The Pixel 5 and 4a 5G were released with a redesigned camera app that was later released on other phones. One of the Pixel UI settings for Google Camera 8.0 is a new way to access full zoom controls outside of predefined increments.
Above the shutter button is a pill in increments of 0.6x (4a 5G / 5), 1x and 2x to quickly zoom in / out. It is more convenient than pinching to zoom, which requires holding the phone with one hand while using the other to make the gesture. An alternative is to use the volume button for zoom controls, but most prefer to use it as a physical shutter button.
Google Cameras 8.0 and 8.1 (current version) have quietly introduced another way to zoom in on the Pixel. Holding down 0.6 / 1 / 2x will open the full slider and allow you to drag to the precise increment. Users do not need to keep their finger on the screen, as the bar remains on the screen for a few seconds. In fact, the initial drag is much slower than all subsequent adjustments. As soon as you finish adjusting, the “2x” preset changes to any increment you set, while you can quickly zoom out.
The new method comes when Google removes the ability to double-tap to zoom in / out with version 8.0. Previously, this was the way to quickly open the slider.
This zoom feature on Google Camera is somewhat hidden, as most Pixel owners will not think about pressing the pill. Meanwhile, there is some oddity, considering how absolute the slider is. For example, pressing 1x in the center of the screen will move the circular slider to the left of your finger. It is not one to one with your finger.
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