In the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, Apple has upgraded the cameras. However, this was not enough for them to top the DxOMark rankings.
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max ranks fourth in the list, which is led by the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. The DxOMark website published a comprehensive article on the comparative testing of the device, complete with technical details, graphs, and samples of photos and videos from various smartphones that users can compare themselves.
The tests cover real-life scenarios as well as various scientific evaluations to determine which camera delivers the best outcome for end users. DxOMark generally enjoys a solid reputation, although doubts about its impartiality sometimes arise online. The full disclosure of all data, samples, and methodologies aims to convince skeptics—or the opposite.
As a result, the iPhone 16 Pro Max falls behind some Android smartphone brands, particularly Huawei and its close competitor Honor, which have traditionally stood out for their high-quality photography. The flagship was also surpassed by the new Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. Furthermore, Samsung smartphones are nowhere near the top.
During testing, the iPhone 16 Pro Max captured 3,000 photos and recorded 150 hours of video. According to the testers, Apple still has room for improvement in photography. While perception varies according to user preferences, Apple’s settings for minimizing shadows and highlights are coarse enough to be noticeable. Additionally, some photos displayed less detail compared to competitors.
The site notes that the hardware of the main camera on the Pro Max has changed little compared to the previous model. Nevertheless, Apple managed to enhance image quality and camera performance.
In video mode, the new iPhone again achieved first place in the ranking "thanks to outstanding performance in 4K resolution and a variable frame rate of 60 frames per second." The testers highlighted a new 4K/120 fps mode and some “Pro” modes that allow for detailed adjustments unavailable on competing devices.
In photo mode, the camera benefits from improved processing and new editing capabilities, along with enhanced default camera performance. However, the site also noted that the overall rate of camera performance improvement is slower than in previous years and compared to competitors.
Users of the new iPhone gained advantages from new features, such as the "Subtone" and "Mood" photo styles, which are not covered in the test but enhance the photography experience.
Regarding shortcomings of the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera, the authors also noted the lack of improvements in zoom capability:
"Our testers did not notice any significant enhancements in texture with the new 48 MP ultra-wide camera compared to the 15 Pro Max. There was also inadequate image quality in the telephoto range, with noticeable drops in detail at telephoto settings from 2x to 5x."
Despite some individual shortcomings, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max remains one of the best camera phones. According to DxOMark, its results are currently unattainable for strong competitors in the smartphone market like Samsung and Xiaomi.
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