Google allows the iPhone to store unlimited original quality photos for free on Google Photos, but Pixel 4 does not

Recently, a member of @Stephenvsawyer on Reddit found that iPhone users have free unlimited storage of all photos at full quality on Google Photos, while Pixel 4 does not.

It's not natural for Google to make such a move, and the cause of that favor comes from the iPhone's default image format, HEIC / HEIF. Image files in this format are smaller than JPG files that Google applies when compressing photos taken by Pixel. This means that when compressing the iPhone HEIC image, the file will be larger than the original.

Google allows the iPhone to store free unlimited photos at original quality, will help the company does not waste storage space and processing power.

In short, with the default iPhone taking photos in HIEC format, Google saved millions of dollars and also helped iPhone users to store original photos for free.

At the Made By Google event when Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL were announced, Google announced that its new duo of products would only be limited to storing high quality photos and original quality images. This means that storing original quality photos will "eat" the user's Google Drive storage space.

While previous generations have special offers, like the first Pixel, which will store free original quality photos for life, the Pixel 2 and 3 will be free until 2021.

However, Android 10 has support for saving images in optimal formats like the iPhone, so only a software update is needed for Pixel 2 and 3 users (after the free of charge), Pixel 4 and 4 XL will be enjoy the privilege they have ever been.

While the Pixel 4 and 4 XL don't have the option to save photos in the most optimal format like the iPhone, in reality, Android 10 supports this format, so only a software update is needed. Pixel will get the same photos on Google Photos again as before.

If you want to save unlimited original quality photos on Google Photos for iPhone users, set up your camera in HEIC format by going to Settings -> Camera -> Formats -> High Efficiency

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