Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsOriginal quality keeps photos and videos at the resolution captured; Storage saver may compress or resize them. Both settings’ current backups count toward Google Account storage, so Storage saver is not a way to make new uploads storage-free.
What changes with each backup quality?
| Setting | What Google Photos stores | Storage impact | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original quality | Photos and videos at the resolution in which they were taken, with no change to quality, according to Google Photos Help. | Current backups count toward Google Account storage. | Keeping photos above 16 MP or videos above 1080p at their captured resolution in Google Photos, or preparing files for large-banner printing. |
| Storage saver | Google may compress photos and convert them to another image format, such as JPEG. Photos above 16 MP are resized to 16 MP; videos above 1080p are resized to 1080p. Google says videos at 1080p or below look close to the original, though details such as closed captions might be lost. | Current backups count toward Google Account storage. | Saving space when the 16 MP photo and 1080p video limits are acceptable and some compression is okay. |
Google describes Original quality as keeping media at the resolution captured, with no change to quality. Storage saver’s limits are ceilings for the stored resolution, not a promise that every file will be reduced or that every upload will save the same amount.
What Storage saver may change in your files
Photos
Photos larger than 16 MP are resized to 16 MP. Google says Storage saver may also compress photos and convert them to another format, such as JPEG. For 16 MP photos, Google says good-quality prints are possible up to 24 by 16 inches. That is Google’s guidance, not a guarantee from independent print testing.
Videos
Videos above 1080p are resized to 1080p. Videos at 1080p or below are described by Google as looking close to the original, but some information, including closed captions, might not be retained.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Some files may not get smaller
Google says some items cannot be compressed and may remain at their original file size. Examples include some Multi-Picture Format JPEGs, such as certain Android portrait photos. If Photos has tried to back up an item using Storage saver but it is ineligible, open its Details view and look for “Not eligible for Storage saver.”
How the settings affect Google Account storage
Current backups in both Original quality and Storage saver count toward the storage shared across Google services. Google says a Google Account includes up to 15 GB. A historical exception applies to qualifying photos and videos uploaded in Storage saver (then called High quality) or Express before June 1, 2021: those items do not count. Original-quality backups count regardless of upload date. These rules are documented in Google Photos Help on managing storage and Google Photos Help on activity and storage.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
When the account is full, Google Photos backup and upload are blocked, and Google Drive and Gmail functions can also be affected. Google points users to its storage-management tools or Google One to manage capacity. Plan availability and pricing can vary.
Changing a setting or converting existing backups
Change the backup quality on a device
The backup-quality control is device-specific: changing it on one device does not change the setting on other devices signed into the account. Google also says that switching a device from Express to Storage saver or Original quality causes existing photos and videos on that device to be re-uploaded. Google’s support guidance does not establish that every local file is always changed or always unaffected, so do not assume a quality change modifies—or preserves—every local copy.
Convert existing Original-quality backups
Google documents an option to convert already-backed-up Original-quality items to Storage saver from the computer storage-management interface. This conversion can be run only once per day, does not change the quality used for future uploads, and may leave some files uncompressed. See Google Photos Help for computers for the conversion option.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which setting should you choose?
- Choose Original quality if you need Google Photos to retain photos above 16 MP or videos above 1080p at their captured resolution, or if preserving the captured quality for large prints matters more than storage use.
- Choose Storage saver if the 16 MP photo and 1080p video ceilings work for you and you accept possible compression or format conversion.
- Check actual usage rather than estimating savings. Google does not publish a universal compression ratio or guaranteed storage reduction. Review backup details and account storage to see the effect for your files.
For Google’s complete definitions, limits, and device-setting behavior, consult its Android backup-quality help page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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