Google Pixel 5 has the strongest camera specs on the market, at least in terms of mid-range smartphones. However, is it worth changing your current phone for a new Pixel? This year Google hasn’t focused that much on phone upgrades. Therefore, the camera package seems to be the main reason you should go for the latest Pixel model. Google hasn’t done anything to the primary camera lens for a few years now, so let’s see the differences between the last three phone generations: Pixel 3, Pixel 4, and Pixel 5.
Google Pixel 3
Rear cameras
- Main: 12.2MP, f/1.8, Dual-Pixel PDAF, 1.4µm pixels, OIS
Rear video
- Up to 4K@30fps
Front cameras
- Main: 8 MP, f/1.8, 28mm focal length, PDAF
- Wide: 8 MP, f/2.2, 19mm focal length, no AF
Front video
- Up to 1080p@30fps.
Google Pixel 4
Rear cameras
- Main: 12.2MP Dual-Pixel PDAF, f/1.7 aperture, 1.4μm pixels, OIS, EIS.
- Telephoto: 16MP, f/2.4 aperture, 1.0μm, OIS, EIS, PDAF.
Rear video
- Up to 4K@30fps
Front cameras
- 8.1MP, f/2.0, 1.22μm.
Front video
- Up to 1080p@30fps.
Google Pixel 5
Rear cameras
- Main: 12.2MP Dual-Pixel PDAF, f/1.7 aperture, 1.4μm pixels, OIS, EIS.
- Ultra wide: 16MP, f/2.2, 1.0μm, 107-degree FOV.
Rear video
- Up to 4K@60fps.
Front cameras
- 8MP sensor, f/2.0, 1.12µm.
Front video
- Up to 1080p@30fps.
Pixel 3, 4, and 5 camera comparison
Overall, Google has made a few adjustments to the Pixel 3 main camera aperture, added a telephoto lens on the Pixel 4, and replaced it with an ultra-wide sensor in the Pixel 5. In terms of the front-facing camera, we can see a few updates over the three generations of smartphones. The Pixel 3 features a dual selfie camera, which was upgraded to a more standard front-facing camera in the next generation. Pixel 5 features almost the same front-facing sensor; however, slightly smaller.
One plus is that all three models run on the Android 11 OS, which means they have the latest camera features. The color, exposure, and white balance are almost the same on all models. The biggest difference is the indoor white balance, where Pixel 5 holds the throne by giving the best yellow light correction results.
Pixel 5 offers the best HDR processing. Over the years, Google has dropped the Pixel 3 HDR and HDR+ Enhanced configuration features, going for a better HDR Bracketing technique in the latest model. There is not much difference between the latest version and its predecessor; however, Pixel 5 offers better color, exposure, and highlights results. In terms of the image details, the noise is noticeable in all three models; however, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 work better once again.
One thing for sure is that Google remains in power in terms of low light photography cameras. The Pixel 5 camera offers the best portrait results, having a better accuracy of the bokeh blur. This is another category where you can really notice the differences between Pixel 3 and the latest two models.
Moving to the zoom feature, Pixel 4 offers the best results. However, it is up to the user to decide in this case. Pixel 5 has a wider field of view; therefore, it depends on what photos you want to take. One thing for sure is that the Pixel 3 single-camera is not as flexible as the other two versions.
Conclusion
Overall, the differences between the three models are minimal. Google has to raise its standard and upgrade the hardware to impress consumers with next-gen smartphones. However, we can’t say they haven’t evolved at all. The Pixel 5 introduced live HDR, Cinematic Pan, low light portraits, and other new features, which is a plus.
If you are looking for a better zoom lens, go for the fourth generation. If you want a wider camera sensor, Pixel 5 should do the trick. However, the Pixel 3 generation is not very far behind from the latest models. Don’t forget that it features the newest camera capabilities, and its price is much more affordable.
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