In today’s digital age, editing photos has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for social media, professional work, or personal enjoyment, enhancing our images has become a common practice. However, editing on a smartphone can be limiting, especially when it comes to maximizing the editing capabilities. As the author of this piece mentions, even on a large device like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the aspect ratio can require excessive zooming and panning, making the editing process less enjoyable.
The author highlights that this limitation is not due to software issues. In fact, software developers like Adobe and Pixelmator have been consistently providing users with exceptional editing tools and updates. The real constraint lies in the small screen size of smartphones, which restricts the editing experience. The author expresses their preference for using a Mac or an iPad for more extensive editing tasks.
However, the introduction of foldable devices, such as the Google Pixel Fold, offers a potential solution to this problem. The author shares their excitement about testing Lightroom on the large inner display of the Pixel Fold. They anticipated having a spacious editing canvas whenever they needed it and a regular-sized phone for everyday use. Nonetheless, their optimism wavered as they discovered that many apps failed to fully utilize the expansive inner screen of the device. This made them skeptical about Lightroom’s performance on the Pixel Fold.
Interestingly, the reviewer’s guide provided by Google for the Pixel Fold included a list of Fold-optimized apps, but Lightroom was not mentioned. Consequently, the author approached the installation of Lightroom with caution. However, their concerns were alleviated once they experienced Lightroom on the Pixel Fold. The app seamlessly transitioned between different screen modes, providing an immersive editing experience. Although the Pixel Fold tended to heat up during intensive tasks, the author found the larger real estate to be worth it.
The article discusses one of the key advantages of using Lightroom on the Pixel Fold: the ample working space it provides. The screenshot shared in the article showcases the expanded editing capabilities on the Pixel Fold’s inner tablet-like screen. As the user adjusts sliders, the menu becomes transparent, allowing them to see the effects on obscured parts of the image.
Nevertheless, the author believes that the editing experience on the Pixel Fold could be enhanced further with stylus support. They express their preference for using an Apple Pencil on an iPad for precision tasks like removing dust or distracting elements from photos. However, they acknowledge that stylus support is not currently available on the Pixel Fold, making certain editing tasks less precise with finger input.
Another aspect highlighted in the article is the issue of screen reflections on the Pixel Fold. The inner display of the device can act as a mirror when used outdoors during the day. Despite this, indoor editing sessions are not affected by frustrating glare. The author shares their positive experience of editing their photos for extended periods in a coffee shop without significantly draining the Pixel Fold’s battery.
In conclusion, the author acknowledges the benefits of using larger devices like tablets or MacBooks for extensive photo editing tasks. However, the convenience of having a larger editing screen readily available at all times on the Pixel Fold is undeniably appealing. While they may not personally justify the $1,800 price tag, they plan to continue using the review unit as their daily device to assess its long-term reliability. They express hope that more apps will follow Lightroom’s example and optimize their interfaces for the unique form factor of foldable devices.
In a world where visual content creation has become increasingly important, having a device that offers a seamless and immersive editing experience is a valuable asset. The Pixel Fold demonstrates the potential of foldable devices to revolutionize the way we edit photos and opens up new possibilities for creative expression.
