DxOMark’s latest camera test results have sparked a new debate in the smartphone world. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro has secured a spot in the top three global rankings. The device edged out the Vivo X200 Ultra for third place by just one point, but this result has sparked criticism of how the rating system is calculated. Here are the details.
Vivo Leads in Photography, iPhone Leads in Video
According to DxOMark’s preliminary findings, the iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) ranks just behind the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and Huawei Pura 80 Ultra at the top of the list. Apple’s strong performance comes despite Vivo’s clear superiority in photo performance. This suggests that the iPhone’s video capabilities outweigh the rating.
In the photography category, Vivo maintains its lead with 173 points, while the iPhone trails behind with 168 points. Vivo maintains its superiority in detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. DxOMark’s sample comparisons confirm this. While the iPhone produces flatter, more neutral images, the Vivo delivers vibrant results, and the Huawei offers a balance of detail and color. For those who prioritize still photography, Vivo and Huawei remain top recommendations.
The balance shifts dramatically in the video category. The iPhone 17 Pro achieved its highest video score ever, surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Testers praised its consistent exposure, accurate white balance, and smooth HDR performance even in challenging lighting conditions. The upgraded 48MP telephoto lens demonstrated strong hybrid zoom performance, closing the gap with rivals that rely on dedicated periscope sensors.
The results aren’t universally accepted. Some argue that Vivo’s lead in photography should outweigh Apple’s advantage in video. However, DxOMark’s scoring system gives significant weight to video in the final score.
Since the full test report hasn’t been released yet, there may be slight fluctuations in the final scores. But for now, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro stands out as the best choice for content creators who value video as much as photography.
So, what are your thoughts on this? You can share in the comments.
