Here’s the crux of the article in video form:
The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google’s first Tensor-powered smartphones, have been lauded for their exceptional camera prowess, just like other Pixel phones before and after them. However, after over two years in service, the phones have become a subject of divided opinions when it comes to recent Pixel Camera updates. While some users report a noticeable decline in image quality, others claim their cameras have actually improved over time, with the latest updates bringing out the best in their Pixel 6’s photography.
Several Pixel 6 and 6 Pro users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the latest updates, claiming a noticeable drop in camera performance. Some have noticed a significant drop drop in clarity and vibrancy, particularly in selfies and low-light landscapes. Concerns range from blurry images to automatic post-processing adjustments that darken or oversharpen photos. The frustration is palpable, with some questioning if Google is intentionally pushing downgrades to encourage new phone purchases.
On the Google Pixel subreddit, one user lamented, “I used to get clear, vivid pictures with the Pixel 6. But I’ve seen a decline in the quality of my photos. Usually, they’re blurry, especially selfies, or dark in landscape pictures. Does the updates deliberately decrease the camera’s performance?”
Video recording woes add another layer to the update debate. Some Pixel 6 users have reported an autofocus issue specific to 60fps recordings, remedied only by switching to 30fps or using alternative camera apps. This suggests a software bug at play, potentially isolated to certain update versions of the Pixel Camera app. “I recently noticed that my Pixel 6, with the latest update of the Google camera, refused to focus on videos. I installed an alternate version of GCAM, and the videos do focus at 60fps. I think it’s a problem with the latest version,” user u/faga12 pointed out in another Reddit thread.
A Pixel 6 Pro user also chimed in, expressing frustration with changes in photo processing after updates. “I have had the Pixel 6 Pro for some time. After one of the updates, maybe a few months ago, the camera got worse. I take a picture, it looks good, and then a second or so later it changes and gets dark, sharper, or something. Does anyone else see this?”
Contrary to these complaints, some Pixel 6 users believe that the updates have enhanced their camera experience. One user mentioned, “I’ve had the Pixel 6 since launch and think that any change has been for the better. Just got back from a two-week holiday trip and was consistently impressed by the Pixel 6’s camera in a variety of contexts.”
Another user even compared the Pixel 6 Pro positively with the Pixel 8 Pro, stating, “When I compared my Pixel 6 Pro to my Pixel 8 Pro, cameras were on par. Both clarity and full zoom, even at 20x and 30x.”
Some have suggested clearing the cache of the Camera app to try to address this issue. This can be done through Settings > Apps > See all apps > Camera app > Storage and cache > Clear cache. Google also has a troubleshooting guide that you can try too.
With varying opinions among Pixel 6 users, it remains to be seen how Google addresses these concerns and whether future updates will bring a consensus on the camera performance. We’d also like to hear your thoughts on the Pixel 6 camera in the comments section and the poll below.
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Hillary Keverenge
2114 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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