That's why we were a bit disappointed when we learned that the HTC One max had an UltraPixel camera as well – a camera that's pretty much identical to the one found on the HTC One, save for its lack of optical image stabilization. But then we tested the HTC One ourselves and its camera failed to impress us. 'Some might be disappointed by the pixel count,' Nicholson said, 'but I think HTC is being realistic about how most people use the camera on a phone.When HTC announced the One, it introduced us to its much-touted UltraPixel camera technology, which was supposed to blow the cameras of the competition straight out of the water. While 4MP is, on the surface, pretty paltry when it comes to pixels, it may be all that the everyday user actually needs. 'I think they will claim that being able to shoot at 8fps means that you stand more chance of a good shot of the action,' Nicholson said. Low light images taken with the One should be better thanks to reduced image noise, though those shots will be smaller - just 4MP.Īction may be the space where HTC wants UltraPixel to dominate. Low pixel count does make for faster image processing and a higher maximum shooting rate. 'It's all about striking a balance,' Nicholson noted. More pixels should, in theory, pick up plenty of details and provide smooth tonal gradation, but the signal at each pixel (or photosite) will likely be weak and need amplification, which in turn creates and magnifies noise. 'We've been saying that the size of a pixel is very important for ages and it's well known in photographic circles, but it's only true to a point,' she said.Ī single large pixel won't do photographers much good as there's no way to capture tonal variations and details. We asked Angela Nicholson, head of testing, photography portfolio at Future, about the camera's tech and low pixel count to see if it makes a difference or if HTC is just blowing steam. Will HTC overtake other smartphone makers simply because of its superior low light camera capabilities? Not likely, but it does give the Taiwanese firm a feather to put in its cap. A giant leap in what's possible.'Ī side-by-side comparison of top camera phones found that only the iPhone 5 stays on par when it comes to low light performance. Better action shots, burst mode of 8 shots a second. ' the UltraPixel camera - pixels gather 300 percent more light than conventional sensors. It's an approach Croyle said is industry leading. HTC is calling the feature UltraPixel, a method that swipes at the trend of shoving 'bigger' cameras into thinner phones.

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