Google Pixel phones just got this time-saving camera feature back — what you need to know

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Pixel camera is getting quick manual settings back

google pixel 9 review shots of phone
(Image credit: Future)

Google’s December Pixel Drop is rolling out now with a bunch of new features, but there’s one thing you might have missed. The new version of the Pixel Camera app, version 9.7, has reintroduced manual controls to the main screen (via Reddit). That means it’s significantly easier to control white balance, brightness and shadows.

To be clear, none of these features were removed from the Pixel Camera per se. My Pixel 9 Pro hasn’t installed the update yet, and all three options are available in the camera’s settings menu. What the updater is offering is the ability to pin these settings to the main camera screen.

pixel camera adds quick manual settings menu

(Image credit: Over_Firefighter_510 / Reddit)

This means that Google will once again let you manually change the settings without having to sift through multiple menus. The last thing you need when trying to capture the perfect shot is to waste several seconds having to hunt down each setting one by one.

They’re not exactly new features, but Google removed the option for quick access when it released v9.1 of Pixel Camera. Why? We’re not sure, but clearly it realised that a mistake was made at some point.

So with the rollout of v9.7 those quick options are now back.You will need to switch them on in the Camera app’s settings menu, though. You’re looking for the Quick access control option. Otherwise you’ll have to tweak the settings the long way.

Android Police also notes that this version of Pixel Camera adds a new feature to the Pixel Fold and 9 Pro Fold. Both phones now have a dual screen portrait mode. As the name suggests this allows you to take portrait photos while both screens are active, offering a preview to you and the person you’re snapping a photo of.

Unfortunately the update still appears to be rolling out, and hasn’t reached anyone here at Tom’s Guide just yet. So you’ll have to sit tight and be patient until it hits the Play Store for you.

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Tom Pritchard
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.