Google Pixel 10 digital camera evaluation: Capturing feline moments

I used to be excited to listen to that the Google Pixel 10 includes a extra versatile digital camera system for 2025.

The Pixel 9 cameras weren’t unhealthy, however the lack of a telephoto lens put the telephone at a definite drawback to its costlier siblings.

It restricted what was in any other case a wonderful smartphone, making it tougher for shutterbugs to decide on the Pixel 9 and save themselves some cash.

To place the Pixel 10 cameras to the check, I wanted essentially the most elusive of creatures — the cat. I figured that if anybody might present me the capabilities of the Pixel 10s lenses, the unruly, uncooperative, and frisky feline could be the only option.

I took 100 cat images with the Google Pixel 10. Right here’s what I realized about its cameras.

A telephoto lens makes all of the distinction

Google did a greater job than most

I like the flexibility a telephoto lens presents. I perceive that some folks would select an ultrawide if they might solely have one extra sensor, however fortunately, Google has included all three this yr on the Pixel 10.

I discovered myself zooming in additional than I normally would, and I recognize that it’s a full 5x optical zoom, as a substitute of the 3x we’ve to accept on inexpensive telephones.

It’s excellent for wildlife or when you may have less-than-ideal seating at a particular occasion.

It additionally allowed me to seize some cat images I wouldn’t have had in any other case. Get too shut, and your feline buddy may run away, particularly in the event that they’re doing one thing cute.

The ten.8MP telephoto on the Google Pixel 10 captures that particular second with the readability and element I’d anticipate.

Samsung hasn’t found out the right way to eradicate undue blur in its photographs, and it frustrates me, particularly when taking images of youngsters or pets.

Normally, you’d discover extra of a spot between the 48MP main lens and the ten.8MP telephoto. I can detect some degradation in comparison with the 48MP fundamental shooter, however not a lot.

It’s not the massive drop-off in coloration saturation and element you get with different triple lens setups, the place the telephoto nearly feels prefer it’s the third wheel.

Google’s carried out a improbable job with the telephoto on the Pixel 10, and also you’ll get pleasure from getting extra photographs than you’d in any other case.

All the small print you’d anticipate from a Pixel

Google’s computational images strikes once more

Google has made important strides this yr with its coloration replica. Its images are nonetheless a bit starker than what Samsung presents, however the colours are hotter than what we’re used to from a Pixel.

I just like the change, and the Pixel 10 does a wonderful job reproducing what I see.

I nonetheless contend that for those who take 100 point-and-shoot images with a Pixel, you’ll be happier with the outcomes than with some other machine.

That extends to cat images. I like the element I get from the Google Pixel 10. Black cats are laborious to {photograph}, however my Pixel 10 does a improbable job selecting out every strand of fur from Xavi.

It handles gentle effectively, and I don’t get a washed-out photograph every time he’s having fun with a day sunbeam.

Micah, the grey cat photographed, could be simply as troublesome. Nonetheless, the Pixel 10 does an excellent job getting all of the intricate particulars of his fur, making for a a lot better photograph.

That is the primary yr after I don’t really feel like I’m getting much less, simply because I’m shopping for the entry-level Pixel flagship.

The Pixel 10 images are spectacular, every thing you’ve come to anticipate from a digital camera on a Google smartphone.

Movement seize seals the deal

Night time Sight isn’t unhealthy, both

I consistently complain about movement in images with my Galaxy telephones.

Samsung hasn’t found out the right way to eradicate undue blur in its photographs, and it frustrates me, particularly when taking images of youngsters or pets.

My Pixel 10 doesn’t have these points.

Cats are wonderful check topics as a result of they aren’t improbable posers. Xavi was consistently shifting whereas I used to be taking pictures, but most got here out simply high quality.

Extreme motion is at all times going to blur a picture, however a slight shift shouldn’t damage each photograph.

Night time Sight stays the very best low-light images on any smartphone. I like how effectively the Pixel 10 does in less-than-ideal situations.

I couldn’t even see Micah in a few of these images, however the Pixel 10 nonetheless managed to provide a usable picture.

Should you take numerous nighttime images, the Pixel 10 continues to be your finest wager.

A digital camera worthy of a flagship telephone

I’m thrilled Google has added a telephoto to the Pixel 10. It fills a big hole on the Pixel 9, making the Pixel 10 a viable possibility for these trying to economize.

Individuals who purchase Pixels care about images, and simply since you’re spending a contact lower than the Pixel 10 Professional fashions, doesn’t imply you shouldn’t get the excellent digital camera high quality.

Should you’re a cat proprietor (or simply love improbable images), the Pixel 10 is value a glance.