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Start with the settings that help you frame photos and control what information they include: turn on the grid if it helps you compose, choose 4:3 or 16:9 for your preferred framing, and decide whether to save location data. Then leave situational tools such as Top Shot and Night Sight ready for the moments they suit. RAW + JPEG, Pro Controls and 50 MP capture are later choices for specific workflows or supported models—not universal upgrades.
1. Turn on gridlines if they help you compose
In the Camera app, open Settings → More settings → Grid type. Gridlines provide a visual aid for framing; they do not improve image quality by themselves. Use them if you find it helpful to align a horizon, place a subject, or keep framing consistent. Google lists the control in its Pixel Camera settings help.
2. Pick the aspect ratio that suits your framing
Google’s Camera settings offer Full image (4:3) and Wide crop (16:9). Choose based on how you want the image framed and where you expect to view or share it. The help page does not describe either as universally better.
3. Make a deliberate choice about location stamps
In Camera settings → More settings, the Save location option controls whether location information is included with photo and video metadata. Turn it off if you do not want that information attached; keep it on if recording where a shot was taken is useful to you. This is a privacy preference, not an image-quality control. Google documents the setting on its Camera settings page.
#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]
4. Use Top Shot for movement and group photos
Top Shot captures a burst and automatically selects a best shot, which can help when people are moving or someone may blink. Menu options depend on the phone generation: Pixel 10 and later offer Auto; Pixel 9a and earlier offer Auto or On. Google’s steps and availability are in Top Shot and Frequent Faces help.
Auto Best Take is a separate, model-specific option
Google documents Auto Best Take for Pixel 10 and later. It requires Google Photos and Top Shot to be enabled. Check your Camera app’s available controls rather than assuming the option appears on every Pixel.
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]
Frequent Faces and privacy
Google says Frequent Faces data is stored on the device and is not sent to Google; turning the feature off deletes that data. On Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold, Google says the feature can help show skin tones more accurately. These details are also covered in Google’s Top Shot and Frequent Faces help.
5. Let Night Sight handle dim scenes
Google’s guidance is direct: “When you take a photo in low-light conditions and the Photo mode or Portrait mode is on, Night Sight automatically turns on.” You can also select Night Sight yourself, but it is intended for low light—not something to force on for every scene. Google says flash disables automatic Night Sight. See Google’s low-light and night photography help.
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For star photos, stabilize the phone
Google advises placing the phone on a steady surface, such as a stand or tripod, for Astrophotography. Its night-sky guidance says to take star photos at least 45–90 minutes after sunset; treat that as practical guidance from Google, not a guaranteed result. The same night photography guide explains the relevant low-light modes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Enable advanced capture options only if you will use them
These controls depend on the phone model and your editing workflow. Google’s high-quality photo controls help describes the stated compatibility below; camera menus may also change with device generations and app updates.
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]
| Option | When it makes sense | Google-documented availability |
|---|---|---|
| RAW + JPEG | Choose it if you want RAW files for editing as well as JPEGs. It adds a RAW-file workflow; skip it if you do not plan to edit RAW images. | Google documents how to enable it, with a setup exception on Pixel 8 Pro. |
| Pro Controls | Use these if you want manual control over supported capture settings rather than relying entirely on automatic choices. | Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. |
| 50 MP capture | Consider it when you specifically want the higher-resolution capture option; Google’s help does not establish it as the best choice for every photo. | Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL. On Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL, Google also lists it for Portrait mode. |
Because these options are model-specific, check what appears in your own Camera app before changing your routine. The cited Google help pages do not quantify file-size penalties or establish a universal image-quality ranking among these choices.
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
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