C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
- The first details of the Google Pixel 7 series have leaked.
- The phones will likely have a second-generation Tensor chipset as well as a new Samsung-made modem.
- Codenames for the two phones could be “cheetah” and “panther.”
Today, we got our first early glimpse of details related to the Google Pixel 7 series (assuming Google will call it that). Thanks to some code-sleuthing from 9to5Google, we have an early idea of what some specs for the phones might be as well as their internal codenames.
First, it shouldn’t be surprising to know that Google almost certainly has a second-generation Tensor chip in the works. Information previously unearthed by 9to5Google suggests Tensor 2.0 could land with model number GS201 and internal codename “cloudripper.”
Interestingly, it appears Tensor 2.0 could have a currently unreleased Samsung modem onboard. 2021’s Tensor chipset had the Samsung Exynos Modem 5123 inside, but Tensor 2.0 could have an Exynos Modem 5300. Samsung hasn’t launched a modem by that name yet, so we’ll need to wait and see what kind of power it has.
Google Pixel 7 codenames
The Pixel series has had a few codename inspirations. For a long time, Pixel phones all referred to types of fish. Then, for the Pixel 6 series, Google switched things up and used avian codenames (“oriole” for the Pixel 6 and “raven” for the Pixel 6 Pro). It looks like Google could switch things up once again for 2022.
According to 9to5Google, the Google Pixel 7 codenames could be “cheetah” and “panther” for the vanilla and Pro models respectively. Obviously, these are references to large cats. Interestingly, both cats are quite fast with the cheetah being the fastest land mammal in the world and the panther being no slouch when it comes to speed, either.
It’s possible Google could aim to switch up its codename references with each new generation. The unannounced Google Pixel 6a, for example, allegedly sticks with the avian-related codenames with “bluejay.” The rumored Pixel Notepad — Google’s alleged first foldable device — also has a rumored avian codename of “pipit.” If the company does switch to cat-related names for the Pixel 7 series, it might be that it switches animals each time there’s a new processor on board.
Regardless, with codenames out in the wild now, other information for the Google Pixel 7 series is bound to start pouring in soon.
