Which duplicate photos to delete?

[Bob271033041kwn]

I have numerous duplicate photos and not sure which ones to delete. They were downloaded from my iPhone to MS OneDrive and/or MS Photos (long story....).

My question is: Which ones to delete? Below is an example of two duplicate files. All the info from properties is the same except for the notes below.

I'm not concerned about space, I just want to save the better quality photo.

First example:

*Type of File: .HEIC

*Image demension: 3367 x 3024

*Bit Depth: 32

*Size: 1.17MB

Second example:

*Type of File: .JPG

*Image demension: 4032 x 3024

*Bit Depth: 24

*Size: 3.39MB

Thanks, in advance for any help you can offer.

-Bob

[Greg_S.]

The difference between .heic and jpeg files is their size.  The examples mentioned in your post state that the .heic file is 32 bit whereas the jpeg is 24 bit.  In theory, this would make the .heic file a higher quality.  But it also uses greater compression which is why it is a smaller size.

I have not seen any convincing evidence that one file has a quality advantage over the other and IMO, .heic files are only useful for storing on phones where space may be limited.  There are a number of disadvantages to using .heic.  In the first place, they cannot be used to display on social media etc.   So, they will normally be converted to jpeg anyway.

Elements cannot edit 32 bit files, so there is no reason to keep it for the extra color information if you only use Elements for editing.  And since you are on Windows, Elements cannot save an edited .heic file.  You will have to convert it to jpeg or another format for the purpose of saving an edited file.

Bottom line, IMO:  Delete the .heics.

[Glenn 8675309]

I think it's a case of doing "what makes you happy".

Read this:

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/file-types/image/comparison/heic-vs-jpeg.html#:~:text=Most%20HEI....