Tag: DxOMark

April 24, 2025
Google Pixel 9a Camera & Display Reviews – DxOMark Global Rank 33
Key Takeaways
1. The Pixel 9a scored 153 points in camera performance, ranking 33rd globally and first in the high-end category for upper mid-range smartphones.
2. The camera features a solid dynamic range, precise exposure, and vibrant colors, but struggles with zoomed shots and low-light conditions.
3. The display received a score of 155 points, the highest in its category, and ranked 8th globally.
4. The display is noted for being excellent for web browsing and watching videos, with a responsive and clear screen.
5. The Pixel 9a was launched in India for 49,999 INR and globally starts at 499 US Dollars.
Google’s new Pixel 9a has recently been reviewed by DxOMark, and the results are now available. Similar to the other models in the Pixel 9 series, it has earned respectable scores in both camera and display categories. Let’s dive into the details.
Camera Performance
In the evaluation of its camera, Google’s Pixel 9a scored 153 points, placing it at 33rd in the global smartphone rankings. Remarkably, it secured the top spot in the high-end category, which encompasses upper mid-range smartphones. The tests conducted by DxOMark showed that the Pixel 9a incorporates many of the high-end features found in the pricier Pixel 9.
Display Quality
The camera boasts a solid dynamic range, precise exposure, and vibrant colors. However, it does face challenges with zoomed shots due to the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens. Additionally, the Pixel 9a encounters difficulties in dim lighting conditions for both photos and videos. DxOMark also assessed the display, awarding it a score of 155 points, which is again the highest in its category. Notably, the Pixel 9a even made it into the global top 10, landing at the 8th position.
The review highlights that the display is excellent for various activities, including standard web browsing and watching videos. The Pixel 9a features a lively and clear screen that responds swiftly and accurately to touch. This model was launched in India earlier this month with an initial price of 49,999 INR, while it can be found globally starting at 499 US Dollars.
Tags: DxOMark, google, Pixel 9a
April 21, 2025
Pixii Max vs Leica M10 and M11: DxOMark Sensor Analysis
Key Takeaways
1. The Pixii Max is a digital rangefinder camera from France, featuring a 24MP full-frame sensor, and is priced at €4,799.
2. It is significantly cheaper than the Leica M11, which costs €8,750, but does not match the Leica’s performance.
3. The Pixii Max received a DxOMark rating of 93 points, while the Leica M11 scored 100 points, making the Pixii Max a solid option for its price range.
4. The Pixii Max has better low-light performance compared to the Leica M10, which has a similar sensor but a lower score of 86 points.
5. Overall, the Pixii Max is considered a competitively priced alternative to the Leica M10, with no significant weaknesses in its sensor performance.
Anyone interested in purchasing a digital rangefinder camera currently has just one option apart from the Leica M-Series, and that is the Pixii from France. Initially, this camera was launched featuring a 26MP APS-C sensor, but now the company offers the Pixii Max, which comes equipped with a 24MP full-frame sensor.
Pricing and Comparison
The starting price for the base model, which includes 32GB of internal storage, is €4,799. While this isn’t exactly budget-friendly, it’s still nearly €4,000 cheaper than the Leica M11, whose official price stands at €8,750. A fresh analysis from DxOMark indicates that the Pixii Max does not match the performance of the 60MP full-frame sensor found in the Leica M11, which has been rated as the top sensor of its class by DxOMark up to now.
Performance Insights
The Leica M11 achieved a DxOMark rating of 100 points, while the Pixii Max was rated at 93 points. This score puts it slightly ahead of the Pixii Plus with its APS-C sensor, but seven points behind the more affordable Nikon Z7 II. For those who are passionate about rangefinder cameras, the Leica M10 serves as a relevant reference; it also has a 24MP full-frame sensor but scores lower at 86 points. Interestingly, a used Leica M10 in decent condition is priced similarly to a new Pixii Max.
Advantages of the Pixii Max
One of the key benefits of the Pixii Max compared to both the Pixii Plus and the Leica M10 is its low-light performance, as it maintains a comparable image quality at an ISO that’s half a stop higher. Overall, the sensor in the Pixii Max displayed no significant weaknesses, leading DxOMark to conclude that it is a competitively priced alternative to the Leica M10.
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Tags: DxOMark, Leica M11, Pixii Max
March 4, 2025
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Leica Camera Review: Zoom King or DxOMark Fail?
Key Takeaways
1. Xiaomi 15 Ultra has not made it to the top ten in DxOMark camera scores, continuing a trend for the brand.
2. The device scored well in zoom and texture performance, earning top marks in these areas.
3. DxOMark praised the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for detail, dynamic range, and texture management in photos and videos.
4. Critiques included inconsistent photo quality and issues with artifacts like ghosting and flares.
5. Video stabilization on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was noted as less effective compared to competitors.
Xiaomi generally faces challenges with DxOMark. Amazingly, no Xiaomi phone has made it to the top ten for camera scores until now, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra continues this trend. However, this device did manage to score two to three favorable results in the camera assessments conducted by the French evaluation team. Even though it fell significantly behind the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the leading Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which sits at 13th place, the new Xiaomi flagship, featuring a Leica camera setup, did manage to clinch the top spot for both zoom and texture performance.
Camera Performance Insights
DxOMark highlighted that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra showcases impressive detail across all focal lengths, alongside a strong dynamic range in both photos and videos. Additionally, it excels in texture and noise management. On the downside, DxOMark’s evaluation pointed out several areas where Xiaomi stumbled. For example, the consistency of photos was questioned, with testers noting that images taken in succession do not always yield similar outcomes. There were also issues with various artifacts, including ghosting and flares, despite Xiaomi promoting Leica Ultrapure Optics in its advertising. Video stabilization reportedly isn’t as effective as that of some rival models.
Review Highlights
The detailed review comes with a variety of sample photos and videos, allowing you to compare this phone with others. In a separate post on social media by DxOMark, you can find several side-by-side comparisons of telephoto zoom capabilities that tend to favor the Xiaomi Ultra 15. Interestingly, some viewers disagree with the ratings given by DxOMark, and their reviews often face scrutiny. It’s up for debate whether such concerns are well-founded or not.
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Tags: DxOMark, Leica, Xiaomi 15 Ultra
March 3, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Falls Short in DxOMark Camera Ranking
Key Takeaways
1. The Galaxy S25 Ultra received a DxOMark score of 146, ranking it 24th in camera performance, just two points higher than its predecessor.
2. It scored lower than competitors like the Google Pixel 8 (148), Apple iPhone 16 (147), and Huawei P60 Pro (156), with Huawei Pura 70 Ultra leading at 163.
3. The camera system shows versatility, capturing detailed images at long zoom, natural skin tones in good lighting, and vibrant videos with good dynamic range.
4. Issues include overexposed highlights even with HDR on, unnatural skin tones in low light, and significant noise in dim lighting videos.
5. The portrait mode and video autofocus/exposure adjustments can be inconsistent, leading to minor issues that affect overall performance compared to competing smartphones.
DxOMark has recently evaluated the quad-camera system on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is priced at about $1,219 on Amazon, giving it a score of 146. This score places the latest Samsung flagship only two points higher than its predecessor. The result is not particularly impressive for a current-generation flagship, especially since the Galaxy S25 Ultra is ranked 24th in DxOMark’s camera score list, sharing this position with the Apple iPhone 14 Pro.
Comparisons with Competitors
Interestingly, the S25 Ultra scored lower than several older or more affordable rivals, including the Google Pixel 8 at 148 points, the Apple iPhone 16 at 147 points, and the Huawei P60 Pro at 156 points. The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra leads the pack with an impressive 163 points. However, during our review, the camera system of the Galaxy S25 Ultra showed versatility, impressing us with the details it captured even at longer zoom distances, as well as its natural skin tones in easier lighting conditions and videos that featured vibrant colors and a good dynamic range.
Room for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has more issues than one might expect from a top-tier device. For instance, highlights can sometimes be overexposed, even when HDR is turned on, and skin tones may appear unnatural in low-light settings. Additionally, videos shot in dim lighting often display a significant amount of noise.
The portrait mode, which mimics bokeh effects, doesn’t always engage properly. When shooting videos, both exposure adjustments and autofocus can be shaky at times. The analysis indicates that while the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera does not have any glaring shortcomings, it does possess several minor issues that accumulate, allowing some competing smartphones to outperform it in terms of still and video quality under certain circumstances.
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Tags: DxOMark, Galaxy S25 Ultra, smartphone camera ranking
March 3, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Takes 24th in DxOMark Camera Test
Key Takeaways
1. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ranks first in DxOMark’s display rankings but is only 24th in camera performance with a score of 146.
2. The device excels in zoom capabilities, exposure management, and natural skin tones in bright lighting, producing well-balanced images and videos.
3. Key issues include autofocus stability, inconsistent exposure in video mode, and noticeable noise in low-light conditions.
4. Samsung upgraded only the ultrawide camera this year, while competitors are implementing new imaging technologies in their flagship models.
5. The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses an older 10MP telephoto lens, contributing to noise issues, and there is hope for future adoption of Samsung’s ALOP lens technology to improve camera performance.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has achieved the top spot in DxOMark’s display rankings, but it’s only 24th in the camera test with a score of 146. This flagship model from Samsung is trailing behind competitors such as the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which scored 163 points, and both the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Honor Magic 6 Pro, each earning 158 points.
Camera Performance Overview
DxOMark highlighted the Galaxy S25 Ultra for its impressive zoom abilities, maintaining a fair amount of detail. The device shines in managing exposure and dynamic range under bright lighting, which results in well-balanced images and videos. In straightforward scenarios, skin tones appear natural, and the color rendering in videos remains true-to-life, with a neutral white balance both indoors and outdoors.
Areas for Improvement
However, there are several areas where the camera did not meet expectations. It appears that the device faces challenges with autofocus stability and adapting exposure in video mode, which leads to an inconsistent experience. Additionally, noise becomes apparent in low-light situations for both images and video content. High-contrast scenes in dim lighting exacerbate the issue, sometimes resulting in odd white balance casts. The bokeh mode can also fail to engage at times, making the camera system less dependable compared to many rival devices. You can see all the pros and cons illustrated in the image below.
Upgrades and Innovations
This year, Samsung only upgraded the ultrawide camera, while many smartphone brands from Chima have been incorporating the latest imaging technologies into their flagship models. On the contrary, Samsung continues to use an older 10MP, 1/3.52″ sensor for its 3x telephoto lens. The newer 5x telephoto and main sensors are also relatively small compared to those found in Chinese flagship phones, which likely contributes to the noise issues.
Last year, Samsung unveiled its ALOP lens technology, which reportedly allows larger sensors to fit within the phone without increasing the camera module’s protrusion. It remains to be seen when Samsung’s smartphone division will adopt this technology for its Galaxy flagships. We hope this occurs soon, as it would not only enhance the Galaxy line but also amp up competition among all brands in the market.
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Tags: DxOMark, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, smartphone camera
February 15, 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Tops DxOMark Display but Has Issues
Key Takeaways
1. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra achieved a top score of 160 points in display evaluation by DxOMark, outperforming the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which scored 158 points.
2. The display features an anti-reflective coating that reflects only 1.5% of surrounding light, significantly reducing reflections compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
3. The display maintains a brightness level of 2,122 nits in direct sunlight, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, while improved contrast ratios enhance visibility in bright conditions.
4. Color accuracy has improved over the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with better color representation and less impact from viewing angles, though HDR brightness has decreased in dark environments.
5. Critiques include excessive brightness in low-light situations and occasional unintentional touches on the touchscreen, along with slower responsiveness compared to other smartphones in its class.
DxOMark has recently conducted a thorough evaluation of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display. Scoring an impressive 160 points, it secures the top spot, leaving the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in second place with 158 points. This high rating can be attributed to the anti-reflective coating on the Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, which reportedly reflects just 1.5% of surrounding light, significantly less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which reflects more than three times that amount.
Brightness & Contrast
The brightness level remains unchanged from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with the display still capable of reaching 2,122 nits in direct sunlight, making it nearly equivalent to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, the reduced reflection levels lead to increased contrast ratios in bright conditions, which enhances the overall display quality. DxOMark recorded a PWM frequency of 480 Hz, which should not pose issues for most users.
Color Accuracy Improvements
In comparison to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Galaxy S25 Ultra shows notable improvements in color accuracy, offering more precise color representation. Additionally, the display is less affected by viewing angles, maintaining consistent color fidelity. However, peak HDR brightness has seen a decline from 80 nits down to just 24 nits in dark environments, reducing the screen’s glare at night.
Critiques of the Display
Nonetheless, the DxOMark analysis is not without its faults. While there are advancements in HDR content display, the screen remains excessively bright in low-light situations. Furthermore, the touchscreen, similar to its predecessor, still experiences occasional unintentional touches and does not respond as swiftly as other smartphones in the same category.
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Tags: display analysis, DxOMark, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
October 22, 2024
iPhone 16 Falls Behind Samsung Galaxy A35, Google Pixel 8a Display
The Apple iPhone 16 scored only 142 points in a thorough display evaluation by DxOMark. This score is not particularly impressive for a modern smartphone within its price category. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Google Pixel 8a achieved slightly higher scores of 143 and 145 points, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL leads the pack at 158 points.
Display Specs
Similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch OLED screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, delivering a resolution of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels. It’s claimed to reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits in bright sunlight. However, DxOMark recorded a brightness level of 1,969 nits, which is still significantly lower than the Samsung Galaxy S24’s impressive 2,548 nits. Nonetheless, DxOMark states that this level of brightness is adequate for good visibility outdoors.
Performance Issues
DxOMark pointed out that SDR content can appear excessively dark and lacking in contrast under low light conditions. For HDR10 content, the brightness can vary greatly, which may affect the viewing experience. The touchscreen is generally responsive and reliable, although there are some issues when using the new capture button, which may not always work as intended.
DxOMark | Bram Van Oost (teaser image)
Tags: display performance, DxOMark, iPhone 16
October 15, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Max Lags Behind Android Flagships in Camera Test
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has recently undergone camera evaluations by DxOMark following its release in September. Currently, it ranks fourth in the global DxOMark smartphone camera ratings. This time, the benchmarking company has focused on comparing the Apple flagship with its Chinese counterparts, specifically regarding the performance of its telephoto camera.
Performance Comparison
According to DxOMark, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does provide improved telephoto images compared to its earlier models. However, the firm notes that the Apple device still cannot "catch up" to leading Chinese smartphones. In their comparison of portrait images, the iPhone shows less detail in the eyes and lower smoothness of facial skin compared to its rivals.
iPhones are not typically recognized for their aggressive skin smoothing in photos, which is a common feature found in many Chinese Android devices. Nevertheless, as DxOMark suggests, users might be less inclined to favor the images produced by the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Telephoto Quality Insights
To illustrate the quality of its telephoto images, DxOMark has included a chart that displays detail preservation across various focal lengths. This chart contrasts the iPhone 16 Pro Max with models like the Vivo X100 Pro, Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
The data indicates that the telephoto camera of the iPhone 16 Pro Max retains noticeably less detail than its competitors. While it performs comparably at 80 mm and 160 mm focal lengths, it lags behind in other areas. DxOMark also highlights that the details in landscape photos are not impressive either.
Conclusion on Overall Performance
In contrast, Chinese Android competitors excel at producing more refined images. However, as DxOMark mentioned in its earlier analysis, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video mode, dynamic range throughout the zoom spectrum, color accuracy, stabilization, and autofocus. Thus, the only aspect holding it back from being a versatile camera phone is its periscope telephoto performance.
DxOMark shared this information on Weibo (translated from Chinese).
Tags: DxOMark, iPhone 16 Pro Max, telephoto camera
October 1, 2024
Xiaomi 14T vs 14T Pro: DxOMark Says Pro Upgrade Not Worth It
The Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro were launched last week and are now available for purchase in Germany. The Xiaomi 14T is priced at EUR 649, while the Xiaomi 14T Pro starts at EUR 799. Customers can upgrade from the MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra to the Dimensity 9300+ for an additional EUR 150. This upgrade also includes faster charging capabilities, with 120 watts instead of 67 watts, 50 watts of wireless fast charging, and enhancements to the camera system.
Camera Specifications
The Xiaomi 14T features a 50 MP f/1.7 main camera with a 1/1.56-inch sensor and a 50 MP f/1.9 telephoto camera that has a focal length of 50 mm. In contrast, the Xiaomi 14T Pro comes equipped with a 50 MP f/1.6 main camera featuring a larger 1/1.31-inch sensor, along with a 50 MP telephoto camera that has a 60 mm f/2.0 lens. Both models share a 12 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera. According to a detailed review by DxOMark, the Xiaomi 14T received a score of 134, while the Pro version scored slightly higher at 135. These scores place them at 45th and 49th on the list of best-performing smartphones.
Comparison with Competitors
These scores place the Xiaomi 14T series on par with notable competitors like the Apple iPhone 14, Google Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, the Leica cameras in the Xiaomi 14T series struggle to match the performance of more recent flagship devices. The Xiaomi 14T is praised for its natural color reproduction, accurate skin tones, impressive depth of field, precise white balance, and sharp photos and videos in well-lit conditions.
Low Light Performance
In low-light situations, though, the devices exhibit significant image noise despite strong noise reduction efforts that can compromise detail. The dynamic range is relatively limited, and a color cast may appear in dim lighting. Additionally, highlights in the background can appear unnaturally rendered in portrait mode. For video recording, DxOMark points out issues with inconsistent skin tones and fluctuations in exposure and white balance from frame to frame under certain conditions.
DxOMark (Xiaomi 14T | Xiaomi 14T Pro)
Tags: DxOMark, Xiaomi 14T, Xiaomi 14T Pro
September 21, 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: Photography Ratings Showdown
DxOMark has released its comprehensive camera review for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the findings are quite revealing. For Apple enthusiasts anticipating a significant leap in camera capabilities, the results provide a mix of commendation and a reality check.
Positive Highlights
To begin with, there is good news. The iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved an unprecedented score for video recording quality, surpassing all competitors in the market. While this is an impressive feat, it’s not entirely surprising, as the iPhone has consistently garnered acclaim for its video capabilities with each release.
Photography Results
However, the situation becomes less favorable when examining the photography scores for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unlike its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which secured second place in DxOMark’s evaluations, this year’s model has fallen to fourth place with a score of 157 points.
The newly launched Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon, narrowly outperformed the iPhone 16 Pro Max, earning 158 points to share second place with the Honor Magic6 Pro. At the top of the rankings is Huawei’s Pura 70 Ultra, boasting an impressive 163 points.
In-Depth Analysis
DxOMark’s detailed analysis, which can be found here, explores the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s camera features extensively. Among the praised elements are its remarkable color accuracy, sharp detail in bright conditions, and quick autofocus. Conversely, some shortcomings noted by DxOMark include the presence of unwanted artifacts, noticeable flaring, and inconsistencies in ultra-wide shots, despite the enhancements in hardware.
Tags: DxOMark, iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro XL