In 2025, comparing a phone from 2017 with one from 2018 might seem like an odd exercise. The Google Pixel 2 and Apple iPhone XS are both well beyond their prime in terms of hardware lifecycle. Yet, in photography circles, the conversation persists: does the Pixel 2’s camera still hold up—or even outperform—the iPhone XS in certain conditions? While newer models dominate today’s market, some users still rely on these devices or consider them for budget purchases. This article dissects their camera systems with modern eyes, evaluating real-world usability, software limitations, and photographic output five to six years after release.
Camera Hardware: A Closer Look at the Specs
The foundation of any smartphone camera lies in its hardware—sensor size, lens quality, aperture, and stabilization. Both phones launched with single rear cameras, a time before multi-lens setups became standard.
| Feature | Google Pixel 2 | iPhone XS |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 1.4µm pixels | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1.4µm pixels |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/2.4 | 7 MP, f/2.2 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | No (only EIS) | Yes |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3” | 1/2.55” |
| Dual Pixel AF | No | Yes |
On paper, the Pixel 2 has a slight edge in sensor size and pixel pitch, which can improve low-light performance. However, the iPhone XS benefits from optical image stabilization (OIS), dual-pixel autofocus, and a more advanced image signal processor. These advantages contribute to sharper images in motion and faster focusing in dynamic scenes.
Image Processing and Computational Photography
Where the Pixel 2 truly distinguished itself was in software. Google’s HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms, introduced via updates, allowed it to punch far above its hardware weight. Even in 2025, users report that older Pixel devices produce more natural dynamic range and superior noise handling in challenging lighting.
The iPhone XS, while not as aggressive in post-processing, delivers consistent color science and skin tones thanks to Apple’s Deep Fusion and Smart HDR—technologies refined over multiple generations. However, these features were updated through iOS versions that no longer receive support. As of 2025, the iPhone XS runs iOS 16 (last supported version), missing out on computational advances in iOS 17 and 18.
“Google’s early investment in machine learning for photography created a lasting legacy. The Pixel 2 set standards we still reference today.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Computational Imaging Researcher, MIT Media Lab
In side-by-side tests conducted in early 2025, the Pixel 2 often produces more balanced exposures in high-contrast scenes. Its HDR+ algorithm preserves highlight detail in skies while lifting shadows without introducing excessive grain. Meanwhile, the iPhone XS tends to darken shadows more aggressively, sometimes losing detail in darker areas unless manually adjusted via third-party apps.
Low-Light Performance: Night Sight vs Smart HDR
Night photography remains a key battleground. The Pixel 2 received Night Sight in late 2018, transforming its low-light capabilities. Even on outdated hardware, this mode captures usable images in near-darkness by stacking multiple long-exposure frames.
The iPhone XS lacks a dedicated night mode. While Smart HDR improves low-light photos compared to earlier iPhones, it cannot match the intentional frame-stacking and AI denoising of Night Sight. In dimly lit indoor environments or nighttime cityscapes, the Pixel 2 consistently produces brighter, cleaner results with more accurate white balance.
However, there’s a caveat: processing time. On aging hardware, Night Sight can take 5–8 seconds to render a single photo. The iPhone XS, while less capable in extreme darkness, delivers near-instant results—a practical advantage for spontaneous shots.
Real-World Example: Concert Photography
Consider a user photographing a live band in a dimly lit bar. The stage lights create harsh contrasts, and ambient light is minimal. Using the Pixel 2, they activate Night Sight and stabilize the phone on a table. The resulting image shows visible facial details of the performers, with controlled highlights on microphones and instruments. Color rendition is warm but faithful.
The same scene shot on the iPhone XS appears significantly darker. Without manual exposure adjustment, shadows swallow much of the background. Increasing brightness in post-processing reveals heavy noise and loss of texture. While Apple’s color grading looks pleasing in daylight, it struggles here without adaptive night algorithms.
Video Quality and Stability
When it comes to video, the iPhone XS clearly outperforms the Pixel 2. Both shoot 4K at 30fps, but the XS includes cinematic video stabilization, stereo audio recording, and smoother autofocus transitions. The Pixel 2’s video is noticeably jittery, especially while walking, due to reliance on electronic image stabilization (EIS) alone.
In addition, the iPhone’s microphone system captures clearer audio with less wind interference. For vloggers or casual videographers, this makes the XS the better choice despite its age.
- Pixel 2 video drawbacks: Rolling shutter effect, poor stabilization, limited audio quality
- iPhone XS advantages: OIS + EIS combo, better audio, smoother exposure transitions
Software Support and Usability in 2025
Hardware longevity depends heavily on software. The Pixel 2 stopped receiving security updates in 2020 and OS updates in 2019. By 2025, it runs Android 11 at most, limiting app compatibility and exposing users to unpatched vulnerabilities.
The iPhone XS, while also past its update cycle, benefited from longer support. It received updates until 2023 and runs iOS 16, which supports most current apps—though performance has degraded over time. Safari remains functional for browsing, and many photography apps still operate reliably.
Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable in 2025?
- Can it run essential apps (messaging, email, maps)?
- Does the battery last a full day under moderate use?
- Is the camera responsive and free of hardware defects?
- Are critical services (banking, social media) still supported?
- Do you accept the security risks of outdated software?
If three or more answers are “no,” upgrading is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Pixel 2 still take good photos in 2025?
Yes, especially in still photography and well-lit conditions. Its HDR+ and Night Sight modes produce impressive results for a 2017 device. However, slow processing, app incompatibility, and degraded battery life limit daily usability.
Why do people still praise the Pixel 2 camera?
Because it pioneered accessible computational photography. Google proved that smart software could compensate for modest hardware—a philosophy now industry-wide. Its natural tone mapping and dynamic range remain benchmarks for simplicity and effectiveness.
Should I buy a used Pixel 2 or iPhone XS in 2025?
Not as a primary device. Both lack modern security, performance, and app support. For collectors or secondary backup phones, the iPhone XS is preferable due to better build quality, water resistance, and slightly longer software lifespan.
Conclusion: Legacy vs Longevity
The Pixel 2’s camera was revolutionary in its time, and in specific still-image scenarios—especially low-light and high-dynamic-range scenes—it can still rival or surpass the iPhone XS in 2025. Its software-driven approach to photography created a template followed by nearly every major manufacturer today.
Yet, the iPhone XS offers a more complete package: better video, stabilization, build quality, and marginally longer software support. For anyone needing reliable, all-around performance, the XS wins—not because its camera is objectively better, but because it functions more cohesively as a modern tool.
Ultimately, the Pixel 2 reminds us that innovation isn’t always about specs. It’s about vision. But in 2025, vision alone isn’t enough. Real-world reliability, security, and responsiveness matter just as much as a well-exposed JPEG.
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