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Google Pixel 8 Pro has received much praise for its camera capabilities. It boasts a triple camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP wide lens, 48MP telephoto lens, and 48MP ultrawide lens. With a powerful camera combo placed on the rear, it also boasts a bunch of AI features. In the latest update, the phone maker is bringing support for astrophotography on ultrawide shots, a feature it had quietly killed at the end of 2020. But, again, it will be a Pixel 8 Pro exclusive.
Google Camera is reviving ultrawide astrophotography, but only for Pixel 8 Pro
According to Android Authority, Google Camera is reviving ultrawide astrophotography, and it will be exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro. So, when the user activates the astrophotography mode, provided the phone remains steady in a low-light environment, the updated Google Camera app offers shooting options at the standard 1x, 2x, and notably, 0.5x magnifications. Interestingly, this feature is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro at the moment. Neither the Pixel 8 nor Pixel Fold don’t present the 0.5x option in astrophotography mode, confirmed 9to5Google.
Now, you’d ask why just the Pixel 8 Pro and what sets it apart. Well, the Pixel 8 Pro utilizes a 48MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. It is superior in capturing more detail and light compared to the standard Pixel 8’s 12MP sensor at f/2.2.
Google had killed this feature a few years ago
Google initially removed the capability for ultrawide astrophotography shots from the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G in 2020. While the company didn’t provide a specific explanation for this decision, it appears that the removal was prompted by feedback from users who were dissatisfied with the image quality. We should take this gesture to revive ultrawide astrophotography on a positive note. Plus, anticipate more Pixel phones (at least the Pixel 8 and the upcoming Pixel 8a) to receive the feature.