Introducing the Google Pixel 8a, the latest addition to the budget-friendly phone market. Known for its exceptional camera quality, the Pixel series continues to uphold its reputation. But with minimal changes in camera hardware and slow improvements, is the Pixel 8a still the reigning champion among $500 phones, or have competitors surpassed it?
After undergoing our rigorous PhoneArena Camera Score testing protocol, here’s what we discovered about the Pixel 8a:
– **PhoneArena Camera Score**: 132.9
– **Photo Score**: 140.3
– **Video Score**: 125.5
With a total score around 133 points, the Pixel 8a shows slight progress over its predecessor, the Pixel 7a. While it outperforms the Galaxy A55 5G in camera quality, it falls short compared to newer contenders like the OnePlus 12R.
Main Camera:
– Equipped with a 64MP main shooter with f/1.9 aperture
– Utilizes a smaller sensor compared to premium phones
– Offers a default photo resolution of 16MP through quad pixel binning
Zoom Quality:
– Relies on digital zoom up to 8X without a dedicated telephoto lens
– Maintains strong zoom quality compared to competitors like OnePlus 12R and Galaxy A55
Ultra-wide Camera:
– Features a 13MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and a focal length of 20mm
– Shows slight improvements over its predecessor but lacks macro shooting capabilities
Front Camera:
– Performs exceptionally well in capturing selfies with high detail and accurate skin tones
– Offers similar performance to the premium Pixel 8 model
Video Quality:
– Records excellent video footage with vibrant colors and good detail at up to 4K resolution
– Provides stable video stabilization but limits switching between main and ultra-wide cameras at higher resolutions
Overall, while the Pixel 8a may not lead in every aspect compared to its flagship counterparts like Pixel 8 or Galaxy S24, it still offers impressive camera capabilities within its price range. With reliable performance across photo and video modes, this device remains a solid choice for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
