case-study · JPEG vs WebP product photo case study

JPEG vs WebP for a Product Photo

This case shows why the smaller format is not always the same setting across encoders.

Case result

  • Input: photo-style sample.
  • Steps: compare JPEG q80, WebP q80 and WebP q70.
  • Output: WebP q70 gives 249 KB.
  • Limit: JPEG q80 can still be the safer fallback.

Input, steps, output and limits

StageSetting or checkMeasured resultDecisionLimit
InputPhoto-style sample1.37 MB q100Compare formatsGenerated sample
StepJPEG q80303 KBFallback candidateJPEG only
StepWebP q80346 KBNot smaller hereEncoder behavior varies
OutputWebP q70249 KBSmall modern outputCheck destination support

Input

The case uses the same generated image sample set as the benchmark pages so the file sizes can be reproduced.

No visitor image is used, uploaded or stored for this case study.

Steps

The workflow records the original format and size, tests one or more output settings, checks the visible result and keeps the smallest result that still fits the task.

The related benchmark link explains the format or quality setting behind the choice.

Output

Input: photo-style sample.

Steps: compare JPEG q80, WebP q80 and WebP q70.

Output: WebP q70 gives 249 KB.

Limit: JPEG q80 can still be the safer fallback.

Limits

This is a measured task example, not a guarantee for every file.

Images with more texture, transparency, text, animation or platform rules can need different settings.