HTC U Ultra vs Google Pixel and HTC 10: cameras compared
Several days ago, we published a camera comparison between HTC's latest high-end Android phone, the HTC U Ultra, and three other phones known for their great cameras, namely the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, the LG G6, and the iPhone 7 Plus. The results – Samsung's flagship from last year took the top spot, followed closely by the LG G6. Тhe Ultra finished in third place and the iPhone 7 Plus was just a step behind it. So yeah, perhaps the U Ultra isn't the ultimate cameraphone, but we're not done comparing its camera capabilities just yet. For today's camera comparison, we have it racing against the Google Pixel and HTC's 2016 flagship, the HTC 10. Let's start by taking a quick look at their camera specs.
| Camera Specs | |||
| HTC U Ultra | Google Pixel | HTC 10 | |
| Resolution, aspect ratio | 12MP@4:3 4096x3072px | 12MP@4:3 4048x3036px | 12MP@4:3 4000x3000px |
| Sensor and pixel size | 1/2.3" 1.55μm | 1/2.3" 1.55μm | 1/2.3" 1.55μm |
| Aperture | F1.8 | F2.0 | F1.8 |
| Focus and stabilization | PDAF Laser AF OIS | PDAF Laser AF No OIS | PDAF Laser AF OIS |
It should not be too hard to notice the pattern here. All three cameras use very similar sensors – with 12MP of resolution and relatively big size. No less importantly, all three sensors have pixels that are physically larger than what's typical for a smartphone, so we should be expecting nothing short of excellent low-light images. But the Pixel appears to be in an unfair position. Because of its narrower aperture and its lack of optical image stabilization, its low-light performance might suffer. We'll see if that's the case soon enough.
Note: the photos in the galleries below have been scaled down to a lower resolution to make them load faster. Full-resolution images are available at the end of the article.
Scene 1: Old Banger
This is the same scene that I started last camera comparison with. As I said then, a realistic image isn't always the one that looks best to the eye, and even though the U Ultra provides a more neutral representation of the scene, the images out of the Pixel and the HTC 10 are simply more eye-catching – with more contrast and greater color saturation. I must also point out that the photo out of the Google Pixel is impressively detailed. Zooming in on it reveals tons of fine detail, especially if you take a look at the cracks around the car's headlight. All in all, while all three images look good, it is the Pixel's photo that looks best.
| Scene 1: score | |
| Google Pixel | 8.5 |
| HTC 10 | 8.0 |
| HTC U Ultra | 7.5 |
Scene 2: Firetruck
And then this happens. Here's a scene where the Pixel resolved the least amount of detail, most noticeable in the fine pattern on the wallpaper. Some might be quick to blame the lack of optical image stabilization, but I actually shot the same frame two more times, and the results were not any better. Thankfully, that's a difference most people won't even notice.
| Scene 2: score | |
| HTC U Ultra | 8.0 |
| HTC 10 | 8.0 |
| Google Pixel | 7.5 |
Scene 3: Daffodils
This is a scene where the HTC U Ultra wins my vote. The thing I like the most about its image are the colors – natural, with the warm tone of the morning sun preserved quite well. The other two photos also look fine, of course, but the U Ultra is a step ahead in my book.
| Scene 3: score | |
| HTC U Ultra | 8.5 |
| HTC 10 | 8.0 |
| Google Pixel | 8.0 |
Scene 4: Mighty clouds
This scene was awe-inspiring! Puffy clouds filled the sky, floating west-bound, driven by forceful winds, and I just had to take a picture. Without a doubt, the one I shot with the Google Pixel stands out. Colors are richer and more accurate, while the automatic HDR feature has helped to bring out details in the shadows. Alas, the HTC U Ultra and the HTC 10 disappoint. Colors in their photos are dull, cold and lifeless.
| Scene 4: score | |
| Google Pixel | 8.0 |
| HTC U Ultra | 6.5 |
| HTC 10 | 6.5 |
Scene 5: Portrait in the park
But that HDR magic the Pixel's camera is powered by is by no means a silver bullet. Here's an instance where I'm not quite happy with the results, seeing how the Pixel wiped off all the highlights from my face. Although I have to admit that the image overall is a good-looking one. Overall, I'd say that the HTC 10 did the best job, delivering a vivid, detailed image. Meanwhile, the HTC U Ultra's photo lacks clarity and liveliness.
| Scene 5: score | |
| HTC 10 | 7.0 |
| Google Pixel | 6.5 |
| HTC U Ultra | 6.0 |
Scene 6: Check out my shades!
This is another scene that I used in my last comparison. As I clarified then, the U Ultra had some troubles with setting the exposure, so I had to manually increase it from within the camera app. The first few images that I took looked darker than this one, thus not particularly appealing. But the one I managed to achieve with the manual tweak turned out quite nice. In fact, all three images look more or less equally pleasing.
| Scene 6: score | |
| HTC 10 | 8.0 |
| Google Pixel | 8.0 |
| HTC U Ultra | 8.0 |
Scene 7: After sunset
In the beginning of this article, while commenting on the camera specs of all three phones, I mentioned that the lack of OIS and narrower aperture might have a negative impact on the Pixel's low-light performance. Here's a set of photos that seems to confirm my words – the Pixel's image lags behind when it comes to fine detail. On the other hand, Google's phone delivers more accurate colors, while the other two HTC phones lean towards the cold side. Because of this, I'm going to score the Pixel a notch higher.
| Scene 7: score | |
| Google Pixel | 7.5 |
| HTC 10 | 7.0 |
| HTC U Ultra | 7.0 |
Scene 8: Be Happy
Don't let the previous scene leave you with the impression that the Pixel can't take great night shots. Here, for instance, we see it delivering a vivid, well-illuminated scene. Colors are also more accurate and lively. And despite all the noise, the Pixel's photo is the one revealing the best details when you zoom in.
| Scene 8: score | |
| Google Pixel | 7.5 |
| HTC 10 | 7.0 |
| HTC U Ultra | 7.0 |
Scene 9: The shelf of stuff
But as much as the Google Pixel impressed us throughout this comparison, its camera isn't quite perfect. Here's one of the rare instances where it failed to nail the correct white balance, which is why its photo has a cold, blueish tone to it. The HTC U Ultra and HTC 10 deliver much more realistic images when it comes to color fidelity. At least when it comes to details, all three phones demonstrate top-notch performance.
| Scene 9: score | |
| HTC U Ultra | 8.0 |
| HTC 10 | 8.0 |
| Google Pixel | 6.5 |
Conclusion
As the score below indicates, all three phones – the HTC U Ultra, the Google Pixel, and the HTC 10 – are well capable of taking quality, eye-catching photos. Not every shot will be a masterpiece, naturally, but under the right conditions (and when placed in the right hands), any of them can produce a great image. But the Google Pixel appears to have the upper hand, even though my expectations while comparing camera specs suggested otherwise. That goes to show how important it is to have the best camera software in control of your camera hardware.
As for the HTC U Ultra, I'd say that I'm pleased with its camera. It's not the best out there, but it should meet the needs of most users, especially if HTC some day fixes that finicky exposure slider in the camera app. But at the same time, I was also hoping for it to perform better than HTC's 2016 flagship, the HTC 10. Oh well, perhaps there's something special being readied for HTC's next top-end model.
| Final score | |
| Google Pixel | 7.6 |
| HTC 10 | 7.5 |
| HTC U Ultra | 7.4 |
The gallery below contains full-resolution versions of all images used in this comparison. Loading might take a while due to their larger size.
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