Google’s Pixel line of products has long been known to be among the best smartphone cameras out there, and the Pixel 5 is a real shooter. However, the competition is fierce and Samsung is among the top competitors. The company’s new affordable flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, is priced at the same $ 699.00 and promises to be a worthy competitor. Which device will emerge victorious in this camera shootout between Google Pixel 5 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE?
Let’s look at some image comparisons and see how the two compare. Make sure to vote for your winner in the poll at the end of this article. For a more detailed breakdown of the two phones, see our feature and spec comparison below. Let’s start!
Also: Google Pixel 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Which is Better?
Google Pixel 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Camera Specifications
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has a more impressive spec sheet compared to the Pixel 5. The Samsung device has a main, wide angle and telephoto lens. In the meantime, the Google Pixel 5 lacks any optical zoom option. In addition, Sammy’s pixels are slightly larger so they can capture more light. The Galaxy S20 FE’s selfie camera uses pixel binning and also supports 4K recording, both of which the pixel lacks.
However, let’s get stuck! Google has proven time and time again that camera specs and more lenses don’t necessarily make better cameras. The search giant is a master of software and its camera phones beat better specified devices every year. This is thanks to the superior implementation of computer photography.
Regardless, the additional optical zoom lens should provide a significant benefit to those who appreciate such a feature. Optical zoom is always better than digital zoom no matter how good the software optimizations are. For more information, see our post which explains different types of zoom technologies.
| Google Pixel 5 | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE | |
|---|---|---|
| Reversing cameras | Main: 12.2 MP, f / 1.7, 1.4 µm pixels, OIS, EIS.
Ultra wide: 16 MP, f / 2.2, 1 micron pixels, 107 degrees FoV. |
Main: 12 MP f / 1.8, 1.8 μm, dual-pixel, OIS, 1 / 1.76 in
Ultra wide: 12 MP, f / 2.2, 1 / 3.06 in, 1.12 μm Tele: 8 MP, f / 2.4, 1 / 4.4 inch, 1.0 μm, 3x optical zoom, OIS 30x digital “space zoom”. |
| Video behind | Up to 4K @ 60fps | Up to 4K @ 60fps |
| Front cameras | 8MP sensor, f / 2.0, 1.12 µm pixels, fixed focus, 83 degree FoV | 32 MP (grouped to 8 MP) f / 2.2, 1 / 2.8 inch, 0.8 µ m |
| Front video | Up to 1080p @ 30fps | Up to 4K @ 60fps |
The examples
With that said, it’s time to get down to work. Which phone takes the best photos? The battle between Google Pixel 5 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE should be fierce. Let’s start with a few daily samples.
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When it comes to taking photos of the day outdoors, smartphone cameras shine the most. There is enough lighting to keep the ISO and shutter speed low. This means that blurring and noise are reduced to a minimum. However, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind. Daytime photos also tend to create harsher shadows. This is a good time to see how a camera handles dynamic range. How blown out are the highlights? Are there enough details in the shadows?
Google’s artificial intelligence improvements seem to be better at handling highlights and pulling details out of the shadows. Then there is the white balance factor, which is where Google and Samsung have different tendencies. Google tends to make the tones warmer, while Samsung tends to rely on the bluer side of the spectrum. We can see that this trend is still alive. Which is better mainly depends on personal preference.
This time around, the image from Google is a little underexposed and appears to show a purple hue throughout the image. Samsung’s sample photo has better exposure, more lifelike colors, superior detail, and more data in the shade.
While the Pixel 5 can capture better details here in the highlights, the Galaxy S20 FE is a more exciting picture. This is due to Samswung’s improved detail in the leaves, dramatic bokeh, and brighter exposure. All of these “funny” effects make up for the slightly blown highlights.
When we move around indoors, we can see the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE getting more even exposure, but in this case, that’s not necessarily a good thing. It looks overworked. There’s an overall haze, and the white balance leans more towards the blue side of the spectrum. The contrast looks more realistic in Google’s picture, and the wall still contains a lot of detail. However, the photo of the pixel also shows more noise.
As expected, the image from Google is warmer and shows better dynamic range. Samsung is more dramatic, with more vibrant colors and slightly exploded highlights.
Late afternoon is just around the corner and things are getting darker by the time we get to this cafe. It’s time to look at exposure, color reproduction, and details. You can definitely see more detail in the wall by looking at the Google Pixel 5 photos. White balance varies, but I’m more inclined to Google’s results in that department.
It’s meal time and nothing beats a charming place like this. Which is the best companion in the Google Pixel 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE shootout? We believe the Google Pixel 5 got better white balance and more even exposure. The colors are warmer (like in real life) and the lightbulbs have more flare, which gives the picture a dramatic effect. I still don’t like the purple tint in Samsung’s shot.
Google wasn’t very good at handling the light here, and flare is almost never flattering. Especially when it adds the slight haze that spoils the details. Samsung’s photo has better contrast and bokeh also shows nicer bubbles in the backlights.
This one is a bit mixed up because both selfie photos are excellent in different areas. The Google Pixel 5 shows more realistic facial features and skin details, but the picture is much softer overall. Samsung’s picture shows more details and contrasts in hair, jacket and eyes. It’s also better exposed. Our only criticism is that the skin has become a little softer. Not to say that’s bad! We know a lot of you will love this effect, but it’s not very realistic.
Oh, Samsung. Apparently all that pixel binning is of no use if it gets dark enough! Let us continue.
One of the biggest differences between the Google Pixel 5 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the lens choices. As can be seen from the technical data, Google only has wide-angle and standard lenses. Samsung is strengthening its competition with an additional telephoto lens. We tried emulating a zoomed image with Pixel 5 to see if software improvements could emulate optical zoom. Let’s find out!
Google’s images look better overall, but that’s because it seems like a better phone that exposes in the dark. Take a closer look at the third picture to see the differences. Honestly, Google did a great job as it doesn’t have a zoom lens, but the differences are there. They are just hard to find.
Look at the trees in the lower left. There’s a lot more detail there when you look at the photo from Samsung. The buildings in the background are a bit crisper and there seems to be more detail in the clouds.
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Google Pixel 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Camera Shootout: The Verdict
Both the Google Pixel 5 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE have an MSRP of $ 699. Whether one is a more powerful phone than the other is an argument, but today we’re going to focus on the camera’s capabilities.
Which is the better camera phone in your opinion? All in all, I’m surprised at how well Samsung competed against the unofficial smartphone camera king in daylight and medium-light photography. However, there is no doubt that the Google Pixel 5 is a better phone at night.
Now is the time to choose! After viewing these pictures, which is the best camera phone?
