According to CNET reporter Katelyn Chedraoui, Google Pixel AI photo editing tools consistently outperform Apple’s iPhone features in hands-on tests, offering more robust generative removal and reflection-clearing capabilities across various real-world shooting conditions.
Evaluating Built-In AI Tools on iPhone and Pixel
Smartphone users are increasingly relying on built-in artificial intelligence to fix everyday photography mistakes without exporting images to third-party software. According to Chedraoui’s testing across beaches, concerts, and family vacations, Google’s devices provide a broader suite of editing features than Apple’s current ecosystem.
While testing at a concert featuring artist Raye, Chedraoui found that Google’s generative removal handled obstructed shots much better than Apple’s equivalent. Apple’s software left visible distortions after attempting to remove hands from a frame, whereas the Pixel’s tool produced cleaner results suitable for social media sharing.
Generative Removal and Complex Edits
Removing unwanted objects remains one of the primary selling points for creative AI on mobile devices. According to Tom’s Guide testing, Google secured the victory in the photo-editing face-off category, while Apple struggled due to a lack of comparable tools.
When tackling challenging tasks like removing window reflections during a sunny day at a souvenir shop, Chedraoui noted that the Pixel successfully cleared the glass to reveal hand-carved wooden ducks inside. The tool darkened the room and muted sunlight without requiring manual cropping, marking a stark contrast to the iPhone’s limitations.
Pro Tip: Better camera hardware provides AI tools with higher-resolution data, but software availability ultimately dictates editing success. According to Chedraoui, even when using an iPhone-captured image on a Google device, the Pixel handled subsequent edits more effectively than Apple’s native software.
AI Feature Comparison Across Leading Brands
Smartphone manufacturers are taking distinct approaches to artificial intelligence integration. According to Tom’s Guide, Samsung’s Galaxy AI also performs strongly in eraser and repositioning tools, sharing similar underlying capabilities with Google due to their close software relationship.
| Testing Category | Google Pixel / Gemini | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo Editing | Winner (Robust tools, reflection removal) | Limited features (Clean Up only) | Strong eraser and repositioning tools |
| AI Writing Assistance | Winner (Gemini suggestions) | Behind, limited to preset tones | Strong note formatting |
| Image Generation | Pixel Studio performs well | Limited Image Playground options | Winner (Drawing Assist) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smartphone has better built-in AI photo editing tools?
According to comparative testing by CNET and Tom’s Guide, the Google Pixel wins for photo editing due to more robust generative removal and reflection-clearing features.
Does Apple offer AI photo editing features?
Yes, Apple offers a Clean Up tool via Apple Intelligence, but reviewers note that the iPhone lacks the broader suite of editing options available on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.
Can Samsung Galaxy phones compete with Google Pixel AI?
According to Tom’s Guide, Samsung and Google share many similar software capabilities, with Samsung securing wins in image generation and digital assistants while Google leads in writing and photo editing.
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