Is your Pixel phone feeling a little… outdated? Google's shaking things up, and you might be surprised how much a simple camera app update can change your phone's feel! The Pixel Camera app is getting a major facelift with version 10.1, bringing the vibrant Material 3 Expressive design to older Pixel devices. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a full-blown visual overhaul designed to make your camera experience more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Prepare for a fresh, modern look that aligns perfectly with Google's latest design language.
Originally launched on the Pixel 10 (in version 10.0), the Material 3 Expressive redesign is now making its way to a wider range of Pixel phones via the 10.1 update. This means even if you're not rocking the newest flagship, you can still enjoy the benefits of Google's updated design principles.
Update (October 16th): The rollout is now widespread! You can grab Pixel Camera 10.1 directly from the Google Play Store (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.GoogleCamera), effectively bringing Material 3 Expressive to those 'holdout' older Pixels.
Original Post (October 13th): Let's dive into what's new!
The Viewfinder's Makeover: The most noticeable change is the capture button. It's now a solid circle embraced by a transparent ring, offering a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. The buttons that sit beside it are now rounded squares. Even the preview of your last photo has received a stylish upgrade, featuring a new animation reminiscent of an old-school photo booth. It's a small touch, but it adds a touch of fun and personality.
Dynamic Color, Refined: Google has carefully curated the use of Dynamic Color, reducing the number of icons themed with it. This isn't about removing color; it's about using it more strategically to highlight key elements and create a more visually balanced experience. You'll also notice subtle font size adjustments throughout the user interface, including the zoom shortcuts, enhancing readability and usability.
Settings Reimagined: Inactive controls within the "Photo Settings" menu now sport rounded squares, while the selected option is neatly enclosed in a circle. The "General" and "Pro" tabs at the top receive a similar treatment, providing a consistent and intuitive visual language across the app. But here's where it gets controversial... The "More settings" button, previously located at the bottom of the screen, has been relocated to the top-right corner, represented by an ellipsis icon. This seemingly small change actually has a big impact on one-handed use, shrinking the panel's height and making it easier to reach important settings with your thumb. Do you prefer it at the top or bottom? Let us know in the comments!
Material 3 Expressive Containers: The "Camera settings" page now leverages Material 3 Expressive containers to neatly group related preferences. This makes navigating the settings menu much more intuitive, allowing you to quickly find what you're looking for. You'll also find the latest toggle style implemented throughout the settings, providing a consistent and modern look and feel. The exact list of settings will vary depending on your device, but here's what you can expect on a Pixel 8 Pro:
- General: Save location, Camera sounds, Device storage, Camera scan suggestions
- Composition: Framing hints, Grid type, Keep selfies as seen, Guided Frame
- Fast access: Quick access controls, Volume key action, Palm timer
- Photo: Rich color in photos, Ultra HDR, Social media depth features, Frequent faces, Astrophotography, RAW / JPEG control
- Video: Video stabilization, Audio zoom, Store videos efficiently, Optimize FPS
- Advanced capture: Timer light, Show dirty lens warning, (Pixel 9+: Underwater photography and video)
- Help & feedback: Send feedback, Help
Optimize FPS: The "Optimize FPS" setting – "Automatically adjust from 60 FPS to 30 FPS to optimize the recording experience when needed" – is new to the Settings list, however it appears to simply be a relocation of the existing option found within Video Settings > FPS. And this is the part most people miss... This feature intelligently adjusts the frame rate to ensure smooth video recording, even in challenging lighting conditions or when using demanding features. Is this automatic adjustment a benefit or would you rather have more granular control?
Simplified Settings Menu: Google has decluttered the settings menu by removing the separate "Advanced" section. Instead, all settings are now consolidated into a single, thematically organized list. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for and reduces the cognitive load when configuring your camera settings. The goal is to make the camera app more approachable and less intimidating, especially for new users.
Pixel Camera 10.1 is currently rolling out gradually via the Play Store (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.GoogleCamera). We've already spotted it on a Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. If you're feeling impatient, you can also sideload the update (link: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/camera/pixel-camera-10-1-076-816441313-17-release/), but keep in mind that it's a hefty 1.47 GB download. So, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi before you start!
What do you think about Google's Material 3 Expressive redesign? Is it a welcome update, or do you prefer the previous design? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
More on Material 3 Expressive:
- What Google Material 3 Expressive redesigns are rolling out (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/12/google-material-3-expressive-redesign/)
- Pixel Watch app update adds new icon, more M3 Expressive (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/07/pixel-watch-m3-expressive/)
- Google Wallet Material 3 Expressive redesign more widely rolling out (https://9to5google.com/2025/10/02/google-wallet-material-3-expressive-redesign-wide/)
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