We chose the iPhone 4S for this comparison because it has one of the best cameras in the smartphone market today. But in a change from our first 808 PureView shootout, we're doing a more in-depth and methodical comparison that will also include the HTC One X. (Note: Some readers have asked about including the Nokia N8, but we've not because it's no longer easily available in Asia now.)

Methodology: All photos were shot at 8 megapixels and on default settings, unless otherwise mentioned. For the Nokia 808 PureView, it was set to capture photos at "PureView resolution" and at its highest quality. The Nokia handset's advantage is its "pixel overlay" technology, where seven pixels on its sensor are combined together to form one "superpixel."

Blind test: All three photos were viewed on a calibrated monitor in full, then at 100 percent crop (what you are currently viewing). Note that we have included links to view the full-size images for your comparison.

Full resolution: 808 | iPhone | One X

Aloysius: The iPhone captured the nicest picture based on the exposure for me when viewed on the monitor. However, when zoomed in for a 100 percent crop, I found the 808 to deliver the best level of detail -- even down to the metal grain of the walls.

Jacqueline: The 808's color reproduction is truest to the scene, which was slightly warm. Hands down, it wins on clarity. You can even see the patterns on the glass walls in the background. I find it slightly overexposed, though.

Shawn: In dark interiors, the iPhone 4S always appears warm, while the One X seemed to be oversharpened, making it grainier than the rest. The 808 stood out with accurate colors and better image quality in low-light conditions.

Shawn Low

April 11, 2011

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