If all they did is increase the contrast, then Denim is very dissapointing. Any photographer will tell you what losing details in highlights and shadows is bad, since it's decreasing the dynamic range. But if you prefer contrasty photos, then you can be happy with it
Anyone can add cotnrast in post production.
The picture quality is FAR from 'perfect' as you call it.
Still waiting for my Denim update though...to see for myself.
The second pic is completely washed out, have incredible blurry edges, the colors are innacurate AT ALL and dark areas have a brown bad tone instead a black tone, it's just awful, just pathetic...
There's nothing to do with increased level of contrast or loose details on shadows. I don't know what you talking about...
If you compare pictures you will see that Denim pic is better in absolutely all aspects of photography. Have at least the same details on dark areas, but improved crips edges, better color accuracy, doesn't have the ridiculous brown on dark areas and doesn't looks like a $19 disposable camera (like Lumia Camera Classic alghoritms).
Perfect? No, only if you pick DNG picture and treat it properly. That's photography rules, not mine. Works for Nokia, Canon, Nikon, etc.
ps.: Please open these pictures on separated pages (maximized) and you will see how bad the second picture is if compared to first one. I have 100% sure you didn't.