Google Pixel 4a 5G Smartphone Review - Performance

Google Pixel 4a 5G Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Google Pixel 4a (5G) Sample Photos

Sample Photos - Most of the images we captured showed accurate colours, good exposure levels and weren't oversaturated which was great to see as some smartphones have a tendency to try and make colours pop but by doing so, make them far too bright. The odd image does look a little too HDR'd and not natural and on occasion, the toxic greens we're not fans off also crept in but overall, the camera managed well. Purple fringing was an issue around some edges but not in every shot and we have to praise Google's Portrait mode technology as it does a brilliant job at introducing bokeh to images that looks realistic and only has tiny clipping issues. 

Google Pixel 4a (5G) Lens test images

Lens Performance - The ultra-wide and wide lens perform really well but you're never going to find a digital zoom that can compete with a telephoto zoom. Having said that, the digital zoom on the Pixel 4a 5G isn't too bad (we've seen a lot worse!). Now, we're not saying it's amazing as it does loose detail towards the latter end but it is much better than other digital zooms available on mid-range and flagship smartphones. 

Normal Camera Mode

Night Sight

ISO Noise Performance - There is no direct control over the ISO speed used by the camera. For the most part, you don't really need to worry about it, as the camera will deliver good results for the majority of the time. When it drops too dark, the camera suggests the Night Sight mode should be used. As you'd expect, Higher ISO levels do result in more noise.

Google Pixel 4a (5G) White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten lighting, under mixed lighting, and under fluorescent lighting, meaning you should rarely have to worry about white balance settings. Although, results were a little warmer when tungsten lighting was used. 

Google Pixel 4a (5G) Digital filters

Digital Filters - Various digital filters are available which you can apply after you've captured your images via the Photo Gallery. Some of the digital filters available are shown above. 

Panorama mode - Panoramas are stitched well, colours are accurate and there is a good level of detail throughout the image. 

Video - The Google Pixel 4a 5G captures video, with the rear camera, with the following options: 4K @ 30/60fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240fps with gyro-EIS. The footage is smooth, colours are accurate and the video mode is really easy to use. 

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