We had thought that the Google Pixel 6 would bring back the unlimited original quality photo storage that was included in the original Pixel but that Google moved to remove. But alas, that will not be the case.

Code titled "Storage Saver" was found in the Google Photo app, 9to5Google reported: "Storage Saver or Express Unlimited Storage only applies to photos and videos backed up from this Pixel device. ". This implied that there would be a new tier of free and unlimited for Pixel phones. However, Google later announced that it was only testing a new name for the photo backup option and that the photo storage policy for current and future Pixel phones would not be changed.

"There is no change to what we previously announced regarding Google Photos storage for Pixel devices," Google told 9toGoogle, "We are exploring a new name for the photo backup option and have no plans to introduce additional storage options ."

It's too bad, because the return of unlimited original-quality photo storage would have been good news for those considering purchasing the Pixel 6. It would have also replaced a confusing system that left it unclear how many photos could be stored for free.

Not long ago, Google announced that it would not allow free, unlimited photo storage after June 1, 2021. Already Pixel owners have lost their uncompressed backups and retain only lossless copies. However, while the original Pixel retains its original quality, the phone is four years old and should not have much active use at this time.

As an aside, it is worth pointing out that one of the perks of Amazon Prime is unlimited uncompressed photo storage. This even includes RAW files from some SLR and mirrorless cameras; if Google is annoyed by the limit, it may be a good idea to store images in the cloud. That said, I must say that Google Photos is a solid and great app, and its functionality is hard to find in other online storage services.