Why are iPhone Photos Blurry on Android? Unraveling the Mystery

Why are iPhone photos blurry on Android? Ah, the age-old question that plagues the digital lives of those bridging the iOS-Android divide! It’s a tale as old as time (or at least, as old as the smartphone wars). You snap a stunning photo on your iPhone, a masterpiece of pixels and light, and then… you share it with your Android-loving friend.

The anticipation builds, they open the image, and
-poof* – a blurry, pixelated shadow of its former glory appears. What sorcery is this? Fear not, fellow photo enthusiasts! We’re about to embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind this visual conundrum, exploring the sneaky ways data is handled, transferred, and ultimately, presented on those glorious Android screens.

The journey will take us through the technical trenches, where we’ll dissect the core issues of file format compatibility, particularly the enigmatic HEIC, and how different transfer methods – from the humble USB cable to the ubiquitous cloud – impact the precious image quality. We’ll venture into the world of messaging apps, where compression algorithms lurk, ready to sabotage your photographic efforts.

We will also peek under the hood of Android devices, exploring how their displays and software contribute to the final visual experience. Furthermore, we’ll dive into camera settings, providing a roadmap for optimizing your iPhone’s configuration to ensure your images look their best, no matter the recipient’s device. Get ready to transform blurry photos into sharp memories!

Table of Contents

The Core Issue: Compatibility and File Formats

The frustration of blurry iPhone photos on an Android device often stems from a fundamental clash of technological worlds. While both iPhones and Androids are designed to capture and display stunning images, their underlying architectures and the ways they handle image data are significantly different. This disparity, particularly concerning file formats, is the primary culprit behind the visual compromises.

Fundamental Differences in Image Data Handling

The core issue lies in how each operating system, iOS (iPhone) and Android, processes and stores image information. Apple’s iOS ecosystem is meticulously controlled, with hardware and software working in near-perfect harmony. Android, on the other hand, operates on a more open platform, with manufacturers using a diverse range of hardware components and software customizations. This inherent fragmentation impacts how image data is handled.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Color Profiles: iPhones often utilize a wider color gamut and more sophisticated color profiles, such as P3, which can result in richer and more vibrant images. Android devices, depending on the manufacturer and model, may not always fully support these advanced color profiles, leading to color inaccuracies or a washed-out appearance when displaying iPhone photos.
Image Processing Algorithms: Apple’s image processing algorithms are highly optimized for its hardware. They’re designed to enhance details, reduce noise, and optimize images for the iPhone’s display. Android devices, while also equipped with image processing, may employ different algorithms or lack the same level of optimization for iPhone-captured images.
File Format Support: The primary file format used by iPhones, HEIC, presents a compatibility challenge for many Android devices.

HEIC File Format and Its Potential Limitations

HEIC (High Efficiency Image File Format) is a modern image format developed by Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). Apple adopted it as the default image format for iPhones and iPads starting with iOS 11. HEIC offers significant advantages over older formats like JPEG, particularly in terms of compression.

Consider the following aspects of HEIC and its potential limitations on Android:

Compression Efficiency: HEIC uses advanced compression techniques, allowing it to store images with smaller file sizes while maintaining comparable or even better image quality than JPEG. This is advantageous for storage space and faster sharing.
Compatibility Issues: The primary drawback of HEIC is its limited compatibility. While many modern Android devices now support HEIC, older models or certain Android software versions may not natively recognize the format. This means the Android device might struggle to display the image correctly, resulting in blurriness, distortion, or complete failure to open the file.
Decoding Challenges: Even when an Android device can open a HEIC file, the decoding process can be complex. If the device’s software doesn’t have an optimized HEIC decoder, it might take longer to load the image, or the image might be rendered with lower quality.
Metadata Support: HEIC can store more metadata than JPEG, including information about the image’s creation, editing history, and even Live Photo data. If an Android device doesn’t fully support HEIC metadata, some of this information might be lost or misinterpreted, potentially affecting the image’s appearance.

Android Device Interpretation and Processing of HEIC Files

The way an Android device interprets and processes HEIC files varies widely depending on several factors, including the device’s manufacturer, model, Android version, and installed apps.

Let’s delve into the different scenarios:

Native Support: Newer Android devices often have built-in support for HEIC. In these cases, the images should open and display correctly, though the device’s image processing might still differ from the iPhone’s.
Software-Based Decoding: Some Android devices might rely on software-based decoding, using built-in or third-party libraries to open HEIC files. The quality of the decoding process can vary, potentially leading to slight quality degradation.
Third-Party Apps: Many Android users install third-party apps, such as file managers or image viewers, that provide HEIC support. These apps can improve compatibility but might not always offer the same level of image quality as native support.
Conversion During Transfer: When transferring images from an iPhone to an Android device, some apps or services automatically convert HEIC files to JPEG to ensure compatibility. While this solves the compatibility problem, it can result in a loss of image quality due to the compression process.
Manufacturer Customizations: Android manufacturers often customize the operating system, which can influence how HEIC files are handled. Some manufacturers might prioritize compatibility over image quality, while others might focus on preserving the original image data.

Transfer Methods and Their Impact

Moving photos from an iPhone to an Android device isn’t always a smooth process, and the way you choose to transfer them can significantly affect the quality of your cherished memories. It’s like carefully baking a cake and then accidentally dropping it during delivery – all your hard work can be compromised by the journey. Let’s delve into how different transfer methods impact the clarity and detail of your photos.

Transferring Photos: A Comparative Analysis

The method you use to get those iPhone photos onto your Android can be a bit of a minefield when it comes to image quality. Some methods preserve the original resolution and detail, while others, unfortunately, act like a digital blur filter.Consider the following table, which breaks down the image quality you can expect from various transfer methods. Remember, “Excellent” means the photo looks almost identical to the original, while “Poor” means… well, let’s just say you might not recognize your own face.

Transfer Method	Image Quality	Reason for Degradation (if any)	Example Scenario
USB Cable (Direct Transfer)	Excellent	None. Transfers the original file directly.	Connecting your iPhone to your Android phone or computer, and copying the photo files directly from the iPhone’s internal storage.
Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)	Good	Some compression may occur depending on settings.	Uploading photos from your iPhone to iCloud, then downloading them onto your Android device. The degree of quality loss depends on the compression settings of iCloud.
Messaging Apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram)	Fair	Significant compression to reduce file size for faster transmission.	Sending a photo from your iPhone to your Android friend via WhatsApp. The recipient might notice the image isn’t as sharp as the original.
Email	Good	Compression may occur, depending on email provider settings and attachment size limits.	Sending a photo from your iPhone to your own email address, and then downloading it on your Android. Quality can vary based on email provider’s compression policies.

Cloud Storage and Image Compression

Cloud storage services are incredibly convenient for backing up and sharing photos, but they often employ image compression to save space and speed up uploads and downloads. This compression, however, can result in a loss of detail. It’s like trying to squeeze a whole watermelon into a tiny box – something has to give.When you upload a photo to a service like Google Photos or Dropbox, the service may automatically reduce the file size by removing some of the image data.

This is especially true if you are using the free storage tiers, which may offer “optimized” storage options. While the compression might not be immediately noticeable on a phone screen, it becomes apparent when you zoom in or view the photo on a larger display.Consider a scenario where you’ve taken a stunning landscape photo with your iPhone. The original file size might be 10MB or more.

You upload it to a cloud service, and the service compresses it down to 2MB to save space. While the smaller file is easier to store and share, the reduction in size inevitably leads to a loss of detail and sharpness. This is the trade-off many of us make for the convenience of cloud storage. In essence, the cloud services prioritize storage efficiency, sometimes at the expense of picture quality.

Messaging App Compression

Have you ever sent a stunning photo from your iPhone to an Android friend, only to have it arrive looking like a pixelated mess? This frustrating phenomenon is often due to image compression implemented by popular messaging apps. These apps, in an effort to save bandwidth and storage space, automatically shrink the size of your images before sending them. This process, while efficient, can significantly degrade the image quality, especially when dealing with high-resolution iPhone photos.The primary goal of image compression in messaging apps is to reduce the file size, enabling faster transmission and minimizing data usage.

This is achieved by discarding some of the image data, which inevitably leads to a loss of detail and sharpness. Different apps employ varying compression algorithms and settings, resulting in differing levels of quality degradation.

Messaging App Compression Techniques

The way each messaging app handles compression is unique. Here’s a breakdown of how some popular apps compress images when sending iPhone photos to Android users:

WhatsApp: WhatsApp employs a moderately aggressive compression strategy. While the compression isn’t the worst, it still noticeably reduces image quality. The app typically reduces the resolution and file size, resulting in a loss of detail, particularly in areas with fine textures or intricate details.
Telegram: Telegram offers more control over image quality. Users can choose to send images as “compressed” or “uncompressed” (as files). The “compressed” option utilizes a compression algorithm similar to WhatsApp, while sending as a file preserves the original quality. This provides users with the flexibility to prioritize either speed/data usage or image quality.
Signal: Signal prioritizes privacy and security. While it does compress images, the compression level is generally less aggressive than WhatsApp. The app balances file size reduction with preserving image quality, aiming to maintain a reasonable level of detail.
Facebook Messenger: Messenger’s image compression can be quite significant, leading to a noticeable degradation in image quality, especially with photos taken on high-resolution iPhone cameras. It often reduces the image resolution and applies a lossy compression algorithm to reduce the file size for faster transmission.

Minimizing Image Compression in Messaging Apps

Want to share your iPhone photos with your Android friends without sacrificing quality? Here’s a step-by-step procedure:

Utilize Telegram’s “Send as File” Option: If both you and your recipient use Telegram, this is the simplest solution. Select the image and choose the “Send as File” option. This bypasses the app’s compression algorithm, preserving the original image quality.
Compress Images Manually Before Sending: Before sending, consider manually compressing the image using a dedicated image compression app on your iPhone. This allows you to control the level of compression and potentially minimize the loss of quality. Experiment with different compression settings to find a balance between file size and image quality. Many free apps are available in the App Store for this purpose.
Share via Cloud Storage: Upload the photo to a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. Then, share the link with your Android friend. This avoids any compression applied by messaging apps, allowing your friend to download the original, high-quality image.
Use Email: Email often handles images with better preservation of quality than messaging apps. Attach the photo to an email and send it to your friend. This is a reliable option, although it might take a bit longer to send and receive.
Consider the Recipient’s Device and Network: The recipient’s device and network conditions can also affect the perceived image quality. If they have a slow internet connection or a device with a lower resolution screen, even a high-quality image might appear less sharp.

Android Device Display and Software

Let’s delve into the fascinating world where pixels meet processing, exploring how your Android phone’s display and the software running it can impact the way you perceive those iPhone photos. It’s a bit like comparing two different artists – both might be using paint, but their techniques and the canvases they choose can dramatically change the final masterpiece.

Display Technology and Image Quality Perception

The type of screen on your Android device plays a significant role in how those images appear. Different display technologies have varying characteristics that affect color accuracy, brightness, and overall sharpness.Here’s how these differences can manifest:

LCD vs. OLED: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens, common in older or budget-friendly Android phones, often use backlights. OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens, on the other hand, have individual pixels that emit their own light, resulting in richer colors, deeper blacks, and potentially a more vibrant image. An iPhone photo might look less impressive on an LCD if the colors aren’t rendered as vividly.
Resolution and Pixel Density: The number of pixels packed into the screen determines the image’s sharpness. A higher pixel density (measured in pixels per inch or PPI) means a sharper image. If your Android phone has a lower PPI than the iPhone that took the photo, the image might appear less detailed, even if the file itself is of high quality.
Color Calibration: Each display is calibrated differently. Android manufacturers have varying approaches to color accuracy and saturation. Some may favor a more saturated look, while others prioritize accuracy. If the Android phone’s color profile is significantly different from the iPhone’s, the image’s colors might look altered, potentially making the photo seem less appealing.

Android Operating System and Image Rendering

The Android operating system’s handling of image rendering can introduce another layer of complexity. The way Android processes and displays images differs from iOS, potentially leading to discrepancies in perceived quality.Consider these points:

Color Profiles and Gamut Support: Android, historically, has had a more fragmented approach to color management than iOS. While Android has improved its color management capabilities over time, older Android versions might not fully support the color profiles used by the iPhone, leading to color inaccuracies.
Image Scaling and Optimization: Android might apply its own image scaling and optimization algorithms to fit the image to the screen. This process, while intended to improve performance and save battery, can sometimes result in a slight loss of detail or sharpness. The algorithm might prioritize performance over absolute image fidelity, especially on lower-end devices.
Default Settings and User Preferences: Android allows for more customization than iOS. Users can adjust display settings like color mode (e.g., vivid, natural), which can significantly affect how images appear. The default settings might not always be optimized for viewing photos taken on an iPhone.

Image Processing Algorithms: iOS vs. Android

The core difference lies in the image processing algorithms, the secret sauce that transforms raw sensor data into the photos you see.Here’s a comparison:

iOS: iPhones are known for their consistent and often natural-looking image processing. Apple’s algorithms are designed to deliver a balance of sharpness, noise reduction, and color accuracy. They tend to prioritize a realistic look, with subtle enhancements. Apple tightly controls both the hardware and software, allowing for optimized image processing across all iPhones. This can often result in images that appear more pleasing and consistent, regardless of the viewing device.
Android: Android devices have a much wider range of hardware and software configurations, leading to greater variability in image processing. Android manufacturers often use their own custom algorithms, which can vary widely in their approach to image processing. Some prioritize aggressive sharpening and noise reduction, which can sometimes lead to an artificial or overly processed look. Others may focus on vibrant colors and dynamic range, sacrificing some detail.
Examples: Imagine two photos of the same sunset. An iPhone might capture the scene with a slightly warmer tone, preserving the subtle gradations of color in the sky. An Android phone might boost the saturation, making the colors more vivid but potentially losing some of the fine details in the clouds. This difference stems from the different philosophies of the manufacturers.

It’s essential to remember that the “best” image processing is subjective. What one person finds appealing, another might consider over-processed. The key takeaway is that the inherent differences in algorithms can influence how an iPhone photo appears on an Android device.

Camera Settings and Configuration

Ever wondered why your meticulously crafted iPhone photos sometimes look a bit…off… when shared with your Android-using friends? Well, it’s not always a case of Android being “inferior.” Often, it boils down to the interplay between your iPhone’s camera settings and how those images are interpreted on a different operating system. Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of how these settings can impact your photos’ appearance and what you can do to ensure your memories look their best, no matter the device.

Impact of iPhone Camera Settings on Android Image Quality

The iPhone, with its sophisticated camera system, offers a plethora of settings that significantly influence image quality. These settings, while enhancing the visual experience on an iPhone’s display, can sometimes create compatibility issues when viewed on an Android device.The settings that can cause these issues include:

High Dynamic Range (HDR): HDR merges multiple exposures to capture a wider range of light and shadow details. While it often results in stunning images on an iPhone, the way HDR data is encoded and processed can vary between iOS and Android, potentially leading to over-processed or unnatural-looking images on the latter. For example, a photo taken with HDR on an iPhone might appear overly saturated or have an artificial “glow” effect when viewed on an Android device if the Android device’s software isn’t optimized to correctly interpret the HDR information.
Resolution and Aspect Ratio: The iPhone allows users to choose from various resolutions and aspect ratios. If you’re shooting at a very high resolution or a non-standard aspect ratio, the Android device might have to downscale or crop the image to fit its display, resulting in a loss of detail or an altered composition. Consider a photo taken in 4K resolution on an iPhone.

If shared with an Android phone with a lower screen resolution, the Android device will have to downscale it, potentially leading to a softer, less detailed image.
Image Compression Formats: iPhones typically use HEIF (High Efficiency Image File format) for photos, known for its efficiency in storing high-quality images in smaller file sizes. Android devices, however, might not always have optimal support for HEIF, which could lead to compatibility issues or the need for conversion to a more widely supported format like JPEG. This conversion process can sometimes introduce compression artifacts or a loss of image quality.
Color Profiles: iPhones utilize color profiles (like P3) that can display a wider range of colors than some Android devices. When an image with a rich color profile is viewed on a device with a more limited color gamut, the colors might appear less vibrant or slightly muted. Imagine a photo of a vibrant sunset taken on an iPhone; the vivid oranges and reds might appear duller on an Android device if the color profile isn’t correctly interpreted.

Optimizing iPhone Camera Settings for Android Compatibility

To ensure your iPhone photos look great on any device, it’s important to adjust your camera settings strategically. This involves making informed choices about resolution, format, and other features.Here’s a guide to optimizing your iPhone camera settings:

Choose JPEG Format: While HEIF is efficient, JPEG is universally compatible. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select “Most Compatible” to ensure your photos are saved as JPEGs. This will minimize compatibility issues on Android devices.
Disable HDR (or Use with Caution): While HDR can enhance images, it can also cause problems. Consider turning it off, or at least be mindful of its use, especially when sharing photos with Android users. If you choose to use HDR, be aware that the image may appear slightly different on the recipient’s device.
Select a Moderate Resolution: While it’s tempting to shoot at the highest resolution, consider the recipient’s device. For general sharing, the default resolution on most iPhones (e.g., 12MP) is often sufficient. Avoid shooting at the maximum resolution unless you specifically need it for detailed prints or large-screen viewing.
Review Color Profiles: Although you can’t directly change the color profile, be aware that the iPhone’s display is capable of a wider color range. Be mindful that the colors in your photos might appear slightly different on other devices.
Consider Sharing Options: When sharing, consider the method. Using a cloud service like Google Photos or Dropbox can help ensure that the image is displayed as intended, as these platforms often handle the necessary conversions and optimizations.

Role of iPhone Camera Hardware in Image Quality

Beyond the settings, the iPhone’s camera hardware plays a crucial role in image quality. The physical components, such as the lens, sensor, and image processing unit (ISP), work together to capture and process images.Here’s how the hardware contributes:

Lens Quality: The lens is responsible for focusing light onto the sensor. High-quality lenses minimize distortions, aberrations, and light falloff, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. The iPhone’s lenses are known for their sharpness and clarity.
Sensor Size and Technology: A larger sensor generally captures more light, leading to better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. The iPhone’s sensors have evolved over time, offering improved performance in various lighting conditions.
Image Signal Processor (ISP): The ISP is a dedicated chip that processes the raw data from the sensor, performing tasks like noise reduction, color correction, and sharpening. The iPhone’s ISP is highly advanced, contributing significantly to the final image quality.
Computational Photography: The iPhone leverages computational photography techniques, such as Smart HDR and Deep Fusion, to enhance images. These techniques use machine learning to analyze the scene and optimize the image for the best possible result. These technologies, while impressive, can sometimes introduce processing artifacts that may be more noticeable on other devices.

The combined effect of these hardware components and the sophisticated software algorithms is a camera system that consistently produces high-quality images. However, it’s important to remember that the interpretation of these images can vary depending on the device on which they are viewed. Understanding how the hardware works and how to adjust the settings can help you ensure that your iPhone photos look their best, regardless of the recipient’s device.

Solutions and Workarounds: Why Are Iphone Photos Blurry On Android

So, you’ve accepted the inevitable: you’re sharing those precious iPhone photos with the Android world. Now, the mission is to ensure those memories survive the cross-platform gauntlet looking their best. Thankfully, there are several methods and workarounds to keep those images crisp and clear, even when bridging the digital divide.

Preserving Image Quality During Sharing

The key to maintaining image quality when sharing iPhone photos with Android users revolves around choosing the right sharing methods. Simply sending a photo via a messaging app might lead to compression and a loss of detail. Instead, consider these alternatives:

Using Cloud Storage Services: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud offer a reliable way to share full-resolution photos. Upload the original image to your chosen service and then share the download link with your Android contacts. This bypasses the compression algorithms of messaging apps.
Direct Transfer via USB or Wi-Fi: Connecting your iPhone to an Android device (or a computer connected to the Android device) allows for a direct transfer of the original files. This method preserves the image quality as the files are moved without alteration.
Emailing Photos: Emailing photos, especially when using the “Actual Size” or “Original Size” option in your email client, is another way to avoid compression. Be mindful of attachment size limits imposed by email providers, though.

Third-Party Apps and Services for Maintaining Image Quality, Why are iphone photos blurry on android

Sometimes, the standard methods aren’t enough. Thankfully, the digital world is brimming with third-party solutions designed to help maintain image quality during photo transfers. These apps and services can act as a bridge, ensuring your photos look their best on any device.

File Sharing Apps: Apps like Send Anywhere or WeTransfer are specifically designed for transferring large files, including photos, without compression. These services often allow for the creation of temporary download links that can be shared with Android users.
Photo Management Apps with Sharing Features: Some photo management apps, such as Google Photos (if you’re using it on your iPhone and sharing with Android users), offer built-in sharing features that preserve image quality. Ensure you’re sharing the original, uncompressed version of the photo.
Specialized Photo Transfer Apps: Certain apps are designed specifically for cross-platform photo transfers. These apps often utilize proprietary protocols to ensure lossless transfers.

Converting HEIC Files to JPG for Universal Compatibility

One of the primary culprits behind blurry photos is the HEIC file format, the default for iPhones. Android devices don’t always natively support this format. Converting HEIC to JPG before sharing is often the simplest solution.

Using Built-in iPhone Features: On your iPhone, you can configure the camera to save photos as JPG files instead of HEIC. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select “Most Compatible” (which uses JPG) instead of “High Efficiency” (which uses HEIC). This is a proactive step.
Using Online Converters: Numerous online converters, like iLoveIMG or CloudConvert, allow you to upload HEIC files and convert them to JPG format. These services are generally easy to use and provide a quick solution.
Using Desktop Software: Desktop photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP (a free and open-source alternative) can also convert HEIC files to JPG. This method provides more control over the conversion process, allowing for adjustments to image quality and file size.
Using Dedicated HEIC to JPG Converter Apps: Many apps, available on both iOS and Android, are specifically designed to convert HEIC files. These apps offer a convenient way to convert files directly on your mobile device.

Illustrative Examples (Without Image Links)

Let’s dive into some concrete scenarios that vividly illustrate the frustrating reality of iPhone photos looking less than stellar on Android devices. These examples, meticulously crafted, will help you visualize the discrepancies and understand the underlying issues.

Comparing iPhone and Android Photo Display

To truly appreciate the difference, imagine two side-by-side displays. One shows a photo taken directly on an iPhone, the other, the same photo viewed on an Android device.Consider a vibrant landscape photograph.

On the iPhone, the image boasts a crispness, where individual leaves on a tree are clearly defined, and the textures of rocks in the foreground feel almost touchable. The colors pop with a natural vibrancy, capturing the subtle gradients of the sky and the varied hues of the foliage.
Shifting your gaze to the Android screen, the same image appears subtly softer. The sharp details begin to blur, like a watercolor painting. The individual leaves merge together, and the rock textures lose their definition. Colors appear somewhat muted, with a slight loss of saturation, giving the image a less dynamic feel. Subtle details, like distant objects, might appear less clear.

Detailed Description of a Blurry iPhone Photo on Android

Let’s zoom in on the specifics of a blurry iPhone photo displayed on an Android screen.Imagine a close-up portrait, originally captured with the iPhone’s advanced camera system.

The initial impression is a lack of clarity. Fine details, like individual eyelashes or the texture of the skin, appear less defined, as if a soft filter has been applied.
Colors might seem less vibrant, possibly with a slight shift in tone. Reds could appear less intense, and blues might lose some of their depth.
Look closely at the edges of objects. Instead of sharp, well-defined lines, you might observe a slight halo effect or a blurring around the contours. This is particularly noticeable around areas of high contrast, such as the edge of a person’s face against a bright background.
The overall effect is a reduction in the sense of depth and dimensionality. The photo loses some of its realism and appears flatter than its original counterpart.

Photo Appearance after App Transmission

The method of transfer significantly impacts the final result. Consider how a photo fares after being sent through a popular messaging app.The journey of the photo can be broken down into stages:

Stage 1: The Original Capture. An iPhone user captures a stunning photo, rich in detail and color. This is the baseline, the ideal representation of the moment.

Stage 2: The Upload and Compression. When the user sends the photo through a messaging app, the app’s algorithms kick in. These algorithms compress the image file to reduce its size, making it faster to send and consume less data. This compression process is the culprit.

Stage 3: The Android Display. The Android user receives the compressed image. On their screen, the photo appears, but the compression has taken its toll. Details are lost, colors are less vibrant, and the overall image quality is noticeably degraded. The initial brilliance of the original photo is now diminished.