Abstract: Image encoding and decoding methods and devices thereof are provided. The encoding method includes: performing downsampling on a first image to obtain a second image; encoding the second image to obtain a second image bit stream, and sending the second image bit stream to a decoding end; processing the second image to obtain a third image having a resolution the same as that of the first image; calculating a difference between the third image and the first image to obtain a first difference image; regulating pixel values of the first difference image to fall within a pre-set range, to obtain a second difference image; and encoding the second difference image to obtain a second difference image bit stream, and sending the second difference image bit stream to the decoding end to enable the decoding end to reconstruct the first image.