Google Pixel Camera Vs Iphone X Three Years Later Is The Pixel Still The Photo King

In 2017, two smartphones redefined mobile photography: the Google Pixel 2 and the Apple iPhone X. At the time, both devices were hailed for their imaging prowess, but in very different ways. The Pixel leaned heavily on computational photography to punch above its hardware weight, while the iPhone X brought Apple’s refined color science and hardware-software integration into the dual-camera era. Now, three years later, many users still rely on these phones daily. But when it comes to camera quality—especially under real-world conditions—does the Pixel still reign supreme?

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip. For millions of users holding onto older flagship devices, camera performance remains a top priority. With no hardware upgrades possible, software support, processing algorithms, and long-term reliability become critical. Let’s dissect how these two iconic cameras have aged and whether the Pixel’s early lead in computational photography has held firm.

The Legacy of Computational Photography

When the original Pixel launched in 2016, it shocked reviewers by outperforming phones with far more advanced hardware. Its secret? Google’s machine learning-driven HDR+, Night Sight, and superior noise reduction. By 2017, the Pixel 2 had refined these features further, delivering consistently accurate exposures, natural skin tones, and exceptional dynamic range—even in challenging lighting.

The iPhone X, meanwhile, introduced Portrait Mode with depth mapping and optical image stabilization on both rear cameras. While its hardware was more versatile (wide and telephoto lenses), Apple’s processing at the time lagged behind Google in low-light scenarios. The iPhone favored a warmer, more contrast-heavy look, which some found appealing but less true-to-life than the Pixel’s neutral rendering.

Tip: If you're still using either device, disable Auto HDR in settings to manually control when high dynamic range is applied—this avoids over-processing in already well-lit scenes.

Performance Three Years Later: Real-World Testing

To assess current performance, we evaluated both devices in identical lighting conditions across urban, indoor, and low-light environments. Both phones run their final supported OS versions—Android 11 for the Pixel 2 and iOS 16 for the iPhone X (via compatibility layers)—so no new camera features have been added in recent updates.

In daylight, both cameras produce sharp, detailed images. The Pixel retains an edge in shadow recovery and highlight preservation, thanks to its aggressive HDR+ algorithm. The iPhone X tends to clip highlights slightly in bright skies but delivers pleasing color saturation, particularly in greens and reds.

Low-light performance tells a clearer story. The Pixel’s Night Sight, introduced in late 2018 via software update, continues to outperform the iPhone X’s night mode equivalents. Even though Apple improved low-light handling in later iOS updates, the iPhone X lacks dedicated night mode optimization, relying instead on longer exposures within standard HDR. This results in blurrier images when subjects move or hands shake.

“Google built a camera that improves over time through software. Apple built a great camera that peaks early and plateaus.” — David Ng, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Weekly

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Feature	Google Pixel (2/2 XL)	iPhone X
Rear Cameras	12.2 MP f/1.8 (single lens)	12 MP f/1.8 wide + 12 MP f/2.4 telephoto
Night Mode	Yes (Night Sight, updated post-launch)	No native mode; limited low-light boost
HDR Processing	HDR+ with multi-frame fusion	SmarHDR (first-gen)
Portrait Mode	Software-based (no telephoto)	Dual-camera depth sensing
Software Updates	3 years (ended 2020)	5+ years (iOS 16 compatible)
Current Photo Quality (2024)	Excellent in most conditions	Good, but inconsistent in low light

Longevity and Software Support: The Hidden Factor

One often overlooked aspect is how software maintenance impacts camera performance over time. Google ended major OS and security updates for the Pixel 2 in 2020, meaning no new AI models or camera improvements have been pushed since. However, because much of the Pixel’s magic was baked into its local processing pipeline, it hasn’t degraded significantly.

In contrast, the iPhone X received iOS updates until 2023, including enhancements to the Camera app, better Smart HDR in iOS 13, and improved portrait lighting effects. While these didn’t add night mode per se, they optimized existing hardware more effectively over time. This extended relevance gives the iPhone X a slight advantage in system stability and app compatibility, even if raw photo quality doesn’t surpass the Pixel.

Battery degradation also plays a role. As batteries age, power throttling can affect image processing speed, especially during multi-frame captures like HDR+ or zoomed shots. Users of both devices report slower shutter response in cold temperatures or when battery health drops below 75%.

Mini Case Study: Urban Photographer’s Experience

Mark Tran, a freelance street photographer in Chicago, used a Pixel 2 as his primary camera from 2018 to 2021 before switching to a mirrorless setup. He kept his Pixel as a backup device and recently revisited old photos taken alongside his iPhone X during a trip to Tokyo.

“I shot the same scenes back-to-back,” Tran said. “In Shibuya at night, the Pixel captured neon signs without blown-out highlights and pulled detail from dark alleys. The iPhone X made the scene look prettier initially—more vibrant—but upon zooming, I saw crushed shadows and grainy midtones. For storytelling, the Pixel told a truer version of what I saw.”

He noted, however, that the iPhone X handled fast-moving subjects better due to faster autofocus and reduced shutter lag—a nod to Apple’s tight hardware integration.

Actionable Tips for Maximizing Camera Performance

If you’re still using either device, here are practical steps to get the most from your aging camera:

Tip: Clean your lens regularly with a microfiber cloth. Dust and oil smudges degrade image clarity more than sensor age.

• Use third-party camera apps (like Filmic Pro) to gain manual control over ISO, focus, and white balance.
• Avoid digital zoom—it amplifies noise and reduces detail, especially on the single-lens Pixel.
• Shoot in well-lit conditions whenever possible; both sensors struggle with fine texture retention in dim light.
• Enable DNG (raw) capture on the Pixel to preserve maximum editing flexibility.
• Keep storage free—both devices slow down when internal memory exceeds 85% capacity, affecting photo processing speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pixel 2 still compete with modern mid-range phones?

In daylight and static low-light scenes, yes. It holds up surprisingly well against budget phones under $300. However, modern devices with larger sensors and dual-pixel autofocus generally offer faster, more consistent results—especially for video and action shots.

Why does my iPhone X camera take so long to save photos now?

This is typically due to storage congestion or background processes. Try offloading old photos to iCloud, restarting the device, or resetting settings. Also, ensure iOS is updated to the latest supported version for performance optimizations.

Is it worth repairing a cracked Pixel or iPhone X camera lens?

Only if the rest of the phone is in excellent condition. Official repairs are costly, and third-party replacements may not match original calibration. Consider repair only if you value the device for sentimental or minimal-use purposes.

Final Verdict: Who Wears the Crown?

Three years later, the Google Pixel remains the photo king for pure image fidelity—particularly in dynamic and low-light scenarios. Its computational photography foundation allowed it to age gracefully, delivering results that still feel modern. The iPhone X, while impressive in its time, shows its limitations in shadow detail and noise control, despite benefiting from longer software support.

However, “best camera” depends on use case. If you prioritize ease of use, color consistency with other Apple devices, and dual-lens versatility, the iPhone X remains a solid choice. But if you value accuracy, dynamic range, and low-light brilliance, the Pixel still stands tall.

💬 Still shooting with a Pixel or iPhone X? Share your best photo tip or favorite shot taken on these classics. Your experience could help others keep their legacy devices performing at their peak.