Google’s latest Pixel 5 just came off the press with a new aesthetic and, for the first time, an ultra-wide camera lens. OnePlus has also launched its latest device, the OnePlus 8T, which has not undergone any fundamental changes from its predecessor. So even with mid-range specs, can the Google Pixel 5 beat the stacked OnePlus 8T when it comes to photography? Find out in this Google Pixel 5 vs OnePlus 8T camera shootout!
Be sure to cast your vote on the winner in the poll at the end of the comparison. For a more detailed look at the features and spec differences between these two phones, check out our article below.
Read more: OnePlus 8T vs Google Pixel 5: Which Affordable 5G Phone Should You Buy?
Google Pixel 5 vs OnePlus 8T: camera specs
These two devices have radically different camera spec sheets. The OnePlus 8T opts for more cameras and some have higher resolutions. Instead, the Pixel 5 has only three cameras and all three have a lower resolution.
Keep reading: Why Google chose the Snapdragon 765G for the Pixel 5
The Pixel 5 not only faces a camera hardware deficit, it also does in performance. The Pixel 5 has a Snapdragon 765G versus the much more powerful Snapdragon 865 found in the OnePlus 8T. This difference will affect the processing times of the photos, the number of HDR exposures taken, and the maximum resolution and frame rate of the video.
| Google Pixel 5 | OnePlus 8T | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear cameras | 12.2 MP, f / 1.7, 1 / 2.55 in. sensor, 1.4 µm, OIS 16MP ultra-wide, f / 2.2, 107-degree field of view, 1.0 µm |
48MP, f / 1.7, 1/2 in. sensor, 0.8 µm, OIS 16MP ultra-wide, f / 2.2, 123-degree field of view, 1.0μm 5MP macro, f / 2.4 2MP monochrome, f / 2.4 |
| Rear video | UHD 4K 60 fps 1080p |
UHD 4K 60fps 1080p 240fps |
| Front cameras | 8MP, f / 2.0, 1.12 µm | 16 MP, f / 2.4, 1.0 µm |
| Front video | 1080p 60 fps | UHD 4K 60fps |
The samples
Let’s first take a look at a mixed low-light shot at an outdoor restaurant. This proved quite difficult for the OnePlus 8T to get right, as it relies heavily on warmer tones with yellowing throughout the image.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
The Pixel 5 neutralizes those tones to create a much more pleasant image. Where the OnePlus 8T loses detail in the darkest areas, like the seat to the left, the Pixel 5 retains a lot of clear information.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
Here is a selfie of our very own David Imel. Immediately, the image of the OnePlus 8T is brighter, which makes it look more pleasant. There is also more vibrancy and sharpness in this image. In contrast, the image of the Pixel 5 does not appear as much. David’s face is also softer in Pixel’s photo.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
In this shot of David on a rooftop at night, the Pixel 5 handles both detail capture and realistic background blur thanks to its portrait night view mode. The OnePlus 8T version is darker, louder, and dirtier.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
In this shot of a potted plant against a window, the Pixel 5’s processing chops show their presence. The most obvious quality is the ability to retain detail in highlights with a nice glide into slightly darker areas. This is shown to the left of the plant pot, where the light coming through the window hits it.
See also: The best budget camera phones you can buy
The image of the OnePlus 8T is a bit flowery, while the Pixel 5 slowly softens those reflections. The same can be seen in the red plant on the far right. The OnePlus 8T version seems oversaturated, while the Pixel 5 version seems balanced.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
In this shot of a side street on a cloudy day, the OnePlus 8T’s processing shows one of its biggest problems: blurring foliage and fine details. Even before going through the trees, you can see that the OnePlus 8T has much less detail.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
However, when cropping, you can see that in both the brightest and darkest trees, the Pixel 5 manages to retain details better, even if it’s not perfect. The OnePlus smoothing becomes much more prominent here.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
This shot of some leaves with a lane underneath shows the vast difference in the color and contrast processing of the two. The image of the Pixel 5 is flatter with more realistic colors. The OnePlus 8T’s camera produces more images of contrast and saturation, as evident from the sheets. Arguably the image of the OnePlus 8T appears more but is less realistic.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
Here is a photo of a city at night taken in the respective night mode of each phone. Immediately, the OnePlus image is much brighter. This is likely helped by its larger sensor and more robust processor.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
On the horizon, the OnePlus 8T managed to better expose the highlights. The Pixel 5 seems to bring out the highlights compared to the OnePlus 8T. That said, the Pixel 5 has a much more natural sharpening filter, as shown on the buildings themselves.
Pixel 5 OnePlus 8T
By switching to ultra-wide lenses, both devices get much softer and darker images. There’s more bloom around the highlights, like the windows in this image. The OnePlus 8T’s colors look more changeable with more contrast, while the Pixel’s image looks brighter with more dynamic range.
Google Pixel 5 vs OnePlus 8T camera shooting: the verdict
While the OnePlus 8T looks for the most striking and attractive image, it does so at the expense of detail and color accuracy. There is also a lot of contrast in your images. That said, sometimes it better exposes the subject so that the highlights don’t fade out.
Our verdicts: Google Pixel 5 Review | OnePlus 8T review
The Pixel 5, as expected, produced better images most of the time. There were some inconsistencies in the exposure. In all other facets, the Pixel’s processing helps it outperform the OnePlus 8T’s more powerful hardware. The relief effect was softer, the colors more pleasant, and there were more details in the foliage.
Are you impressed with the lower-spec Pixel 5? Or do you prefer the more powerful camera of the OnePlus 8T? Cast your vote for the winner of our shootout in the poll below.
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