Google Pixel 7 Variants Supposedly Cleared FCC Ahead of Launch

Google will launch the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro later this year, and even hinted a fall release during I/O. Following that official preview, we’ve heard a few rumors about what to anticipate from the hardware that will replace the Pixel 6 series, but we’ve been waiting for further official details.

We usually look forward to seeing a new phone’s FCC certification documentation published before it arrives, and it seems like that’s exactly what we’re getting today with the Pixel 7 family.

FCC Clearance Granted

Overall, we seem to be looking at four separate devices, each with two configurations. The Pixel 7 Pro with sub-6 5G and connection looks to be model GP4BC with FCC ID A4RGP4BC, while model GE2AE with mmWave connectivity has FCC ID A4RGE2AE. When we looked at the Pixel 6 series FCC listings, there was a similar tangle of overlapping FCC IDs and model numbers, and a matched case like this ended up being the Japanese version of the device.

All of these rumored Pro variants support ultra-wideband (UWB), a technology introduced by Google with the Pixel 6 Pro that aids in features such as Nearby Share which enables users to carry out content transfers such as music transfers. Google was seen developing on a UWB API in February, giving third-party applications access to the chip for remote positioning and other functions.

The FCC paperwork also shows what seem to be our Pixel 7 variants. Under FCC ID A4RGVU6C, there are GVU6C and G03Z5 models with sub-6 5G connection, while model GQML3 with FCC ID A4RGQML3 includes mmWave 5G capability. All of this suggests that at least four Pixel 7 devices are in the works, all of which will feature Wi-Fi 6E, the new C-band 5G frequency, and NFC.

Google’s Pixel 7 preview highlighted modest changes to the Pixel 6 series design, such as the usage of a metallic camera bar rather than all-glass construction. We know the phones will be powered by a second-generation Tensor processor and are anticipating a few color options: Obsidian (black) and Snow (white) for both, with the Pixel 7 getting a unique Lemongrass hue and the Hazel (green) choice reserved to the Pro. And, of course, Android 13 will be included.

Launch Date

Google usually announces Pixel phones around October, and although this varies, the latest rumor we’ve heard says we’re back on track for an early October release. This time, the phones may share the stage alongside the Pixel Watch, but that is far from definite. Furthermore, another Google gadget was approved by the FCC only a day ago, which might be a 2019 Nest Wifi upgrade. When it comes to new Google hardware, we might be in for a very busy autumn.