Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera review: high on megapixels, but not in quality

“Here’s a look at the camera performance of the Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus”

The imaging quality of the primary camera has become one of the most important parameters before zeroing on a smartphone. So no matter if the device rocks top-of-the-line specs, if the camera isn’t up to the mark, then the smartphone doesn’t makes the cut for many. We took the Karbonn’s current flagship, the Titanium Octane Plus (first impressions | FAQs) for a spin and see whether it can impress us with its camera quality.

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Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus 08

In terms of specs, the phone offers a 16-megapixel primary camera sensor supplemented by an LED flash. The camera app is stock, offering the usual features and modes. However, it must be noted that the Titanium Octane Plus captures images in the highest resolution only in the 4:3 aspect ratio, but if you want to click widescreen images, then it limits you to a resolution of 12-megapixels. We’ve captured these images in the full resolution of 16 megapixels, and you can click on them to view them in their original sizes.

Long shot

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera sample- long shot

At first glance, the image captured as part of our Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera review seems to be fine, and the device is able to capture the whole scene well. But colours seem to be a tad dull, and seeing the image in full resolution displays some graininess and bleeding colours.

Close up

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera review - close up

In our camera test of the Titanium Octane Plus, this macro shot comes out a tad better with all details, from the flower to the leaves, as well as the water droplets clearly in focus.

Close up (zoomed in)

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera performance- close up (zoomed in)

Even after zooming in, the image doesn’t look pixelated and everything is still clear, but colours seem to be a bit muted.

HDR off

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera test- HDR off

Our standard shot for testing the HDR capabilities of the phone’s camera. Due to the clouds, the colours look quite dull. Let’s see whether HDR is able to work its magic or not.

HDR on

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera test- HDR on

In HDR mode, the same scene looks a lot better with everything taking on bright and pleasing colours. Even details which weren’t clear in auto mode are easily discernible this time.

Front camera

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus front camera review - front camera shot

Just like the rear camera, the front sensor is high on megapixel count at 8-megapixels, and thankfully, it churns out good images with nice detailing and colours.

Fast motion capture

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera review - fast motion capture

If you want to capture a moving object, then it’s necessary to have fast shutter speed. In this case, the Titanium Octane Plus’ camera didn’t disappoint, as it has been able to capture the moving cars without any motion blur creeping in.

Low light

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera performance review - low light shot

In low-light conditions, the camera fails to capture much, with only traces of the objects visible.

Low light with flash

Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus camera performance review - low light shot with flash

Turning on the flash makes the camera see in the darkness. However, the lighting seems to be unevenly distributed on the objects, which is clear if you see the reflective glass surface of the globe and glossy texture of the ball.

In essence, don’t have high hopes from the 16-megapixel camera sensor of the Titanium Octane Plus as the results are decent at best. Sure, the macro shot, HDR and images from front camera were good, but overall there are devices like the ASUS Zenfone 5 (review | camera review) and Xiaomi Mi 3 (camera review | FAQs) in its price band, which easily beat it in terms of pure camera quality. Our full review, coming up shortly, will evaluate how the Titanium Octane Plus fares in the other departments and whether it makes for a compelling buy overall.