Android: BitmapFactory.decodeByteArray gives pixelated bitmap

Question

I am working on an Android app that displays photos which are downloaded from Flickr. I obtain a bitmap object from a byte array, which in turn is read from the relevant Fli

Answer 1

Some version of Android have a bug in Bitmap class and convert the Bitmap to RGB_565 upon some operations. This would manifest itself in artifacts similar to those on your picture. This would also explain the banding of the blue sky. Also, have in mind that android attempts to "optimize" image by converting them to rgb_565 upon loading and even compiling in resource files. Take a look at: http://android.nakatome.net/2010/04/bitmap-basics.html