Photomator vs Google Photos editor for iPhone editing is really a choice between a cloud library and a dedicated editor. Google Photos stores, searches and backs up your photos, with simple edits built in. Photomator focuses on editing itself, with AI tools, RAW support and precise controls. Many iPhone users end up using both, for different jobs.
What Google Photos does best
Google Photos is excellent at backup, search and sharing. It finds people, places and objects, frees up phone storage and makes it easy to share albums. Its editor handles cropping, light, colour and filters well enough for quick posts. If your main worry is losing photos or finding them later, Google Photos is hard to beat.
Where Photomator goes further
Photomator adds AI masking, curves, batch editing and selective adjustments that Google Photos does not offer in the same depth. You can edit skin, sky or a single object without changing the whole photo, and you can keep a consistent look across a set. For photos you want to print or keep as favourites, that control matters.
A practical combination
The simplest workflow is to back up with Google Photos and edit keepers in Photomator. Edit in Photomator, export the finished photo, and let Google Photos store and share it. That way you get strong backup and strong editing, without forcing one app to do everything.
For iPhone use, Photomator for iPhone review: everyday editing on a small screen covers daily editing. For keeping edits consistent across devices, how to sync Photomator edits across Apple devices explains the Apple-device workflow.
Storage and cost
Google Photos offers free storage up to a limit, with paid plans for more space, and its editor is included. Photomator is a paid editing app, so it makes sense only if you edit often enough to use its tools. If you mainly need backup and quick edits, Google Photos may be enough. If you edit weekly, Photomator earns its place.
Which one should you choose
- Choose Google Photos if backup, search and sharing matter most.
- Choose Photomator if you want AI masking, RAW and detailed control.
- Use both if you back up in Google Photos and edit in Photomator.
- Choose Photomator first if you regularly print or publish your photos.
In short, Google Photos is the better library, while Photomator is the better editor for iPhone photos you care about most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photomator better than Google Photos for editing?
For detailed editing, AI masking and RAW work, yes. For quick edits inside a backup library, Google Photos is often enough.
Can I use Photomator and Google Photos together?
Yes. Edit keepers in Photomator, export them, and let Google Photos back up and share the finished versions.
Does Google Photos support RAW editing on iPhone?
Google Photos can store RAW files and offers basic edits, but Photomator provides deeper RAW controls and selective editing.
Is Google Photos free?
Google Photos is free up to a storage limit, with paid plans for extra space. Photomator is a separate paid app for editing.
Which app is better for sharing albums?
Google Photos is better for sharing albums and links, while Photomator is better for preparing the photos before you share them.
Start by deciding what matters most on your iPhone. If backup and sharing come first, build your library in Google Photos and edit only your best photos in Photomator. If editing comes first, make Photomator your main editor and let Google Photos handle storage in the background. That balance gives you the best of both apps without extra work.
That simple split keeps your library safe and your best photos polished.