Google Photos & Google Drive Difference In Detail
Google has various apps that perform the same function. For example, Google Photos and Google Drive. Both of these apps store and manage photos and videos, but their purpose and features are different. Therefore, in this article, I will explain Google Photos vs Google Drive in detail. So, properly read the article to the end to know which program should be used and when.
Before starting the comparison between Google Photos and Google Drive. Let’s first understand these apps. Google has its own platform where users can store, manage, and share only photos and videos. Just like any Google tool, it is a cloud service that you can use from any device. It also has a dedicated app for mobiles.
On the other hand, Google Drive is a cloud storage that stores all the data, including your photos and videos. Users can use this to store their important photos. However, Google Photos does not directly use Google Drive storage. In 2019, Google ended the automatic sync between Google Photos and Google Drive. So, now you have to manually save your Photos in the Drive.
Still, there are some people who confuse Google Photos and Google Drive regarding their storage and features. Therefore, below I explained the difference between Google Photos and Google Drive.
Google Photos Vs Google Drive – Key Comparison
| Functions | Google Photos | Google Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Google Photos stores, organizes, and manages photos and videos. | Google Drive stores and manages all files, including docs, images, videos, PDFs, etc. |
| Support File Types | It only supports photos and video files, such as JPEG, PNG, MP4, MOV, RAW files, and more. | Google Drive stores a variety of file types, including PNG, JPG, MP4, PDF, ZIP, Audio files, etc. |
| Backup Solution | Google Photos provides an automatic photo and video backup from mobile. | To backup or sync your file, you have to manually upload it or use Google Drive for Desktop. |
| Organizations Feature | Provide Albums, face grouping, places, objects, and AI-based categorization. | Use folders, shared drives, and manual file features to organize your files. |
| Storage Usage | All the photos and videos are counted in Google storage. | All the files are stored in the same Google storage. |
| Integration | Google Photos integrates with Android, Google Lens, and the Photos app. | It is connected with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Workspace apps. |
There are many other features that are different from each other. So, I will also explain to you below.
Difference Between Google Photos & Google Drive: Additional Features
- Edit Settings
Google Photos is equipped with some basic editing features, like crop and rotate. An option to create collages and apply filters is also enabled. Google Photos also gives an option for a video editor. A user can create animations and videos from Google Photos itself. Here, the difference between Google Photos and Google Drive is, any such feature is not included in Google Drive - File Scanning
If a Google Drive is installed on the smartphone, any third-party applications to scan photos, files, and documents are not required. An inbuilt ability to do the same is present. Google Photos can also help a user to scan photos, but for that, a user has to download the PhotoScan app from Google. - Google Lens
One of the cool features of Google Photos is Google Lens. It is a picture search engine for phones, which is automated by machine learning and artificial intelligence. When a user taps the lens button provided in Google Photos, it recognizes the element in the image and displays necessary information regarding it. Some other amazing functionalities are recognizing addresses and contact numbers in pictures. When comparing Google Photos vs Google Drive, no such feature is provided by Google Drive. - Image Sharing Options
Both services enable users to share and connect. However, there are some differences. In Google Drive, a user can connect with multiple people. On the other hand, in Google Photos, a user can continuously share photos with a single person. A partner account is to be added to begin the sharing process with a group of people.
So, here are the complete differences between Google Drive and Google Photos. Both are very useful, but it depends on the situation. Let’s see which program is suitable for certain scenarios.
Recommendations to Use Google Photos and Google Drive
From the above detailed comparison of Google Photos vs Google Drive. You learn the key difference between them. Now, if you are confused about when you should use them. Then, this section will clear it.
Choose Google Photos:
If your main focus is to store the photos and videos. You are using a mobile to manage your photos, want to do quick editing, and share with your partner. Then use Google Photos. It is best for individuals, families, casual users, and anyone who wants to manage only their media files.
When Google Drive:
You have to store different types of image and video files, and want to connect to other Google apps. You have to manage the images for the professional users and easily share them with others. In all these cases, Google Drive is perfect for you as it helps students, professionals, teams, and users to manage multiple diverse file formats.
Bonus Tip: Move Google Photos to Google Drive
Most people want to compare Google Photos and Google Drive to migrate their photos to another Google account. So, with the comparison, I am also suggesting a way to move the images. Directly transferring your photos is not possible. First, save your images in the Drive. Then, use the SysTools Google Drive Migrator Tool to move your images. It is a professional software recommended by many experts. This utility allows you to move any type of file in your Google Drive, including images and videos, to your destination account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you please tell me Photos saved in Google Photos are public or private?
Ans. The photos saved on Google Drive are completely safe and private. However, if you want, then you can share it with other users can also as per your choice, and it still remains private.
Q. Does Google Photos change the picture quality?
Ans. Yes, photos are compressed to save space. Any photo larger than 16 MP will be resized to 16 MP.
Q. Do Google Drive and Google Photos have shared space?
Ans. Yes, Google offers a total of 15 GB free space, which is shared between Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
Q. Does Google Photos take up space on Google Drive?
Ans. Only photos and videos that are stored using the original size take up space on Google Drive.
Q. Will deleting photos from Google Drive delete them from Google Photos?
Ans. Yes, deleting the photos from the Google Photos folder in Google Drive will delete them in the Photos app.
Summary
This article explained the comparison of Google Photos vs Google Drive. Here, I have deeply discuss the difference with key features. Along with it, I also suggest recommendations about when the Photos and Drive should be used. If you want to move your images so I also suggest a bonus tip that can help you move Google Photos to Google Drive.