Google Pixel 6a camera: everything we know

While everyone is busy holding their breath on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, there’s a lot to be said for the relatively less flashy Pixel 6a. Google’s more budget-friendly option brings a lot to the table, especially considering its reasonable price.

One aspect that mid-range headsets have struggled with in the past is the camera department. For years, premium mobile photography has been fenced off by, for lack of a better word, a premium price tag.

The Pixel 6a is, strictly speaking, no exception to that rule. While it doesn’t feature the same impressive cameras that Google’s flagships for 2022 are likely to have, it’s no slouch either. And we’ll tell you why.

Pixel 6 camera overview

	Pixel 6a
Ultra wide angle	12 MP F2.2, 114 degree field of view
wide angle	12.2MP F1.7
Telephoto	†
selfie camera	8MP

How many megapixels does the Pixel 6a’s camera have?

The Google Pixel 6a will be equipped with a 12.2 MP main camera. The sensor will be almost identical to the one in the Pixel 5a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 and Pixel 3. So some will be disappointed that the 6a won’t get the 50MP treatment that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will get.

Anyway, even if slightly outdated, the main sensor is respectable. Many of the previous Pixels were known to produce excellent quality images, so the lack of a flashy megapixel count shouldn’t be a big problem for most users. Due to the MP downgrade, the Pixel 6a will also not include some of the features found on the Pixel 6’s camera, such as Real Tone and Magic Eraser.

How many cameras does the Pixel 6a have?

The Pixel 6a has 2 cameras – a primary wide and a secondary ultra-wide. The latter is a 12MP sensor. The Pixel 6a will not have a telephoto camera.

Pixel 6a camera upgrades

Previously, Google made sure to implement the camera module from their flagship from last year in their current mid-range smartphone. This was exactly the case with the Pixel 5a and the Pixel 5.

This year marks a break with said tradition. The Pixel 6a will have the same sensor as the one on the Pixel 5a and Pixel 5. Therefore, the Pixel 6a will have a remarkably inferior camera than the one on the Pixel 6.

Furthermore, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will also both be significantly better than the Pixel 6a in terms of cameras. All in all, Google has a number of smartphones with better camera quality. This is not to say that the camera on the Pixel 6a is bad per se. It’s just not the best that Google has to offer.

Pixel 6a video recording capabilities

Historically, the Pixel lineup has had quite a few problems with video recording. The Pixel 6 made a significant improvement in that regard, eventually aligning Google with Apple on video recording.

Unfortunately, as mentioned before, the Pixel 6a won’t have the same main camera module as the Pixel 6. So the Pixel 6a’s video recording capabilities will be more or less in line with the Pixel 5. This means that it can record video at up to 60FPS in 4K quality is on the table.