Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Here’s a sneak peek at one of the Google Pixel 9 Pro’s new camera features

By
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL next to the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Pixel 9 Pro (left) and Google Pixel 8 Pro Ajay Kumar / Digital Trends

When Google introduced the Pixel 8 Pro last year, it promised a new feature for photographers called “Zoom Enhance,” which was revealed at Google I/O 2023. This feature is now being rolled out to the Pixel 8 Pro and will also be available on the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro devices.

Recently, Peyman Milanfar from Google published a few examples of how the feature works, providing a cool preview of what we can expect.

Recommended Videos

Google’s Zoom Enhance feature is AI-powered and designed to improve the quality of zoomed-in photos. It uses advanced algorithms to intelligently fill the gaps between pixels, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image.

When activated, Zoom Enhance works every time you zoom in on a photo. It analyzes the images, predicts missing details, and fills in the gaps, resulting in more detailed and sharper zoomed-in shots.

Milanfar explains that Zoom Enhance is the “first (image-to-image) diffusion model designed & optimized to run fully on-device.” That’s correct; this isn’t a cloud-based feature. Rather, it runs directly on the device.

But there’s more. Zoom Enhance can improve any photo where zoom was performed, even ones taken with other cameras, as long as they’re stored in Google Photos. Milanfar notes, “The input can be from any device, Pixel or not, old or new.”

As you can see, the result is pretty phenomenal. In this example, you can now see details on a bridge that previously weren’t there in the original zoomed-out photo.

Next, Milanfar demonstrates how you can adjust the composition of a shot (like a group photo) without compromising image quality.

Finally, in this last example, Milanfar illustrates the significant improvement one can achieve when capturing a distant shot of an iconic subject. In this instance, the distant view of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre appears remarkably closer and more detailed.

Zoom Enhance is compatible with the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Due to hardware constraints, the feature won’t work on regular versions of the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, or older Pixel models.

We’re excited to use the feature as we continue testing Google’s new Pixel 9 Pro phones. If these early images indicate Zoom Enhance’s capabilities, we’re in for something special.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
Does the Google Pixel 9 have an SD card slot?
A person holding the Google Pixel 9, showing the camera.

The Pixel 9 Pro may be the belle of the ball with more than a few jazzy tricks, but that hasn't stopped the Google Pixel 9 from winning itself some praise -- and for good reasons. The in-hand feel is plain fantastic, the looks are fresh, it performs reliably, and it takes photos that put far more expensive phones to shame.

It’s the Pixel camera, after all. It’s easy to be swayed, especially after seeing the results. But if you’ve been eyeing the Pixel 9 for its photography chops, storage space should be your primary consideration before you pick one, and rightfully so. As a result, you might be wondering if the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold have SD card slots to expand your available storage. Here's where you'll find your answers.
Does the Pixel 9 have an SD card slot?

Read more
Google made a puzzling decision with the Pixel 9
A person holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

Google's Pixel devices have supported Battery Share for a while, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices and accessories using a supported phone. Previously, you could perform this task while also charging your phone while it was plugged in. However, with the release of the Google Pixel 9 series, you can no longer do so.

As Android Police has discovered, a new Google support page explains that Battery Share automatically turns off whenever your Pixel 9 is plugged into a wired charger. This means you can no longer charge your phone and accessories simultaneously. Though Google hasn’t confirmed why, this change has probably been made to reduce heat and increase the lifespan of the phone’s battery.

Read more
Forget the Pixel 9 Pro. Here’s why I’m keeping my Pixel 7 Pro
Someone holding the Google Pixel 7 Pro.

Another year, another Pixel. Well, in this case, four new Pixels -- without including the Google Pixel 9a, which may arrive later this year. The Made by Google August event for 2024 introduced a mighty four new phones to the Pixel brand, the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

All four have the usual upgrades you'd expect from a new model of any smartphone, but there's a much more unwelcome surprise lurking beneath the shiny spec sheets: another price increase. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL cost $100 more than the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro -- which were already $100 more expensive than the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. Yes, that means Google has increased its prices for two years running.

Read more