Pixel 3: We can do more with one rear camera than you can with four

The single camera on the back of the Pixel 3 makes a brazen statement. In a landscape where most high-end phones worth their salt have two (iPhone XS), three (Huawei P20 Pro, LG V40) or possibly even four rear cameras ( Samsung Galaxy A9), Google's willingness to bet the farm on its Cycloptic lens is a play of confidence that says, "Our single lens is better than all your fancy cameras combined."

It's worth noting that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL have two 8-megapixel front-facing cameras, but we'll get to that later.

Phonemakers, like Samsung and Apple, have been known to reserve a second lens for the higher-end model of a set. The Galaxy S9 has a single 12-megapixel lens where the Galaxy S9 Plus joins the dual-lens pack; the same goes for the single 12-megapixel lens on the forthcoming iPhone XR, versus the dual-lensed iPhone XS models. But both Google's 5.5-inch Pixel 3 and 6.3-inch Pixel 3 XL share the exact same 12.2-megapixel; there's no camera advantage by buying up.

samsunggalaxya92018-5 — Samsung's Galaxy A9 comes out swinging with four rear cameras.
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Cameras are a big deal. Along with battery life, photography is one of the pivotal reasons why people choose one phone over another. Phones with the brightest colors, deepest contrast, sharpest edges and brightest low light shots can win the day. Extra features like portrait photos, dramatic lighting options, wide-angle selfies and automatic, AI-driven scene detection, can help phonemakers stand out from one another -- or keep from falling behind their competitors.

There are a few reasons phones have a second, or even third, rear lens. Many phones have a telephoto sensor, which can add depth for portrait photos and give you a better image when you zoom in. An additional monochrome sensor can take black-and-white photos without applying a filter, or be used to add details that enhance a color picture. The triple-lens Huawei P20 Pro has all three.

LG's V40 three rear cameras can simultaneously snap a photo from each lens, and you can pick your favorite. That's more a software gimmick than an actual benefit. And the rumored Galaxy A9 is said to have an ultra-wide lens in addition to a "depth camera", a telephoto lens and the 24-megapixel "main" sensor.

The fact that Google only "needs" a single rear camera lens speaks to its software prowess. The tech titan, with its seemingly limitless resources, is far ahead of phonemakers when it comes to advanced image processing.

Specifically, AI and machine learning are two cutting-edge efforts in helping computers make decision on their own, e.g. brightening a photo based on dark weather conditions. And Google says it's studied millions of photos on Google Images to "[rethink] how images are captured," said Google hardware SVP Rick Osterloh in Tuesday's presentation.

Now playing: Watch this: Pixel 3 and 3 XL: CNET editors react

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Google has also outfitted its Pixel 3 handsets with extra or enhanced camera modes. Super Res Zoom creates a zoomed-in shot from multiple photos. Portrait mode lets you fine-tune the focus point, depth of field and color saturation. And low light photos promise to be even brighter and better than the Pixel 2's already lauded low light capabilities, without you ever turning on the flash -- a feature Google dubs Night Sight. Top Shot picks your best photo for you when you have motion mode on.

What about the Pixel 3's two selfie cameras?

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL's two 8-megapixel cameras get more of your friends and your background in your shot.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Given Google's extraordinary confidence in its single rear camera, it's interesting that the Pixel 3 phones follow handsets like LG's V40 to add a second camera on the face.

Last year's single-lens Pixel 2 was one of the only phones I used in 2017 that accurately kept my curly hair in focus on a portrait mode shot. Google accomplished that feat with software alone, so why is a second lens necessary now?

Google says that the wide-angle selfie cam, which it claims is 184 percent wider than the iPhone XS' front-facing shooter, is designed to fit more of your friends (or your landscape) into the frame. We managed to fit 13 CNET editors into a selfie shot on the Pixel 3, which is off to a good start.

The waiting game

The question on my mind -- and everyone else's -- is how well Google's Pixel phones succeed. Is the single camera really better than two or more? And which meaningful tricks and tools will the Pixel phones miss out on that other phones have?

Some Pixel 3 camera tricks are still to come.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Unfortunately, we have to wait. CNET's Pixel 3 reviews are ongoing, and those camera comparison deep dives you love take time. Besides that, two of the Pixel 3's camera features (Night Sight and Top Shot) won't be ready until after the phones go on sale.

Until then, I'll leave you with the reminder that Google's Pixel phones have an excellent photography track record. In fact, I can't think of a single mainstream phone playing at this high-end level that doesn't take terrific pictures overall.

In other words, if you're drawn to the Pixel 3 for its relatively lower price, timely Android updates and unlimited storage on Google Photos, it's a safe bet that photos will be good, even great. If you're looking for professional-grade photography and want to be completely sure, then hold off ordering while we work on competitor comparisons.

Read now: Hands-on with the Pixel 3 and 3 XL

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