Google Pixel 2 vs Google Pixel 3 XL: read noise comparison

Input-referred read noise at base ISO: Google Pixel 2 4.2 e⁻ (ISO 50), Google Pixel 3 XL 4.8 e⁻ (ISO 56).

Google Pixel 2

The Google Pixel 2 was measured at 18 ISO settings from ISO 50 to ISO 3200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (50) read noise is 0.72 DN, or 4.2 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 250 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 400 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 5,638 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 290.

Google Pixel 3 XL

The Google Pixel 3 XL was measured at 22 ISO settings from ISO 56 to ISO 7200. Values are Bill Claff's (Photons to Photos) direct measurements from raw files.

At base ISO (56) read noise is 0.66 DN, or 4.8 electrons at the sensor. From ISO 250 up the camera is effectively ISO-invariant: raising ISO further doesn't meaningfully lower shadow noise. Settings above ISO 800 don't change analog gain (digital push). Full well at base ISO is about 7,019 electrons; unity gain is around ISO 410.

Google Pixel 2 vs Google Pixel 3 XL read noise table

ISO	Google Pixel 2	Google Pixel 3 XL
50	0.717	–
56	–	0.655
64	0.763	–
80	0.883	0.785
100	1.007	0.871
125	1.133	1.035
160	1.385	1.165
200	1.625	1.366
250	1.905	1.569
320	2.266	1.919
400	2.713	2.219
500	–	2.676
640	4.408	3.434
800	5.540	4.317
1000	6.964	5.540
1250	8.694	6.727
1600	11.081	8.634
2000	13.929	10.778
2500	17.509	13.454
3200	22.009	17.030
4000	–	21.112
5000	–	26.723
6400	–	33.128
7200	–	35.753

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