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The HTC One X's camera was considered one of the best ever on a smartphone when that camera launched earlier in 2012, so it's no surprise that the One XL's camera performs just as well. Especially given that it's the exact same camera.
On the back of the One XL is the same 8MP camera as the One X, with a 1.3MP sensor on the front for video calling and selfies.
While the One XL lacks the quad core processor, it doesn't have an adverse affect on images from the One XL. You still get the vast array of customisability and manual controls, including ISO, exposure, contrast, saturation, sharpness and white balance.
There are also modes for slow motion, HDR, face detection and image stabilisation built in. While none of them really compare with a dedicated snapper in terms of performance, they are still admirable inclusions for a smartphone.
Like the One X, there's no dedicated shutter button, instead you'll rely on the soft button at the bottom of the phone to take shots. You can select to shoot when you touch the screen to focus as well, although that mode isn't quite as reliable for getting focussed shots.
A variety of scene modes help keep things well setup - options for Portraits, landscapes, backlit subjects, night, text and macro are all available.
And for Instagrammers, HTC has also included a selection of filters to adjust and distort your photos to make them hipsterlicious. In truth, filters are almost always better when added in post processing, but kudos to HTC for including the function.
The One XL's fast shutter speed offers budding photographers a fun device to experiment with, and the Best Shot mode allows for holding down the shutter button and letting software determine the best picture. Again, it's the kind of feature that showcases just how far smartphone cameras have come in recent times.
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Video
The fact HTC has included the dedicated video button next to the photo button means you can start recording straight away, without having to swap shooting modes. You can also shoot still photos while recording 1080p video, which is a brilliant feature for parents of both children and pets.
Video quality looks amazing on the phone, but struggles a bit when placed onto a big screen. That's not to say it isn't impressive for a smartphone, but professional videographers will flinch if you try and show it off as the pinnacle of HD video recording.
Audio quality from recordings is also a bit of a let down, despite the dual microphones inside the device.
But overall, as a smartphone camera to carry around with you, the One XL is still one of the best on the market.
