Google’s Pixel cameras aren’t the perfect anymore, here is the proof

[ad_1] <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="eager" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra.jpg"/> Robert Triggs / Android Authority

I really like Pixels, and the Pixel 6 Professional marked my conversion to Google’s ecosystem, thanks in no small half to its extremely highly effective triple rear digital camera. Computational pictures has confirmed its worth over time and stays a core a part of Google’s gross sales pitch for the Pixel 10 collection.

Nevertheless, for a product line lauded for its picture seize capabilities, I’m discovering it more and more onerous to rank Pixels close to the highest of the pack. Sure, they’re nonetheless unbelievably dependable at primary point-and-shoot, and on the similar time, an excellent eye can acquire breathtaking outcomes from what is sort of modest {hardware} on paper. I’m not denying that Google’s components is nice, however nice by trendy requirements? I’m not as satisfied as I as soon as was.

I’ve more and more left my most up-to-date Pixel on the shelf in favor of bodily bigger smartphone digital camera packages or my trusty mirrorless. After spending in all probability an excessive amount of time pixel-peeping, I’ve turn out to be conscious about Google’s processing artifacts and have concluded that I actually don’t like blowing these footage up. Whereas I can overlook the grainy shadows, mottled low-light particulars, and overly-sharp portraits for a fast social put up, that’s not what I really need when spending probably $1,000 or extra on a cellphone primarily to take footage with.

By comparability, I’ve had the Xiaomi 17 Extremely in hand just lately. After taking it out for a spin alongside my Pixel 10 Professional XL, I'd by no means return to a Pixel till Google severely overhauls its {hardware}.

Do you assume Pixels are among the many greatest telephones for pictures? 2627 votes

Sure, they're the perfect.

24%

Greatest for the worth, if not greatest total.

25%

No, Pixels are slipping.

46%

It is too near name.

5%

Not that the 2 telephones aren’t comparable for general-purpose pictures. Each supply excellent dynamic vary, wealthy and real looking colours, and a good quantity of element from their principal and zoom cameras. If something, the Pixel is arguably the marginally extra constant possibility, with Xiaomi’s colour science often veering off into oversaturation and underexposure.

Nonetheless, peek a bit nearer on the footage, and the Pixel’s veneer rapidly rubs off. Xiaomi’s newest telephoto digital camera offers the cellphone a major benefit for picture high quality and suppleness, particularly for those who body and crop your footage as a lot as I do.

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 10x Low Light Detail FULL" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 10x Low Light Detail FULL" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 10x Excessive Low Mild <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 10x Low Light Detail FULL" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 10x Low Light Detail FULL" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-FULL.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 10x Excessive Low Mild <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 10x Low Light Detail" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 10x Low Light Detail" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-10x-Low-Light-Detail.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 100% crop <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 10x Low Light Detail" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 10x Low Light Detail" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-10x-Low-Light-Detail.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 100% crop Take this instance that mixes excessive low gentle with moderate-range zoom: an actual check for even devoted cameras available on the market, not to mention small-sensor cellphone zoom cameras. Each look OK at full body, however when it comes to element preservation, the Pixel is totally insufficient right here, even with the assistance of Evening mode. There’s vital noise and smudged or lacking particulars. In the meantime, the Xiaomi 17 Extremely delivers a stage of element that even my Fuji mirrorless can’t match, fairly seemingly because of the usage of multi-frame processing and presumably a bit AI (there’s one thing concerning the look that’s undoubidly a bit synthetic). In any case, noise and element have persistently been a problem for Google, and the divide is barely rising.

Pixels have been a continuing disappointment for portrait pictures.

Likewise, portraits have been a protracted operating Pixel bugbear of mine for related causes. For all Google’s singing and dancing about Pure Tone, blemishes and textures proceed to look far too sharp at full body, but in some way disappear into mush on shut inspection. This won't matter a lot on a cellphone display, however it may possibly come again to chunk the Pixel for those who ever wish to print out your snaps for a photograph album or a body.

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 3x portrait" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 3x portrait" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 3x portrait <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 3 2x portrait" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 3 2x portrait" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 3.2x portrait <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 3x portrait crop" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-crop.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-crop-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-crop-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-crop-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-crop-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 3x portrait crop" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-3x-portrait-crop.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 100% crop <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 3 2x portrait crop" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-crop.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-crop-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-crop-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-crop-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-crop-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 3 2x portrait crop" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-3_2x-portrait-crop.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 100% crop The much less stated concerning the Pixel’s bokeh blur in comparison with the pure impact of Xiaomi’s new 75mm lens, the higher. Software program simply isn’t as correct or as nice-looking as the true factor. By comparability, I charge Xiaomi’s portrait particulars and bokeh as in all probability the perfect within the enterprise, rivaling the standard I anticipate from my Fuji mirrorless.

Returning to AI and zoom, Google’s newest strategy has been to depend on AI diffusion upscaling with Professional Res Zoom to flesh out particulars at 30x and past. Then again, Xiaomi has embraced a bigger 200MP sensor, paired with a 75mm-100mm variable focal size lens to assist it cater to each quick and lengthy distances. The identical sensor that took the nice portrait above can also be a dab hand at lengthy distances too.

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower FULL" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower FULL" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 30x Professional Res zoom <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower FULL" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower FULL" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-FULL.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 30x zoom <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 100% crop <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 30x Pro Res Zoom Flower" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-30x-Pro-Res-Zoom-Flower.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 100% crop In my expertise, Xiaomi has a transparent benefit at 3x because of its pure optics. It’s a reasonably stage taking part in discipline taking part in round 5x and 10x, however past that, I’d give a slight edge to the Chinese language handset. Google’s AI upscaling works effectively on some textures however struggles with others. In the meantime, Xiaomi’s long-range efforts are clearly not flawless, however the bigger sensor ensures its outcomes look akin to Google’s AI upscaling efforts in daylight.

It is powerful to see the good thing about AI zoom over higher {hardware}.

We are able to lengthen this zoom-camera comparability to macro, too. Xiaomi’s novel lens can focus moderately shut up, leading to pure depth and bokeh with out having to rise up tremendous near the topic. Google’s 5x telephoto digital camera can’t focus wherever close to this shut, so it resorts to digital upscaling or the ultrawide digital camera, which introduces perspective distortion and a scarcity of actual depth. Xiaomi can do ultrawide digital camera macros too, however there’s no substitute for a protracted focal size to boost macro pictures.

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Pixel 10 Pro XL 5x macro" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-5x-macro.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-5x-macro-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-5x-macro-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-5x-macro-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-5x-macro-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Pixel 10 Pro XL 5x macro" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pixel-10-Pro-XL-5x-macro.jpg"/> Pixel 10 Professional XL - 5x macro <img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="calc(min(calc(100vw - 1.875rem), 51.25rem) / 2)" title="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 4 6x macro" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-4_6x-macro.jpg 1020w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-4_6x-macro-64w-48h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-4_6x-macro-1000w-753h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-4_6x-macro-505w-380h.jpg 505w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-4_6x-macro-675w-508h.jpg 675w" alt="Xiaomi 17 Ultra 4 6x macro" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Xiaomi-17-Ultra-4_6x-macro.jpg"/> Xiaomi 17 Extremely - 4.6x macro And this actually is the Pixel’s drawback in a nutshell. Google constructed its early status on computational pictures, doing extra with much less, and was initially very profitable at bridging the hole and sometimes main the pack. It’s largely continued this pattern in recent times on the expense of rising {hardware} enhancements that allow not solely higher picture high quality but additionally extra versatile capturing choices.

Once more, to not disparage Google’s computational pictures efforts. Publicity, tone mapping, and evening pictures stay the Pixel’s strongest fits, and Google has augmented these necessities with enjoyable and helpful instruments like Add Me and Magic Editor. However for all Google’s strengths, its imaging pipeline lags the competitors in uncooked picture high quality.

If you need footage from a smartphone that look as near lifelike as potential, together with next-level inventive flexibility, the Pixel just isn't the place it’s at today.

Images isn’t every part, however it’s onerous to withstand

<img class="e_Ag" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra cameras" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Google Pixel 10 Pro XL vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra cameras" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-XL-vs-Xiaomi-17-Ultra-cameras.jpg"/> Robert Triggs / Android Authority

This isn’t to say the Pixel 10 or Galaxy S26 isn’t an excellent handset for snapping these household occasions or documenting your travels. They’re nonetheless versatile sufficient to swimsuit most wants. Nevertheless, for those who’re a very critical photographer who will make use of cutting-edge options and calls for the top of cellular picture high quality, I feel you’ll discover way more utility with telephones just like the Xiaomi 17 Extremely. The one challenge for US clients is getting their arms on these options.

In fact, there’s much more that goes into making a terrific cellphone. Whereas cutting-edge {hardware} lovers could also be more and more turning their gaze to China’s Extremely fashions, there’s nonetheless one thing to be stated for the broader ecosystem of the Pixel or Galaxy expertise. However as a photographer-first cellphone consumer, I’m more and more questioning if that’s sufficient to maintain me coming again.

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