HEIC vs JPEG: What's the Difference? A Complete Comparison

HEIC vs JPEG: Side-by-Side Comparison

If you've ever transferred photos from an iPhone to a Windows PC, you've probably encountered HEIC files. Let's break down exactly how HEIC and JPEG compare.

File Size

This is where HEIC shines. HEIC files are approximately 40-50% smaller than equivalent JPEG files at the same visual quality. A 3MB JPEG might only be 1.5MB as a HEIC file.

For a phone with 128GB of storage, this means you can store roughly twice as many photos in HEIC format compared to JPEG.

Image Quality

At the same file size, HEIC produces noticeably better image quality than JPEG. This is because HEIC uses more modern compression algorithms (HEVC/H.265) compared to JPEG's DCT-based compression from the early 1990s.

Where JPEG shows visible compression artifacts (especially around sharp edges and in gradient areas), HEIC maintains smooth, clean details.

Compatibility

This is JPEG's strongest advantage. JPEG is supported by virtually every device, operating system, browser, and application ever made. It's the universal image format.

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Features

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When to Use JPEG

When to Use HEIC

The Verdict

HEIC is the technically superior format, but JPEG's universal compatibility makes it the practical choice for sharing. The best approach: let your iPhone save in HEIC for storage efficiency, and convert to JPEG when you need to share outside Apple's ecosystem.