The recent update to the Google Pixel 10 Pro has finally added a much-needed feature: a 10x zoom button in the camera app. This enhancement is a significant step forward for users who have been eagerly awaiting a more straightforward way to access high-quality zoom capabilities. Now, Pixel Pro owners can capture stunning 10x shots without relying on the camera app’s often frustrating zoom slider, which has been a common complaint among users.
All models in the Google Pixel Pro series are equipped with high-resolution 5x periscope cameras, making it possible to achieve 10x shots at a lossless resolution. This capability positions these devices as contenders among the best camera phones available today. However, accessing the 10x zoom option was previously cumbersome due to the lack of a dedicated button in the camera interface. Fortunately, this has changed with the introduction of the zoom button in the Pixel 10 Pro series, a feature that many users have been clamoring for.
The addition of the 10x zoom button comes after months of critique regarding its absence. In a previous review, tech journalist Rita El-Khoury highlighted this flaw, and it seems that Google has taken note. This new feature was first showcased during the Made By Google event, illustrating the company’s commitment to enhancing user experience based on feedback from the community.
For those unfamiliar with the technology, phones like the Pixel 7 Pro and newer models utilize a 48MP 5x periscope camera. Google achieves the 10x zoom by cropping the center 12MP of the image, providing users with a clear and detailed shot at this magnification. This method ensures that 10x shots can be taken in daylight conditions without significant loss of quality. However, the absence of a dedicated button forced users to struggle with the zoom slider, which often resulted in arbitrary zoom levels like 10.5x or 9.8x, introducing potential quality issues due to reliance on software enhancements.
The anticipation for a dedicated 10x zoom button reflects a broader desire among Pixel users. In a poll conducted by Android Authority, over 70% of respondents indicated they wanted this feature integrated into the Pixel Camera app. Clearly, the need for improved accessibility to long-range camera performance resonated with many users, making this update a welcome improvement.
The Google Pixel 10 series offers a variety of models, each catering to different user preferences:
The base model features a 6.3-inch display, ample high-speed storage options, and is powered by the new Tensor G5 processor. It includes a triple camera system, which boasts a 50MP main sensor alongside ultrawide and telephoto lenses, making it a strong contender for mobile photography.
Priced at $999, the Google Pixel 10 Pro stands out with its smaller 6.3-inch display but robust specifications. It includes the Tensor G5 chipset, a high-resolution display, UFS 4.0 storage options, and 16GB of RAM, paired with an AI-powered triple camera system, ensuring top-tier performance.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL is the most powerful variant, featuring a 6.8-inch display and a battery exceeding 5,000mAh. With the same advanced features found in the Pro model, it is designed for users seeking ultimate performance and camera capabilities.
For those interested in innovative design, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold combines a 6.4-inch outer display with an 8-inch inner folding panel. It shares many specifications with the Pro XL, including the Tensor G5 chipset, making it a versatile choice for multitaskers and tech enthusiasts alike.
The introduction of the 10x zoom button in the Google Pixel 10 Pro camera app marks an important development for users who value photography features. With this addition, Google continues to refine its flagship devices, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-evolving smartphone market.
