The Pixel 11 Pro’s 5x zoom portrait mode is mind-blowing, and you have to try it
From cars to cats, the Pixel 11 Pro's portrait mode and telephoto camera combo is so much fun.
The Pixel 11 Pro, alongside its XL variant, introduces a remarkable 5x optical zoom telephoto camera that stands out in the smartphone landscape. While many flagship devices boast similar zoom capabilities, Google's Pixel series consistently impresses with its advanced computational photography, particularly in portrait mode.
Traditionally, portrait modes have been limited to capturing high-quality depth of field for human subjects, with varying degrees of accuracy in recognizing and separating other objects. The Pixel 11 Pro, however, takes a different approach. Its portrait mode adeptly identifies and focuses on the subject, regardless of whether it's a person, a car, a Lego minifigure, or even a cat, delivering stunning results.
The mode operates with three zoom options – 1x, 2x, or 5x – with the 5x being the key to unlocking the depth-of-field magic. While shooting at 5x requires more distance from the subject, the results are well worth the effort. The edge recognition is impressively precise, ensuring that the subject is cleanly separated from the complex background while maintaining natural, naturalistic colors and sharpness.
Critics might point out some limitations, such as difficulty in low-light conditions and occasional over-articulation of edge recognition, particularly with fur. However, when compared to competitors like the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the Pixel 11 Pro's portrait mode consistently delivers a more natural, less artificial depth-of-field effect, making it a standout feature in the Pixel 11 Pro's camera arsenal.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
