Pixel 11 Brings New Camera Processing Options
When Google unveiled its Pixel 11 lineup earlier this month, the devices were largely similar to their predecessors, the Pixel 10 series. But the new phones include a notable addition: a set of camera processing options that give users more control over the final look of their photos. According to 9to5Mac, the headline feature is called 'Camera Looks,' and it functions similarly to Apple's Photographic Styles on the iPhone, allowing adjustments to be made before the photo is taken rather than simply applying a filter afterwards.
Google has included several default presets, many of which mirror Apple's offerings, but the company has also added six new options: Editorial, Velvet, Classic, Digi, Black Tie, and Minimal. These presets are designed to move away from the highly processed look typical of smartphone photos. For example, the Digi preset emulates the low-dynamic-range, contrasty, and noisy appearance of compact cameras from the 2010s, while the Minimal preset reduces HDR processing to deliver a more natural, sensor-captured image. Sample images are available on 9to5Google.
The introduction of Camera Looks has drawn praise from 9to5Mac, with the author expressing hope that Apple will adopt a similar feature. "I'm hoping Apple offers something similar to this," the article states, noting that while ProRAW on the iPhone can reduce the post-processing look, it does not fully address the desire for more creative control during capture.
A Separate Push for Raw Video on Android
While the Pixel 11 focuses on photo processing, a separate issue has emerged in the Android ecosystem: video recording. As reported by BGR, most smartphones, including the iPhone, Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models, offer a pro-level mode that lets users adjust camera settings manually. However, manufacturers often add automatic software enhancements that can lead to overprocessed, overexposed, or oversharpened content. On Android, this automatic enhancement cannot be disabled for video, even though it can be for photos.
Apple addresses this with its log video format, which produces flat, desaturated footage suitable for professional color grading. In contrast, Pixel and many Android phones lack a native raw video format. To fill this gap, a new app called Native Camera has been developed. Initially designed for Pixel devices, it works on any compatible Android phone and bypasses default image processing entirely, allowing users to capture clean, unprocessed video. The app also offers full control over exposure, sharpness, and color grading.
BGR notes that Native Camera is not the only option; alternatives like Open Camera and ProShot offer similar functionality. The report also highlights a broader trend: newer smartphone models may move camera processing off-device to the cloud, which can introduce odd artifacts in subjects. Apps like Native Camera provide a way to avoid such processing altogether.