Google has introduced a dedicated 10x zoom button to the camera app of its Pixel 10 Pro phones, addressing a long-standing usability issue and simplifying access to the high-quality 10x zoom capabilities offered by the Pixel Pro series.
The Pixel Pro series feature high-resolution 5x periscope cameras, and previously, users had to rely on a zoom slider within the camera app to achieve 10x zoom. However, this slider was criticized for being “finicky and sensitive,” often landing on zoom levels slightly above or below the desired 10x magnification, such as 10.5x or 9.8x. According to a report in Android Authority, these arbitrary zoom ranges could trigger additional software processing, potentially introducing unwanted artifacts into the image.
The inclusion of a 10x zoom button streamlines the process, allowing users to quickly access the optimal zoom level for the periscope camera without resorting to hybrid zoom or other software-based techniques. The Pixel 7 Pro and newer Pro models utilize a 48MP 5x periscope camera, cropping the center 12MP to achieve a 10x shot. This method allows for good-quality 10x images, especially in daytime conditions.
The absence of a dedicated 10x zoom button had been a point of contention for some time. Android Authority’s Rita El-Khoury criticized the omission over six months prior to this update. A December 2024 poll conducted by Android Authority revealed that over 70% of respondents desired a 10x zoom button in the Pixel Camera app, highlighting the demand for this feature among Pixel owners.
The new 10x zoom button was discovered on a demo unit at the Made By Google event. The addition aims to improve the user experience and showcase the long-range camera performance of the Pixel Pro phones, which are equipped with the necessary hardware capabilities to produce detailed 10x shots.
With this update, Google addresses a significant user request and enhances the accessibility of the Pixel Pro phones’ zoom capabilities.
