Pixel Just Beat iPhone in Camera Photography
▼ Summary
– The Google Pixel 10 Pro uses AI-powered Pro Res Zoom to significantly improve the quality of photos at up to 100x zoom.
– Early tests show the Pixel 10 Pro’s zoom outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s zoom capability at the same distance.
– Current smartphone zoom capabilities from Samsung and Apple become pixelated and unusable beyond 5x-10x zoom levels.
– Google’s 100x zoom capability exceeds what standard professional full-frame camera lenses can achieve if the quality holds up.
– Apple faces pressure to develop competitive AI-enhanced zoom technology for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models.
The Google Pixel 10 Pro has just outperformed the iPhone in a critical area of mobile photography, leveraging advanced AI to redefine what’s possible with smartphone zoom capabilities. Early tests show its Pro Res Zoom feature delivers remarkably clear images even at extreme magnifications, setting a new benchmark that competitors will need to match.
Smartphone photography has come a long way, with many shots now rivaling those taken on professional mirrorless cameras. Yet one area where phones consistently fall short is long-distance zoom. Grainy, pixelated images have long been the norm once you push beyond standard optical ranges. Google aims to change that with the Pixel 10 Pro series, introducing a powerful combination of the new Tensor G5 chip and what the company describes as its largest AI imaging model to date.
This isn’t just incremental improvement, it’s a leap. The system uses generative AI to reconstruct intricate details often lost in digital zoom, making 100x magnification not just a gimmick, but a genuinely useful tool. Early comparison shots between the Pixel 10 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra reveal a stark difference: where Samsung’s image breaks down, the Pixel’s remains sharp and usable.
Many photographers, including those who regularly use Samsung’s Space Zoom or the iPhone’s telephoto lens, know all too well the limitations of existing digital zoom. Beyond 5x or 10x, image quality typically deteriorates rapidly. The Pixel 10 Pro’s approach changes the game by intelligently filling in missing detail rather than simply stretching pixels.
To put this in perspective, a 100x zoom on a smartphone far exceeds the reach of most standard professional camera lenses. If Google can consistently produce clean, detailed images at that range, it’s not just surpassing other phones, it’s entering territory even dedicated cameras rarely tread.
Of course, real-world conditions will be the true test. Google’s demo shots were taken in ideal daylight, and performance in low light or challenging environments remains to be seen. Still, the potential is undeniable. If this AI-powered zoom proves reliable, it could eliminate the need to carry additional gear for long-distance shots.
All eyes now turn to Apple. As the only other company with comparable computational photography prowess, many are waiting to see how it will respond. The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro may need a similar AI-driven zoom feature to keep pace. For now, though, the Pixel 10 Pro has clearly taken the lead.
(Source: ZDNET)
