iPhone 16 DXOMARK camera tests rank the base model #20, against #4 for the Pro Max

Following tests of the Pro Max model back in September, the base model iPhone 16 DXOMARK camera results are out, and the smartphone has been ranked #20.

The organization notes that while the camera hardware is almost identical to the base model iPhone 15, software improvements have seen it score better in several areas …

DXOMARK announced test results for the iPhone 16 Pro Max back in September, when it was ranked #4 overall and #1 for video.

The same tests have now been conducted on the standard model, with a total score of 147 against 157 for the Pro Max.

In the DXOMARK Camera tests, the Apple iPhone 16 delivered a very good performance for its class. With the exception of the improved autofocus and faster lens in the ultra-wide camera, the new device uses nearly identical camera hardware to the predecessor, but software modifications have resulted in performance improvements across several test areas.

In our evaluations, the camera captured nice still images and videos with excellent exposure, good contrast, and pleasant skin tones. The video stabilization system kept things smooth and stable when recording moving images. On the downside, the absence of a dedicated tele lens meant that images captured at medium and long-range tele settings lacked detail and texture.

DXOMARK has a reputation for conducting the most thorough tests in the industry, mixing scientific tests in the lab with real-life shooting. In all, smartphone cameras are assessed across 17 different categories.

• Eight pros were noted:
• Nice brightness and contrast with images viewed on HDR display
• Pleasant skin tones and nice colors for photo and video
• High levels of detail in bright light and when shooting indoors
• Fast and generally accurate autofocus
• Smooth zooming in preview
• Vivid brightness and contrast with videos viewed on HDR display
• Video noise generally well under control
• Quite effective video stabilization

And six cons:

• Limited dynamic range can result in highlight clipping in photo and video
• Flare, hue shift artifacts and ringing in photos
• Limited long range tele zoom capabilities
• Loss of fine detail in video, especially in low light
• Artifacts, including flare, moving texture in low light and aliasing can be noticeable in in video
• Noise in shadow portions of the frame and in low-light images

The device got the highest scores for exposure and color accuracy, scoring 124/30 and 129/130 respectively.

Video performance was ranked very highly, at 154/159 – with that high score held by the Pro Max.

Video performance was excellent for this class of device. Like for still images, overall video quality was quite similar to the predecessor. Our testers noticed some refinements, specifically in the color category, with improved white balance. The new model also delivered better video texture than last year’s device, whereas noise could be a touch more intrusive on the iPhone 16.

Photo: Amanz on Unsplash