Three Chinese smartphones are currently leading the global rankings for the best camera phones, according to DxOMark. Surprisingly, the iPhone 17 Pro did not secure the top position in the latest DxOMark camera performance list.
The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra takes first place with a remarkable score of 175 points on DxOMark. This Chinese flagship has set a new standard in mobile imaging, beating all other competitors in the review. DxOMark praised the device for its comprehensive camera abilities in photo, video, and zoom quality after rigorous testing.
Key Camera Features of Huawei Pura 80 Ultra
Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra is equipped with a 50-megapixel main sensor featuring a large 1-inch sensor size. It also offers a variable aperture from f/1.6 to f/4.0, increasing flexibility in different lighting conditions. The phone includes a 40 MP ultra-wide camera and a 50 MP telephoto lens, providing a versatile camera setup.
DxOMark highlighted several strengths of this device. The smartphone delivers a wide dynamic range and accurate exposure, ensuring high-quality color rendering across many shooting scenarios. It also offers high detail levels in images and videos, along with a very effective video stabilization system.
The autofocus system on Huawei Pura 80 Ultra is also very precise. It maintains low noise levels even in dim lighting. The phone performs well in portrait modes with good detail retention, boosting overall camera reliability for diverse photo styles.
Reported Limitations
Despite the top ranking, DxOMark noted some drawbacks with the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra. Occasional lighting and color instability can appear in some shots. Textures might sometimes look unnatural in extremely challenging light. Users may notice some artifacts such as color shifts, shadow effects, and video integrity problems when recording.
Strong Competition from Other Chinese Phones
Close behind Huawei, the Vivo X300 Pro ranks second with a score of 171 points. This device is another strong contender from China, showing that Chinese manufacturers dominate high-end camera phone performance.
The third spot is held by OPPO Find X8 Ultra with a 168-point score, matching the iPhone 17 Pro. This places the OPPO and Apple’s latest flagship on the same level in the DxOMark rankings, behind the Chinese rivals.
Top 5 Smartphones by DxOMark Camera Score
- Huawei Pura 80 Ultra – 175 points
- Vivo X300 Pro – 171 points
- OPPO Find X8 Ultra – 168 points
- iPhone 17 Pro – 168 points
- Vivo X200 Ultra – 167 points
Additional Context
This ranking reinforces the shift in flagship smartphone innovation from Western to Asian manufacturers, especially Chinese brands. Huawei, Vivo, and OPPO continue to invest heavily in camera technology, sensor improvements, and computational photography.
DxOMark’s methodologies are trusted in the industry for detailed and scientific camera testing. Their scoring represents real-world user perspectives on image quality, video capture, autofocus, noise, and stabilization.
For consumers prioritizing camera performance, these Chinese smartphones represent the current cutting edge, often surpassing traditional leaders like Apple’s iPhone. The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra in particular creates a new benchmark for mobile photography in 2026.
As always, the smartphone market evolves rapidly, and camera rankings are likely to continue changing with new releases throughout the year. This development signals exciting competition and innovation in imaging technology from China’s leading smartphone makers.
