Compare Powers: Which is Larger, 7² or 7³?

Let's solve the problem by calculating each value:

Step 1: Calculate $7^2$.
$7^2 = 7 \times 7 = 49$.

Step 2: Calculate $7^3$.
$7^3 = 7 \times 7 \times 7 = 343$.

Step 3: Compare $49$ and $343$.
We can clearly see that $49$ is less than $343$.

Therefore, we have $7^2 < 7^3$.

The correct comparison sign is $<$.

Thus, choice 1 is correct: $<$.