For the most part, the approach actually works but not for everyone. User’s don’t know what’s good so don’t give them the option. Google’s approach to the camera is pretty much that of Apple’s approach to software in general.
Since the Google Camera has no manual mode, it doesn’t allow it. It doesn’t even allow you to select an exposure time, something other smartphone cameras have been allowing for quite some time. Most modern smartphones also allow users to select a manual ISO value in the manual mode. At most, you can turn on or off the different built-in modes like HDR+ and enhanced HR+. That feature is a manual mode where the user has full control while the Google Camera hardly gives you any. Despite the adulation and the amazing camera performance though, the Google Camera lacks a very important feature, available on most other stock OEM camera apps. We’ve seen so many ports for so many devices previously. This has resulted in the Google Camera earning a name for itself among the enthusiasts. Many people consider them to be the best camera on a smartphone although that’s debatable these days. There’s no doubt that the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have some of the best cameras around in the smartphone world. This allows room for brighter or darker shots as per the preference of the user instead of the preference of the AI.
The Pixel 3 XL Camera mod allows users to gain a bit more control over the Google Camera allowing them to set manual exposure time and ISO setting.