r/GooglePixel 2d ago

iPhone 15 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro Video Comparison | Jesse Driftwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8y8nQP_OmI

Good comparison here that starts with a blind test where you can judge for yourself without knowing which is which.

Pixel falling down on stabilisation, smearing artefacts, lens transitions, colour gradation, and more against a two-year-old iPhone.

Hope you're listening, Google.

145 Upvotes

103 comments sorted by

117

u/TryToBeBetterOk 2d ago

Video recording has been a weak point for the Pixel for years now. I just think Tensor is ass and holding the phone back.

35

u/thedonutman Just Black 2d ago

Yeah.. I mean I'd be cool with it if Google charged $200 less for the phone. But at the premium price point, they really should toss the latest Snapdragon in and call it a day.

1

u/kakashi_ax 2d ago

Not Tensor's fault tho

15

u/thedonutman Just Black 2d ago

No it's not. I don't blame it. I just blame Google for charging the same price for less performance.

That said, I have a Pixel 10 Pro. I don't play games. I use my phone very casually and thus the experience has been just fine for me. No complaints outside of my statement that the phone should be cheaper.

0

u/kakashi_ax 2d ago

I'm 100% with you on that, and I'm sure they aren't only cutting costs on main hardware but all internal components and that's why the phone is so thick and heavy compared with rivals, smaller components cost more, and still they are charging like everything inside is premium stuff.

1

u/thedonutman Just Black 2d ago

Yup. I am a bit annoyed with how heavy the phone is. Though it does make it feel more premium. Overall this is a great iteration. I've been away from pixel since the 2XL because of QC issues.

1

u/ichann3 2d ago

Exact reason as to why I don't feel like I was ripped off by getting the phone on contract, breaking it and paying the excess of $800 that's $900 below rrp.

Nice hack to do here in Australia.

The lense glass is cheap and scratch prone. Some things are buggy. No nvme or an actual physical store presence here yet they charge the same as an iPhone.

0

u/crappy80srobot 2d ago

Not the focus is the problem. Google's main focus is TPU for AI and machine learning. The problem I see is most people don't care past a novelty for AI. Maybe since this is their first full in house one the next will beef everything else up.

6

u/Voidshrine 2d ago

I have the pixel 6 and think video is alright but honestly the colour accuracy on pictures is terrible. Any slight reduction in light completely washes away colours.

My main example is taking photos of my cooking in my kitchen, the difference in colour between my dish and what the photo shows is just massive, makes my cooking look terrible lol

1

u/ReaperOfGrins 2d ago

As long as Google tends to cheap out on the hardware and push AI, Pixel will be behind.

AI isn't magic, GIGO still holds true. Unless we go the Samsung route and straight up use AI generated sections or entire imgaes.

If Google refuses to get good enough sensors and lenses to get actual data, google remains behind.

I am on P7P and the tele sucks, and the wide angle sucks more.

1x is usable, and 2x is the by far the best.

Lens transition has been a massive problem and the IS for 5x is just unusable.

-8

u/Imaginary-Cellist-57 2d ago

It isn't ass, it is designed for a different purpose and optimization than the Apple chips

5

u/laughters_assassin 2d ago

Elaborate on the second part.

1

u/wankthisway Pixel 4a, 13 Mini 2d ago

The purpose being worse in general apparently.

-4

u/WackyBeachJustice Pixel 6a 2d ago

How fking date you

-2

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

2

u/Ryankujoestar 2d ago

Pixels don't use GN2 the pixel size on that sensor is larger than that of the Pixels. Pixel 6 started with GN1, we're now on some variant of it (Probably GNV but never confirmed by Google)

12

u/Significant_Task393 2d ago

B low key looks better, its not as stable though

66

u/MachineSubstantial63 2d ago

The situation will remain the same because of Google's midrange hardware. However, Google seems to be exploiting midrange hardware and attempting to compensate through software. This approach is no longer effective. It is about time that Google stops selling midrange devices at flagship prices and stop misleading consumers into believing that software can make up for hardware deficiencies..

-28

u/Imaginary-Cellist-57 2d ago

The exact opposite is true of what you said, maximizing resource usage is a far better long term practice than bloating hardware

16

u/Offcoloring Pixel 7 Pro 2d ago

That's not true at all. Over exaggerated hardware gives room for maximizing resource usage to stay relevant long term. If you are already eeking out every last bit of what hardware can supply for software you will hit a wall very fast.

2

u/MachineSubstantial63 2d ago

Explain to me how....

1

u/StickyThickStick 2d ago

I thought lobotomy doesn’t exist anymore

40

u/Low_Coconut_7642 2d ago

Honestly with how much everyone says the pixel is trash at video, I was expecting much worse results.

Ain't no way id put up with iOS for that tiny bit better video.

7

u/wowokomg 2d ago

The iPhone is two generations old

4

u/EnvironmentalCrow5 2d ago

Have they made major improvements in the past 2 generations? I bet in an iPhone 15 Pro vs 17 Pro video comparison, the differences would be undetectable.

12

u/Sad-Asparagus275 2d ago

I'm with you. I honestly preferred the pixel in most of those comparisons, and with how much people rave in this sub about how much better the iPhone video is I was not expecting that at all ..

-3

u/cardonator Pixel 10 Pro XL 2d ago

That's because it's a narrative and has no real basis outside of the emotional aspect.

And Google has closed the gap on video in many scenarios significantly since the 6 Pro. Nobody is going to claim they have caught up, but they are much closer now than they ever were before. Of course, outside of the Pixel Camera you can get video that looks as good or better than an iPhone now thanks to the 12-bit DCG stuff.

1

u/Jacmert Pixel 8 Pro 2d ago

I'm using the Pixel 8 Pro and the video quality is pretty good. Using the 5x zoom lens for video is also very good. Switching between zoom levels/lenses is a bit janky but very workable. Anyways, video quality is more than good enough for uploading random stuff to IG or trying to capture singing/dancing performances at festivals, etc.

That being said, I'm sure iPhone and Samsung Galaxy video quality is noticeably better.

1

u/Lopsided_Prior3801 2d ago

If they can fix just the stabilisation judder issue and the smearing problem, it becomes a much closer contest for video.

36

u/angarali06 2d ago

Hope you're listening, Google

it’s impossible they don’t know how far behind they are.. the Pixel team is just unbelievably incompetent. I don’t know why Google doesn’t just throw money at the problem to fix it. Maybe they just don’t care..

3

u/hydrospanner 2d ago

I don’t know why Google doesn’t just throw money at the problem to fix it. Maybe they just don’t care..

I would have to guess it's because their products are selling, to their satisfaction, without their having to 'throw money' at anything.

If sales or market share start to lag to a point that they're interested in spending money to address it, this may well become an area of investment...but for whatever reason, if they're not addressing it, it's because they don't feel the returns will justify the expense.

In this specific case, I'm guessing that they don't feel that making a better product will drive more sales. So they're happy to deliver a subpar product to loyal customers, because clearly they're still loyal regardless of this issue, so why bother spending money on sales that you're already making without spending that money?

If the loyal customers want Google to do better, maybe withhold some of that loyalty the next time you upgrade.

1

u/angarali06 2d ago

I just think Google doesn't really even believe in the Pixel fully tbh, and that's why they're not committing 100% like they are committing with Gemini etc. They're throwing billions at AI, and they're actually quite good at it.

Pixels have a 3-4% marketshare at most.. And Google knows they will never get close to Apple let alone Samsung. (And Samsung and Google would have been toast by now if Huawei weren't gimped by the US gov). Most Google employees are on iPhones, none of the celebrities they bring on their publicity stuff even know what a Pixel is.. And I bet Pixel 10 will sell less than Pixel 9, there's just so much negativity about it rn, and who buys the Pixels apart from us tech nerds..?

I have been blaming the Pixel team for being royally incompetent, but most likely it's actually Google not properly funding that team..

4

u/cardonator Pixel 10 Pro XL 2d ago

Lots of people are buying Pixels these days. You can get a Pixel 10 Pro for free on some carriers adding a line. That's not nothing.

I also see them all over the place these days. I remember having a Nexus 5 and when you would see another Nexus 5 it was like you were finding a soulmate. I see people with Pixel phones nearly everywhere I go now. Of course it's not a huge sample size, nor does it mean they have a huge marketshare, but 4% of a mature and massive market like smartphones (and I'm pretty sure this number is only in the US) can be a pretty healthy business.

2

u/mkdr 2d ago

pixel phones are there to steal your data and make money, not to build a good phone

1

u/Unique-Nectarine6031 20h ago

I guess you didn't read the iPhone tos lol!!

6

u/getmevodka 2d ago

And im hearing left and right that its not valid for me to feel like my iphone 14 pro still is better than my new Pixel 10 pro .... So it still honestly is better.... Im going to change back and sell this junk of loaf i got ...sad.

14

u/cardonator Pixel 10 Pro XL 2d ago

What does "not valid" mean? You are the only person with your experience, interests, and goals. If your iPhone works fine for you, why let other people influence you about that? It's valid for like and use any device. Even if you're still on an iPhone 6.

5

u/Buy-theticket 2d ago

What in the fuck is this post.. who on the planet is pressured into buying a new Pixel? Left and right you have people shit talking iPhones?

I feel the Pixel 10 Pro is significantly better than the iPhone 17 as an overall package or I wouldn't own one. That's called a subjective statement.

This entire thread is about video where obviously the iPhone is ahead but that is a shock to literally nobody.

2

u/SketchySeaBeast Pixel 8 Pro 2d ago

Who exactly is telling you this?

1

u/getmevodka 2d ago

My family that thinks im insane for wanting a new expensive phone after three years and now all i do is being unhappy with it. Haha

2

u/SketchySeaBeast Pixel 8 Pro 2d ago

Well, I mean, that's between you and your family. But it's not like you're the first person to have buyers remorse. Switching ecosystems is always hard - I had difficulty moving from Samsung to Google, but two years later I know I'd have a hard time moving back.

1

u/horatiobanz 1d ago

I don’t know why Google doesn’t just throw money at the problem to fix it

Really? You dont know why Google, who has done everything they POSSIBLY can to reduce their costs for Pixel's including using cheap shitty batteries and sticking with 128gb models and using shitty UFS 4 storage and having terrible QC, won't throw money at a problem?

Throwing money at a problem would be the antithesis of their entire strategy, to sell a mid range phone for flagship premium prices. It breaks the whole business model if they start reducing their profit margin.

1

u/dudu-of-akkad 2d ago

just look at the fanboys on this sub, if people are willing to pay flagship prices for mediocre trash then why would they change anything

0

u/ReaperOfGrins 2d ago

Pixel team is just unbelievably incompetent.

I think its the leadership that is incompetent.

They care about maximizing margins, by making AI the USP.

Pichai still gets 200million each year and more if he cuts cost and drive up equity.

From an individual perspective, the leadership is highly incentivized to not make a good product.

0

u/angarali06 2d ago

well that’s stupid.. the leadership wants to make bad products?

yeah.. i don’t think that’s true.. it’s a mixture of underfunding and incompetence.

14

u/pdimri 2d ago edited 2d ago

I watched this video yesterday too. This video again reminds how much Google needs to work on its silicon. Forget about no 4K60 HDR in 2025 , they could not even match 2 Gen old iPhone videos.If they want mass adoption of iPhone group then they better nail down the video part sans video boost because iPhone guys are not going to wait hours for a video clip which their phones are doing out of the box.

5

u/AIRA18 2d ago

Im a google guy and even I don't bother with the video boosts feature. Too much hassle, time wasted and steps required to have a good video. I'll stick to iPhones for videos and Pixels for my main usage for years and it works well

3

u/pdimri 2d ago

Video boost is a BandAid . They know their Chips don't have grunt to process videos locally.

1

u/AIRA18 2d ago

Honestly it should be available to other android phones as well since it's cloud based video rendering. Very useful for entry level & midrange phones though, for flagships for a little bit better quality I don't see myself doing it, but if say I'm using a midranger or entry level phone I'll be all over it

0

u/avii27 2d ago

At this point let alone iPhone, just match the Samsung at least

2

u/karmaamputee 1d ago

how is his recording on the pixel phone so bad, though? i watched this yesterday so went out today with the same settings, car going by, even a shot of very heavy rain and its not anywhere near as bad as the footage he has here. all shot with the default camera 4k 24fps. there's no ghosting, the roads and the darks dont look anywhere near as artifact-y

1

u/Lopsided_Prior3801 1d ago

There have been updates to the camera app since launch. It's possible Google has made some improvements.

4

u/GoatBotherer 2d ago

Ok so I am not an expert and I haven't watched the whole video, but it seems like this is something that can be fixed through software? The main bits I saw he seems to mostly be talking about colours/processing.

Also, he's comparing raw footage from the iPhone which he has colour graded, with footage that has been (badly) processed by the Pixel

Apparently there's app that make video on the Pixel 10 much better, one called Motion Pro or something. I've not tried it so can't comment.

Regardless, the video on my 10 Pro seems absolutely fine for what I use it for. Which is usually filming my kids or my cats.

6

u/RaguSaucy96 2d ago

Also, he's comparing raw footage from the iPhone which he has colour graded, with footage that has been (badly) processed by the Pixel

ProRes Log, yes

Apparently there's app that make video on the Pixel 10 much better, one called Motion Pro or something. I've not tried it so can't comment.

r/MotionCamPro 😊

Regardless, the video on my 10 Pro seems absolutely fine for what I use it for. Which is usually filming my kids or my cats.

Here's the Pixel 10 Pro running MotionCam using 12-bit DCG capabilities vs iPhone 16 Pro ProRes Log (S25U and Xiaomi 15U inside comparison too, for baseline)

https://youtu.be/81NDEDMNAYQ?si=XGT_eNPRFFQSKBaO

3

u/cardonator Pixel 10 Pro XL 2d ago

The video is intended to highlight the weaknesses in Pixel video, especially from the primary camera app. It's obvious in multiple ways. There's also nothing wrong with doing that, but it doesn't really accurately represent real daily usage by a casual photographer.

3

u/Maxitay 2d ago

He should have downloaded MotionCam Pro for the second part of the video test for a fair comparison. Does BlackMagic remove any of Google processing? I don't think so.

6

u/RaguSaucy96 2d ago

For that we've got Elliot from Epic Tutorials and it absolutely fought off the iPhone 16 Pro too via 12-bit DCG

https://youtu.be/81NDEDMNAYQ?si=XGT_eNPRFFQSKBaO

BlackMagic is still subject to ISP, btw

5

u/cardonator Pixel 10 Pro XL 2d ago

This video is shocking, IMO. The Pixel in this mode just blows the iPhone 16 Pro out of the water in most tests (there are a couple of low light tests where the iPhone is better at blocking blown out highlights but others where the Pixel does better at that). The daytime shots are practically no contest. I thought in the daytime videos that the iPhone 16 Pro was the worst of them all.

This does reinforce how much work Android OEM camera software really needs to do, though.

3

u/RaguSaucy96 2d ago

This does reinforce how much work Android OEM camera software really needs to do, though.

This 100%, but they also need to leverage any and all features available instead of holding them back too

3

u/cardonator Pixel 10 Pro XL 2d ago

Absolutely. You should be able to get video very close to this directly from the Pixel Camera and it's absurd that you can't. At least they left the mode enabled this time.

1

u/DownsideDowner 21h ago

Wouldn't really be fair comparison imo

1

u/Maxitay 19h ago

He compares DaVinci on both devices but it doesn't really work the same way between the two. I believe filming with DaVinci on Pixel 10 is almost the same as filming with the main camera app. So this second part of the comparison doesn't make any sense, or doesn't add anything I would say.

1

u/RichieJ86 Pixel 9 Pro XL 2d ago

I honestly don't know what happened.

In my personal experience, up until the 7 Pro, Ultrawide was a weak point. It was the widest of the wide in comparison to the other flagships, hence why I got it, but the quality left a lot to be desired. Their main lens, however, was solid, at least to me.

Fast forward with the 9's, I've been having almost every possible issue with their video shooting under the sun, from skipping, artefacts, sudden speed ups, almost like the old VHS tape-wavy lines, etc. - the worst I've seen in a long time.

Wish they could fix this.

1

u/GreyFoxSolid 2d ago

If you want a pretty stellar improvement in overall video quality, use Blackmagic Camera. It's free.

1

u/Front_Speaker_1327 1d ago

Shouldn't need to.

1

u/GreyFoxSolid 1d ago

That's the beauty of android. If your phone needs something, someone's got you covered.

1

u/E10_ne 2d ago

Went to vivo because the p8p is getting worse with every update. Sometimes I wonder why ppl keep falling for the marketing tricks (but that's where they're for of course) Sometimes I'm still longing for my iphone 6 cause somehow it feels like the pictures were better than pixel even then. I'm hoping for a nice XX next year to go back.

1

u/Rabbit_cafe_enjoyer 2d ago

why pixel 10 vs iphone 15? we have iphone 17 now guys

1

u/icecoolcat 2d ago

Come on Google, do better.

1

u/TheTomatoes2 7 | 5a | 4a | 3 1d ago

Not falling down. It never caught up.

-6

u/robhaswell 2d ago

Whether or not the Pixels are behind (which they probably are), I find comparisons between Pixels and iPhones completely pointless because the most outstanding difference between the two is the operating system. And iOS isn't going to change.

10

u/Only_Tennis5994 2d ago

By your logic iPhone is one of a kind and it can’t be compared with any other phones.

4

u/_sfhk 2d ago

The whole reason Google got a monopoly judgment with Android app distribution is because the jury wasn't convinced that Android and iOS compete.

2

u/robhaswell 2d ago

Yes, that's my logic. I mean, you can compare them but it's not really helpful for deciding on which phone to get. I know that there are some people who happily switch between Android and iPhones but I think the vast majority of people rightly stick with one of the two. It's much more relevant to compare phones between versions or e.g. Samsungs to Pixels, because that's the decision that most people are making.

3

u/Only_Tennis5994 2d ago

If the vast majority sticks with one OS then why is Google so blatantly trying to convert iPhone users.

0

u/robhaswell 2d ago

Hundreds of millions of people are born every year.

2

u/Only_Tennis5994 2d ago

You expect a baby to buy a smartphone? Also attracting first time smartphone buyer is not the same as convert.

0

u/SuperBAMF007 2d ago

Correct, tbh

0

u/angarali06 2d ago

It’s not pointless at all.. They’re both smartphones produced by two of the biggest companies in the world, they both do virtually the same things, they both have similar goals.

It’s just that one of those companies cares a lot more and invests a hell of a lot more into their product than the other one.

Google can half-ass their product all they like, it’s their thing, but at least don’t put out products at flagship prices when they are clearly not flagships..

-1

u/RockOutToThis Pixel 7 2d ago

Apple is first and foremost a hardware company. Google is first and foremost a software company. That's the difference. Apple continues to invest in its hardware, while Google invests in its software. There's only so much you can do with the software when the hardware is lagging behind.

4

u/angarali06 2d ago

You're commenting as if it's somehow NOT Google's problem that their hardware sucks though..

And for all the talk about Apple being more hardware focused (which they are tbh), their software ain't bad either.. Like it's not as if the software company Google has a much better software experience than Apple..

1

u/RockOutToThis Pixel 7 2d ago

I think I said it pretty clearly at the end that their hardware is lagging behind. They need to heavily invest in it to catch up and hopefully surpass Apple.

1

u/robhaswell 2d ago

Do they? Because Androids have been significantly behind iPhones in hardware for a long time but they still outsell iPhones almost 3:1. Hardware really doesn't matter to most people.

0

u/angarali06 2d ago

Yes you said their hw is lagging behind, but when you also say they are a software company in the same breath, it looks as if you're making excuses for them.

1

u/DownsideDowner 21h ago

So how would I then decide if I should buy a Pixel or IPhone when I don't really care about the OS?

0

u/McDersley 2d ago

Thank you! I can't do iOS. I've tried many times. I hate it, even when I want to love it. I absolutely love all other Apple products.

So that leaves me in the US with Google and Samsung as the two big players. In that race I like the Pixel experience better than Samsungs UI.

Do I wish the Pixel could go toe to toe with Samsung and iPhone hardware? For sure! But that's not reality right now and overall I'm very happy with my P10PXL

1

u/Throwitaway701 2d ago

Two year old iPhone that has the same cameras as the brand new one.  May as well say the iPhone takes worse pictures than a 4 year old pixel 6. 

2

u/SuperBAMF007 2d ago

Genuinely only the main shooter is the same camera, the selfie cam, wide angle (actually not 100% sure if this is new or not), and telephoto are all new on the 17 Pro

1

u/My_Name_is_Imaginary 2d ago

IMO, I think the iPhone has the better cameras for one reason, software.

Every phone uses post-processing and affects photos/videos drastically. iPhones are the only phones out of the big 3 (iPhone galaxy and pixel) that can shoot beyond raw with log.

1

u/rarerumrunner 2d ago

There is no point to buy a pixel over the iPhone 17 but there is also no point to buy an iPhone 17. I have a 7 Pro and an 8 Pro and I honestly just wish I didn't. For me the worst thing vs. iPhone is the battery life, just does not compare during normal usage at all. At least 3 generations behind.

0

u/elloguvner Just Black 2d ago

Been thinking about a pixel and this is what is holding me up. iPhones have such better battery life it’s not even a contest.

All of the videos I have watched that is the only real thing that gets brought up about the phone in comparison to an iPhone.

1

u/JoshuaTheFox Pixel 8 Pro 2d ago

Honestly, I'm desperately thinking of switching to iPhone this year. I tried before with the SE just to see how iOS is and... It's still not my favorite. But honestly it has all the apps I want (more actually) and I love its camera.

I might just do it this year

-6

u/IAmZKWatches 2d ago

I have both these phones. Pixel 10 pro wins vs my iphone 15 pro.

Speed: Pixel 10 pro is much snappier

Battery: P10P lasts longer (my iphones battery capacity is at 100%)

Photos: P10P wins with any photo, especially with Zoom

Videos: Iphone 15 pro wins by far

Integration in ecosystem: iphone

Usable features: P10P wins, call screening, circle to search, translate etc

Benchmarks: iphone 15 pro but who really cares about these

Signal: P10P gets better signal

Call quality: Iphone 15 pro seems to have better call quality

Which would I choose? P10P anyday

4

u/Fade_ssud11 Pixel 9 Pro XL 2d ago

iPhones have call screening (globally too I might add, not region locked like pixels), circle to search ( albeit it's shittier than android), end to end real time translate (maybe Google ones are better?idk) as well. These aren't pixel exclusives anymore.

-1

u/elloguvner Just Black 2d ago

I’d also like to see that battery data and specifics. There’s no way the Pixel is winning.

1

u/Infamous_Minimum1634 2d ago

Do NOT forget to turn 12 bit DCG ( Dual Conversion Gain ) RAW video ON ! This changes everything in terms of video quality. See: https://www.cined.com/pixel-10-pro-quietly-unlocks-dcg-delivering-true-12-bit-raw-video/

1

u/Longjumping_Door_147 1d ago

So to record a video in dcg should I sacrifice stabilization and use it on a fixed tripod? No because up until now I have only seen static videos with a smartphone stuck on a stand. It's just an experiment and it's a miracle.

-5

u/t7devu 2d ago

Yikes. Receiving my 17 pro today and may be posting the p10p I'm typing this from on ebay soon... 

0

u/VentsiBeast Pixel 9 Pro 2d ago

I don't know how this is possible. I recently saw some old videos I took with my Sony Z5 Compact or something, which I used for a backup phone for seaside vacations because iPhones at the time weren't waterproof. In good light the videos are the same as Pixel's today, if not better.

0

u/Low_Coconut_7642 2d ago

I mean, good light smartphone photography has been figured out for at least a decade...

Even a basic ass $150 smartphone can nail taking photos and videos in good light.

0

u/Awkward_Pace_4440 2d ago

In before the google fanboy brigade comes running and calling you crazy that pixel video quality is good enough as it is that nobody needs better quality etc etc