The specs on the HTC One are impressive, except for the camera -- a 4 megapixel gamble that utilizes larger photo cells dubbed "UltraPixels." How do actual shots match up to the iPhone 5 and the Nokia Lumia 920?
The camera in the HTC One seems to perform similarly to the iPhone 5. CNET Asia and Neowin ran the phones through their paces.
Well-lit studio shots show little difference between the two. The iPhone's colors are more saturated, while the One makes them look more natural.
In low-light conditions, the One performed better. Accrding to HTC, this is where the One should really shine. They say the "UltraPixels" capture 300 percent more light than conventional photo cells, so low-light photos should show more color and less blur.
But outdoor shots in bright sunlight show the lower resolution of HTC One images could be an issue. In general, HTC says 4 megapixels will be plenty for mobile viewing and web images, which is how most people view photos these days anyway. But the CNET test shows some pixilation in the HTC photo, though other areas of the image appear even sharper than the iPhone version.
In mixed lighting the HTC One was slightly underexposed, but the iPhone was very overexposed.
As for the Nokia Lumia 920, its photos were also similar to the HTC One, though personal preference will probably determine which shot most people think is " better." The HTC One definitely delivered more detail in low-light and in dark areas of all images.
As with the iPhone, the One's colors are more muted and less saturated, but those colors more accurately reflect the real-life view.
Of course, as Instagram can attest, people don't always want photos that look like real life. In this instance, the One's accuracy may actually leave people a bit deflated with their snapshots. Reality is a harsh mistress.