it's useful for QR codes though so they can actually be scanned somewhat reliably from a phone screen
Seems like a solution in search of a problem
Lots of apps already do that when you open a QR code. What I don't need is the browser to break expectations and make random images super bright...
This HDR QR code currently (AFAIK) only works on Apple platforms, where a user already has an option to long-press a QR code in place. Maybe going forward we should spread easy in place interactions instead of spreading a different feature (HDR) and then abusing it?