Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One: Camera shootout!

With Samsung's Galaxy S4 and the HTC One launching within days of each other, smartphone shoppers are facing some delightfully difficult decisions.

I'm in the midst of getting to know the Galaxy S4 in and out right now -- my in-depth review is coming soon -- but in the meantime, I wanted to let you take a look at the phone's real-world camera performance and see how it compares to the One's highly touted "UltraPixel" setup.

No question: Both phones are capable of taking good pictures. But which is better? Check out these side-by-side samples and see what you think.

[SEE ALSO: Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One & Nexus 4: Which should you get?]

All of the images and videos were taken using the phones' default settings, with no editing or adjustments. Click on any image to view a larger (and optionally full-resolution) version.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Note the differences in color and saturation -- and also the S4's closer perspective, even with both phones set to be zoomed all the way out (I was in the same position for both shots).

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Look closely at the level of detail and -- again -- the color difference (the siding of that house was actually beige and not at all pinkish).

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Taken on a sunny, well-lit day.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). An interesting comparison here is to look at the full-resolution versions of each photo, blown up to 100 percent, and then note the clarity and quality of the grass blades in the background.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Another high-light outdoor shot.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Water on wax, sitting on glass. Which looks better to you?

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). A little low-light action, taken in a dimly lit garage with no flashes.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Another low-light comparison. (As mentioned earlier, I used default settings for all of these images -- but the GS4 didn't fare much better even with its "night" mode activated in these conditions.)

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). A little more natural light coming into this shot but still pretty dim.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Back outdoors; pay attention here to color and clarity.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). The visible detail in the sidewalk against the building is interesting to note in this shot (particularly when viewing the full-res photos).

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Farm fresh, baby.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). A sunny day with plenty of shadows.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Subtle differences.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Outdoors in the sun.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Up close and personal.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Dim lighting.

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). Very low light (the sign doesn't lie).

Galaxy S4 at top, HTC One at bottom. Indoors. Thirsty, anyone?

Galaxy S4 at left (or top), HTC One at right (or bottom). In a brightly lit store.

Galaxy S4 at top, HTC One at bottom. Spicy!

Galaxy S4 at top, HTC One at bottom. Can you tell who's performing? (Taken from a balcony.)

Galaxy S4 at top, HTC One at bottom. Crazy concert lighting.

Galaxy S4 at top, HTC One at bottom. Audio and video for your comparing pleasure.

One more clip: Galaxy S4 at top, HTC One at bottom. Eat it.

Aaaand, that's a wrap for now, folks. For some broader thoughts on the Galaxy S4, be sure to check out my hands-on impressions -- and stay tuned for my in-depth review, coming soon to a website near you.

[UPDATE: Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One and Nexus 4: Which should you get?]