In general, HEIF outperforms JPEG in compression efficiency, image quality, and support for advanced features.
Digital photographs are typically stored and transmitted using one of two different image compression formats: JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format). Despite having the same objective of compressing image file sizes, they use various compression techniques and each has its own pros and drawbacks.
Let’s explore the differences between JPEG and HEIF:
1. Algorithm for Compression
JPEG
The lossy compression technology used by JPEG allows it to shrink files by excluding some of the image data. The discrete cosine transform (DCT), which breaks down and quantifies images into frequency components to facilitate data reduction, is the foundation of this compression technique.
HEIF
HEIF uses a lossy compression algorithm as well, but it also uses more sophisticated techniques. For picture encoding, HEIF often uses the High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) or H.265 compression standard. HEVC has a higher compression ratio than JPEG’s DCT-based strategy.
2. Picture quality
JPEG
JPEG is widely used and offers adequate image quality, but when compression levels are set too high, it can cause noticeable image degradation. These artifacts, which include pixelation, noise, and color distortions, might be a result of quality degradation.
HEIF
Compared to JPEG, HEIF typically offers better image quality at comparable file sizes. Because it makes use of the HEVC compression standard, encoding is more effective, maintaining more visual detail and producing less obvious artifacts.
3. File Size
JPEG
JPEG files are widely used in digital photography and web images because of their interoperability. However, when aiming for equal image quality, their file sizes can be substantially bigger than HEIF.
HEIF
HEIF excels at minimizing file sizes while preserving excellent image quality. Since it enables users to keep more photographs with less storage space, it is especially useful for mobile devices with limited storage or for online image sharing.
4. Specifications and Flexibility
JPEG
Due to its focus on static images, JPEG only offers a small number of extra features or flexibility. It is unable to accommodate many media kinds, such as animations and audio, or store numerous photos.
HEIF
HEIF is notable for being a flexible format that can store not only individual images but also collections of images (such as animations or burst photographs), image thumbnails, audio, and even text. Because of this, HEIF is a more flexible option for modern multimedia applications.
5. Compatibility
JPEG
JPEG has a long history and is generally supported by all devices and image viewing and editing software. Several digital cameras and photo-sharing websites use it as their default image format.
HEIF
Despite increasing usage, HEIF may not have as widespread support as JPEG, particularly in older software and hardware. However, HEIF is supported by the majority of current devices and software programs.
6. Licensing
JPEG
JPEG is a well-liked and open format that can be freely used without paying a license charge. It has long been an essential component of the world of digital images.
HEIF
The usage of the essential to the HEIF format HEVC compression standard may require licensing costs. Depending on how something is used and implemented, different licensing conditions may apply.
The bottom line is that while HEIF and JPEG are both image compression protocols, HEIF has a number of advantages over JPEG, including superior compression effectiveness, higher image quality at smaller file sizes, and greater versatility for multimedia applications. JPEG is still widely used and popular, giving it a good option for compatibility, especially with older hardware and software.
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