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In this article, I give you my Lenovo Smart Display 7 review with specs included. More precisely, this is the Lenovo Smart Display with a 7-inch diagonal. I’ve reviewed their smart displays before which were considerably more expensive and also larger, eight-inch and ten-inch versions.

So, the latest generation is on the market with a lot of improvements. But first, what is this sort of thing? It’s a home assistant and a display. That’s what the name tells you. And, this is a lot like Google Home products with a display built-in. Something like Google Nest Hub, that sort of thing.

So, it does everything a Google Assistant can do on your phone so you can say ‘Hey Google, what’s the weather gonna be?’, or ‘Who’s the president of the USA’, etc. All the usual things you can ask.

It also handles home automation stuff so if you have smart lights Phillips Hue, or C by GE, if you have a Nest thermostat, all of those sorts of things, you can control with your voice on this. It really can do more than that because, obviously, you could just use your phone for that.

First off, the display is a 7-inch touchscreen. It’s IPS and it’s 1024 by 600 resolution. That might not sound that high but given how small the display is it actually works out fine. And, as the wide viewing angles which you have on form IPS, I think n it’s a touchscreen so you can interact with touch the swipe through information too.

So, if you use it in the kitchen then you can ask it for recipes, for example, you can play a YouTube video, you get the idea. Also, it streams music, not only on YouTube music but also on Spotify, and Pandora, and these are pretty popularly used for these things.

The Lenovo Smart Display 7 is a notable addition to the smart display market, offering a compact yet feature-rich device that caters to various needs within the smart home ecosystem. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its design, audio capabilities, camera functionality, privacy features, display characteristics, ambient sensors, and its integration with Google Assistant.

Design and Audio Experience:

The device’s design merits attention, particularly the placement of speakers along the bottom edge, a departure from the previous Lenovo smart displays where they were oddly situated to one side. This adjustment ensures a more conventional stereo separation, contributing to an enhanced audio experience. The inclusion of a passive radiator for improved bass adds to the overall audio quality, making the sound output particularly impressive for a 7-inch product.

While it’s acknowledged that the Smart Display 7 may not rival a high-end $300 speaker, its performance is more than satisfactory, especially considering its compact size. The device proves to be more than capable of delivering an enjoyable audio experience for activities such as watching videos or listening to music.

A noteworthy advantage over its competitors, such as the Google 7-inch Home Nest, lies in the presence of a camera. The Smart Display 7 incorporates a camera along with a privacy slider switch, allowing users to disable the camera when privacy concerns arise. This feature is particularly useful when the device is utilized in spaces like bedrooms, emphasizing Lenovo’s commitment to user privacy.

Camera Functionality:

Unlike the larger Nest Hub Max, the Smart Display 7’s camera doesn’t facilitate facial recognition for personalized user experiences. Instead, its primary function is for Google Duo video chatting. The absence of facial recognition might be a limitation for those accustomed to personalized interactions, but for users primarily interested in video calls, the camera serves its purpose.

To address privacy concerns further, Lenovo has thoughtfully included a microphone mute switch, allowing users to ensure their privacy during sensitive moments. This attention to privacy features aligns with the device’s potential use in bedroom settings.

Ambient Sensors and Display:

The Smart Display 7 incorporates an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts display brightness. However, the sensitivity of the sensor might be considered a bit excessive, responding swiftly to minor changes in lighting conditions. Additionally, a temperature sensor complements the ambient light functionality, ensuring a warm display tone during nighttime use.

The display, despite not being the industry’s best, offers commendable performance for its price range. With a resolution deemed sufficient and a brightness level deemed satisfactory, the device excels as a bedside clock. The ambient light sensor aids in creating an optimal display experience, transitioning the device into dark mode at night.

Smart Home Integration and Voice Control:

The Lenovo Smart Display 7, like its counterparts in the smart display category, finds its strength in its integration with Google Assistant. Users deeply entrenched in the Google ecosystem, including Android phones and various Google Assistant-compatible smart home devices, will find seamless compatibility. However, the choice between Google Assistant and Alexa ultimately depends on individual user preferences and ecosystem allegiances.

The device proves beneficial in various scenarios, becoming a valuable addition to multiple rooms within a household. Its compact size makes it suitable for bedrooms, where it can function as an effective multimedia and information hub. Voice control capabilities enable users to manage smart lights, thermostats, and even robot vacuum cleaners effortlessly.

Use Cases and Customization:

Beyond its practical applications, the Smart Display 7 excels in providing a range of customization options. Users can utilize the photo frame feature to display personal photos, opt for stock photography or fine art images, and choose from different clock faces. The device’s versatility extends to being an effective kitchen companion, offering access to recipes and cooking shows through voice commands.

Moreover, the device facilitates the creation of morning and bedtime routines. Users can simply command the device to provide information about the weather, appointments, and news upon waking up. This feature enhances the device’s utility as an interactive and informative part of the daily routine.

Affordability and Market Positioning:

Pricing considerations play a crucial role in the market positioning of the Smart Display 7. Priced at around $99, with some retailers offering it for as low as $89 during promotional periods, the device competes favorably in the market. Lenovo’s launch pricing strategy with B&H at $99 positions the device as an affordable and attractive option for consumers seeking a reliable smart display.

Comparisons with Google’s own 7-inch offering underscore the advantages of the Smart Display 7, particularly with the inclusion of a camera for video chatting. The updated design, featuring Blizzard white on the back and a fabric gray mesh grille, enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, departing from the faux bamboo design of previous models.

In conclusion, the Lenovo Smart Display 7 emerges as a compelling choice for users seeking an affordable and feature-rich smart display. Its thoughtful design adjustments, robust audio capabilities, integrated camera with privacy controls, ambient sensors, and seamless integration with Google Assistant contribute to its overall appeal. Whether used as a bedside companion, kitchen assistant, or an information hub in any room, the Smart Display 7 proves to be a versatile and valuable addition to the smart home ecosystem.