The Google Pixel 4a has some great boots to fill. Its predecessor, the Pixel 3a, boasted the best camera on a mid-range smartphone with some margin, so much so that it could go hand in hand with Google’s flagship phones. Can the Pixel 4a do the same against the aging Pixel 4 series? That’s what we’re going to find out in this Pixel 4a vs Pixel 4 camera shootout!
Be sure to cast your vote on the winner in the question at the end of the equation.
Related: Google Pixel 4a vs Pixel 4: Which should you buy?
Google Pixel 4a vs Pixel 4: Camera specifications
On the surface, the camera specs are quite similar between the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4. Both have 12.2MP main cameras and 8MP selfie cameras, but the Pixel 4 also packs a 16MP telephoto camera. This should help snap sharper zoomed photos. The Pixel 4 comes with a flagship SoC that results in faster image processing, as well as the Pixel Visual Core that further helps in speeding up processes such as HDR +, portrait mode and Night Sight. The Pixel 4a has none of these and so its processing is slower, resulting in a less seamless user experience.
| Google Pixel 4a | Google Pixel 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Behind cameras | 12.2MP, f / 1.7, 1 / 2.55-inch, OIS | Head: 12.2MP, f / 1.7, 1 / 2.55-inch, OIS Phone: 16MP, f / 2.4, 1 / 3.6-inch, OIS |
| Back video | UHD 4K 30fps 1080 60fps 1080p 120fps |
UHD 4K 30fps 1080 60fps 1080p 120fps |
| For cameras | 8MP, f / 2.0 | 8MP, f / 2.0 |
| Front video | 1080p 30 fps | 1080p 30 fps |
The examples
In these indoor images, the Pixel 4 manages to capture more detail in the canvases. A by-product of this, however, is a lot of noise in the vicinity of the image. As for the recording of the Gran Turismo collection, both images look so similar that it’s too close to peel.
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
I also tested the portrait mode with both the front and rear cameras in this first set of images. Testing these cameras indoors should provide insight into the sound performance of both devices. In the selfies, the only source of light was a window to my right.
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
The outer sample of the Pixel 4a has a tighter viewing field despite both photos being taken at the same distance from the subject. Therefore, there is more background compression in the image of the 4a. There is also more detail in the shadows of the Pixel 4a. However, the white balance of the Pixel 4 is more vital in these images than the Pixel 4a’s.
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
We are out again for these following photo previews. The shot of the danger sign shows the stronger natural bokeh of Pixel 4 coming out as a result of the larger sensor. In the pictures where I was shooting at the tree, it was bad to pick out deviations. The Pixel 4 manages to capture just a little more detail in the shadows, and it also manages to capture a more accurate white balance.
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
In the dark, the Pixel 4 steams forward with much better shots with Google’s Night Sight mode. In these images of the side of my house, the Pixel 4a spins the pebbles loudly with a pink haze over the top. The Pixel 4 remains shaper, even after the dark bottom half of the wall. Pixel 4a images appear softer in low light, perhaps due to the lack of Pixel Visual Core, which Pixel 4 uses to sharpen its images.
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
Pixel 4a Pixel 4
Since the Pixel 4 has a 2x tele-zoom, we decided to compare the zoom capabilities of both. At 2x, the Pixel 4a keeps up with the Pixel 4. However, at 5x, the Pixel 4 looks a lot clearer and sharper. This is the Super Res Zoom from Pixel 4 that comes into play, which digitally enhances photos with the tele-camera. However, you can see the shift in the color temperature of the Pixel 4 when switching from the main camera to the camera camera. Since the Pixel 4a requires a single camera – again stimulated by the Super Res Zoom tech – its color temperature does not change due to the zoom range.
See also: Google Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE camera shootout
Google Pixel 4a vs Pixel 4 Camera Shootout: The Judgment
The Pixel 4a does well to keep up with its larger sibling in bright environments. However, it may not match the Pixel 4 flagship level when the illumination drops. The Pixel 4’s Night Sight is more powerful, its white balance is more life-like and its natural bokeh is more comfortable.
While the Pixel 4 still offers the best photography experience across the Pixel family, we can not forget that the Pixel 4a starts at $ 349, while the flagship now sells for around $ 700. This makes the Pixel 4a samples that much more impressive . For about half the price, the Pixel 4a is the new mid-range camera.
Are you under the impression of how well the Pixel 4a can stay? Vote for the winner of our shootout in the interview below.
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