Despite the fact that there is now a clear trend on the market for an increase in the number of modules in the cameras of modern smartphones, Google considers even three lenses to be redundant, limiting itself to only one or two. Therefore, compared to competitors with 4-5 cameras, the new Pixel 4a does not seem to be a very outstanding device, although its manufacturer focuses on the quality of shooting. But who said that quality depends on quantity? Indeed, in practice, most users simply shoot with the main module, without switching not only to a macro lens, but even to ultra-wide.
Pixel 4a is very cheap for such photo capabilities
The specs of the Pixel 4a's camera aren't amazing. The wide-angle module – there is only one here – has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels. It was decided not to equip the novelty with a TV set, in contrast to the classic Pixel 4, in order to save money, although the designers of Google tried to show off the shoppers by installing a rather large platform on the back panel of the smartphone, which could accommodate 2, 3, and even 4 module. But the main thing here is not at all the hardware basis, but the software automation, which almost always provides an outstanding result regardless of the shooting conditions.
Photo with blur on the Pixel 4a camera
See how cool and natural Pixel 4a blurs the background
One gets the impression that the shooting was carried out on an expensive smartphone, but this is not the case
The Pixel 4a's natural blur is amazing
If you are looking for an inexpensive camera phone, there is probably no better option than the Pixel 4a.
First of all, I propose to pay attention to the pictures with blur, which, even without a telephoto, are really cool. If the same iPhone SE 2 can blur the background, only there is a person in front of him, then the Pixel 4a can blur it regardless of who or what is in the frame. This provides a very interesting effect, typical for professional telephoto cameras, where the subject is visually highlighted and the background is softly blurred. In general, it turns out very cool.
The Pixel 4a shoots great, even in challenging shooting conditions
It was very interesting to evaluate the performance of the Pixel 4a camera in conditions of changes in lighting, where both bright light and shadow meet in the frame. This effect is observed, for example, in arches, in front of windows or door exits. Many smartphones simply do not pull out and merge such a picture. But the Pixel 4a – apparently thanks to its finely tuned automation – is doing amazing work. Just look at the picture above: there is not a single overexposure here and even the sky is as natural as possible.
Pixel 4a night photos
Small details are hard to see at night, but Pixel 4a is more or less able to do it
It's strange that iPhone SE 2020 can't do that
The Pixel 4a shoots just fine at night, as expected. Despite the fact that much less detail can be discerned in night shots than in daytime shots, the very fact that the smartphone manages to brighten the frame as if its matrix and optics really allowed it to see what was happening deserves respect. But this is a device for only $ 350. Even the sub-flagship iPhone SE 2, which was equipped with the most advanced hardware, does not know how to take night shots, keeping this privilege for unlike the more expensive models of the line.
This is the original photo without zooming.
And this is a photo with 2x magnification.
Even a fourfold increase does not cause rejection
Well, and, of course, zoom. Of course, there is no optical magnification here. Everything is built exclusively on the work of 'numbers' and software algorithms that reduce pixelation and improve the quality of the final image. As a result, a 2x zoom does not spoil the photo at all, creating the impression that an optical zoom is being used, and a 4x zoom, although it conceals the quality, is not as noticeable as it happens with other smartphones. So what if the 'pixel' draws something there? After all, the result does not get worse from this.