When Google launched Google Photos, it introduced a new high quality compression mode that allowed all users to save an unlimited number of images. All photos over 16 MP are scaled down in high quality mode, while videos over 1080p are scaled down to high definition for online backup. However, Google wanted to point out how good the compression was – and how difficult it was to tell the difference between compressed images and images saved at their original quality.
On the stage during the annual Google IO developers conference, Anil Sabharwal, who designed, built and launched the photo organizing app, promised that high-quality storage would provide “almost identical visual quality” to your original photos. But Google has changed its mindset.
With more than four trillion photos uploaded to its servers, Google is changing the pace.
The Mountain View-based company is now emailing existing Google Photos users to encourage them to switch to “original quality” uploads. As the name suggests, these are completely uncompressed. While this doesn’t affect the original quality of the photo or video, saving your memories at that quality counts towards your Google Drive entitlement.
All Google accounts have 15 GB of free Google Drive storage. After that, you’ll have to pay for more cloud-based storage. A number of levels are available to increase storage capacity. Known as Google One, these products cost £ 1.59 per month for 100GB and £ 7.99 per month for 2TB of storage. This can be used for all Google apps, not just Google Photos, including Gmail and more. Google One subscribers can also unlock discounts in the Google Store.
To encourage Google Photos users to update their storage so that they can save all of their images in full quality, Google included a sample photo that shows exactly how harmful high quality compression can be to your images. It adds, “Original quality photos retain most of the details and allow photos to be enlarged, cropped and printed with less pixelation.”
Compression always has an effect on quality. Unless you plan on having your photos printed out on an industrial billboard, you are unlikely to tell the difference. If you use your photos as wallpaper on your devices or print them in small frames around the house, it doesn’t matter whether you use compression or not.
