Google Photos has received a major update that significantly improves how HDR (High Dynamic Range) and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) images are edited. The new features aim to retain more of the original detail in your photos, particularly when working with HDR images. Photos captured in HDR now preserve their full dynamic range and HDR metadata, even after using editing tools like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, and Portrait Light.
This ensures that the contrast and brightness in the photo remain accurate after editing, addressing issues that arose in previous versions of the app.
One of the key changes in this update is the addition of the ‘Ultra HDR’ tool. This new feature allows users to adjust how bright an image appears, giving more control over the final look. Additionally, the old ‘HDR’ slider has been renamed to ‘Tone,’ which better describes its function in adjusting contrast and exposure. These changes aim to provide a clearer and more intuitive editing process for users who want to refine their photos.
Another significant feature is the ability to enhance SDR images so they look more like HDR. While it doesn’t convert SDR photos to true HDR, this machine-learning-based tool boosts highlights, deepens contrast, and improves the overall clarity of older photos or those not originally taken in HDR
. The results are intended to look more vivid on compatible displays.
When comparing Google Photos with the iOS Photos app, the update offers more manual control. While iPhones automatically process HDR photos and limit editing options, Google’s approach gives users the ability to adjust HDR images and even enhance SDR photos to look like HDR. This makes Google’s app more flexible in terms of photo customization.
This update follows a larger trend of incorporating AI into mobile photo editing, especially on Pixel devices. Although features like Magic Editor provide major changes to photos, this HDR update focuses on maintaining consistent photo quality after minor edits.
In my view, while the app’s core functionality remains the same, this update adds valuable new tools. Users may need some time to adjust to the renamed features, but for those with HDR-compatible displays, these changes should improve how photos appear post-editing.
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