Pixel 6a camera: Everything you need to know
The Pixel 7a is now out, with a complete overhaul of its camera system, but the Pixel 6a is still holding its own when it comes to image quality and camera performance. Of course, there are some obvious differences that are usually found in more specific conditions.
The good news is that Google is still selling the Pixel 6a and its price has been reduced to just $349, fitting it in the budget-friendly category. Given its new price point, it is safe to say that the Google Pixel 6a continues to be the phone with the best camera for its price, and one of the best budget phones on the market.
Pixel 6а camera summary
| Pixel 6a | |
|---|---|
| Ultra wide-angle | 12MP F2.2, 114-degree FOV |
| Wide-angle | 12.2MP F1.7 |
| Telephoto | - |
| Selfie camera | 8MP |
You can also check out more Pixel 6a specs and Pixel 7a specs.
How many megapixels does the Pixel 6a's camera have?
The Google Pixel 6a features a 12.2MP main camera. The sensor is virtually identical to the one found in the Pixel 5a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 and Pixel 3. Hence, some will be disappointed that the 6a will not be receiving the 50MP treatment that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will be getting.
At any rate, even if slightly outdated, the main sensor is respectable. Many of the previous Pixels were known to produce images with excellent quality, so the lack of a flashy megapixel count should not be a huge problem for most users.
However, the Pixel 6a is incorporating some of the features found on the Pixel 6’s camera - like Real Tone and Magic Eraser. The former allows users to remove unwanted objects by altering their color and brightness so they blend right in. The latter preserves the nuances of photos true to real life, enabling you to take as accurate photos as possible.
How many cameras does the Pixel 6a have?
The Pixel 6a has 2 cameras - a primary wide one and a secondary ultra-wide one. The latter is a 12MP sensor. The Pixel 6a does not feature a telephoto camera.
Pixel 6a camera upgrades
Previously, Google made sure to implement the camera module of their last-year flagship into their current mid-range smartphone. This was precisely the case with the Pixel 5a and the Pixel 5.
This year marks a break with said tradition. The Pixel 6a has the same sensor as the one on the Pixel 5a and Pixel 5. Hence, the Pixel 6a will have a notably inferior camera to the one found on the Pixel 6. Furthermore, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will both also significantly outshine the Pixel 6a in the camera department. Hence, Google has a number of smartphones with better camera quality. This is not to say that the camera on the Pixel 6a is bad per se. It is simply not the best that Google has to offer.
At any rate, the camera of the Pixel 6a produces photos of quite respectable quality. The typical Pixel HDR feel is still here and the colors simply pop. Not to mention that image processing has been sped up significantly, which was one of the biggest problems with the camera on the Pixel 5a. All in all, the Pixel 6a has one of the best camera setups you can find on a mid-range smartphone. You can read our more detailed impressions of the camera in our Pixel 6a review. Below, you will also find some camera samples.
Pixel 6a video recording capabilities
Historically, the Pixel lineup has had its fair share of problems with video recording. The Pixel 6 made a significant improvement in that regard and finally put Google on par with Apple in the video recording department.
Unfortunately, the Pixel 6a as already mentioned, will not have the same main camera module as the Pixel 6. Hence, the video recording capabilities of the Pixel 6a will be more or less in line with those of the Pixel 5. This means that video recording at up to 60FPS in 4K quality is on the table. You can watch a video sample below.
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