Contrary to previous information and most expectations, the Pixel 7 will not return to the “soft-touch” glass of previous generations. Google has officially confirmed that the lineup will keep the Pixel 6’s all-gloss back design.
Apparently not all that glitters is a matte finish? Once people got their hands on the official images of the Pixel 7 released by Google, many were quick to point out that the backs of the devices, especially around the edges, had a somewhat familiar shine to them.
This went against what Google previously revealed in a response to tech Youtuber Marques Brownlee. The company claimed that the new Pixels would adopt the “soft-touch” glass finish of some previous generations of Pixels, most notably the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 Pro.
Google has since reached out to Brownlee to correct this flaw and has now officially confirmed (again, and this time for sure) that the Pixel 7 does indeed come with a glossy finish on the glass back of the device.
Update: Google has confirmed to me that the Pixel 7 will in fact NOT be soft-touch glass, despite previously telling us it would.
— Marquis Brownlee (@MKBHD) May 12, 2022
This is now in line with what we’ve seen from the new Pixels so far. Unfortunately, many will be disappointed with this design choice for a number of reasons.
First, given the expected price tags of Google’s new flagships, especially the Pro version, these smartphones are clearly being marketed as more premium devices. And a glossy finish is not enough for many enthusiasts.
There’s a reason both Apple and Samsung have switched to matte finishes for the glass backs of their high-end models. Reflective glass gives the same overall feel as plastic (aside from the weight) – something few would consider ‘premium’.
Second, a glossy finish on the back is by far the largest fingerprint magnet imaginable. Even if you could tolerate a glossy finish under normal circumstances, it only takes a few times to make the smartphone look downright disgusting.
All in all, this is a very strange design choice from Google. It certainly won’t break the Pixel 7 on its own, but it still comes as a disappointment to many.