The future of Google Pixel cameras: from AI to resolution and beyond

TechPhonesAndroid PhonesThe future of Google Pixel cameras: from AI to resolution and beyondGoogle’s Pixel camera product manager talks Pixel phones past, present and hints at the futureWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Google’s Pixel camera product manager talks Pixel phones past, present and hints at the future

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)

Google Pixel 8 Pro leak

(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)

When it comes tothe best phones, Google has risen through the ranks over recent years. Indeed, thePixel 7 Pro was a T3 Awards-winning product, a favourite handset that, for me, was the pinnacle ofthe best Android phonesin that given year.

Since then Google has continued to push the Pixel’s agenda and feature set even further, with the release of thePixel 8andPixel 8 Pro.

So when Google asked if T3 would like a sit down with the company’s Pixel camera product manager, Michael Specht, it was a resounding “yes” to discuss the past, present and future of Pixel – from artificial intelligence (AI), to the resolution race, video processing in the cloud, and the camera-phone’s relationship in replacing traditional cameras.

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect from future Pixel phones.

1. More AI

(Image credit: Google)

Google Pixel 8 Pro lifestyle

(Image credit: Google)

While theGoogle Pixel 9is nothing but rumour right now, and Specht saying he “can’t comment on what’s next specifically for Pixel and Pixel camera,” there is a clear drive towards more AI, more of the time.

“Pixel’s AI camera and computational photography pipeline is one of the biggest mobile computing breakthroughs of the last decade. And it’s moving the entire industry forward,” the product manager explained.

“AI drives the capture experience, the image and video quality, and post-capture editing experiences.

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

“What really sets Pixel apart [from the competition] are these experiences you get in addition [referring toMagic EditorandMagic Eraser]. Instead of sitting in front of the computer for hours on editing software, you can now make incredible edits on your Pixel in just a few quick taps and swipes.

“If you look back at the Pixel 3, Pixel 4, when we [Google] launched Night Sight and Astro, we sunk a lot of effort into those extreme low-light cases that felt nearly impossible for a mobile camera [back then].”

Now such shooting modes almost feel the norm for many of us, a sort of expectation that even just a handful of years ago wasn’t plausible. And with AI in the driving seat, my thought is that we’ll see more intelligent automation of which modes kick-in and when, and how a Pixel will elect to process – both on-device and in the cloud.

2. More features

(Image credit: Google)

Google Pixel 8 Pro

(Image credit: Google)

With the Pixel 8 Pro, one of the big new features was bringing much of the still imagery advances to video. Video Boost promises “higher quality and with better lighting, colours, and details”. But this kind of feature is so process intensive that, right now, it’s performed off the device.

“Most of the processing happens on device with [Google’s] Tensor G3 chip,” said Specht.

“The exception to that is Video Boost and Magic Editor.

“One minute of Video Boost at 30fps is 1,800 frames. To run all that through the computational imaging pipeline it makes sense to leverage our cloud compute centres and do parallel processing to then deliver something back quickly to you as the customer.

“There are very few things that are done in the cloud right now, but it’s a space that obviously we’re exploring as we launch features that leverage our data centres and much larger models to produce stunning results.”

So, will that mean more cloud-based features in future Pixel devices?

“What I can say is we’re always looking at the latest and greatest technology to figure out what the right balance is and where to place that processing and pipeline to give the user the best experience and the best quality.”

Today’s best Google Pixel 8 deals26 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$699$499ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$629View$799ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best Google Pixel 8 deals

26 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆

☆☆☆☆☆

$699$499ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025$629View$799View

$699$499ViewDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025

$699$499View

Google Pixel Unlocked Phones

Amazon

$699$499View

$699$499

$499

Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025

$629View

Google Pixel 8

Tello

$629View

$629

$799View

Google Pixel 8 128 GB

Verizon

$799View

$799

Show More Deals

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

(Image credit: Google)

Google Pixel 8 Pro in Minty green

(Image credit: Google)

Speaking of quality, I asked if “the megapixel race” has had its day and that, with AI being so advanced with the potential of upscaling, whether we no longer need masses of resolution in our phones.

“So if you were to shove – and I’ll just let’s use round numbers here – 1,000-megapixels into your phone. In order to fit into that same space you have to make those pixels extremely small. So you give up low-light performance and quality for resolution.

“I think some of what’s happening in the industry is trying to figure out what the balance is between providing something that’s high-resolution but also something that performs. That’s a balancing game that, as technology advances and research and hardware advances, you’ll continue to see fluctuations around the space.”

Arguably an equivocal answer, then, but I can’t foresee a future where Google races into piling on the resolution when, in some cases, images and video will be cloud-processed, and where adding more resolution only adds more compute, more time and, ultimately, more cost.

4. Convenience

(Image credit: Google)

Google Pixel 7 Pro in Hazel colour

(Image credit: Google)

One thing that’s clear is that convenience is key. Specht, once a professional photographer and still an avid camera collector, continues to enjoy all walks of photography, old and new.

“I collect cameras, right? So I have medium format film, digital SLRs, point-and-shoots, you name it. I shoot a lot of film still, because I like the tactile experience of taking photographs and thinking about slowing down [my picture-taking process].

“But, I think about what scenarios I reach for my Pixel versus what scenarios I reach for my, say, mirrorless camera, for example. And I think there are things that the Pixel can do better than a ‘classic camera’.”

“Digital made cameras more accessible. And now that mobile imaging has advanced so much, we’re seeing dedicated cameras becoming less common for people to go out and purchase.”

And he’s right. The saying “the best camera is the one you have with you” echoes especially true when it’s in your pocket. The mobile phone form-factor has transformed photography. And computational photography continues to transform the medium.

Not that Google is done yet.

“Pixel is looking to continue to lead in AI with large investment across Google, Pixel and the whole Pixel portfolio,” concluded Specht.

So as the push towards more AI-driven features and more intensive cloud processing continues, what Google will have in store for us next will surely, hopefully be particularly eye-opening.

Today’s best Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 7a dealsGoogle Pixel 8 Pro$999$599ViewSee all pricesDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025Google Pixel 8$629ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 7a deals

Google Pixel 8 Pro$999$599ViewSee all pricesDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025Google Pixel 8$629ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices

Google Pixel 8 Pro$999$599ViewSee all pricesDeal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025

Google Pixel 8 Pro$999$599ViewSee all prices

Google Pixel Unlocked Phones

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Amazon

$999$599View

$999$599

$599

See all prices

Deal endsSun, Jan 26, 2025

Google Pixel 8$629ViewSee all prices

Google Pixel 8

Tello

$629View

$629

See all prices

Google Pixel 7a$233ViewSee all prices

Google Pixel 7a 128GB - Coral…

Google Pixel 7a

Back Market (US)

$233View

$233

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

TOPICSGoogleGoogle Pixel

TOPICS

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

Astropad Bookcase – girl reading

This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…

Actually, there are a couple…

Samsung Project Moohan headset

Android XR to debut on all-new Apple Vision Pro rival from SamsungAndroid XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses

Android XR will underpin future mixed reality experiences on headsets and glasses

Earth on circuit boards (art)

Google’s “Willow” quantum chip won’t just change future computers, it could change the worldWillow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend

Willow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend

Google Pixel 9a leak

Pixel 9a leaks again, showing Google is heading in a new directionNewly leaked images of a “Pixel 9a prototype” appear to confirm Google’s changed design direction

Newly leaked images of a “Pixel 9a prototype” appear to confirm Google’s changed design direction

Google Maps in a car

Google Maps is getting its best free update yet and it’s a game-changerThe best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last

The best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last

Google Pixel Watch 3 Loop Bands

Google’s Pixel Watch Loop Bands seem very familiar, but also refreshingAnd it’s compatible with older Pixel Watch models too

And it’s compatible with older Pixel Watch models too

YouTube Music 2024 Recap

YouTube beats Spotify to the punch with a much-loved featureWhat did you listen to most?

What did you listen to most?

Google Pixelbook

Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims reportCould we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?

Could we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?

Google TV Streamer review shot

Google TV Streamer finally getting the puzzle piece it’s been missing since day oneSolves my biggest issue with the streaming device

Solves my biggest issue with the streaming device

1. More AI#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

2. More features#

4. Convenience#

1. More AI

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

2. More features

4. Convenience