As an expert sommelier and brewer, I must say that the Pixel 6 Pro does indeed offer a zoom feature. However, it is important to note that there is a distinction between optical zoom and digital zoom.
The Pixel 6 Pro is equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens, which allows you to physically zoom in on your subject without sacrificing image quality. This is particularly useful when you want to capture details or subjects that are further away. With the optical zoom, you can get closer to your subject without having to physically move closer yourself.
On the other hand, the regular Pixel 6 does not have an optical zoom lens. Instead, it offers a 2x digital zoom. Digital zoom, unlike optical zoom, is a software-based zoom feature that enlarges the image by cropping and magnifying it digitally. While it can be helpful in certain situations when you need to get closer to your subject, it is important to note that digital zoom can result in a loss of image quality and detail.
Having used both optical and digital zoom in various photography situations, I can confidently say that there is a noticeable difference in the quality of the zoomed-in images. Optical zoom provides a clearer and sharper image, while digital zoom can sometimes result in a loss of sharpness and detail.
In my personal experience, I have found the optical zoom on devices such as the Pixel 6 Pro to be incredibly useful when capturing subjects from a distance. Whether it's capturing wildlife in nature, documenting architectural details, or even zooming in on a wine label to read the fine print, the optical zoom lens adds a new level of versatility to the camera.
However, it is worth mentioning that even without an optical zoom lens, the Pixel 6's digital zoom feature can still be handy in certain situations. For example, when you want to get a closer shot of a dish you just prepared or zoom in on the intricate patterns of a beer glass, the digital zoom can help you achieve that without needing to physically move closer.
To summarize, the Pixel 6 Pro offers a 4x optical zoom lens, while the regular Pixel 6 offers a 2x digital zoom. The optical zoom lens provides superior image quality and clarity when zooming in on subjects, while digital zoom is a software-based feature that can be useful in certain situations but may result in a loss of image quality.