Yes, it can, but only through two specific changes: resizing and compression. Google says Original quality keeps photos at the resolution you shot them with, with no change to quality. Storage saver compresses photos and shrinks anything over 16 megapixels (MP) to 16 MP. Express, where it’s available, may shrink anything over 3 MP to 3 MP. Whether you’d actually see the difference on paper depends on the pixels left, the crop, the print size and how closely the print is viewed.
What each backup setting does to your file
| Setting | What Google says it does | Print size Google cites |
|---|---|---|
| Original quality | Photos are stored at the resolution you took them with, with no change to quality. Counts toward Google Account storage. | Google recommends it for photos over 16 MP and for large banners. |
| Storage saver | Photos are compressed. Photos larger than 16 MP are resized to 16 MP. Counts toward account storage. Some uploads may be converted to another format such as JPG. | Good-quality 16 MP photos can print up to 24 × 16 inches. |
| Express (where available) | Photos may be compressed. Photos larger than 3 MP may be resized to 3 MP. | Good-quality 3 MP photos can print up to 6 × 8 inches. |
All figures come from Google’s current Google Photos Help page on backup quality (accessed 2026; the page shows no publication year). Some files aren’t eligible for compression at all and stay at their original size.
Resizing and compression are different problems
Resizing removes pixels
This is the change that matters most for print. A 50 MP phone or camera file saved under Storage saver ends up at 16 MP. A 12 MP photo is below the threshold, so it isn’t resized. Under Express, though, anything over 3 MP can be cut to 3 MP, which leaves little room for large prints or crops.
Compression changes how the data is stored
Compression can discard fine detail and may change the file format. Google doesn’t say how strong the compression is or what artifacts it produces. Neither Google nor Epson has published controlled side-by-side prints of the same image at Original quality and Storage saver. So you can’t say Storage saver always matches Original, and you can’t say it always prints visibly worse.
#1 Best Overall
- User-Friendly Portable Photo Printer for iPhone, Android & PC - Get beautiful and colourful memories with Liene 4x6 photo printer! After opening the entire package, you can find one cartridge + 20 sheets of photo paper (placed inside the machine packaging), as well as an additional box containing 80 sheets of photo paper (which includes two cartridges + 80 sheets of photo paper). Full package includes smartphone photo printer, Liene 4x6 photo printer papers (100 sheets), 3 colour cartridges, and fully sealed cassette to prevent dust. Minimalist and magnetic design for compact storage.
- Superior Quality 4x6 Photo Printer - Print photos like no other thanks to the thermal-dye sublimation tech adopted by the picture printer for iphone. The dyes deeply penetrate the paper for vibrant photo printing, and the laminated surface is resistant to water, scratches, fingerprints and fading. Clean the print head promptly if smudges are observed on printed photos during operation. Get Liene photo printers now for yourself and your loved ones, print your happy moments together and keep your love forever!
- Wi-Fi Photo Printer for Smartphone - The built-in hotspot of the photo printer makes it easy to print pictures from your phone, avoiding outside interference with a fast and stable connection. No other networks required! Simply connect your device to the independent instant photo printer 4x6 hotspot.
- Multiple Device Compatibility - Liene phone printer provides instant photo printing for up to 5 simultaneous connections. Share with family and friends or print from your different devices. No additional cables or Bluetooth required when printing photos with this picture printer. Note: Ensure the ink cartridge clicks into place before printing.
- Customize your Printing with the Liene App - Customize your photos with our specialized App! You can add a Square border, insert filters, enhance the contrast and brightness, check printing status, and more. You can even print your ID and Visa photos from home with this photo printer for iphone 4x6 prints.
How big can you print a Storage saver photo?
Google’s own guidance is that good-quality 16 MP photos print up to 24 × 16 inches, and 3 MP photos up to 6 × 8 inches. Treat these as Google’s guidance, not a guarantee for every image or print provider.
Epson Europe’s general printing guidance (undated page, accessed 2026) recommends an image resolution of 300–360 dpi, but says the suitable level differs with viewing conditions. A poster viewed from across a room needs less pixel density than a photo book page held in your hands. Epson also notes that cropping can leave too little resolution for the chosen output size.
Rank #2
- Dock Photo Printer: The KODAK Dock Plus is a home photo printer that produces high-quality 4x6” prints directly from compatible smartphones. Featuring an integrated docking station, users can place their phone on the printer for better connection while simultaneously charging the device during printing.
- Genuine 4PASS dye sublimation printing: Each photo is produced in three color layers and finished with a clear protective lamination layer. In approximately 55 seconds, you receive a smooth, detailed print designed to resist fingerprints, water, and fading for long-lasting quality.
- Easy to Use: Print photos quickly without complicated setup or technical steps. Simply power on, connect wireless bluetooth, and start printing within seconds. The Dock Plus is built for straightforward operation, making it ideal for first time users and everyday photo printing.
- Home Printing Station: Designed for stable desktop use, this dock photo printer connects to a power outlet for consistent performance and larger 4x6” prints. Ideal for home printing, photo albums, framing, family events, and everyday picture printing.
- KODAK Photo Printer APP: Featuring integrated Bluetooth connectivity, this portable printer connects to compatible iOS and Android devices through the KODAK Photo Printer app. Edit, crop, and customize your photos before printing for creative results.
Don’t confuse a printer’s advertised dpi, which describes its dot resolution, with your image’s pixel dimensions. Epson treats them as separate concepts.
Quick pixel check
Divide the image’s pixel dimensions by the print size in inches to get an approximate dpi. A 16 MP photo is typically about 4,900 × 3,300 pixels (3:2). At 24 × 16 inches that’s roughly 200 dpi, below Epson’s general 300–360 recommendation. That fits Epson’s point that the right level depends on viewing distance, and Google’s 24 × 16 figure should be read in that light. By the same arithmetic, a 3 MP image (about 2,000 × 1,500 pixels) at 6 × 8 inches is roughly 250 dpi. These are my own calculations from the cited figures, not tested results.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- 2x3" Portable Photo Printer: The upgraded PP01 photo printer uses advanced inkjet technology. This portable photo printer produces vivid, full-color prints on premium sticky-backed photo paper that is smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. The Nelko mini photo printer is pocket-sized and weighs only 308g, making it ultra-portable for school, travel, and field trips. Each ink cartridge prints up to 80 full-color 2x3 photos on sticky-backed paper
- Easy Printing via Bluetooth: The PP01 mini photo printer is compatible with iOS and Android phones via Bluetooth. Simply download the Nelko app from Google Play or the App Store. Load the 2x3 photo paper with the smooth side facing down. Install the ink cartridge, connect via Bluetooth, and print directly using the Nelko app. A USB charging cable is included; the adapter is not included
- High Photo Quality: This mini photo printer uses advanced inkjet technology for clear, vibrant prints. This portable photo printer produces 600 DPI high-resolution images with precise colors, capturing fine details and realistic tones. Each photo comes with adhesive backing, perfect for scrapbooks and preserving your memories. Personalize every photo for holidays, birthdays, or daily events
- Powerful App: The Nelko 2x3" PP01 photo printer app lets you edit photos and offers a variety of frame designs, making it perfect for personalizing your photos for projects like scrapbooking or journaling. Download the Nelko app to create collages and customize photos with filters, graffiti, borders, stickers, text, AI image editing, and many other features. Edit photos on your phone, then send them to the Nelko app for instant printing in under 90 seconds
- Versatile Usage Scenarios: This portable photo printer is ideal for travel journals, party favors, and family gatherings. Students use it for planners and photo printing. Crafters use it for DIY projects, custom labels, and scrapbooking. It's a practical tool for bloggers, small businesses, and event photographers to create instant giveaways. Perfect for Mother's Day surprises and heartfelt moments with loved ones using Nelko sticky-backed photo paper.
How to check a specific photo
- Open the photo in Google Photos and view its Info/Details panel to see the backup details and pixel dimensions.
- If a Storage saver backup attempt couldn’t compress the item, Google says the details show “Not eligible for Storage saver”, meaning it stays at its original size.
- Work out the final crop. Cropping removes pixels, so a tight crop of a 16 MP image may behave like a much smaller file.
- Compare the pixel dimensions with the print size you want, using the check above and your viewing distance.
- If the original is still on your phone, camera or another backup, compare its dimensions and appearance with the Google Photos copy before you order a large or closely viewed print. This is a sensible precaution based on Google’s and Epson’s guidance, not something either company promises.
To change the setting on a computer, Google directs you to photos.google.com/settings to choose backup quality. Changing it affects future uploads. Check Google’s help page for what happens to photos already backed up.
When to use Original quality
- Your camera or phone produces files over 16 MP and you may print large.
- You plan to crop heavily before printing.
- You’re making banners or prints viewed up close. Google specifically recommends Original quality for large banners.
- You use Express and want prints bigger than small ones. At 3 MP, Google’s cited limit is 6 × 8 inches.
Storage saver is reasonable for ordinary snapshots printed at common sizes, especially when the source is near or below 16 MP. Original quality costs account storage, which is the trade-off.
Rank #4
- Dual 4x6" & 3x3" Photo Printer Paper Tray Convenience: Seamlessly print both 6-inch standard photo paper and 3-inch sticky-backed paper with our innovative dual tray design. This compact phone photo printer for smartphone offers easy storage and quick access, making it perfect for diverse printing needs without taking up much space. Enjoy vibrant, high-quality prints every time.
- Fast Bluetooth Connectivity: Experience lightning-fast printing with our liene photo printer's Bluetooth connection, which pairs in just 13 seconds. Enjoy a seamless and efficient printing experience, perfect for capturing and sharing memories on the go without the hassle of cables or complex setups.
- Superior Quality Photo Printer 4x6 - Print photos like no other thanks to the thermal-dye sublimation tech adopted by the picture printer for iphone. The dyes deeply penetrate the paper for vibrant photo printing, and the laminated surface is resistant to water, scratches, fingerprints and fading. Get Liene photo printers now as amazing gifts for yourself and your loved ones, print your happy moments together and keep your love forever!
- Multiple Device Compatibility - Liene picture printer for iphone provides instant photo printing for up to mutiple simultaneous connections. Share with family and friends or print from your different devices. No additional cables required when printing photos with this phone printer.
- Customize your Printing with the Liene App - Customize your photos with our specialized App! You can add a Polaroid border, insert filters, enhance the contrast and brightness, check printing status, and more. You can even print your ID and Visa photos from home with this iphone photo printer for 4x6 & 3x3 prints.
What isn’t known
The sources don’t measure how visible Google’s compression is on a given print. They don’t give exact compression settings, and they don’t say how any particular photo lab processes Google Photos files. A fair test would need the same original, each backup variant, matched crops and one print pipeline. Until you’ve compared the two copies yourself, treat the pixel count as the reliable figure and the compression effect as unquantified.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Instant Photo Printing: The KODAK Mini 2 Retro is a portable photo printer designed to turn smartphone pictures into high quality prints in seconds. Whether capturing family moments, travel highlights, journaling pages, or creative projects, this mini printer lets you print real photos anytime, anywhere.
- Genuine 4PASS dye sublimation printing: Each photo is produced in three color layers and finished with a clear protective lamination layer. In approximately 55 seconds, you receive a smooth, detailed print designed to resist fingerprints, water, and fading for long-lasting quality.
- Easy to Use: Print photos quickly without complicated setup or technical steps. Simply power on, connect wireless bluetooth, and start printing within seconds. The Mini 2 Retro is built for straightforward operation, making it ideal for first time users and everyday photo printing.
- Print Anytime, Anywhere: Small enough to fit in your hand, bag, or even a pocket, the Mini 2 Retro is built for on-the-go printing. Ideal for parties, trips, school projects, scrapbooks, and spontaneous moments where you want real prints without waiting.
- KODAK Photo Printer APP: Featuring integrated Bluetooth connectivity, this portable printer connects to compatible iOS and Android devices through the KODAK Photo Printer app. Edit, crop, and customize your photos before printing for creative results.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
