When I heard Google brag about the Pixel 7 Pro smartphone’s “pro-level zoom” and claim the phone’s photo features could rival mainstream cameras, my ears perked up. Of course, I am the kind of serious photographer that hauls a big camera around with an array of lenses, but I also like smartphone photos, so I decided to put these claims to the test. But the Pixel 7 Pros’ photo flexibility defied my camera set-up better than any phone I have used, outperforming even my DSLR camera in certain situations and earning it an “excellent” score from CNET Editor Andrew Lanxon.
While my camera and four lenses filled an entire backpack, Google’s smartphone fits into my pocket. And sure enough, this $900 smartphone lets me share selfies, check my emails, pay for groceries, and solve my daily crossword.
With steady year-over-year improvements to smartphone camera hardware and imaging software, smartphones are more than a better-than-nothing camera. These tiny bits of electronics are becoming more capable of capturing essential shots and opening new creative possibilities to those discovering the rewards of photography.