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Use Apple Photos Clean Up if you have compatible Apple hardware and want to remove a distracting object without leaving Photos. Choose Google Photos Magic Editor when you want a broader generative edit—such as repositioning a subject or changing the sky—and its current availability and save terms suit you. Neither company’s documentation establishes an overall image-quality winner, so the best choice depends on your device, the edit and the photo app you already use.
What each editor is designed to do
Apple Photos Clean Up
Clean Up is Apple Intelligence’s object-removal feature in the Photos app. On iPhone, open a photo, tap Edit, choose Clean Up, then tap, brush over or circle the distracting item. Apple warns that brushing over a person’s face can produce a blurred or pixelated effect, and says generative results may vary. Apple’s Clean Up requirements and guidance
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Google Photos Magic Editor
Magic Editor is intended for generative changes that can go beyond removing an object. Google’s examples include repositioning a photo’s subject and changing a gray sky to blue. Google also documents selection-based erasing and other enhanced editing tools. Those examples show a broader documented use case; they do not demonstrate that every result is better than Apple’s. Google’s Magic Editor announcement and Google Photos editing guidance for iPhone and iPad
The Tool Desk
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| Question | Apple Photos Clean Up | Google Photos Magic Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Removing a distracting object in Apple Photos. | Generative edits such as repositioning a subject or changing a larger scene. |
| Supported devices | Listed Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, iPad and Mac models; see requirements below. | Supported Android and iOS devices; availability and requirements vary by device and feature. |
| Monthly save allowance | No comparable monthly cap is described in Apple’s cited Clean Up requirements. | Google announced 10 saves per month for Android and iOS users in April 2024, with qualifying exceptions. Check current terms in the app. |
| Library workflow | Edits within Apple Photos. | Edits can be saved over the original or as a copy, depending on the edit; backed-up edits sync to a Google Photos account. |
Check whether your device can use them
Apple Clean Up requirements
Apple lists iPhone 16 models and iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPads with A17 Pro or M1 and later, and Macs with M1 or later. The listed baseline software is iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 or macOS Sequoia 15.1. Apple notes regional restrictions: on supported iPhone and iPad models in the EU, Clean Up is available with iOS or iPadOS 18.4 or later. It currently will not work on devices purchased in mainland China; Apple also documents restrictions for supported devices from elsewhere when used in mainland China with a China mainland Apple Account region. Check Apple’s current requirements for your device and location.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Google Magic Editor requirements and allowance
Google announced on April 10, 2024, that Magic Editor would expand to Google Photos users on Android and iOS, with 10 saves per month. The announcement said Pixel devices or a Premium Google One plan of 2 TB or above were routes to go beyond that allowance, subject to minimum requirements; feature availability varied by device. These are the terms of that announcement, not a guarantee that every account or region has the same current policy. Confirm access and save limits in Google Photos before relying on them. Google’s announcement and terms
For iPhone and iPad, Google’s current editing guidance says most editing features require iOS 18 or later and at least 3 GB of RAM, while some features have higher requirements. Available tools vary. Google separately says some AI creation features require a network connection and backed-up photos, and availability varies by location; those statements should not be treated as a universal Magic Editor requirement. Google Photos iOS editing requirements and Google guidance on AI creation features
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Choose based on the edit and your workflow
- You only need to remove a distraction: Either tool has removal capabilities. If you already use Apple Photos and own a supported device, Clean Up keeps the task in that app. Google Photos is a natural fit if your library and editing routine are already there.
- You want to change composition or scene: Magic Editor has documented examples of moving a subject and changing the sky, making it the more clearly documented option for those kinds of generative edits.
- You need editing on an iPhone: Check Apple’s model and regional eligibility first. Google Photos may be available on supported iPhones, but its editing tools and requirements vary; installing the app alone does not guarantee access to every feature.
- You expect to make many edits: Google’s April 2024 announcement specified 10 monthly saves and qualifying ways to exceed that limit. Because terms can change, verify the current allowance in the app. Apple’s cited Clean Up requirements do not specify a comparable monthly save cap.
- You care where edits are stored: Google says backed-up edits sync to a Google Photos account and that a saved edit may replace the original or be saved as a copy, depending on the edit. Check the save option shown for the particular change you make.
Review the result before keeping it
Both companies caution that generative edits can vary or produce unexpected results. Inspect faces, edges and the area around removed or generated content before sharing or treating an edit as final. Apple specifically flags possible blur or pixelation when Clean Up is brushed over a person’s face. Google also says outputs from its cited AI creation features may be unexpected or inaccurate. Neither company’s cited materials establish that its editor is consistently more accurate, natural-looking, faster or higher-quality overall; that would require a separate comparative test. Apple Clean Up guidance and Google AI creation guidance
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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