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Pixel 10 Pro Pro Res Zoom samples surface online

Early samples of the Pixel 10 Pro Pro Res Zoom show limitations at 30x and 100x, prompting questions about AI driven long-range imaging.

August 21, 2025 at 08:21 AM
blur The first Pixel 10 Pro Res Zoom samples show up online, and they're pretty bad

Early samples of the Pixel 10 Pro’s AI powered zoom show clear limits at long range, raising questions about the feature's usefulness.

Pixel 10 Pro Pro Res Zoom samples reveal AI limits

The first samples of Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Pro Res Zoom have surfaced online after a Reddit post from a user who tested the feature at a Best Buy store, including 30x and 100x comparisons. The early results show the 30x image cleaner in some cases, but the AI struggles with artwork and tiny text, trying to add definition where it shouldn’t. At 100x, the images appear distorted, with shapes sharpened into blobs and text that no longer resembles the alphabet. Cityscape shots from another outlet look less dramatic but still reveal uneven performance depending on the subject.

Google notes that Pro Res Zoom uses a diffusion based AI model and says the technology is best suited for wildlife, landmarks, and landscapes, while not applying the diffusion model to people. Aside from Pro Res Zoom, the Pixel 10 Pro line offers features such as Camera Coach, 50MP portraits, and AV1 video capture. Public reaction to the feature is mixed in early polls, reflecting cautious optimism rather than outright enthusiasm.

Key Takeaways

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AI zoom does not guarantee clearer long range shots across all subjects
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At very high magnification, AI can introduce artifacts and distortions
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Performance varies by subject type with landscapes sometimes faring better
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Manufacturers must set clear expectations about AI capabilities
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Public reaction to AI features can influence brand trust and reception
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Other camera features on the Pixel 10 Pro offer value independent of AI zoom
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Independent testing and transparent reviews are essential for consumer trust

"The 30x Pro Res Zoom comparison reveals a cleaner rendition of Mario, for one."

From the sample description in Android Authority coverage.

"The 100x shot of the passenger jet is the worst Pro Res Zoom photo we’ve seen so far."

Quoted in the sample analysis of the Pixel 10 Pro reviews.

"Google says its diffusion based AI model doesn’t apply to people"

Directly from Google’s stated guidance in the article.

"Pro Res Zoom isn’t a silver bullet for long range zoom quality"

Editorial assessment of the feature’s limits.

This episode highlights a broader challenge for AI driven camera features: improvements in one area can create new limitations in others. Viewers are asked to trust a diffusion based model to interpret distant scenes, yet the artifacts at high zoom levels erode trust in the final image. The mixed real world results underscore the need for independent testing and clear expectations from manufacturers about what AI can and cannot do. While AI zoom may prove useful in some landscapes or architectural shots, it should not be treated as a substitute for solid optics and careful framing.

The Pixel example also raises questions about how brands communicate AI capabilities. If the strongest performance is limited to specific subjects, that should be stated plainly to avoid misleading consumers. As AI features proliferate, real world performance will matter more than marketing promises, and users will reward devices that deliver consistent behavior across a range of scenarios.

Highlights

  • AI zoom is a beta feature that needs more work
  • This looks less like a photo and more like a test
  • Google says diffusion based AI does not apply to people
  • Pro Res Zoom isn’t a silver bullet for long range zoom quality

AI zoom raises questions about marketing claims and consumer trust

Early samples show clear limitations of the AI powered zoom at long range, especially with text and artwork. This could affect consumer trust if users expect consistently sharp results across all subjects. The issue also invites scrutiny of how the feature is marketed and tested.

Real world results will decide whether AI zoom becomes a trusted tool or another marketing line item.

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