The Pixel 7 brings several camera improvements over the Pixel 6, but do users get unlimited Google Photos storage like they did with previous Pixel devices? The Pixel 7 has dual rear cameras, with a 50MP primary camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The Pixel 7 Pro adds a third 48MP telephoto camera for super-zoomed images and macro photos. The front camera gets upgraded to a 10.8MP f/2.2 sensor, replacing the 8MP selfie shooter of the previous generation.
With improved cameras and software features such as Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Cinematic Blur, Pixel 7 users have a lot to look forward to. Unfortunately, unlimited storage for photos isn't available for the Pixel 7 series. Google discontinued its free unlimited photos storage perk for its Pixel smartphones in 2021. As of June 1, 2021, all users only get the 15GB of storage that comes with every Google account.
Pixel 7 Users Need To Pay For Extra Storage
Unfortunate as that may be, Google's decision isn't surprising, as it offers a solution in the form of paid cloud storage via Google One. Users who are running out of storage can pay for a Google One subscription to access more cloud storage. Google offers seven storage packages, starting at 100GB and going all the way up to 30TB, payable monthly or annually.
The plans start at just $2 per month for 100GB, and go up to $3 per month for 200GB. The 2TB plan costs $10 per month, with the highest storage option costing $149.99 per month for 30TB of storage. All plans except the base 100GB plan offer Google Store cashback rewards. Google recently made its Google One VPN service available to all Google One plans, so that's included as well. However, Pixel 7 users get free access to Google One VPN, even if they don't have a Google One subscription.
Users can choose the best plan for their storage needs and upload their photos and videos to the cloud in original or storage saver quality. Users can also share their plan with up to five family members. Even though the storage is split among family members, a user's photos will only be accessible to them. So while the Pixel 7 series doesn't have unlimited Google Photos storage, owners can pay for cloud storage to save their favorite photos and videos.
Pixel 7 Storage Options
For users who don't want to pay for cloud storage every month, choosing the right storage option for the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro will be important. The Pixel 7 comes in 128GB and 256GB options which are priced at $599 and $699, respectively. The Pixel 7 Pro, on the other hand, is available in three storage options. The 128GB version costs $899, the 256GB option costs $999, while the top-end 512GB variant is priced at $1,099. There's no 1TB option available, unlike the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Those who want the most storage for their photos can pick up the 512GB Pixel 7 Pro, but it doesn't come cheap. The better option is the 256GB version, which is available for both the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Unfortunately, the Pixel 7 series doesn't feature an SD card slot, which means there's no way to expand the available storage.