Google’s Pixel devices have some of the best cameras in the market. Since the Pixel 6, Google has also been using high-resolution sensors.
Although the standard and pro variant devices are equipped with 50MP sensors, Google does not provide an option to shoot with the full resolution. However, there is a good reason why they don’t offer the full-resolution option.
Software processing is the secret sauce of Pixel cameras. These computational processing algorithms cannot be implemented over 50 million pixels due to heavier workload. To ensure a consistent image quality, Pixel devices don’t offer a 50MP mode.
In smartphone cameras, the main improvement in images comes from computational processing rather than having higher resolution. Here’s a closer look at what I’m talking about. I took two images using two different camera applications, and as you can see, Google Camera did a great job of reducing the noise.
The image below represents the inaccuracy in pixel values or noise, and its reduction through software processing. This inconsistency in pixel values makes the image look grainy and unpleasant.
An example of what Google Camera can do
Both images have the same resolution and zoom level, yet you can barely see the pixels in the right image. This is because Google Camera has analyzed the inconsistency in pixel values and removed the noise using noise reduction algorithms.
Noise reduction is just one of the various computational processing methods. The more megapixels, the more processing power is required.
Thus, the full resolution images miss out on computational processing. Google doesn’t want inaccuracies to make their way into the final image. That’s why Pixel devices don’t have an option to capture images at 50MP resolution.
What do you miss out?
The scalability of the image to a much larger size.
But honestly, you don’t need more than 12MP for most cases. Having less noise, accurate colors, and overall good detail is more important, and Google manages to deliver all of these quite effectively. That’s why Pixel devices are among the best in terms of camera performance.
