Smartphones aren’t just phones anymore—they’re cameras. The iPhone 16e and Pixel 8a are two of the best mid-range phones you can buy for photography, but which one takes better photos? I took over 200 photos in different lighting conditions to find out. Here’s how they stack up.
iPhone 16e: Bright and Sharp Photos
The main camera on the iPhone 16e is a 48MP sensor, and it delivers great photos in most lighting conditions. Photos in daylight look bright, colorful, and sharp with plenty of details. Apple has also improved its image processing so every shot looks natural without looking oversaturated. Even in indoor lighting, the iPhone 16e handles colors well, keeping skin tones accurate and objects well-lit.
But in low light, the iPhone 16e really stands out. The camera captures more light and reduces noise so photos look clear and detailed even at night. Portrait mode is also great at giving a smooth blur effect while keeping the subject in focus. Again, even without an extra camera lens, Apple’s software makes background blur look natural and professional.
Pixel 8a: AI-Powered Photography
But the Pixel 8a is different. It has a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide lens that give you more options. Google’s AI processing boosts colors, shadows, and highlights so that every photo looks good. The ultrawide lens is great for group shots and landscapes — something the iPhone 16e can’t do.
. If it’s really dark, the Pixel 8a will turn on Google’s acclaimed Night Sight mode to lighten up the scene. Sometimes this takes a second or two to kick in, but it always produces impressive results.. Portrait photos are also very good, with Google’s software giving the background blur a more professional look. Occasionally skin tones look a little too smooth thanks to heavy processing.
Which One is the Winner?
Both phones are capable photographers, but they excel in different areas. If you want brighter, sharper photos with great low-light performance, the iPhone 16e is the clear winner. But if you’re a fan of AI-powered photos with an ultrawide camera for more variety, the Pixel 8a has its work cut out for it.
But for everyday photography, the iPhone 16e’s balanced colors, clear night shots, and smooth portrait mode will be more appealing for most people. But if you’re all about wide-angle shots and AI-powered editing, the Pixel 8a will not disappoint.
