I spent weeks thinking my Pixel’s camera lens was smeared before discovering the real culprit

For years, Google Pixel phones have been considered some of the best devices for high-quality pictures.

The cameras are top-notch, and the software behind them automatically creates masterpieces after a few seconds of processing.

That’s why I was disappointed when I noticed that my Pixel 10 Pro camera was lacking.

The images appeared far blurrier than I’ve ever experienced, and even a few good wipes with a microfiber cloth didn’t solve the problem.

Fortunately, I found a few handy fixes that have allowed me to access the superb camera quality my phone is known for.

Fix the MP default

You need to upgrade to 50 MP

In the past, my Pixel phones knocked it out of the park when it came to detail. Big, beautiful landscapes were detailed, colorful, and anything but blurry.

With the Pixel 10 Pro, though, I felt like those breathtaking shots had lost their luster.

The crispness I had come to expect since my first foray into the brand with the Pixel 2 was but a meager shimmer of its former self.

That’s when I dug into the Pro settings in my camera and found a particular toggle that changed my camera experience: Resolution.

For the camera on current Pixel phones, the resolution defaults to the 12MP lens because it provides better low-light performance and faster processing.

However, if you really want those super-clear, highly detailed shots, change the resolution to 50MP or Hi-Res, and you’ll get some truly stellar images.

How to change the resolution on your Pixel camera

You’ll need a Pro model to start

If you’re tired of over-processed, blurry images and want to take your camera experience to a more detailed level, getting started with Hi-Res is easy.

You won’t need to go to the standard Android settings menu for this one. Instead, open the Google Camera app, and click the settings gear in the lower-left corner.

There, you’ll see a list of General settings that can improve your camera experience.

Don’t click any of those (unless you’re a professional photographer and know what you’re doing).

Instead, click the Pro tab at the top of the list to access the Pro controls, which are available only on the Pixel Pro models, like my Pixel Pro 10.

Under the Pro tab, the first option you’ll see is the Resolution toggle. By default, it should be set to 12MP. Change that by selecting 50MP.

When taking pictures, you’ll notice a bit of lag, and the images will take up more of your storage, approximately three to five times as much storage.

However, if you want those crystal clear pictures, it’s worth it.

Other ways to improve Pixel picture quality

The problem might be a lot of things

The 50MP high-resolution mode worked for me, but there were several potential reasons why my Pixel pictures were not coming out right.

• Third-party app cameras: Using the camera mode in social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat almost always comes with some degradation. These apps try to save storage space. Take the picture in Google Camera, then access it with the media library.
• Cases and lens protectors: Some smartphone cases come with lens protectors to protect your camera from scratches and cracks. These protectors can negatively impact photos. Remove them to see if that’s the issue.
• Clear the cache: Clearing the cache can ensure your camera isn’t glitching in a way that makes your photos worse.
• Restart your phone: Yes, it works for your camera app! There could be a simple software glitch that changes how your camera takes pictures. Giving your phone a simple restart could make all the difference.
• Zoom in: The Pixel 10 Pro comes with a 5x telephoto lens that provides crystal-clear photos while zooming in. Sometimes, they even look better than the standard zoom.

Customize your Pixel camera

Make it work for you

The camera on your Pixel phone has many settings. If you have a Pixel Pro model, you have access to even more. You paid for those extra settings, so make sure you use them.

If you want to be sure you always get the best possible picture, you need to do some investigating in the camera app settings.

Whether you’re regularly taking photos in low-light situations or want high-detail landscape shots, there is a setting for you that will make them that much better.

SoC

Google Tensor G5

RAM

16GB

Storage

128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS

Battery

4870mAh

Operating System

Android 16

Google’s latest Pro Pixel packs a faster yet efficient Tensor G5 chip, an upgraded ISP, and a brighter display. Plus, an array of new AI features that make it one of the best Android phones to launch in 2025.