Pixel Camera 5a vs Samsung Galaxy A52?

[MrBear16]

I am considering either a Pixel 5a or Samsung Galaxy A52 5G but am concerned about the camera. I am not after a top of the line phone as I use it for calls, texts, email, social media, websites, etc... I am currently using a Moto G7 Supra so either is an upgrade in every way. I would like to be able to lay something down on the floor and take one or two overhead shots and be set. I currently have to take 20+ at times and flash always washes out the color. I would like to be able to take clear pictures of the wild turkeys near my home, animals at the zoo, etc... Galaxy is cheaper through my carrier while pixel would be bought through Google. The comparison reviews for which camera is better have not helped as half of reviews say Pixel and the other half Galaxy. The next phone I buy I would like to last several years so I want to be sure what I buy is good for what I want to do with it. This is all very anxiety provoking. Especially as I need to decide soon due to my current phone staying black screened 8 out of 10 times I push the button. I would appreciate any input.

 

[PowrDroid]

You're right--this is darn near a toss-up between the cameras. Samsung has the latest hardware but Pixel has the famed Pixel image processing working in its favor.

Generally speaking, Samsung's camera software leans toward the warmer spectrum and slightly oversaturated. It's just how Samsung dials in their cameras. Google Pixel strives for color accuracy.

As far as taking shots of animals in motion, Pixel seems to do better on this based on the number of people complaining about blurriness of Samsung's photos of kids running around and shots of pets in motion. Pixel owners don't have these complaints. Anecdotal evidence, sure, but there's a lot of it out there.

I've got to believe Pixel would have the better low light shots.

Here is a tool that I use to compare cameras. I've selected the Samsung Galaxy A52 and Pixel 4XL (5a is not an option, but 5a camera is the same as the 4XL) Best viewed on a PC monitor. Move the viewing window around the objects in good light and then the low light and compare the quality of the photos.

https://www.gsmarena.com/piccmp.php3?idType=4&idPhone1=10641&idPhone2=9895

For example, in the low light window, look at the area above the beads on the abacus. There's a lot of noise in the Samsung shots, not so much in the Pixel.

Check out the colored pencil tips in both good light and low light.

On the ISO 12233 picture, the Samsung pictures look slightly darker than the Pixels and the Pixel's have more clarity.

But it's really close.