3 reasons why the Pixel 5a’s camera surpasses the Pixel 5’s

With Google reportedly planning to release the Pixel 5a sometime later this year (potentially alongside the Pixel 6 & 6 Pro), we have to wonder how its camera will stack up against its predecessor, the Pixel 5. In light of a few leaks about the upcoming Pixel 5a, we can make a few predictions about the smartphone, granted the information is accurate.

The leaks, provided by Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech, give us a clearer image of what to expect from the Pixel 5a. From the looks of it, the Pixel 5a won’t change a whole lot in terms of camera specs, but it will still surpass the Pixel 5 as the better video camera. Let’s discuss why that is:

The Google Pixel 5a will have the same camera for cheaper

According to Prosser, the Google Pixel 5a will retain the same camera as the Pixel 5. We’ll see the smartphone house a 12-megapixel wide camera and a 16MP ultrawide camera on its back. On the front, the Pixel 5a will have an 8MP camera. It will also be capable of shooting 4K video at 30 FPS.

Though the Pixel 5’s camera (and reportedly the Pixel 5a’s) don’t employ the most high-end camera specs we’ve seen in a smartphone, it’s significantly better than average. Additionally, Prosser predicts the Pixel 5a will cost $450, $250 less than the Pixel 5 at launch. So, you can get the same quality camera for much less.

It may come with higher performance

There’s a possibility we could see the Google Pixel 5a with a higher-performing chip than its predecessor. However, sources are split. Some speculate that we could see the Pixel 5a ship with the same Snapdragon 750G chip, meaning the performance would be the same as the Pixel 5. But more recent reports suggest Google opted for the Snapdragon 765G, which offers higher performance that would improve the phone’s entire experience. It would also make shooting video and playback more smooth.

You will likely get a larger screen

The leaks suggest the Google Pixel 5a will slightly increase its screen size from 6-inches to 6.4-inches. This makes for a much larger screen and more room to work with when framing and editing your videos.

The Google Pixel 5a should take the cake

The Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a are similar, but the Pixel 5a, according to the leaks, seems to edge out its predecessor. It shines in its alleged simplicity. Does it have the most powerful smartphone camera? No. But if the leaks are accurate, the phone’s affordable price and point-and-shoot design will allow more people to have more access to quality video on mobile.

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's Managing Editor.

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