(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
The Phone (3a) has three rear cameras. There’s a 50MP f/1.88 main shooter with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP f/2.0 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera. This is a similar arrangement to the (3a) Pro, except its telephoto camera offers 3x optical zoom. Generally, the three rear cameras shoot pleasant photos, but the warm-toned processing may not appeal to those who prefer accurate colors. The phone pushes red and yellow hues too far for my liking. Detail capture varies: In ideal conditions, photos are beautifully sharp, but in others, they can appear grainy or lack texture.
The main camera delivers vibrant shots but tends to oversaturate colors.
Main camera (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
The telephoto lens shares similar color issues, often skewing red or yellow depending on the scene. Images from this camera also tend to look a bit washed out.
Telephoto camera, 2x zoom (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
The ultra-wide camera’s lower resolution means images look fine at a glance but don’t hold up well when you zoom in. Look more closely, and fine details are blurred, and images are noticeably soft.
Ultra-wide camera (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
The 32MP front-facing camera performs well in terms of detail, but contrast tends to be excessive. The portrait mode does a good job separating the subject from the background, though (like many other devices), the (3a) has issues with clear objects like my glasses.
Left to right: Selfie, portrait (Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Rear video capture tops out at 4K resolution at 30fps, while the front-facing camera records 1080p video at a smooth 60fps. Rear video footage is oversaturated with colors that almost glow, and the OIS doesn’t work particularly well. Selfie recordings mirror stills in that the contrast tends to be exaggerated.
