Which phone takes the best photos in 2026 — the iPhone 17 or Google Pixel 10? We compare both cameras across portraits, low light, video, zoom and everyday shooting.
The iPhone 17 shoots excellent photos and class-leading video. Apple's colour science produces vivid, social media-ready images and 4K Dolby Vision video that content creators love.
The Pixel 10 uses Google's Tensor chip and AI to produce strikingly natural photos. Low-light photography is exceptional, AI editing tools are extensive, and zoom is more capable than the iPhone 17.
| Category | Apple iPhone 17 | Google Pixel 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | Dual system | AI-enhanced ✅ |
| Low Light | Very good | Best-in-class ✅ |
| Video | 4K Dolby Vision ✅ | Excellent 4K |
| Zoom | 2x Optical | 8x Optical ✅ |
| Portraits | Flattering ✅ | Natural & accurate |
| AI Editing | Limited | Extensive ✅ |
| Social Media | Instagram-ready ✅ | Natural tones |
Choose iPhone 17 for the best video quality, vibrant social media photos and the most popular choice for content creators.
Choose Pixel 10 for the best low-light photography, superior zoom, AI editing tools and more natural, accurate photos.
It's genuinely close. The Pixel 10 wins in low light and zoom. The iPhone 17 wins in video and colour vibrancy. Overall photography quality is comparable.
The iPhone 17's 4K Dolby Vision makes it the better video phone for most creators.
The Pixel 10 wins clearly — 8x optical zoom vs the iPhone 17's 2x.
The iPhone 17 is the more popular choice for Instagram thanks to its vivid colours and excellent Reels video quality.