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Samsung Galaxy Nexus photo test

We take the Samsung Galaxy Nexus' 5-megapixel camera around CNET, to the streets, and to a bar to see what it can do.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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5 megapixels

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is one hot device, thanks in large part to the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system that powers the whole thing. The device itself has top-notch specs, but the 5-megapixel rear-facing camera threw us for a loop. Would it be as good as some of Samsung's other 5-megapixel cameras? Remember, how the light sensors, flash, and camera software combine to process images is also part of the magic, and it isn't always clear on a 4-inch screen, especially a gorgeous Super AMOLEd display like the Galaxy Nexus', which tends to automatically enrich every image.

Here's a nice, bright, clear, and beautiful shot through a window, of the freeway behind CNET. The image, as all images in this slideshow, have been resized but are otherwise untouched.

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Flowers

These flowers, shot outdoors, look great on the Galaxy Nexus. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)
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Emily

The lovely Emily Dreyfuss gives us her best impression of her gramps. The artificial lighting flummoxed the Galaxy Nexus, which oversaturated the image even as it struggled for focus. Luckily, the red-eye editing tool built into the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system should be able eliminate that. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)
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Messy desk

Yep, things get pretty crazy around CNET. Color fidelity is good, but the image could be sharper. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)
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Podcast power

I stumbled onto this photo that a guest took during a CNET podcast. The studio is bathed in artificial light, and while the colors came through nicely, the edges could be sharper. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)
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Play time

This is a tricky shot for most camera phones, and one I use often. The colors are a little pumped up (especially the yellow of the desk), and auto-focus struggles to find a single focal point. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)
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Red eyes

This impromptu picture, taken in a dark bar at night, really stresses the camera's abilities. Most phone cameras don't perform very well in this situation, but the Galaxy Nexus did better than expected with its flash--red eyes, aside, of course. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)
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Red-eye reduction

Ice Cream Sandwich includes editing tools like red-eye reduction. The tool went a long way to fixing the issue. (View the full Samsung Galaxy Nexus review here.)

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