DxOMark is out with iPhone XS Max camera review rating it as one of the best with a score of 105. While it beats out Samsung Galaxies and Pixels, it failed to move past Huawei’s P20 Pro which still remains at the top. DxOMark scores a smartphone based on a combined score of photo and video performance.
Since the scores are not out of 100, the iPhone XS Max scored a significantly higher score of 105 compared to the iPhone X’s 97 from last year. This show a notable difference in cameras. As both the iPhone XS Max and XS pack the similar internals, DxOMark believes that it might score more or less the same. While the hardware changes are valuable, the software changes are more noticeable.
DxOMark says that during still image capture, the camera continuously captures a multi-frame buffer at different exposures, allowing for simultaneous zero shutter lag and HDR processing, something that is unique at this point. Meaning, the iPhone XS Max is capable of displaying HDR images in real-time in the preview image, so what you get is what you see. This feature isn’t currently available on any other smartphones.
As for the video mode, the iPhone XS Max can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second and 1080p Full-HD at up to 240fps. The faster sensor readout allows for better video stabilization and a reduced jello effect. Additionally, the camera can shoot footage with expanded dynamic range when the frame rate is limited to 30 fps. The iPhone XS Max scored a decent 96 due to its indoor white balance instabilities being one of its weaknesses. The video performance in bright conditions is one of its key strengths.
DxOMark says if there is one aspect of the camera that could be improved, it’s zoom performance. While zoom has been slightly improved compared to last year’s iPhone X, iPhone XS Max zoom images luminance noise and less detail than some rivals, such as the Huawei P20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, but still scored 110.
DxOMark concluding the camera test of the iPhone XS Max has said:
The Apple iPhone XS Max comes with one of the best mobile cameras we have ever tested, and in many areas offers noticeable improvements over last year’s iPhone X. Both still and video image quality in bright light are excellent, with a very wide dynamic range and good detail. Autofocus and image stabilization work swiftly and efficiently, and the camera is very reliable overall, consistently delivering good results.
In lower light, luminance noise becomes a little more intrusive than with other high-end phones, and the iPhone’s zoom mode lags somewhat behind the competition (specifically, the Huawei P20 Pro) as well. However, if that doesn’t bother you too much, the new Apple device is a surefire option for any mobile photographer.