Strapline: There is a disconnect between the image users perceive through the lens and the output their Pixel produces.
Google’s Pixel smartphones have been highly praised for their advanced computational photography capabilities. Nevertheless, recent user feedback—especially from those with the Pixel 9 Pro—indicates that Google’s image processing might be overly aggressive, modifying photos to the extent that they no longer reflect the original scene viewed through the camera.
A rising number of threads on the Google Pixel subreddit reveal that users notice considerable differences between the live view in the camera preview and the final images saved on their devices. The issue stems from Google’s intensive photo processing algorithms.
One Pixel 9 Pro user shared images of their orange Ford Mustang Shelby side by side. The viewfinder displayed the car’s genuine vibrant orange color, yet the processed image transformed the car into a much darker red, inaccurately representing its hue. This concern is not unique to one individual or device; many others reported similar issues, including faded sunsets and unrealistic saturation levels.
Google’s Pixel phones depend heavily on computational photography to enrich images. This process encompasses applying HDR (High Dynamic Range), modifying contrast, sharpening details, and enhancing saturation. Although these improvements aim to elevate image quality, they may sometimes go too far—particularly when the software misjudges lighting or color situations.
For Pixel 9 Pro users, even turning off features like Ultra HDR and “rich color in photos” often doesn’t mitigate the excessive processing. Some have discovered a workaround by activating “Top Shot,” which captures several frames before and after the shutter button is pressed. However, this must be manually set for each photo, and there is currently no option to make it the default setting.
Another Reddit user recounted their attempts to photograph a sunset. Rather than maintaining the deep reds and purples of the sky, the Pixel’s software rendered the image in a yellow-orange tint, diminishing the scene’s natural allure. Others expressed similar grievances, stating that the resulting images frequently appear over-saturated and excessively contrasted, giving them an artificial look.
Interestingly, some users noted that earlier Pixel models, like the Pixel 3, yielded more precise and naturally appealing photos. This indicates that Google’s latest image processing techniques may be too assertive for the preferences of various users.
In spite of the increasing number of grievances, Google has not yet recognized the issue or offered a solution. The May 2025 security patch, which addressed a significant zero-day vulnerability, did not feature any updates to the camera app. Previous patches, like the one in April, included minor enhancements in camera stability for older Pixel models but did not resolve the fundamental problem of image over-processing.
This situation leaves users feeling frustrated. While the Pixel camera can still create breathtaking images, the lack of control over post-processing can lead to uncertainty about what will be captured in the viewfinder. For photographers who prioritize accuracy and realism, this can be a major drawback.
Here are some potential measures Google could take to remedy this situation:
The Pixel 9 Pro and other recent Pixel devices continue to expand the limits of smartphone photography. However, the existing disparity between what users observe and what they receive is undermining confidence in the camera system. Until Google implements a solution or provides more detailed control, users may have to depend on alternatives—or even revert to older models—to achieve the photo outcomes they desire.
As Google progresses in enhancing its computational photography, it’s vital for the company to heed its
