Google Pixel 6a vs Nothing Phone (1) camera comparison: which stock Android phone clicks better photos?

Google’s Pixel range of devices has, time and again, impressed buyers and critics with their impressive photography chops and the smartphones have been heralded as the best camera-centric devices this side of Android. Be that as it may, Google hasn’t updated its lineup for the Indian market in a hot minute and the company has been somewhat dormant since it announced the Pixel 4a (review) almost two years ago. Well, that changes today as the brand recently took to the stage to unveil their latest mid-ranger, the Pixel 6a. Understandably, the smartphone has a lot riding on its shoulders, primarily because the market is flush with enticing camera-centric offerings too. Case in point, the Nothing Phone (1) (review), which impressed us with its camera performance as well. So, today, let’s pit the devices against each other to see which stock Android mid-ranger offers the best camera experience.

Now, before I dissect our contenders’ camera performance, allow me to run the specs by you. Starting with the Pixel 6a, the device ships with a dual-camera setup at the back comprising a 12.2MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. For selfies, the device gets an 8MP shooter up front. Do note that the smartphone is still utilising the same main and selfie camera as seen on the Pixel 4a launched a while ago.

The Nothing Phone (1), on the other hand, features a dual-camera setup at the back as well, albeit employs a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. For selfies, the handset comes equipped with a 16MP selfie camera up front. I’ve uploaded a video comparing the results from the two cameras below, so take a gander –

Verdict

As prefaced in the video, the Nothing Phone (1) reciprocates colours in a scene to a tee. That said, the device falls short of the Pixel 6a’s exposure metering and HDR capabilities. What’s more, I found the 6a’s wide angle and selfie shooters more to my liking as well. Consequently, if you prioritise a smartphone’s camera performance, you’d be better off with the Pixel 6a in your pockets.