Photos shot in HDR now keep their full dynamic range and HDR metadata, even after using editing tools such as photo unlawful, magic eraser or portrait lights. This means that contrast and glitter in the photo should still look accurate after editing, which was not always the first.
Google is also adding a new tool called “Ultra HDR” that allows users to control how bright an image looks. At the same time, the previous “HDR” slider has been converted into “tone”, which better describes its role in adjusting the opposite and exposure. These changes should slightly clarify the editing process for users who want to fix their photos.
New “Ultra HDR” and “Tone” tool in Google Photo. , Images Credit – PhoneRarena
One of the more notable changes has the ability to increase SDR (standard dynamic range) photos to look like HDR. This feature uses machine learning to promote highlights, to deepen the contrast, and improves the overall clarity of chronic photographs or which are not originally taken in HDR. Although this does not convert them into the correct HDR files, the result is designed to look more vivid on the compatible screen.
When comparing it to the photo app on iOS, Google’s approach provides more manual control. On iPhones, HDR processing occurs automatically with limited editing equipment. Apple HDR preserves metadata, but it does not allow users to convert SDR into HDR or adjust the look of HDR photos to the same extent. In that sense, Google’s update gives more flexibility to users how their photos appear.
These improvements follow a broader tendency to use AI in mobile photo editing, especially on pixel devices. While some characteristics such as the magic editor aim to make major changes in a photo, this is more about keeping the HDR update coherent after the slight editing.
In my opinion, this update adds more options without explaining how the app works at its origin. Some users may require time to use for a given tool, but for people with HDR-SAC displays, they can make a noticeable difference on how these reforms appear after editing.
