Introduction
Google Pixel 10 Camera Upgrades Google’s Pixel series has long been known for its excellent smartphone cameras that leverage advanced AI and computational photography to produce stunning photos. With the release of the Google Pixel 10, expectations are higher than ever. Both photography enthusiasts and general users are eager to see how Google’s latest flagship improves upon its previous model.
The Pixel 10 camera system promises hardware upgrades, improved AI processing, and new software features that aim to set a new benchmark in smartphone photography. Whether it’s low-light performance, portrait shots, or 8K video recording, Google is pushing the boundaries of smartphone cameras.
But the big question remains: is the Google Pixel 10 the best smartphone camera ever? In this article, we’ll discuss its hardware upgrades, AI-powered features, video capabilities, and real-world performance in depth, and compare it to key competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Table of Contents
2. Google Pixel 10 Camera Hardware Upgrades
- New and improved camera sensor
The main sensor is rumoured to be a 50MP Sony Lytia 800 with a larger pixel size, which should offer better low light performance and improved dynamic range.
The sensor now supports multi-directional phase detection autofocus (PDAF), which ensures faster and more accurate focusing, especially in challenging conditions.
Google’s advanced HDR+ technology has been optimised to deliver even sharper and more lifelike photos. - Lens upgrades: Improved aperture and optical image stabilisation (OIS)
The main camera lens now has a larger aperture (f/1.6), which delivers brighter and more detailed night shots in more light.
Enhanced optical image stabilisation (OIS) and electronic image stabilisation (EIS) combine to reduce blur in photos and videos, making handheld shooting easier.
Improved glass coating reduces lens flare and ghosting, allowing for clearer photos even in bright lighting conditions. - Upgraded ultra-wide and telephoto cameras
Ultra-wide camera:
Now equipped with a 12MP sensor with a 125° field of view, delivering clearer ultra-wide shots with minimal distortion.
AI-based edge correction ensures more natural-looking images than the previous model.
Periscope telephoto camera:
The 5x telephoto zoom has been upgraded to a 48MP sensor, allowing for clearer, sharper zoom shots.
Super Res Zoom 2.0 uses AI enhancements to provide up to 30x lossless zoom, competing with Samsung’s Space Zoom technology.
- Selfie camera and face unlock enhancements
The front-facing camera now features a 13MP sensor with autofocus, significantly improving performance for selfies, video calls, and in low light.
The AI-enhanced Portrait mode ensures better edge detection and natural skin tones, making selfies look more professional.
The Face Unlock feature is now faster and more secure, working even in low-light environments.
- Advanced ToF and Lidar sensors for AR and autofocus
A new time-of-flight (ToF) sensor has been added to improve depth sensing, making portrait mode bokeh more realistic.
The Lidar technology improves autofocus speed in low light conditions and enhances augmented reality (AR) applications.
3. Google Pixel 10 AI & Computational Photography Improvements
- Improved HDR+ with AI-powered dynamic range
Google’s iconic HDR+ technology has been improved to deliver even better color accuracy and contrast.
AI-powered real-time scene analysis adjusts exposure before the photo is taken, reducing overexposure and balancing shadows.
Faster image stacking means less processing time and nearly instant HDR photos. - Improvements to Night Sight and low-light photography
Night Sight 2.0 now uses multi-frame AI algorithms to significantly reduce noise in low-light and nighttime shots.
The improved Astrophotography mode captures clearer stars with improved AI-based noise reduction and long-exposure processing.
Night Portrait mode now delivers brighter and more detailed background blur, making portraits in the dark look even more professional. - Real Tone 2.0: Improved skin tone representation
Google’s Real Tone technology introduced in previous Pixels now gets an AI-powered upgrade to Real Tone 2.0.
The AI analyzes and adjusts for diverse skin tones, ensuring more accurate and natural-looking portraits.
Works in all lighting conditions, including bright sunlight and dim indoor environments. - Magic Editor and AI-powered photo editing
Google’s Magic Editor gets a major upgrade in the Pixel 10, allowing for even more advanced AI-assisted photo editing:
Object Removal: Easily erase unwanted people or objects from photos without leaving a trace.
Auto Fill and Recompose: Shift subjects in the frame and let AI intelligently fill in missed details.
Smart Lighting Adjustment: Automatically brighten faces in backlit photos without making the background too dark.
These AI-powered editing tools make professional-grade photography accessible to everyone.
- Motion Mode 2.0: Perfect action shots
AI-enhanced tracking now automatically detects movement and applies the perfect motion blur effect.
Improved Action Pan and Long Exposure modes create cinematic motion shots without the need for professional camera settings. - AI-powered video upgrades
Cinematic Mode 2.0 with real-time AI depth mapping improves focus transitions similar to professional cameras.
AI Super Zoom for video helps maintain sharpness and details even at high zoom levels.
Noise Reduction AI eliminates wind and background noise in videos for crystal-clear audio. - Adaptive AI auto-focus and scene recognition
Pixel 10 uses real-time AI to recognize subjects (people, pets or objects) and adjust focus instantly.
Smart Face Detection ensures faces stay sharp and well-exposed even in difficult lighting conditions.
4. Video Capabilities & Enhancements
- 8K video recording – a first for Google Pixel
For the first time in Pixel history, the Pixel 10 supports 8K video recording at 30fps thanks to its powerful new sensor and AI processing.
Why does it matter?
Higher resolution and detail in videos.
Perfect for professional content creators who need ultra-high-definition footage.
Future-proofing for next-generation displays and editing workflows.
Drawbacks?
8K recording consumes more storage and drains the battery faster.
Google could use AI-based upscaling instead of a native 8K sensor. - Improved 4K video at 60fps with HDR+
Pixel 10 now offers true 4K recording at 60fps with HDR+, ensuring:
Improved color accuracy
High dynamic range (no overexposed skies or crushed shadows)
Smooth motion capture
AI-based scene detection dynamically adjusts HDR processing to optimize each frame.
- Cinematic Mode 2.0: AI-powered background blur for video
Cinematic Mode introduced in previous Pixels has been upgraded for a smoother, more natural depth-of-field effect.
Uses AI-powered real-time depth mapping to:
Mimics a DSLR-style cinematic look.
Creates smooth focus transitions between subjects (similar to Apple’s Cinematic mode).
- AI Super Zoom for Video
While photo zoom has been great with Super Res Zoom, video zoom often loses quality.
The Pixel 10 introduces AI Super Zoom for video, which uses:
Machine learning upscaling to maintain sharpness at high zoom levels.
Improved digital stabilization to reduce shakes when zooming in.
AI noise reduction to maintain clear details and accurate colors at long distances. - Advanced optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS + EIS)
The hybrid OIS + EIS system significantly improves handheld video recording.
Key benefits:
Smoother action shots (ideal for vlogging, running, or extreme sports).
Improved stabilization in 4K and 8K videos.
AI motion tracking automatically locks focus on moving subjects. - AI-powered audio and background noise reduction
Pixel 10 introduces AI-based audio enhancements that make videos sound clearer:
Intelligent Wind Noise Reduction: Reduces wind noise while keeping sounds clear.
AI Audio Separation: Can detect voice, music, and ambient noise and prioritize the subject’s voice.
Adaptive Microphone Focus: Automatically adjusts microphone sensitivity based on the distance to the subject.
- Improved low-light video recording (Night Sight video)
Pixel 10’s Night Sight video mode has been improved to deliver:
Better noise reduction in dark scenes.
Brighter and more detailed night videos.
AI-enhanced stabilization to prevent footage from becoming shaky in low light. - Slow Motion and Time-Lapse Enhancements
Slow Motion:
Supports up to 960fps at 1080p, ideal for high-speed action shots.
AI reduces motion blur for crisper slow-motion frames.
Time-Lapse:
Now includes AI Auto Speed Adjustment that dynamically adjusts the interval based on movement.
Night Time-Lapse mode lets users create stunning star-trails and cityscape videos.
5. How Does the Pixel 10 Camera Compare to Competitors?
| Feature | Google Pixel 10 | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|
| Main Camera | 50 MP (f/1.7, OIS) | 48 MP (f/1.8, OIS) | 200 MP (f/1.9, OIS) |
| Ultra-Wide | 12 MP (f/2.2) | 12 MP (f/2.4) | 50 MP (f/2.2) |
| Telephoto (Zoom) | 48 MP (5x Optical, AI Super Zoom) | 12 MP (5x Optical) | 50 MP (10x Optical) |
| Front Camera | 13 MP (AI-Enhanced) | 12 MP (TrueDepth) | 12 MP |
| Video Capabilities | 8K @ 30fps, 4K HDR+ | 4K @ 60fps Dolby Vision | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps |
- Daylight photography: Which phone takes the best pictures?
Google Pixel 10:
Best for HDR+ processing, which ensures balanced exposure in bright or shadowy areas.
True colours with minimal oversaturation.
AI-powered Real Tone 2.0 captures natural skin tones better than competitors.
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Most natural colour reproduction (especially for skin tones).
Greater sharpness and clarity at default settings.
HDR performance is sometimes less aggressive than Pixel.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
Very detailed shots thanks to 200 MP main sensor.
More vibrant and vibrant colours (sometimes oversaturated).
HDR can be too aggressive, making images look unnatural. - Low light and night photography
Google Pixel 10:
Night Sight 2.0 uses AI-based noise reduction for ultra-clear night shots.
Bright and detailed shots without overexposing highlights.
Great astrophotography mode for stargazing.
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Natural-looking night shots with good detail and balanced exposure.
Night mode activates automatically, but lacks aggressive AI enhancements.
Not as bright as Pixel’s Night Sight.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
Brightest night shots with extreme detail thanks to 200 MP sensor and AI noise reduction.
Ultra Night mode enhances shadows and highlights well.
Sometimes overprocesses images, making them look artificial.
- Zoom and telephoto capabilities
Google Pixel 10:
The 5x periscope zoom is great, but AI Super Zoom (up to 30x) boosts digital zoom clarity.
AI-based sharpening minimizes loss of detail at higher zoom levels.
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
5x periscope zoom, but AI Super Zoom is lacking.
Great colour accuracy even at 5x zoom.
Digital zoom is not as strong as Pixel or Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
The 10x periscope zoom is best in class.
AI-powered Space Zoom (up to 100x) offers great reach, but loses some detail
- Zoom and telephoto capabilities
Google Pixel 10:
The 5x periscope zoom is great, but AI Super Zoom (up to 30x) boosts digital zoom clarity.
AI-based sharpening minimizes loss of detail at higher zoom levels.
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
5x periscope zoom, but lacks AI Super Zoom.
Great colour accuracy even at 5x zoom.
Digital zoom not as strong as Pixel or Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
10x periscope zoom is best in class.
AI-powered Space Zoom (up to 100x) offers great reach, but loses some detail
- Computational photography and AI enhancements
Google Pixel 10:
Best AI-powered camera software with HDR+, Night Sight, and Magic Editor.
Real Tone 2.0 enhances skin tone accuracy.
Magic Eraser and Auto-Fill editing tools are unmatched.
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Deep Fusion processing improves sharpness and detail.
Smart HDR 5 balances highlights and shadows well.
Lacks AI-based editing tools like Magic Eraser.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
AI-powered scene recognition optimizes photos based on the subject.
Robust post-processing enhancements for vivid photos.
Sometimes over-processes images.
6. Real-World Camera Performance & User Experience
- Everyday photography: Fast, reliable and AI-powered
One of the biggest strengths of Google’s Pixel series has always been its ability to capture great photos with minimal effort. The Pixel 10 takes it a step further by combining superior hardware with advanced AI algorithms, making it one of the most used cameras on a smartphone.
Instant capture and processing – Thanks to Google’s advanced HDR+ algorithm, the Pixel 10 ensures that even fast-moving subjects or high-contrast scenes are captured with perfect detail and exposure.
AI-based scene recognition – The camera automatically recognises faces, landscapes, pets and food, and dynamically adjusts settings for optimal colour, brightness and sharpness.
Fast shutter speed – Unlike some competitors where images can take a second to process, the Pixel 10 captures and processes images almost instantly, ensuring no missed shots.
Real-world scenarios:
The point-and-shoot experience is unmatched – just open the camera, take a shot, and you’re guaranteed a high-quality image without any manual tweaking.
Even in difficult lighting, such as bright daylight or dim interiors, the Pixel 10 balances highlights and shadows well.
- Portrait mode and Real Tone 2.0: Best skin tone accuracy
Google’s Portrait mode has been a great feature, and the Pixel 10 makes it even better with AI-powered edge detection, improved background blur (bokeh), and improved Real Tone 2.0.
Edge detection is more accurate – the Pixel 10 now isolates hair and fine details better, ensuring a natural-looking blur effect instead of artificial cutouts.
Real Tone 2.0 for accurate skin colors – Unlike many phones that over-saturate or lighten skin colors, Google’s Real Tone ensures true representation for all skin types.
Adjustable blur strength – Users can now adjust the level of background blur after taking a photo, making portraits look more professional.
Real-world scenario:
Perfect for taking high-quality portraits with natural skin tones.
AI-based processing ensures sharp facial detail while keeping the background soft and creamy.
- Night Sight 2.0: The best low-light photography?
Low-light photography has always been a strong feature of Google, and Pixel 10’s Night Sight 2.0 makes it even better.
Less noise and more detail – Advanced AI noise reduction and computational photography improve clarity in night shots.
Improved color accuracy in dark scenes – Unlike some competitors that over-brighten night photos, Pixel 10 keeps colors natural and realistic.
Astrophotography mode is even sharper – For those who love capturing the night sky, Pixel 10’s Astrophotography mode delivers clearer stars and better exposure balance.
Real-world scenarios:
In low-light urban scenes, Pixel 10 captures sharp photos without artificial glow.
Low-light indoor photography remains natural, with minimal grain and balanced colors.
Astrophotography mode is now faster and clearer, making it great for night sky photos.
- Action shots and motion blur: Smart AI for moving subjects
Pixel 10 introduces improved motion photography features, making it easier to capture fast-moving subjects like pets, kids, and sports.
Motion Mode Enhancements – AI automatically detects movement and applies motion blur effects where needed to create professional-looking action shots.
Auto Focus Tracking – Even if a subject is moving quickly, Pixel 10 maintains sharp focus without any delay.
Action Pan Mode for Dynamic Photos – A new AI-assisted feature allows users to add cinematic motion blur to fast-moving objects, making photos look more dramatic.
Real-world scenarios:
Perfect for capturing kids playing, pets running, or sports activities without blurry results.
AI-assisted motion blur effects add a professional touch to fast-moving subjects.
- User Experience: Camera App and AI Editing Features
Google’s Pixel Camera app is one of the simplest and most intuitive camera apps available, with new AI-powered editing tools that enhance the user experience.
Magic Eraser 2.0: Now even better at removing unwanted objects from images with a single tap.
Best Tech AI Feature: Combines multiple face shots in a group photo to ensure everyone is smiling in the final image.
Auto-fill background: If you delete an object, Google’s AI naturally fills in the background without looking fake.
Cinematic pan and slow-motion video enhancement: Makes video editing easier with AI-based stabilization and effects.
Real-world scenarios:
Editing is now smarter and faster, making it easier for users to improve their photos without third-party apps.
Ordinary users can edit photos with minimal effort with the help of AI tools
7. Final Verdict: Is the Google Pixel 10 the Best Smartphone Camera Yet?
- Camera Features: Pixel 10 Features
Exceptional computational photography – Google’s AI-powered image processing ensures perfectly balanced shots in any lighting condition. From HDR+ to Real Tone 2.0, Pixel 10 ensures natural and true-to-life colors with impressive dynamic range.
Unmatched Night Sight 2.0 performance – Google’s low light and astrophotography capabilities continue to lead the industry, delivering sharp, noise-free images even in the darkest environments.
Excellent portrait mode – Real Tone 2.0 and improved AI edge detection create natural and studio-quality portraits, making this one of the best smartphones for portrait photography.
Simple point-and-shoot experience – Unlike some competitors that require manual adjustments, Pixel 10 consistently delivers stunning shots with minimal user effort, making it perfect for everyday photography.
AI-powered editing tools – Features like Magic Eraser 2.0, Best Take, and AI Background Autofill make post-processing incredibly easy, eliminating the need for third-party editing apps.
Improved video capabilities – Although Google has historically lagged behind Apple and Samsung in video recording, the Pixel 10’s AI-powered video stabilization, cinematic pan, and enhanced HDR video quality make it a strong contender.
- Where the Pixel 10 falls short
Limited pro-level controls – Unlike Samsung’s Expert RAW mode or Apple’s ProRes recording, the Pixel 10 lacks advanced manual controls for professional photographers and videographers.
No dedicated periscope zoom lens – Although the improved Super Res zoom delivers solid results, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max offer dedicated periscope lenses for better telephoto performance.
Video quality still lags behind iPhones – Despite considerable improvements, the Pixel 10’s video performance still doesn’t match the iPhone 15 Pro/16 series, especially in cinematic video recording and HDR rendering.
