The Google Nest Hub (formerly known as the Google Home Hub) might've met its match, and it comes in the form of the $129.99 Lenovo Smart Display 7.
As a follow-up to last year's 8-inch and 10-inch Smart Display models, the 7-inch display comes with all the same features as its predecessors. But its smaller size is compact enough to fit on your nightstand or kitchen counter without having to go through the struggle of making room for it. Plus, if we're being honest, it's also a lot better looking.
Like the Nest Hub, it's essentially a glorified digital photo frame. But with the built-in Google Assistant, you can use it for a variety of different things, from streaming recipes on YouTube to controlling the thermostat right from the display or hands-free. You can also make video calls using Google Duo.
Considering both the Nest Hub and Lenovo Smart Display are the same price and come with the same features, it really all comes down to aesthetics and your preferred ecosystem.
Adds a chic touch to any room
It's not a smart speaker you'll want to hide.Credit: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLEWhen I first saw the Lenovo 7-inch Smart Display, the first words that came to mind were, "it's so cute." The entire device is petite, compact, and sleek enough that I welcomed it with open arms as desk decor. But it also looked great plugged in on my kitchen counter, nestled right in between the coffee machine and the toaster oven.
It's also fairly portable and lightweight. While it's not the best travel companion, I easily popped it in my bag to take from the office to my apartment. And, while home, I would occasionally switched back and forth between using it in the kitchen to watch YouTube videos or in my room to listen to music.
It has a different aesthetic than both the 8-inch and 10-inch options. Rather than a speaker equipped to the side of the display, the 7-inch version has dual 5-watt speakers attached to the bottom instead. It looks a lot more sleek and seamless.
In terms of sound quality, the speaker gets very, very loud and sounds crisp for the most part. But it can get a little muffled at times.
My favorite little detail is the gray cloth over the speaker grille, similar to what you'd find on any of the Google Home smart speakers, which adds a nice and cozy touch.
Meanwhile, the display itself has 1,024 by 600 SD resolution, which is a bit of a downgrade from the 1,280 x 800 HD resolution featured on the 8-inch display. But content on the IPS screen still looks bright, crisp, and clear on photos. The display is also super responsive—swiping through different apps and cards felt fluid and smooth.
An RGB sensor helps with the quality as well. The display adjusts depending on whether the lighting in the surrounding environment is warmer or cooler.
In the middle is a two-megapixel wide angle camera, that comes complete with a privacy shutter. So, those paranoid of being watched involuntarily can feel secure. For extra security, there's also a switch to mute the microphone. Next to it, you'll find the volume controls.
The microphone mute switch on top, for when you don't want to be heard.Credit: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLEThe camera shutter button on the back, when you don't want to be seen. Credit: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLESpeaking of the microphone, the Smart Display comes with dual-array microphones that pick up "Hey, Google" voice commands from pretty far away.
One night while sitting on my couch, I asked Google to stop playing music while the device sat on the kitchen counter. Though it isn't far from the device to my kitchen, I didn't have to raise my voice for it to register the command instantly. Another time, I asked my Google Home Mini to turn the TV on in my room, and the Smart Display managed to pick it up a few rooms away.
Unfortunately, the Smart Display doesn't come in that same unique bamboo finish like the 10-inch model. It only comes in white, but it easily blends in with all types of furniture and interior decor.
I do prefer the look of the Google Nest Hub though. It has a more modern design that suits my taste, and, it comes in fun colors like Aqua and Sand. The Lenovo Smart Display, while sleek, looks more basic and practical in comparison.
A display with plenty to offer
The Smart Display has all the standard capabilities that come with any Google Assistant-powered device. A tap on the display pulls up cards like Google News, Google Maps, Podcasts, and suggestions for the Assistant tailored to your activity like "Play music," "Find breakfast recipes," and "What's in the news?"
The display cards make it easy to swipe through tailored content.Credit: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLEEvery morning when I got to my desk, I'd quickly scroll through the top stories of the day to catch up on news from the prior evening or throughout the night. But it's definitely more useful at my kitchen counter, where I can watch the news videos while drinking coffee or getting ready.
I'd also use it to check commute times between the office and my apartment, along with movie times at theaters nearby. For the most part, I used the touchscreen display while exploring the day's lineup of info.
As with any Google Assistant device, you can also use it for other things like to find restaurants and bars in your area, check your Google Calendar, set alarms and timers, and more. And, if you forget all the things you can do with it, the bottom of the display has tons of additional cards labeled with different actions.
All the options can get overwhelming, but Google Assistant has your back.Credit: ZLATA IVELEVA/MASHABLELike the Google Nest Hub, you can also use it as a digital photo frame or ask Google Assistant to show you your photos.
Swipe down on the display to find controls for all your Google Home devices. Whether a thermostat or bulb, the screen lets you adjust temperature, brightness, and modes using the dials on the screen.
I preferred using voice commands. With a quick "Hey Google,"I turned both the space heater and lamp on in my room while still in the kitchen, all of which worked effortlessly.
You also have the ability to manage routines right from the screen. Depending on the different smart devices and smart plugs you have at home, you can create routines catered for a specific time of day. For example, a simple "Hey Google, good morning" can turn on your lights, and coffee machine, all while the Assistant tells you about what you have planned for the day.
While I don't use Google Duo often (I like to stick to good ol' FaceTime), you can leverage the display and camera to make video calls. While working from home, I called a friend to test the feature.
I simply said, "Hey Google, video call Julian Chokkattu." Within a few seconds, he answered on his Google Pixel 4. While the audio was standard, the picture quality was a bit grainy. It also lagged quite a bit throughout the call. I wouldn't necessarily use it to video chat for long periods at a time, but it's useful for quick calls to check in with friends and family.
Casual vid chat with my friend and his cute dog.Credit: Brenda stolyar/mashableI did also notice the Smart Display had a tendency to disconnect from Wi-Fi intermittently. While I thought it had to do with my somewhat troublesome Wi-Fi setup at home, I experienced the same thing at the office. While annoying, it was a quick fix—I simply opened the Google Home app to check connectivity, disconnected from my Wi-Fi, and then reconnected to it.
A useful little companion
If you're on the hunt for a smart display, whether for your office, kitchen, or bedroom, you can't go wrong with the Lenovo Smart Display 7. And, at $129.99, it's not terribly expensive.
For starters, it's small enough that you can place it really anywhere in your home. And, its sophisticated design will have you rearranging your decor to make it the focal point of whatever space it's in.
With the full suite of Google Assistant features, you have all your information at your fingertips—quite literally. And, if you're not in the mood to swipe on the touchscreen display then voice commands will also do the trick.
If you're looking for a larger display, then the Lenovo 8-inch or 10-inch models will also do the trick. While I prefer the look of the 7-inch model, both Smart Displays come with the same features. But that also means you'll have to shell out a little more money, particularly around $200 to $250, depending on the size.
Of course, there's also the Google Nest Hub which costs the same as the 7-inch Smart Display. As mentioned before, it comes in a variety of different colors and has a more contemporary aesthetic. It's also the more practical choice if your home, like mine, consists only of Google Home speakers.
Regardless, the Lenovo Smart Display 7 delivers on its promises. You can use it to control your connected devices, manage your schedule, catch up on entertainment, and ask Google all the questions.
Having used the Lenovo Smart Display 7 for quite some time now, I can confidently say I'm going to miss having this little baby keep me company at my desk.
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