Remember that the Google Pixel 8a is equipped with a main camera with a 64 megapixel lens offering an f/1.89 aperture with a 1/1.73 inch sensor with 0.8µm pixels. The lens of this main camera is 26mm equivalent and features Quad PDAF technology as well as optical image stabilization (OIS). In addition, the ultra-wide-angle camera offers a 13-megapixel sensor with 1.12µm pixels, a 120-degree field of view and an f/2.2 aperture.
General performance and highlights
According to DxOMark, the Google Pixel 8a performed well for its class in benchmarks and demonstrated improvements over its predecessor, the Pixel 7a. Using the same Google Tensor G3 chipset as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the new mid-range model, however, lacks a dedicated telephoto lens and generally has less advanced hardware compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8a’s image results were close to those of the Pixel 8, especially for photos and zoom. However, it didn’t quite match the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, or even its predecessor the Pixel 7a, in terms of video detail. DxOMark testers particularly liked the color rendition and skin tones in still photography of the Pixel 8a. Although the ultra-wide-angle camera produced excellent image results, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens limited image quality. In video mode, the Pixel 8a generally performed well in most conditions, but weaknesses were observed in terms of color and detail when recording portrait scenes.
The Pixel 8a’s exposure is very precise, allowing images to be captured with good clarity and balanced light levels. The contrast and level of detail in photos are also remarkable, offering sharp and well-defined images. In video, the colors are pleasant and the white balance is relatively neutral, which contributes to a natural rendering of scenes. Additionally, the video stabilization is effective, ensuring smooth recordings even in motion while the autofocus is both precise and stable, improving the user experience when capturing videos.
The negative points of the Pixel 8a in photos and videos
However, the Pixel 8a has some weak points. Also according to DxOMark, skin tones can sometimes be inaccurate in indoor portraits, affecting the overall quality of people images. Autofocus can also be unstable, with noise varying from shot to shot, which can compromise photo consistency. Depth estimation artifacts may appear in bokeh mode photos, reducing the desired blurring effect in the background.
In video, the trade-off between texture and noise is poor in portraits, and exposure matching issues can occasionally arise. Additionally, frequent autofocus differences, frame shifts, and sharpness differences between images, as well as some color and shake effects, may adversely affect the quality of recorded videos.
All in all, despite some minor shortcomings, the Google Pixel 8a presents itself as a solid option for those looking for particularly good camera performance in the high-end segment. The notable improvements over its predecessor and overall image and video quality make the Pixel 8a an attractive choice for users who care about camera quality.
