Google Pixel / Pixel XL Camera Review

• Only took (?) years.

  Thanks google.

  Of course after i get fed up with android camera apps and get an iphone.

• I’m in the group that wants the top camera in my smartphone. I jumped aboard the “awesome camera” bandwagon with the Lumia ICON and when the writing was on the wall with Windows Phone, I moved to Android with the Note 5 and the ill fated Note 7. The cameras just got better and better with each phone. Now, after careful research between the Pixel and iPhone 7+, I decided to go with the Pixel and 24 hours in, no regrets at all.

  Perhaps I never paid attention to it in the past, but 16:9 doesn’t really give you the best picture quality but 4:3 does. The reason I’ve stuck with 16:9 is that we usually will enjoy our pictures on our TV or other widescreen device. But I never realized the quality hit I was taking as the pictures were still good.

  Having taken a 4:3 and 16:9 photo of my wife last night, WOW, just WOW, the difference in quality with the 4:3 being amazing. I just am not sure I could get used to doing 4:3 from here on out but what a difference it makes. Having it viewable on widescreen has always been important to me but I do see the quality hit that 16:9 does.

• I have no desire to switch from my iPhone 7 Plus to the Pixel XL. The photos look like they’re the same quality as my phone, and the camera on the Pixel was supposed to be its best selling feature.

  Meh. I’ll pass.

  • hmmm

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nv6j6tv2xM

• I would like to see a comparison of the Galaxy S7 vs. the Pixel in terms of the camera.

  I’d like to see real footage of the two taking shots of a dog, cat, bird, child, etc. on the move. Comparing the focus, quickness of the shutter, and the final product.

  That would really help me.

  • Google is paying 97$ per hour! Work for few hours and have longer with friends & family! !mj129d:
    On tuesday I got a great new Land Rover Range Rover from having earned $8752 this last four weeks.. Its the most-financialy rewarding I’ve had.. It sounds unbelievable but you wont forgive yourself if you don’t check it
    !mj129d:
    ➽➽
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• Thanks Sony…?☺

• This video was excellent! And, as a long time Droid Life reader (since the OG Droid days), I have to say, I feel proud, lol.

• As always Droidlife is always late to the party, every tech site already published full review of the phone.

  • So what? I prefer Droid Life over other sites. MKBHD also just released a video

  • Just know that everyone had the phone for 5 days. You tell me if that’s enough time to properly review a phone. We didn’t think it was, “Guest.”

• Impressive fast to shoot with great pictures is the important aspect to a camera. The 12mp flagship space are all relatively close. I don’t see why other companies, besides sony, doesn’t implement software stabilization. It is an easy cropping with reduced space and quality but the results are superior. Put sw and ois together.

• Love the new video format and style… though it feels like Kellen’s about to break into a “deep thoughts” session. 🙂 (and that’s not a criticism!)

• I am actually excited to trade in my Note 7 for once 😛 last “Google” Device was a nexus 6 and Galaxy nexus which in my opinion were both big let downs.

• Google camera is always quick to load, focus, and shoot… when the device is first released.

  The real test comes after several months and an update or two. Invariably, they get slow. After a year, they’re usually unusably slow, and prone to crashing. This has happened on every Nexus I’ve owned. Always the same boastful claims, always the same degradation.

  • Android is like windows 98/XP it just needs to be fresh installed every 6 months to 1 year.

    • My N5 disagrees

      • Every Android phone i’ve had since 2010 agrees.

        • So… it’s a tie?

        • I believe we have a gentleman’s agreement, it’s a tie.

        • Deal.

• Love the video production more than the phone. Already on order though I’m sure I love it once its in Hand. I just realized the extra button for power instead of the finger print being the power button, anyone else have a problem with this ?

• Still no time lapse?

• I’ll tell you what, that beer looks beautiful!

• Thanks for the review. Can’t wait to get my Pixel! I wish you showed how quick the camera snapped a photo of like a moving object, like kids or people playing sports. Regardless thanks for the great review!

• I have a strong feeling this won’t sell like Google wants it to sell

  • My buddy at VZW telesales says they are selling like hotcakes

    • Yeah…sure. We’ll see. They’re kind of limited when only offering it in store at Verizon. They wanted to make phone for ‘everyone’ mass marketed unlike the Nexus which they supposedly think is only for hardcore users. However offering it only at Verizon doesn’t really achieve that.

      And yes I know they are offered online, but so were Nexus’
      The general mass consumer goes into their store. Again – only time will tell.

• That video ended kind of abruptly.

• The production value on the video!!

• Pixel OVER the S7 in terms or camera? Wow. Woooow. Looks like the Pixel has just entered into the conversation for my next upgrade. Verizon, don’t screw this up. HTC, DON’T SCREW THIS UP by changing THE CAMERA on the M11.

  • You took it to far their buddy. No one said he has a better camera than an S7.

    • Someone’s butt hurt their S7 doesn’t have the best camera anymore. lol

      • He’s right. Kellen didn’t make that kind of statement.

    • I’ve read some review say its better others say its ‘on par’ with the S7. Better or On Par with is still a HUGE accomplishment from Google and ESPECIALLY from HTC.

• I’d just like to say. I hate 4×3 pictures on phones. It’s 2016, the highest resolution should be 16×9. We don’t print our pictures. We look at them on our phones, computers, and TVs.

  • Considering I just went through the misery of having to crop a bunch of photos that some clueless family member took in 16:9 in order to make prints, some of us still “do” photos and archive stuff, especially for older relatives.

    • You are in the minority sir. 4×3 anything is disgusting to me. I know absolutely not one single person that prints pictures anymore.

      • Every device should cater to your needs and your needs alone.

        • I’m glad we both agree on that

        • Most people would rather have the highest resolution image they can take. I’ve never heard of anyone gimping the quality of images on purpose.

        • His point is the highest resolution should be in 16:9 format. I believe it was the S6 and/or Note 5 that had that, with 4:3 being a lower resolution.

        • except that still makes no sense because then it needs to be a different type of sensor right?

        • Correct.

      • Go visit any walgreens, cvs, rite aid, etc and they will have people sitting at the machines printing pictures. It’s not something people do regularly but there are certain times where it’s needed. I’ve printed a couple dozen this year – prior to that it had probably been 10 years or more since I printed anything.

        • I’ve never seen anyone at CVS or Walgreens sitting printing pictures.

    • Print? Jesus you’re still scrapbooking? Hold this L.

  • Same here. I always set my camera to 16:9. When I had a chromecast and had my photos showing up on there as a screensaver, I hated that it didn’t fill the screen. Same reason I don’t like taking portrait photos.

  • 4×3 photographs are the “standard” in the photography business. When you use 16×9 on a phone, you are zooming into what would be a 4×3 image, so you lose quality. Also, composing in a 4×3 makes a lot more sense than composing on a 16×9 at least for photography.

• This was one of the biggest concerns I had about this phone. So stoked! RIP Note 7! Pixel XL here we come!!!

• That video stabilization is INSANE. Mainly because this camera doesn’t have OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), so this is even more surprising!!

  • Ois actually sucks on phones. Very bad imo. Interested in see this eis.

    • In its current implementation, I agree. But there is so much potential if phones get it right. I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets amazing in another 3-4 generations.

      • Ois video stabilization…. doesn’t matter which phone is garbage. My stable handheld skills are far superior.

        • I would agree. EIS>OIS in video at the moment.

        • I don’t think I’ve ever used eis. So thanks for the heads up. I usually turn off any type of stabilization. Ill try this eis out when I get my pixel xl next week

  • The electronic video stabilization in this phone isn’t that groundbreaking IMO. The Galaxy S4 performed similarly and that was almost 4 years ago.

  • Unfortunately, a side effect of electronic video stabilization is reduced image quality. OIS would never come out nearly as smooth, but you still get a full quality video image.

    • So that’s what I saw when he was turning around that pine tree… Still pretty good

• Most pics are either staying on the phone or going on social media or used on Snapchat in which they disappear after a few seconds. Most liekly you’re looking at your pics a couple of time then never seeing them again. So unless you’re printing large photos camera doesn’t even matter. Seriously how good does the pic of you lunch that you post on facebook have to look? The reality is no one cares about that pic but you anyway.

  • Some people like taking pictures of their kids. Agreed that on social media there is too many dumb posts with unneeded pictures.

    • This. 90% of my pictures are of my kids in action or of a landscape or whatever. Both require a fast and high quality camera (for a phone)

  • Thanks debbie downer. If the person taking the picture cares isn’t that all that matters? I think it’s apparent people do care because manufacturers are placing an emphasis on camera quality.

  • For me, I primarily use it for taking pics of items I am selling or bought. So, yes I do want high quality especially for the ones I am selling. And I also like to take good photos for the brag book too haha

• F…, should newer have looked at you photos. Suddenly I feel very thirsty, want a cat to cuddle with(no pussy!) and a Pixel phone…

• Does it store RAW? Is there no Pro mode with manual controls, and no exposure adjustment on the fly?

• how bout low-lighting or night-time shots? struggled the most with those on Sammy cameras. would love to see comp with LG V20 when it’s out… need a replacement to my Note 5

  • Isn’t this a symptom of all smartphone cameras? Some do handle it better than others, which I thought Samsung was one.

• The pics look a little dark. Can you do a side by side with the S7?

  • They do look dark, but that’s probably because they are mostly taken on a cloudy day. They look great though, even in low light!

    • I agree, they do look great. I actually like it a tad darker. Makes for a more dramatic photo

      • Yeah, and you can always adjust it with exposure. The important thing is that it doesn’t lose detail and color reproduction is great.

  • It’s similar to the Nexus 6p camera that also took dark shots.

  • Yes, if we are going to say this is the top camera right now, then you must compare the low light photos to the S7. Until then I’m highly skeptical.

    • And not just the s7 but the iPhone 7/6s as well

  • My issue wasn’t light or dark, it was that the tones just don’t seem right to me. Maybe we do need side by side, but the tonal range is not really doing much from where I’m sitting. It may be as simple as the auto ISO being high as a result of the clouds and blowing all the colors out, but I’m not a fan.

• Showing off that IP53 rating in the intro, I see haha

• really like the bump in video production quality, keep up the good work!

  • No kidding, what type of camera is this shot on, I couldn’t tell from the quick selfie shot.

  • I agree, this is very mkbhd’ish .. came out great

    • Exactly what I thought. Also has a touch of The Verge.

    • That a high praise, because mkbhd has the best video production out there for YouTuber reviews

      • I watched MKBHD pixel unboxing Video droid-lifes was actually way better.

      • Ash Tailor>Mkbhd

  • MKBHD wannabes

• I can hardly wait for my Pixel to get here this week. Yeeee haaawww!

• Excellent job! I like the new format in the video reviews.

  • Same. Wondering how he made himself look like a cut-out from a video game on the first scene.

    • That’s the magic of 60fps video. They all look like a video game to me!

• Pixel XL or V20???!!!!

• After all these years Google still can’t give us manual controls? How disappointing.

  • The new camera has manual brightness adjustment.

    • No. I mean stuff like ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and manual focus. Samsung, LG, Motorola, and pretty much every other OEM gives us these on their phones.

      I have Disqus Downvote Exposer dude. There’s no need to downvote me on something that’s true.

      • I didn’t downvote you. But anyway, Googles never been one to throw every feature into their stuff right away. They have a good camera now, Maybe they will start giving it more features in the future with software updates

      • Camera fv-5 app. Best out there

  • Right? Manual controls or bust. Being able to shoot in raw and adjust the shutter speed, iso, white balance is a game changer.

    Curiously, some of my most liked/commented photos on social media were taken with the V10 and not a DSLR. In fact, my most popular* photo ever was just taken last week with my phone.

    *Not counting the photo an artist reposted that got 84,000+ likes. Most popular on own account.

• that video stabilization is the one thing that i’m really jealous of over my Nexus 6P.

  • I installed the pixel camera apk from xda the other day on my 6P and there is a stabilization option in the video settings. It might be placebo but from the videos I fooled around with but it seems to work somewhat.

    • the stock 6P camera has the same option. the problem is that the 6P hardware doesn’t have the same/all of the gyroscope hardware that that the Pixels do. hence – even if you have the same app – you’re never going to get the same incredible level of stabilization. i also tested the Pixel camera apk on my 6P. no difference in video stabilization and nothing like what the Pixel can do. i think you experienced the placebo effect.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYJvA5bBMC8

      • well shoot. i never had it turned on haha so i guess i never noticed it.

      • What gyro hardware? It’s electronic stabilization, unless I’m missing what you’re trying to say.

        • You need the gyroscope sensor to record your camera positions as you are walking and render the stable video. He says 6P is not having the same hardware as the Pixel which is capable of sampling 200 times/ sec.

        • Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

• How long have you been holding these phones?

• ISO all sorts of stuff from that picture/that area. FT: Other Half

• Does the “Moto Double Twist” also take you to the camera or just switch between front and rear cameras?

• Isn’t there an option to adjust exposure as well? I though I saw that on a review somewhere?

  • The camera has a brightness slider. And the exposure is based on where you tap to focus. If you tap on a dark spot, it will raise it. If you tap on light spot, it will lower it. No slider for that though

• Gonna take a whole lot more than a good camera for me to even consider this thing.

  • This. So much this.

    Assistant isn’t the killer feature Google wants us to believe it is.

    • “Innovation”

  • 2 charging cables?

• Great shot…great shot…great craft beer selection at Whole Foods….great shot…

  • Mmmmmmm beer. Think that was Double Mountain Killer Green. 😀

    • Looked up it up, sounds amazing. No pixels were harmed in the consumption of said beer hopefully.

    • Thank you! When you post beer pics, can you please tell us what you’re drinking. Us beer nerds always like to know.

      • Most definitely. I know there’s a lot of craft brews in your neck of the woods that don’t make it to us East Coasters (and vice-versa) but it’s nice to know what a fellow craft beer drinker is consuming.

        God I’m thirsty now. Thanks a lot, Kellen.

    • Congrats on the high quality video production. I’m happy to see you guys are making this more of a priority now.

      • Google is paying 97$ per hour! Work for few hours and have longer with friends & family! !mj129d:
        On tuesday I got a great new Land Rover Range Rover from having earned $8752 this last four weeks.. Its the most-financialy rewarding I’ve had.. It sounds unbelievable but you wont forgive yourself if you don’t check it
        !mj129d:
        ➽➽
        ➽➽;➽➽ http://GoogleFinancialJobsCash129HomeZoneGetPay$97Hour… ★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★✫★★::::::!mj129d:….,…….

      • Some IPA Kush, and Phat Super Man Crystal Hoppes

      • some by design 🙂

    • I want to know what store you were at that had that 22oz bottle selection?

      • The pic of the shelves with price tags is at a New Seasons grocery store. If that’s a grocery store, imagine what a Portland bottle shop must be like… http://www.belmont-station.com/bottles/

        • I’ve got a new seasons down the street (in Portland too), guess it’s just been a long time since I’ve been in there :-/

• Will it be quick after 6 months of usage? My Nexus 6 is BLAZING fast when I do a clean wipe. The camera is instant. After 4-6 weeks, it starts to lag and after a few months is nigh unusable until I wipe again.

  • I had the same experience with my 6P. After about 3 months it basically was pointless to even try to get a picture of my kids

    • maybe you know this already – did you try turning off HDR+? it’s a night and day difference in shutter speed.

      • Yeah, the problem is the 6P really needed the HDR to have the camera compete as a high end phone shooter.

        My biggest issue is that when you would do the double tap it would often take 3-4 seconds for the screen to even come on. To say nothing about actually taking the picture

    • I notice my S7 Edge doing the same thing. I can double press the Home button to bring up the camera and I’m even seeing stuttering in the preview before I take a picture. Doesn’t happen all the time, but somewhat frequently.

      • It seems to be a common theme in one aspect or another on Android. My S7 hasn’t started doing it. But it wasn’t my daily driver until this last month.

        • Yeah, android still fighting the jank or weird battery drains. I would hope nougat can further cut down on that. of course they contend with more hardware/software variations so I’m not surprised it isn’t completely gone yet (versus iOS, only a couple legacy hardware variations).

        • I’ve never had an android phone that didn’t have something weird like that happen. Some it was better, some it was worse.

      • My S7 Edge doesn’t do this, but it’s the USA unlocked version.

      • That’s just Samsung phones in general. They are always laggy after a few months

      • Thats exactly what mind does. It stutters for a while and eventually catches up. Did it on 6.0, 6.0.1 and 7.0 now (DPs and final). I just wiped and did a clean 7.0 final and its back to fast again. Its frustrating to see my wife’s iPhone 6+ still really nice and fast 2 years later. I have a feeling I’m going iPhone 8 when the time comes.

  • Stop it, Tim P says this only happens to Samsung phones.

    • I’m surprised he isn’t in here talking about how bad touchwiz is. I question that he’s even held an S7.

  • Unfortunately, only time will tell. : But it’s super fast right now!

  • Hmm, maybe it’s just your settings. My N5 is still pretty fast.

• Amazing

  • Please never stop doing this

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