Pixel phones are widely recognized as some of the best camera devices available, yet some users of the Google Pixel 9 Pro are facing challenges with camera processing. A Reddit user expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the photos taken by their phone often differ significantly from the view observed in the viewfinder. This problem appears not to be limited to the Pixel 9 Pro, as numerous users across other models, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 series, have reported similar experiences. The original poster described how the viewfinder accurately displays colors, but after the shutter button is pressed, there’s a clear change in color balance during image processing.

This issue persists even when the “Ultra HDR” setting is disabled. Additionally, altering the image resolution between 12MP and 50MP doesn’t seem to rectify the problem. The user also mentioned that the “Rich color in photos” option, designed to enhance color representation, appears ineffective. Fortunately, there is a workaround that some users have found effective.

By activating Google’s “Top Shot” feature, individuals can choose an alternative frame from the series of images captured when pressing the shutter button. This feature allows users to sidestep the common overprocessing issues, as selecting a different frame often avoids the unwanted color shifts. While Google has yet to officially address this issue, it seems likely that overly aggressive HDR processing may be the culprit for these discrepancies. Unfortunately, the Pixel Camera app currently does not provide an option to disable HDR, which complicates the situation.

As Pixel phones maintain a strong reputation for outstanding photography, it is hoped that Google will acknowledge this issue swiftly and implement a fix to restore confidence in the camera’s capabilities.