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Testing the Huawei Mercury's 8-megapixel camera (photos)

Cricket's first smartphone with an 8-megapixel camera has several charms in addition to the shooter.

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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1 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Mercury rising

Cricket's Huawei Mercury is easily the no-contract carrier's most advanced handset offering in terms of specs, and a lot of that rests on the Android Gingerbread smartphone's 8-megapixel camera.
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2 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Thin profile, glossy black

The handset itself is pretty nice to have and to hold, all things considered. It's got a 4-inch display and a lean body, though the glossy black plastic surface is a haven for fingerprints.
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3 of 8 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Camera shots

And now, the usual disclaimer that all photos have been taken with automatic settings. They'll all been resized, but are otherwise untouched. Now you may enjoy the detail and color of this winter leaf.
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4 of 8 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Shade test

In the following outdoor shots, the Mercury picked up accurate color and good details.
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5 of 8 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Backlit sunshine

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6 of 8 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Direct sunlight

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7 of 8 Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Indoors

In this indoor shot, things change. The photo is blurrier, with far less focus and detail.
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8 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Studio shot

This shot was taken under controlled lighting in our indoor studio. Other 8-megapixel cameras reproduce the scene with crisper lines.

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