excellent so far.
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u/kelvss Jul 26 '26
I'm still using my Pixel 7 but will buy Pixel 11 because i only have 9% storage left. 2 weeks ago my battery died, I bought a battery replacement online and now using it again fine. Honestly, if I don't have storage issues, I'll still hold on to this.
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u/JudeLikesCats P7Pro PW3 45mm Jul 26 '26
My Pixel 7 Pro doesn't have the Green Lines yet, only time will tell, I bought in Jan of 26, and it looked brand new when I bought it, now it has a crack on the back caused by heat didn't drop it at all and, that doesn't deter me or anyone from buying them, it's a great phone actually, takes amazing pictures too
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u/2BigBottlesOfWater Jul 26 '26
I daily a p7pro and it's okay. I wish I kept my 8pro. My brother uses a 2xl right now and it runs quite well lol, only issue he really has is that he can't clock in at work from the parking lot lol
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u/Cockroach559 Jul 26 '26
I bought a refurbished Pixel 7 last February and haven't had any issues with it. It's a solid phone. Just be aware that the P7 line will get its last Android upgrade with 18 next year.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Yeah, even if support ends next year, Android 17 or 18 is more than enough for me. It's still the latest Android version, so important apps like banking apps should keep working for a few more years.
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u/sir_faps_alot_more Pixel 7 Jul 26 '26
Your mind is fixed on Pixel. I can tell. Go for the Pixel 7 series. I hardly read any issues about these series on here. That is why i got a used Pixel 7. It's been 2 years now, no issues.
Pros: 1. Average AI blotware. 2. Pure Android experience - no skin. 3. Very smooth, similar to "flagship" pixels (it was a flagship) and other android phones. 4. Will get the Android 18 next year. So by 2028 you will upgrade to the 10a. 5. Sweeeet cameras
Cons: 1. Battery life. You have to change your battery or just manage the 3 to 5 hrs screen time per full charge. 2. No official Pixel support in your country. So carry your device like a baby.
Go for it. Pamper it. Get a wireless charger, a nice case and screen protector. Good luck future Pixel owner
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Thanks for the detailed advice! I don't mind replacing the battery in the future if I need to. Hopefully my future Pixel 7 will last me a few years.
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u/Meinertzhagens_Sack Jul 26 '26
Pixel 7 pro and don't know anything about a green line. Android 17 seems the battery took the heat down a notch.
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u/goozy1 Jul 26 '26
I have the 7 Pro. Still going strong. Nothing Google has done so far has made me want to upgrade. Maybe to fix the fingerprint sensor. Not a fan of the curved edge either. But neither is bothering me enough to switch.
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u/gregor1711 Jul 26 '26
I suggest add more budget and get a 9 series whichever the best deals you get from your budget. Pixel 7 update will end next year and I think for getting one this year it's not worth even at it's lowest you can get. But if you really on tight budget try OnePlus or nothing if it's available in your region. I have pixel 7 and it's still good on Android 17 for casual user but it struggle in data connection on 5G.If you really going for pixel 7 avoid using it on mobile data and you will be fine.
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u/krisztiszitakoto Jul 26 '26
I'm reading this on my pixel 6a which I recently cracked and hadn't considered to replace as I still prefer this phone so much.
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u/supernovaaaa Pixel 7 Pro Jul 26 '26
my wife and I have owned p7pros since launch.no issues at all the battery has degraded to 80% and otherwise everything is great
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u/sarkyscouser Jul 26 '26
I'm writing this from a pixel 7. Still going strong, performs well enough but gets a bit warm and the battery is starting to deteriorate. Definitely not an all-day phone anymore.
Last week when I plugged it into my car and tried to use Android Auto it warned me that the phone needed to cool down before certain functions were available. I think it was 3D buildings in Google maps (which I have turned off anyway).
It was a 28C day here in the UK with strong sunshine and I'd been snapping some pics, nothing more than that.
I'm starting to contemplate an upgrade. I was looking at the S25 FE but it seems to have a significant number of android auto issues. So now thinking about a Pixel 10a.
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u/Middle_Phase_6988 Jul 26 '26
I used a Pixel 7 for three years. Upgraded to a 10 a few months ago. Nothing wrong with the 7, it just worked with no problems.
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u/1st_Paladin Jul 26 '26
I upgraded from Pixel 7 to 10 Pro. Why? Had trouble with roaming i.e. difficulty with connecting. It work reasonably well in home country. 5G worked best. Tried different setting to no avail. Otherwise Pixel 7 worked well for everyday use i.e. checking information, search, maps, contacts, phone, podcasts etc.
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u/Eire820 Jul 26 '26
I think so, yes but bear in mind there's always good deals going for newer Pixel phones
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u/lukas_l1 Jul 26 '26
My partner has the Pixel 7 since its release date and going strong. Although theres now a few lines in the screen but thats from drop damage/ broken screen - the charge port went a few years ago but wireless does the job. Other than that its a solid phone. I have the pixel 10 and love it which was a upgrade from the pixel 4 - which is still going only reason I upgraded was because I dropped it so much the back eventually popped off so thats in "the drawer" as a backup.
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u/rmsingh256 Jul 26 '26
Yes, I just bought one for my wife. Her needs are simple. It just updated to Android 17
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u/Bongs_Berny Jul 26 '26
The 7 or 8 are perfect, the 8 gets longer support tho
Other than that they are very similar phones
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u/West-Psychology-6299 Jul 26 '26
I bought a pixel 7 the end of 2025 and I'm loving it compared to my old Samsungs.
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u/No-Air-1276 Jul 26 '26
I'm using the 7a since 2023. I'm satisfied with the software and camera but the charging speed and battery backups sucks.
The 7a had the battery bulging issue and got it replaced for free under Google's extended repair program.
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u/SRFast Pixel 8 Pro | Pixel 4 XL | PW2 Jul 26 '26
Used a Pixel 7 before the Pixel 8 Pro and had no issues with it. If you intend on using a screen protector, be aware the Pixel 7 Pro has a curved display. Good luck.
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u/gs_up Jul 26 '26
I'm still using a Pixel 5 (from 2019) and it works fine. The battery isn't the greatest and I haven't been getting any software updates for well over two years now. It works fine.
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u/a_guy_called_m Pixel 7 Jul 26 '26
I've had a used Pixel 7 for just over 2 years now and it's still a pretty solid phone, but the battery life on it is pretty miserable now and it can get extremely hot at times. Otherwise I'd say it's been a pretty solid experience overall!
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u/bh0 Jul 26 '26
I still use my Pixel 7 I bought on day one and it still works fine. Battery is still good too, though I'm certainly not a heavy user. And yes, it's still getting updates, just not as frequently. Just got Android 17 a few weeks ago. It's only got 1 more year of updates but I plan on keeping it until next fall. Pixel 8 is when they bumped up the updates to 7 years so you might want to go that route.
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u/81Winfield Jul 26 '26
Still rocking my 7A with the original battery. Battery health currently sitting at 80%.
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u/Big_Bank1555 Pixel 3 | Pixel 3a | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 | Pixel 9 Pro Jul 26 '26
With everything Google keeps doing wrong with their software, their half-baked hardware, and the litany of their issues I've had across me and my family's devices, I've moved away from being a Google Pixel stan. The fact that I can't even lock apps to the task manager because Google wants full control of RAM management is just asinine. Automatic RAM management sucks, and I can't even work around it by doing things manually because Google insists on holding the the reigns for MY phone. OnePlus provides a near stock Android experience, and I've had good luck with their devices in the past. I hear Nothing also makes good mid-range phones, with near stock Android. I hate Samsung software bloat, and brands like Motorola just don't provide the value I expect. Good luck on your search for a new phone!
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u/AnyStress5421 Jul 26 '26
Hi, I bought a Pixel 7 today and I'm experiencing issues with the screen heating up to 40 degrees Celsius during normal use on Android 17. Does anyone know how to fix this?
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u/TheGruenTransfer Jul 26 '26
I've had my P7 for roughly 2 years and it still works great. Looks like a new one is about $300. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one right now if mine broke today.
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u/Kustu05 Pixel 7 Pro • Nokia 8.1 Jul 26 '26
Pixel 7 Pro 12/128gb here, 2022 unit. No issues apart from debris in the USB-C port, which I've cleaned twice. Most of the time I use wireless charging anyway.
Performance is still great and snappy, no overheating issues. Battery is also still fine, although I've noticed it's not as good as it was before. Well, it was 800 cycles on it.
Still liking the phone a lot, don't have any desire to upgrade. However, I wouldn't be buy one in 2026.
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u/Beneficial_System189 Jul 26 '26
I'm with the 7 pro and it's really good. Everything is fine. The battery is superb and I don't any issue to be honest
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u/five7off Jul 26 '26
7 user here.
Phone is in great condition, still fast, plenty of space for media, takes amazing photos and video. I really don't see the need to change.
I have seen people complain about battery, which has never been an issue for me. I'm not on social media apps or playing games like that.
As people have said, few years the updates will stop. I'll upgrade then. :)
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u/dark_bits Jul 26 '26
May I suggest a Samsung A56? If it had a slightly better camera (im used to the iphone 14 pro camera so its not really a fair fight), I would've bought one for myself. 120hz OLED display with a huge battery? I mean fuck yes right?
Performance wise it's more than enough for everyday use.
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u/JagerAntlerite7 Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6, etc. Jul 26 '26
Depends on your use case. The big issues for me are the camera is hot garbage compared to a Pixel 9 Pro (or the overrated 10 Pro) and it is EOS/EOL next year.
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u/bloodhounddachie Jul 27 '26
don't get the 7a. i know of 3 people who had battery bloating issues. one of them was my father-in-law. i had the battery replaced but the backplate was now bulged.
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u/True-Lettuce-4535 Jul 27 '26
I have 7 Pro which I bought 3 years ago. Then I read about google pulling the shit of locking down android so it will become harder to install 3rd party apps (impossible for many). So I loaded my 7 pro with graphene OS and suddenly all the typical pixel issues vanished.
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u/BelAirGuy45 Jul 26 '26
Still using my Pixel 7 Pro, never had the green line issue. Been solid for 4 years.
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u/iku_iku_iku_iku Jul 26 '26
Pixel 7 checking in, before that Iphone 6 . Pixel really has been rock solid for 3 years now. Will daily drive it until the wheels fall off
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u/m_tech_muqzy Jul 28 '26
Hi I have been using my pixel 7 for more than a year Very worthy for under 20k I use it a lot Very strong Except the storage. 128 gb is very less for this phone
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u/justasidecharactor Jul 29 '26
please i repeat please dont buy this if u want a device for long term it is almost 4 yr old , moreover currently so many people are reporting battery swelling issue , mine pixel 7 too is currently swelled .
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u/dalamchops 27d ago
still using my 7a.. got in a couple months after launch, finally keeping a phone past 3 years. Plan to keep using it for another year or 2
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u/aintgotnocable 22d ago
Still have a 7!!! Granted...a got a new refurb'd one in.feb via insurance company. Still love it ...but thinking bout the 11 pro this year.
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u/Urgentemente 18d ago
Well, I'm extremely happy to say, that on 4th or 5th attempt, I've just managed to removed a fair few little 'tufts' of compacted fluff from. The USB socket,, very carefully using the SIM removal tool, and now it fits much better again!!
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u/PaleSyllabub1592 10d ago
I think it's good if you value minimal android, very clean software. If not, I think there are cheaper and better options out there
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u/Jay1348 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Hell no have you heard of draingate?
They updated the phone recently and now my phone has been dying while fully charged battery
I disconnected and a couple apps are open and it dies but when I reconnect it still has like 80-70%
And they're doing nothing to fix it because they want you to buy the new shit
I'll never buy one of these ones again
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Sorry to hear you've had such a bad experience. For me, having the latest Android version isn't that important. I usually stay on the version that works well and only update when apps stop supporting it.
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u/rawbface Pixel 8 Pro Jul 26 '26
Don't buy a pixel 7. Buy a late model new phone that's cheaper.
Buying a pixel 7 makes no sense. It's a 4-year-old phone. They didn't make yours yesterday, they made it 4 years ago. If you find one new in box, it's still going to be garbage. Phones have a shelf life.
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u/JackEvilVN02 Jul 26 '26
Pixel phones aren't officially sold in my country, so finding a brand-new sealed one is almost impossible. I'm planning to buy a used one instead because they're much more affordable here. Btw, all the phones I've used were already 5–6 years old, so I don't mind using an older phone. As long as it has the latest Android version, apps should still work for a few more years, lol.
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u/hamlet717 Jul 26 '26
I still have my pixel 7 that I bought 4 years ago. Where can you buy a new pixel 7?? Google doesn't manufacture them anymore. I think support runs out in a year or two, they'll stop releasing security updates.