The Pixel 10's 'downgraded' camera might actually be genius
Pixel 10
It's not about specs, it's about possibilities
Receive the latest editorials
Subscribe
By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy
Pixel 9a
Pixel 10
A surprising new strength: macro photography
Pixel 10
Recommended Stories
Pixel 10
Pixel 10 camera changes – downgrade or smart tradeoff?
Smart move — versatility matters more than top-tier sensor
Not a fan — downgrading the main sensor is a dealbreaker
I'll wait and see how the photos actually look
Macro and zoom sound exciting — I'm curious!
Doesn't matter — I usually go for the Pro anyway
Smart move — versatility matters more than top-tier sensor
0%
Not a fan — downgrading the main sensor is a dealbreaker
0%
I'll wait and see how the photos actually look
0%
Macro and zoom sound exciting — I'm curious!
0%
Doesn't matter — I usually go for the Pro anyway
0%
Versatility over quality
Pixel 10
This shift from Google will only make the Pixel stronger
Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free!
Secure your connection now at a bargain price!
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase
Check Out The Offer
Even a couple of months before its release, the Pixel 10 is already shaping up to be one of the most hotly discussed and potentially controversial phones of 2025.Why? Because Google is expected to add a third, zoom camera to its base flagship for the first time ever. At first this sounds amazing, but dig in deeper in the leaks, and you'd find out that the cost of that new camera is lower-grade image sensors for the remaining two cameras.In fact, the main and ultra-wide cameras are said to be the same ones that the Pixel 9a is using… Not great news considering we are talking about a $300 price difference! That would be even worse if the rumors of a $100 price hike for thematerialize.But I'm here to argue that we shouldn't be too quick with our prejudices.Let's start with the alleged 'downgrades.' Google is moving from the Samsung GNV and Sony IMX858 — both flagship-tier sensors — to the Samsung GN8 and Sony IMX712. These newer components are smaller and less capable in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance. But we've seen what Google can do with limited hardware before.The, which uses similar camera components, is a perfect example. Despite its budget-friendly positioning, it scored 134 in our PhoneArena Camera Score, with strong marks in photo quality and impressive zoom results thanks to Google's Super Res Zoom. It wasn't perfect, but it punched far above its class.If Google applies the same computational magic to the(now with a new Tensor G5 chip) it could extract even more from these 'inferior' parts. And that brings us to the most interesting possibility of all: macro photography.According to early rumors, themight take a smart, hybrid approach to macro photography — automatically switching between its new telephoto and ultra-wide cameras based on how close you are to the subject. This could dramatically improve detail and accuracy in close-up shots of textures, small objects, or even tiny insects — an area where most smartphones still fall short.Admittedly, macro isn't a camera feature many people ask for. It's not exactly the best one for candid family photos or capturing memories on a trip. But personally, I've always had a soft spot for it. There's something special about discovering an entire hidden world through your lens.If the leaks are accurate, this hybrid system could give thea serious edge in close-up photography — maybe even better than what the iPhone Pro can do.This is where the's new camera layout starts to make more sense. Personally, I've found telephoto cameras far more useful than ultra-wides. A telephoto camera is useful for portraits, framing landscapes so that there are no distractions, and even for figuring out text that's far away. Most ultra-wide cameras, especially on non-Pro phones, suffer from weaker image quality and distortion anyway.By prioritizing zoom and letting the ultra-wide step in only when needed, Google might be giving users a smarter, more intentional camera setup. That doesn't mean ultra-wide is useless. But it does mean we're getting a phone better suited to real-world shooting scenarios.I like what Google is doing here — there's no need to go for the best and most expensive image sensor if you can offer the user more by keeping things moderate. I see this as Google focusing on making the camera more adaptable and useful for those who don't want to pay the extra buck for a Pro model.We could be looking at the most creatively flexible base Pixel yet. I might not be the sharpest shooter, or the most advanced one — but maybe it will be the one that makes you want to go out and take more photos. And I am willing to bet money that it once again punches above its weight despite the 'downgrades.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Phone Arena
23 minutes ago
- Phone Arena
It's about time! Google Clock's latest version rolls out along with Pixel Weather changes
One of the most used native apps on Android just might be the Clock app. Every Android phone has the app and it is often used to set timers and alarms. While it isn't used for long sessions, it is accessed several times a day. Google is in the process of rolling out Google Clock version 7.14. The update continues to make the Timer Starter widget exclusive to Pixel devices (it debuted on the Pixel Tablet before getting added to Pixel phones). The widget is preset with the last three timers you set for your alarm and a "+" button to create a new timer. To place the widget on your Pixel phone long-press on an empty area of screen real estate and on the pop-up that appears, tap on Widgets. Scroll down to Clock and tap on it. Scroll down to Timer Starter. Press on it and a "+Add" button will appear. Tap on the button and the widget will be placed on your Pixel's home screen. You can now start a timer faster with the widget than by using your voice to set one. The Timer Starter widget is available on Pixels only, and the weather condition icons lose color on the Clock app. | Image credit-PhoneArena The Google Clock 7.14 app also uses Material 3 switches in the Alarm tab and the Settings menu list. There is also a minor but noticeable change in the Clock tab. Whether it's your home time zone at the top of the screen or the individual countries you are following, there is a change to the icons showing the current weather conditions. Previously, the weather condition icons were shown in color (for example, the sun would be yellow). Now, all of the current weather condition icons are in gray. They might not stand out as they previously did but on the other hand, they are not as distracting. The Settings menu uses Material 3 in the toggle switches. | Image credit-PhoneArena While the update is rolling out now to those running version 7.14 of the Google Clock app, you can see where you stand by going to Settings > Apps > See all xxx apps > Clock . Scroll down to the very bottom of the page and check the version of the app listed. To reiterate, you want it to be over 7.14. If it is under version 7.14, you can delete the app from your phone and reinstall it from the Play Store with the latest version number by tapping on this link. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Phone Arena
an hour ago
- Phone Arena
Nothing's camera teaser drops just as new Phone (3) renders begin making the rounds
Nothing is slowly revealing more details about its upcoming Phone 3, and the latest teaser gives us a first look at its upgraded camera system. In a post shared on X, the company confirmed that the new device will include a 50MP periscope lens. The caption was brief, stating the camera is "built for creators." While Nothing didn't mention the zoom capabilities or specs, it did share a series of photos that were reportedly taken using this lens. As usual, the images were shown in the company's signature minimalist and aesthetic style. — Nothing (@nothing) June 26, 2025 We still don't know the full camera setup, but recent leaks suggest the Phone 3 may feature three 50MP cameras: a main sensor, an ultrawide, and the new periscope lens. Meanwhile, another leak from today also supports this, revealing some of the phone's expected specs and design changes in the form of unofficial CAD renders. Leaked CAD renders of the Nothing Phone (3). | Images credit — Android Headlines Based on these renders, the Phone 3 could arrive with a redesigned camera layout. The top lens may be positioned off to the side, while the other two are placed next to each other at the bottom. The report also mentions a 6.7-inch OLED display and a large 5,150mAh battery. Charging support is rumored to include 100W wired and 15W wireless charging. Internally, the Phone 3 is expected to run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, which is a slightly more affordable version of Qualcomm's high-end processors. The Glyph interface is also coming back, but this time in a new matrix-style layout. Nothing CEO Carl Pei recently confirmed that the Phone 3 will be priced around £800, which is approximately $1,062. That puts it in a higher price range than last year's Phone (2), pointing to more premium ambitions for this model. The company has already announced that its next event will take place on July 1 at 1 PM ET. During the event, we expect the full reveal of the Phone 3, as well as a new audio product called the Headphone 1. Overall, this teaser adds to the excitement surrounding the Phone 3, especially for users interested in mobile photography. It's always interesting when a brand experiments with design or camera hardware. Nothing has built a reputation for taking a different approach, and this periscope lens might help it stand out. Now we just have to wait and see if the final product lives up to expectations. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Phone Arena
3 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Google faces trouble in Japan over Pixel phones, even as popular as they have become
A Japanese court has banned Google from selling Pixel 7 series smartphones in the country after ruling that the company violated a patent. This development comes as Pixel phones have become increasingly popular in Japan, where they recently became the second most popular brand behind Apple. According to a new report, the court found that Google had infringed on a patent related to control signal mapping technology. This patent covers the way an acknowledgment signal (ACK) is sent from a base station to a device in an LTE network, which is a core part of 4G communications. The court determined that this technology was used without permission in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Because of this ruling, Google is now banned from selling, importing, displaying, or transferring Pixel 7 series phones in Japan. The judge also criticized how Google responded to the legal case, describing its approach as having an "insincere attitude," which reportedly influenced the decision to impose the sales ban. Google Pixel 7 Pro. | Image credit — PhoneArena What makes this more concerning is that the issue may not stop here. The company behind the complaint, South Korea-based Pantech, is also seeking to expand the ban to include the newer Pixel 8 and upcoming Pixel 9 series. It's not clear yet whether those efforts will succeed, but it adds pressure on Google in one of its most promising international markets. Japan has become an important region for Pixel. As we previously reported, Google saw strong growth in the country in 2023, largely driven by the popularity of the Pixel 7 series and the affordable Pixel 7a. A wider ban could disrupt that momentum and impact future sales. Pantech, the company involved in the case, no longer makes smartphones. The legal action was handled by IdeaHub, a group that focuses on monetizing patents. While Pantech has been inactive in the smartphone market, its intellectual property is now being used in court to challenge competitors. For now, only the Pixel 7 series is affected. But with more models potentially under review, Google's position in Japan could face more challenges ahead. We will continue to monitor how this story develops, especially if the dispute expands to other Pixel devices. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
