Pixel 10 Pro edges out in 100x zoom

A neutral look at how Google Pixel 10 Pro’s AI driven 100x zoom compares with Samsung’s 100x Space Zoom.

Pixel 10 Pro Delivers Clearer 100x Zoom Than Galaxy S25 Ultra

Google's Pixel 10 Pro introduces Pro Res Zoom, an on-device AI based reconstruction that speeds up ultra zooming to about 4–5 seconds. The phone pairs a 50MP main camera with a 48MP ultra-wide and a 48MP 5x tele, all powered by the Tensor G5 chip and AI features such as Camera Coach and Magic Cue to improve detail and reduce noise at high magnification. In tests led by YouTuber Parker Burton, Pixel 10 Pro produced crisper, more detailed shots at 100x than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, which relies on 100x Space Zoom but often shows grainier results under similar conditions.

Samsung remains competitive on hardware, but Google's approach highlights how on-device AI processing and integrated software can tilt the balance in long distance photography. The comparison underscores a broader shift in smartphones where image quality at extreme zooms depends as much on processing power and AI performance as on lens reach. Viewers should consider lighting, distance, and real-world use when evaluating claims, since lab tests can diverge from everyday shooting.

The Pixel 10 Pro example signals a new battleground for camera phones: AI powered on-device processing is becoming the deciding factor in photo quality, not just the zoom spec. This shift reduces dependency on server processing and can speed up results, but it also raises questions about heat, battery life, and consistency across lighting. For consumers, the trend means rewards for smarter software and hardware integration, while rivals must match or exceed these AI capabilities to stay competitive. As camera features move from niche specs to everyday tools, the quality of a distant shot may matter more than the mere magnification offered by a headline number.

Looking ahead, the market could see a wave of phones that trade raw zoom reach for more intelligent, noise-resistant imagery at distance. The key test will be real world usage: how reliably the AI keeps detail in shadows, how it handles movement, and how users perceive the difference in everyday photos, not just in side-by-side lab tests.

Highlights

The camera landscape is shifting from raw reach to smarter, smarter photographed moments.