iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10 Pro Camera Comparison

Here is a detailed comparison of how the advanced camera setup of the iPhone 17 Pro fares against the Pixel 10 Pro camera.

An image of iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro vs Google Pixel 10 Pro camera comparison (Image via Apple | Google | Deltia’s Gaming)

The iPhone 17 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro are the two most sophisticated camera phones of 2025. Both brands have loaded their flagships with huge sensors, AI-powered image processing, and professional video tools. However, when it comes to pure photography, which one really offers the better camera system?

In this post, we will compare the iPhone 17 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro in each of the major camera categories. These include the primary sensor, telephoto zoom, ultrawide shots, and front-facing cameras. By the end, you will get a clear picture of which phone best fits your photography style.

iPhone 17 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: Camera Specifications

The table below compares the technical specifications of the cameras of both devices:

SpeciPhone 17 ProGoogle Pixel 10 Pro
Main (Wide) Camera48MP Fusion Main, ƒ/1.78, quad-pixel sensor, 24mm equivalent50MP wide, ƒ/1.7, 1/1.3″ sensor, OIS
Telephoto Camera48MP Telephoto, ƒ/2.8, 100mm equivalent, 4× native zoom, up to 8× “optical-quality”48MP Telephoto, ƒ/2.8, 5× optical zoom
Ultrawide Camera48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, ƒ/2.2, 13mm equivalent, macro focus48MP Ultrawide, ƒ/1.7, ~123° FoV, macro focus
Front Camera18MP Center Stage, wide FoV, auto-framing for video calls42MP, ~103° FoV, PDAF, ultrawide selfies
Video FeaturesProRes RAW, Dolby Vision HDR, Dual Capture (front + rear), genlock support8K video capture, Night Sight video, Google HDR+ processing
Other ToolsOptical-quality zoom up to 8×, improved Night ModeSuper Res Zoom (digital), Night Sight, Real Tone for skin tones

iPhone 17 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: Primary Camera Sensor Comparison

An image of two people posing for a photograph
The primary camera of the iPhone 17 Pro is superb (Image via Apple)

Both phones are powerhouses when it comes to their main cameras, but they approach them differently. The iPhone 17 Pro has a 48MP quad-pixel sensor that gathers more light per pixel by clustering them together. This translates to clearer low-light images, stronger colors, and reduced noise. Apple also refined its HDR algorithms, and the shots from the 17 Pro appear balanced without being excessively processed.

The Pixel 10 Pro has a slightly larger 50MP primary sensor. The larger sensor captures more light, and paired with Google’s HDR+ software, the Pixel 10 Pro performs very well during daytime. Its pictures are sharp, with high contrast and natural shadows.

The hardware advantage allows Apple to pull ahead with cleaner shots in darker settings. However, in bright scenes, Google’s image processing delivers some of the most natural and pleasant images you will see on a phone.

iPhone 17 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: Which Telephoto Is Better?

An image of a person laying posing for a photograph, laying on a field of sunflowers
Pixel’s telephoto lens exhibits great detail and sharpness (Image via Google)

Now, let us talk about the telephoto lens and zoom capabilities. Apple has provided the iPhone 17 Pro with a new 48MP telephoto lens with a 100mm focal length. It offers 4x optical zoom by default and reaches 8x using what Apple calls optical-quality zoom, a combination of sensor cropping and computational photography. Compared to digital zoom, the results are crisper, particularly in bright lighting.

Google, however, plays to its strengths with a 48MP 5x optical telephoto lens. Since the zoom is optical, 5x shots appear incredibly clean and sharp. Furthermore, Google relies on its Super Res Zoom technology, which leverages AI to recreate finer details even at extreme zoom levels.

So, which one is better? At 5x zoom, the Pixel 10 Pro wins with sharper and more reliable images. However, when it comes to the flexibility of 4x to 8x, the iPhone 17 Pro gives you more range without relying solely on digital tricks.

iPhone 17 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: Ultrawide Camera Comparison

An image of a person posing for a photograph in a dark setting
Even in dark settings, the 17 Pro ensures crisp detail and colors (Image via Apple)

Apple has provided the iPhone 17 Pro with a 48MP ultrawide camera with macro support, making it well-suited for close-up photography. It records plenty of detail and benefits from the quad-pixel sensor design, which enhances low-light performance. There is also improved edge sharpening compared to previous iPhones. However, minor distortion may still occur in wide landscape shots.

The Pixel 10 Pro also features a 48MP ultrawide with a slightly faster f/1.7 aperture and a wider field of view of about 123°. Google’s software reduces distortion, and ultrawide shots remain clean across the frame.

Both are excellent, with the Pixel offering a broader view and better edge correction, putting it slightly ahead for landscapes and architecture. The macro feature on the iPhone, however, makes it the stronger choice for close-up creative shots.

iPhone 17 Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro: Which Has Better Front Cameras?

An image of a group of friends posing for a selfie with the iPhone 17 Pro
With Center Stage, the camera auto-adjusts for group selfies in 17 Pro (Image via Apple)

The two devices can most easily be compared with their front camera systems. Apple equipped the iPhone 17 Pro with an 18MP Center Stage camera that automatically adjusts framing on video calls. It works well with FaceTime, Zoom, and group selfies, and the video quality is smooth and natural.

The Pixel 10 Pro, however, brings a 42MP front camera with phase-detect autofocus and a wide 103° field of view. The selfies are extremely detailed, and the ultrawide frame makes it perfect for group photos. Google also adds Real Tone technology to ensure accurate skin tones in both bright and dark lighting.

The front camera on the Pixel 10 Pro is hard to beat, especially if you are a selfie lover or a video creator.

Is the iPhone 17 Pro Camera Better Than the Google Pixel 10 Pro?

An image of iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro
Both phones have areas where they shine (Image via Apple | Google | Deltia’s Gaming)

The answer depends on your priorities. The iPhone 17 Pro is highly versatile, with excellent low-light performance, a strong new telephoto lens, and advanced video capabilities, including ProRes RAW and genlock. For filmmakers and content creators, it offers the complete package.

The Pixel 10 Pro, on the other hand, excels with features like optical zoom, ultrawide consistency, and its superior front camera. Google’s computational photography still delivers industry-leading HDR and skin-tone accuracy, making it the top choice for everyday snapshot photography.

Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro is the better camera phone for professionals and creators who want flexibility and control. The Pixel 10 Pro is ideal for users who prefer eye-catching photos with minimal effort. Both are winners in their own way.


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