Nokia 8 1 Vs Galaxy A50 Camera Is The Nokia Camera Still Better In 2024

When the Nokia 8.1 launched in late 2018 and the Samsung Galaxy A50 followed in early 2019, both phones were positioned as mid-range contenders with strong photography potential. The Nokia 8.1 stood out for its clean Android One experience and Zeiss optics branding, while the Galaxy A50 brought a triple-lens setup and Samsung’s evolving image processing. Fast forward to 2024, and the question remains: does the Nokia 8.1’s camera still hold up against the Galaxy A50 — or has time shifted the balance?

This isn’t just about megapixels or lens count. It’s about real-world photo quality, software support, low-light performance, and how well each device adapts to modern usage patterns like social media sharing, night photography, and video recording. Let’s break down the cameras of these two devices through a 2024 lens.

Camera Hardware Comparison

The foundation of any smartphone camera system lies in its hardware. While both phones were released within months of each other, their approach to photography differed significantly.

Feature	Nokia 8.1	Samsung Galaxy A50
Main Sensor	12 MP, f/1.8, 1.4µm pixels	25 MP, f/1.7, 0.9µm pixels
Secondary Lens	13 MP telephoto (2x optical zoom)	8 MP ultra-wide (123° FoV)
Tertiary Lens	None	5 MP depth sensor
Front Camera	20 MP, f/2.0	25 MP, f/2.0
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
OIS	No	No
EIS	Yes	Yes

The Galaxy A50 clearly offers more versatility with its triple-camera array. The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens was a major selling point at the time and remains useful in 2024 for landscapes, architecture, and group shots. The Nokia 8.1, on the other hand, opted for a telephoto lens, which allows for lossless 2x zoom — a feature many users appreciated for portrait framing.

Tip: In low light, pixel binning helps small sensors perform better. The Galaxy A50 combines four 0.9µm pixels into one 1.8µm equivalent, improving brightness and reducing noise.

Image Quality in 2024 Conditions

Hardware alone doesn’t define photo quality. Software processing, AI enhancements, and long-term system optimization play critical roles — especially six years after release.

In daylight, the Galaxy A50 produces vibrant, contrast-rich images thanks to Samsung’s aggressive color tuning. Its 25MP main sensor captures fine detail, though dynamic range can be limited when shadows and highlights coexist. The ultra-wide lens adds creative flexibility, though corner sharpness suffers slightly.

The Nokia 8.1 takes a more natural approach. Images are less saturated, with accurate white balance and excellent exposure control. Thanks to its larger 1.4µm pixels, it handles mid-to-low light better than expected for its era. However, without an ultra-wide lens, it lacks compositional variety.

In low-light conditions, the Galaxy A50’s Night Mode (introduced via update) gives it a clear edge. It brightens dark scenes effectively, reduces grain, and preserves color. The Nokia 8.1 relies on standard HDR and longer exposures but lacks a dedicated night mode. As a result, indoor or evening shots often appear noisier and less detailed.

“Even older sensors can shine with good processing, but without ongoing software investment, they fall behind.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2023)

Software Support and User Experience

One area where the Galaxy A50 pulls far ahead is software longevity. Samsung committed to four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the A50. By 2024, it runs Android 13 with One UI 5.1 — a significant advantage.

The Nokia 8.1, part of the Android One program, received two OS upgrades (up to Android 11) and three years of security updates. Since late 2021, it has seen no further improvements. This means no new camera features, bug fixes, or performance optimizations tailored to modern apps.

On-device AI processing for scene detection, portrait mode refinement, and video stabilization evolved rapidly between 2020 and 2024. The Galaxy A50 benefits from these incremental gains; the Nokia 8.1 does not. Its camera app remains basic, with minimal automation beyond auto-HDR.

Additionally, app compatibility matters. Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok optimize for current-generation hardware. Older devices may struggle with real-time filters, AR effects, or high-bitrate video encoding — all of which impact how users capture and share content.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography in 2024

Consider Maya, a budget-conscious traveler who kept her Galaxy A50 since 2019. She recently visited Morocco and used her phone extensively for street photography, sunsets, and food shots. Despite the age of the device, she praised the ease of switching between wide and ultra-wide lenses, the reliability of autofocus, and the ability to shoot usable night photos using Night Mode.

She borrowed a friend’s Nokia 8.1 for comparison. While she liked the natural colors and smooth zoom on the telephoto lens, she found herself frustrated by the lack of wide-angle options and slower shot-to-shot times. “It felt like I was missing moments,” she said. “And editing was harder because some photo apps barely run on Android 11 anymore.”

This scenario reflects a broader trend: usability trumps pure optics when real-time functionality, app integration, and post-processing matter.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Camera Performance on Older Phones

If you’re still using either device in 2024, here’s how to get the most out of its camera:

1. Use Pro Mode (if available): Manually adjust ISO, shutter speed, and white balance to avoid poor auto decisions.
2. Avoid digital zoom: Stick to native focal lengths. Digital zoom degrades quality significantly on older sensors.
3. Shoot in good light: Both phones perform best in daylight. Avoid dim environments unless using Night Mode (A50 only).
4. Keep the lens clean: Smudges are more noticeable on lower-resolution sensors and reduce contrast.
5. Use third-party camera apps: Open Camera or Filmic Pro offer better control and export options than stock apps.
6. Edit wisely: Use Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed to enhance shadows, clarity, and color — but don’t overprocess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Nokia 8.1 beat the Galaxy A50 in portrait mode?

In controlled lighting, the Nokia 8.1’s telephoto lens provides slightly more natural background blur due to optical zoom. However, the Galaxy A50’s AI-powered depth mapping creates more consistent edge detection and skin tone rendering, especially in backlit scenarios.

Is 4K video still usable on these phones in 2024?

Yes, both phones record 4K@30fps video that holds up reasonably well for casual use. However, stabilization is moderate, and audio pickup is average. For vlogging or YouTube, newer phones offer better mic quality and gyro-based EIS.

Which phone should I choose today if I find them secondhand?

The Galaxy A50 is the better choice in 2024. It has broader lens coverage, superior software support, and better low-light capabilities. Unless you specifically value near-stock Android and telephoto reach, the A50 delivers more balanced performance.

Final Verdict: Is the Nokia 8.1 Camera Still Better?

No — not in 2024. While the Nokia 8.1 had a strong start with clean processing and solid hardware, it has been overtaken by the Galaxy A50’s continued software evolution and greater versatility.

The A50’s ultra-wide lens, improved HDR, and functional Night Mode make it more adaptable to modern photography needs. Combined with extended OS support, it remains surprisingly capable for social sharing, documentation, and travel use.

The Nokia 8.1 isn’t bad — its photos are still pleasant, and its simplicity appeals to purists. But without updates, new features, or ecosystem integration, it feels increasingly outdated. For anyone prioritizing camera performance beyond 2020, the momentum has clearly shifted toward Samsung’s offering.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience! Did your Nokia or Samsung surprise you in 2024? Leave a comment and help others decide what really lasts.