Key Takeaways
1. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold are receiving positive attention for their hardware and software features.
2. The new Pro Res zoom can reach up to 100x, but performance is criticized for producing poor image quality, especially at higher zoom levels.
3. Google’s AI struggles with certain subjects, such as airplanes, though it performs better with cityscapes and buildings.
4. Despite some zoom issues, the Pixel 10 Pro’s camera offers good image quality with praised HDR optimization and consistent performance across its three cameras.
5. Early hands-on videos highlight both new features and criticisms, particularly regarding the 100x zoom capability.
It has only been a couple of days since Google launched the Pixel 10 series. Along with the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Pixel 10 Pro, which features a 6.3-inch and a 6.8-inch XL model, is likely on the top of many fans’ lists. Early impressions mainly highlight these two Pro versions, which have an edge in both hardware and some software features.
New Zoom Features
The latest Pro Res zoom feature surpasses the previous Super Res zoom functionality. This new zoom capability reaches up to 100x, but without some help from AI, it would not perform well. However, even with AI assistance, the new zoom feature from Google has reportedly shown some quite poor outcomes, as shared by u/Dry_Astronomer3210 on Reddit using a demo phone from a popular American store.
In the shared example, the user zooms in from 1x to 5x, then proceeds to 30x and finally to 100x. At 30x, it’s difficult to distinguish anything, and at 100x, the text becomes what could be described as AI mush. Other phones have managed better results in similar situations. For instance, the 100x zoom feature on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and its later models may not have produced high-quality images, but at least they kept text legible from afar. The image shared also shows 100x zoom without AI improvements and from a shorter distance.
Issues with AI Performance
Google’s AI appears to also struggle with capturing airplanes, as shown by a photo from a reviewer at CNET. The original image is displayed on the left, while the “AI-enhanced” version is on the right side of the comparison.
When it comes to photographing cities or buildings with 100x zoom, the results are more favorable. In these cases, Google’s AI manages to produce a decent picture.
According to a review from CNET, the Pixel 10 Pro’s camera offers good to very good quality images, despite the Pro Res artifacts at increased zoom levels. The photos often exhibit excellent HDR optimization, a feature typical of Pixel devices. The consistent performance across all three cameras received notable praise, with no significant discrepancies in color accuracy and exposure. The previously mentioned Reddit user also shared positive comments about the Pixel 10 Pro cameras. For example, 4K60 video now works without Video Boost, and 4K60 HDR Video Boost is finally compatible with the ultrawide camera. Additionally, the newly added 10x zoom button in the app is viewed as a beneficial feature.
Early Videos and Criticism
There are early hands-on videos available on YouTube, even though formal reviews aren’t released yet. We have chosen a representative video from the British YouTuber Arun Maini, known as Mrwhosetheboss. He tests some new AI features on the Pixel 10 Pro, including Camera Coach and Magic Cue. One of the 100x zoom images also comes from this video. However, Google faces considerable criticism in this particular video, addressing several specific points.
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