CheckMag | First Google Pixel 10 Pro camera reviews: Much criticism, poor Pro Res zoom but a few improvements
It has only been two days since Google officially launched the Pixel 10 generation. In addition to the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Pixel 10 Pro with its 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch XL variants is probably at the top of many Google fans' wish lists. Early hands-on reports primarily focus on these two Pro models, which have an advantage not only in hardware but also sport some software-based pro features.
This includes the new Pro Res zoom, which goes beyond what Super Res zoom offered. It allows for a zoom of up to 100x, which of course would not work very well without some AI help. But even with AI support, Google's new zoom feature apparently delivers some truly dreadful results, as shown by u/Dry_Astronomer3210 on Reddit with a demo device from a well-known American retailer.
100x zoom doesn't work with text recognition
In the example above, the user first zooms from 1x to 5x, and later to 30x and 100x. At 30x zoom, you can't really make anything out, and at 100x zoom, the text turns into AI sludge. Other smartphones have done much better in these situations. For instance, we remember the 100x zoom feature of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and its successors, which never produced high-quality photos, but at least made text readable from long distances. The example below also shows the 100x zoom without AI enhancements and from a closer distance.
Pro Res zoom doesn't like planes
Google's AI also seems to have issues with airplanes, as illustrated by a photo from a CNET reviewer. The original shot can be seen on the left side, the "AI-optimized" version is on the right.
Google's AI works better with buildings
Results are better when taking 100x zoom pictures of cities or buildings. Google's AI produces an acceptable picture in this case.
Cnet reviewers are mostly satisfied with the camera
According to a CNET review, the Pixel 10 Pro camera delivers good to very good images, aside from the Pro Res artifacts at higher zoom levels. The photos often appear to be very optimized in terms of HDR, which is typical for Pixel devices. The consistent quality across all three cameras was particularly praised, with no major deviations in terms of color accuracy and exposure. The aforementioned Reddit user also offers some positive remarks concerning the Pixel 10 Pro cameras. For instance, 4K60 video is now supported without Video Boost, and 4K60 HDR Video Boost finally works with the ultrawide camera. The 10x zoom button that's now available in the app is also seen as a plus.
YouTuber criticizes Google and its new Pixel 10 phones
You can also find early hands-on videos on YouTube, even though no official reviews are out just yet. We've selected a representative video below from the British YouTuber Arun Maini, also known as Mrwhosetheboss. He tries out some of the new AI features on the Pixel 10 Pro, such as Camera Coach or Magic Cue. One of the 100x zoom photos above is also from this video. However, Google also receives a lot of criticism in this particular video. The following points are specifically criticized:
- the new voice translate feature works rather poorly
- Pixel phones never feel "finished" at launch and sometimes only become usable after updates
- the camera app feels slow and "laggy"
- portrait photos are unconvincing and full of errors despite being 50 megapixels
- the hardware is below average for the price, especially in terms of performance
- 128GB of base storage is unacceptable for 2025
- the camera hardware is practically unchanged compared to the Pixel 9 Pro generation
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