Smartphones with the best camera 2018 - 2019: Top 10 ranking

Last update date: 02/25/2019

With such a wide variety of smartphones, choosing a gadget is becoming more and more difficult. For many buyers, availability is an important criterion. We present to your attention the DxOMark smartphone camera rating, in which you will find smartphones with the best camera in 2018 - 2019:

10th place - Apple iPhone X (101 points)

The iPhone X is Apple's top smartphone and currently ranks 9th. The gadget is top in everything, including the most expensive device. According to the test results, the camera scores 101 points. The camera has the following characteristics:

• sensor model: Sony Exmor RS
• sensor type: CMOS
• aperture: f/1.8
• flash: double, led
• sensor size: 1/3"
• optical stabilization

Apple iPhone X lives up to its flagship positioning, its camera is excellent in everything: the image is sharp, BB is correct, noise is minimal, color reproduction is excellent. In portrait mode, images are sharp even indoors, and background blur is soft and natural. As a result, the gadget confidently tops the rating of smartphones with a good camera in 2019.

9th place - Huawei P20 (102 points)

If the Huawei P20 series of smartphones did not have the older Pro modification, the regular P20 modification would just as surely take the lead and is another smartphone with a good camera. It is quite logical that the gadget is inferior to its older brother and gains 102 points. The camera has the following characteristics:

• double chamber;
• the main camera shoots with a resolution of 12 MP, the RGB sensor has a 1/2.3 inch, the lens has an aperture of f/1.8 and an equivalent focal length of 27 mm;
• the secondary camera has a 1/2.78-inch monochrome sensor that shoots at 20 MP, the lens has an aperture of f/1.6 and an equivalent focal length of 27 mm;
• phase focus;
• 5.8" display, 2240 x 1080 resolution;
• default focal length is 55mm.

While it lacks the impressive camera of the P20 Pro, Huawei's digging into the P20 took the more straightforward route, taking the proven dual camera from the P10 and refining it to the point where it was well ahead of the competition at launch. The P20 boasts a camera without any major flaws. It is capable of producing images with good detail and low noise in all lighting conditions, and is equipped with a fast and reliable autofocus system. Photos with bokeh effect look natural, and the zoom is the best that is available among gadgets without a special telephoto lens. Video mode is also good, in which the P20 is able to shoot smooth (due to good stabilization) and clear (due to reliable autofocus) videos. The gadget is really an excellent camera phone, which can be safely recommended not only to lovers of mobile photography, but even to photographers. We can confidently say that Huawei P20 is a smartphone with the best camera. Sample photos can be found at.

8th place - Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus (104 points)

Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus was officially presented at the end of February 2018 and at the time of release had the best camera among all smartphones. According to the test results, the gadget is gaining 104 points. The main characteristics of the camera are as follows:

• sensor model: Sony IMX345 Exmor RS
• sensor type: CMOS
• aperture: f/1.5 wide-angle, f/2.4 telephoto
• flash: double, led
• maximum resolution: 4032 x 3024 (12 MP)
• sensor size: 1/2.55″ wide and 1/3.6 telephoto
• optical stabilization
• 4K video recording at 60 frames per second

The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus camera lacks any major flaws. Both stills and videos perform well in all shooting conditions, regardless of lighting conditions. Also pleased with the perfectly working function for creating a bokeh effect. Any buyer looking for a quality camera should pay attention to this particular model.

7th place - Xiaomi Mi8 (105 points)

Introduced on May 31, Xiaomi Mi 8 is the top-end device from the Chinese manufacturer and it is another smartphone with a good camera. The novelty has top specifications and of course is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, exactly like the Mi MIX 2S, released earlier this year. The camera of the gadget has the following main characteristics:

• Dual camera;
• Based Camera:
• Sensor model: Sony IMX363 Exmor RS;
• Sensor type: CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor);
• ISO (light sensitivity): 100 - 3200;
• Lens aperture: f/1.8;
• Flash Type: Dual LED;
• Video resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (8 MP);
• Video - frame rate/fps: 30 fps;
• Sensor Size: 1/2.55";
• Pixel size: 1.4 µm;
• Stabilization: yes, optical, 4-axis;
• FPS @ 1080p: 240
• FPS @ 720p: 240
• Additional camera(telephoto):
• Sensor model: Samsung S5K3M3 (ISOCELL);
• Image resolution: 4032 x 3024 pixels (12 MP);
• Pixel size: 1.0 µm;
• Lens aperture: f/2.4;

Perhaps Xiaomi is not the best flagship smartphone, but Mi 8 offers a quality camera that is not inferior to more eminent and expensive competitors. It provides very fast and accurate autofocus, excellent exposure and detail in various lighting conditions. There is good dynamic range and a quality telephoto camera with 2x zoom, as well as bokeh effect. The video didn't disappoint either. As a result, buyers will receive one of the best price / quality ratios and the title of a budget smartphone with a good camera, occupying one of the leading positions in the 2019 DxOMark smartphone camera rankings. Sample photos can be found at.

6th place - HTC U12+ (106 points)

The new U12+ model is a great example of evolution from the previous U11+ generation, when a successful smartphone has become better, while retaining familiar features. One of these improvements also affected the gadget's camera, which has the following main characteristics:

• Dual camera;
• The main camera shoots with a resolution of 12 MP, has a 1/2.55-inch sensor, a pixel size of 1.4 microns, f/1.75 lens aperture, optical stabilization;
• 16MP secondary camera, 1.0µm pixel size, f/2.6 telephoto lens (2x optical zoom);
• Laser autofocus;
• Dual LED flash;
• 4K video is recorded at 60 fps.

Despite a slight evolution from the previous generation, the new HTC U12+ has taken a significant step forward in terms of the camera, bringing to the market its first smartphone with a dual camera. With excellent exposure in most shooting conditions, good dynamic range, a good compromise between texture quality and noise, as well as outstanding autofocus, optical zoom, realistic bokeh simulation and high-quality video recording, the HTC U12+ confidently takes the lead in the 2019 DxOMark smartphone camera rankings.

5th place - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (107 points)

The Galaxy Note series has been badly damaged by Samsung's reputation after numerous phablet explosions. Fortunately, the new generation Galaxy Note 9 does not have this problem. Moreover, this smartphone was able to take a leading position in our ranking. The main camera has the following features:

• Number of chambers: 2;
• Wide Angle Camera (Main)
• Sensor: Sony IMX345 Exmor RS;
• Lens aperture: f / 1.5 - 2.4 (variable);
• Maximum video resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels;
• Optical image stabilization: yes;
• Sensor Size: 1/2.55″;
• Pixel size: 1.4 µm;
• Viewing angle: 77°;
• Camera with telephoto lens (optional)
• Maximum photo resolution: 4032 x 3024 pixels (12 MP);
• Lens aperture: f/2.4;
• Sensor Size: 1/3.4″;
• Viewing angle: 45°.

At the moment, the gadget's camera is one of the best among Samsung smartphones, capable of producing high-quality images in any light level. Compared to the S9+, the autofocus with tracking function has been significantly improved, the image is stabilized better, and the bokeh effect looks more realistic. The photos themselves have become less noisy and more detailed. And thanks to the most capacious 4000 mAh battery in our rating, the device gets the title of a smartphone with a good camera and battery. Sample photos can be found at.

4th place - Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 (108 points)

Introduced on October 25, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is technically no different from Mi8 and Mi Mix 2S. However, due to improved shooting algorithms, the novelty was able to surpass similar devices from Mi and top the rating of smartphones with a good camera in 2019. The camera has the following characteristics:

• Sensor: Sony IMX363 Exmor RS
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Lens aperture: f/1.8
• Video resolution: 8 MP (3840x2160 or 4K)
• Frame rate: 60fps
• Pixel Size: 1.4um
• Optical stabilization: yes
• telephoto camera
• Sensor Model: Samsung S5K3M3
• Image resolution: 12 MP (4032x3024 pixels)
• Pixel Size: 1 µm
• Lens aperture: f/2.4

According to the results of the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 review, the new camera is one of the best devices available on the market: it has excellent color reproduction, a wide dynamic range, clear textures and predictable flash performance. The quality of video shooting loses to the main competitors, however, remains at a fairly high level. Compared to Xiaomi Mi 8, stabilization has been improved, which becomes most noticeable in low light. Sample photos can be found at.

3rd place - Apple iPhone XS Max (110 points)

The new Apple iPhone XS Max is the largest iPhone ever to feature a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen. Otherwise, the changes are not so noticeable, which also applies to the new camera, which has the following characteristics:

• Camera with wide angle lens
• Sensor type: CMOS
• Aperture: f/1.8
• Image resolution: 12 MP (4032x3024 pixels)
• Video resolution: 8 MP (3840x2160)
• Video frame rate: 60 fps at 4K, 240 fps at FHD
• Pixel Size: 1.4um
• Optical stabilization: yes
• telephoto camera
• Image resolution: 12 MP (4032x3024 pixels)
• Pixel Size: 1 µm
• Aperture: f/2.4
• Optical stabilization: yes

iPhone XS Max has one of the best mobile cameras. In many ways, it has been improved compared to the cameras of the iPhone X. In sufficient light, the photos are excellent with a high level of detail, the dynamic range is wide. Stabilization and autofocus work extremely efficiently and very quickly. The camera consistently produces high-quality images. When the light is reduced, there is noticeable noise, which is more noticeable than on other flagship smartphones. The zoom capability is up to par, but lags behind competing devices, especially the Huawei P20 Pro. Despite the shortcomings described, Apple smartphones will be excellent camera phones, topping the 2019 DxOMark smartphone camera rankings. You can see sample photos.

2nd place - Xiaomi Mi 9 (112 points)

As a devoted fan of Xiaomi, I was very pleased that with the Mi 9, this Chinese manufacturer was able to outperform many more expensive smartphones and get one of the leading places among smartphones with the best camera, which has the following characteristics:

• Main camera: has a fast f / 1.75 lens and is capable of shooting with a maximum resolution of 48 MP (8000 x 6000), has a sensor size of 1/2 inch, a pixel size of 1.6 microns;
• secondary camera No. 1: has a slightly darker telephoto lens with f / 2.2 aperture and is capable of shooting with a resolution of 12 MP, sensor size 1 / 3.4 inch, pixel has a size of 1 micron;
• secondary camera No. 2: equipped with an f / 2.2 wide-angle lens and capable of shooting at a maximum resolution of 16 MP, the sensor has a size of 1/3 inch and a pixel size of 1 micron;
• additional features: the device is equipped with optical stabilization, laser and contrast autofocus, has the ability to shoot in RAW.

Mi 9 allowed Xiaomi to reach a new level of photo quality. The smartphone camera has no pronounced weaknesses and is capable of creating masterpiece photos. Especially worth noting is the work of optical stabilization, which is one of the best. We recommend reading more about the photo capabilities of the novelty in the Xiaomi Mi 9 camera review

Huawei P20 Pro was introduced in April 2018. This model was the first smartphone equipped with 3 lenses at once, which already hints at excellent photo capabilities. Our expectations were confirmed - the device scored 114 points for taking photos. The camera has the following features:

• Number of camera lenses: 3;
• Secondary camera (monochrome): f/1.6 lens (equivalent to 27 mm), maximum resolution 20 MP, sensor size 1/2.78″;
• Secondary camera (telephoto): has a relatively “dark” f/2.4 lens (equivalent to 80 mm), capable of shooting at resolutions up to 8 MP, sensor size 1/4.4″;
• The base focal length is 55 mm;
• Focusing: the main camera has a phase;

As new smartphones enter the market, they are equipped with improved cameras, which consumers are already accustomed to. With the release of the P20 Pro, Huawei has done the seemingly impossible, jumping over several generations of their smartphone and creating a revolutionary product. I guess this shocked the skeptics who are biased towards smartphones from China. The triple camera is the biggest innovation in mobile photography in recent years. The Huawei P20 Pro camera is the leader in everything. The built-in algorithms flawlessly identify the most suitable camera for the given shooting conditions, which allows the captured photos to confidently outperform competitors and get the title of smartphone with the best camera of 2018, sharing it with another representative of the Chinese giant.

1 place - Huawei Mate 20 Pro(114 points)

Huawei Mate 20 Pro was introduced at the end of 2018 and made a lot of noise. According to many fans of the brand, the camera of this smartphone was two heads superior to its competitors. According to the results of the review of Huawei Mate 20 Pro, the gadget's camera scored 114 points and could not beat the P20 Pro. The main characteristics of the camera are as follows:

• Number of camera lenses: 3;
• Main camera: has a fast f/1.8 lens (equivalent to 27 mm), maximum resolution 40 MP, color sensor size 1/1.73″
• Secondary camera (wide-angle): f/2.2 lens, maximum resolution 20 MP, sensor size 1/2.7″;
• Secondary camera (telephoto): has a relatively “dark” f / 2.4 lens (80 mm equivalent), capable of shooting with a resolution of up to 8 MP, sensor size 1/4″;
• Optical stabilization: yes;
• Focusing: laser;
• Maximum video resolution: 3840x2160 or 4K;
• Slow motion: yes, 960 fps, 1280x720p resolution.

Huawei Mate 20 Pro has become a real flagship in every way, which fully applies to its camera. At the same time, the camera of the novelty could not surpass its P20 Pro and honorably shares the 1st place with it in the ranking of smartphone cameras. The Mate 20 Pro features an ultra wide-angle lens that rivals don't have, thanks to which even in tight spaces you can fit everything you need into the frame.

The captured photos have pleasing color reproduction, correct exposure and excellent dynamic range. By reducing the amount of light, the pictures have a good balance of retained detail and noise. Thanks to the optional telephoto lens, you can zoom up to 3x while maintaining high detail images. And thanks to the 4200 mAh battery and the use of the top and most productive HiSilicon Kirin 980 processor, Huawei Mate 20 Pro gets the title of the most powerful smartphone with the best camera and battery of 2019.

We are preparing the material at the beginning of August 2018. All the flagships of the "spring-summer" collection are presented. Autumn premieres are on the way, the first of which is scheduled for the coming days. On August 9, the Galaxy Note 9 will be presented, which will surely be in the leader group or even top the DxOMark 2018 rating.

But it is the current DxOMark rating of smartphone cameras from the reputable consulting company DxO Labs that is the most indicative, because devices of the same generation appear in it. In fact, phones were developed and produced in parallel courses. Let's see what results the industry leaders complete this reporting period.

DxO Labs: who are they?

A few words about who DxO is, why the DxOMark camera rankings are so respected. DxO Labs - developers of software for improving the quality of work and testing cameras. Not only in smartphones, but also in real cameras for professionals or amateurs. One of the main products of the company is the DxO Analyzer program.

The DxO Analyzer program is intended for camera manufacturers. You and I can't buy it. The analyzer costs a lot of money, in addition, companies pay the consulting firm DxO to train employees on how to use this program. All major market players use the DxO Analyzer software. Among the key clients of DxO Labs are HTC, Huawei, Apple, Samsung.

How are DxOMark smartphone cameras ranked?

We will return to the DxO Analyzer program later, but for now we will focus on the main topic that made such a highly specialized consulting company DxOMark widely known - the rating of smartphone cameras.

How exactly is the quality of images from smartphone cameras evaluated by DxO Labs experts? The capabilities of the camera are evaluated not by computer programs, but by people based on photographs taken in different modes. Mandatory test modes are outdoor and indoor daylight photography, night photography, optical zoom, macro photography, HDR, portrait mode, landscape photography, flash photography.

When scoring and determining the position of a smartphone in the DxOMark camera rating, the following parameters are taken into account: correct white balance, exposure and contrast, color reproduction, detail, visibility of noise and artifacts from their suppression, sharpness, flash photo quality, dynamic range, auto focus speed and correctness . For each of the above items, the phone receives a rating.

The quality of photographs is analyzed separately, and the quality of video recording is separately analyzed. The phone receives one rating for the photo, the second - for the video. The position of the device in the DxOMark ranking of smartphones is determined by the final score, which, however, is not the arithmetic average. For example, the current camera leader, Huawei P20 Pro, scored 98 points for video and 114 points for photography. The final score of the smartphone is 108 points.

DxOMark smartphone camera rating 2018

After a detailed and long, but very important introduction, let's move on to the main topic of the material - the current rating of DxOMark smartphone cameras. Note that if you are reading this post at the end of 2018 or 2019, the camera rating has already changed, and Five-Inches probably has a more recent post that is easy to find by tags , or . Nevertheless, this material does not lose its relevance, since the ratings and characteristics of the cameras of the smartphones featured in it have not changed exactly.

Huawei P20 Pro: 109 points, first place in the DxOMark camera rankings

Topping the DxOMark Smartphone Camera Rankings is the first phone with a triple module, the Huawei P20 Pro. The tee configuration is as follows: the main RGB (color) sensor has a resolution 40 MP. The black-and-white sensor, familiar to the Chinese company, received permission 20 MP(traditional for the brand). The optional color sensor with a telephoto lens has a resolution 8 MP.

Note that it is the 40 MP RGB sensor that is the main one, since it has the “brightest” optics (f / 1.8) and the maximum size - 1/1.73″(giant by the standards of smartphones). The aperture of the black-and-white sensor is even wider - f / 1.6, which is a plus when shooting at night. Here the sensor size is more modest - 1/2.78″. The telephoto lens has the smallest aperture of f/2.4. () and the smallest resolution is 8 megapixels. The sensor itself is also small - its size 1/4.4″, but it has the largest focal length.

The equivalent focal length for the main and black and white lenses is 27 mm. The telephoto lens received a record equivalent focal length for smartphones - 80 mm.

The optics were developed by Huawei together with Leica; Leica lenses are even on the front camera of P20/P20 Pro smartphones. The rear camera is equipped with laser and phase detection autofocus. There is optical stabilization. Thanks to the third telephoto lens, a three-fold optical zoom (zoom) is possible without loss of quality.

On the slider you can see examples of photos. For the DxOMark smartphone rankings post, we chose photos taken in difficult conditions (indoors, at dusk, at night). Even photos on the slider are 100% crops of odd numbered photos. More examples can be found at the link to the official DxOMark website at the end of the article.

HTC U12+: 103 points, second in DxOMark ranking

The second place in the DxOMark smartphone ranking is taken by the flagship of HTC, which is breathing its last. Despite the deplorable sales situation, the company continues to produce very decent phones with great features. The problem is that they are asking for too high a price, which today few people are willing to pay.

The HTC U12+ camera is built on a dual module, like the cameras of the other players in the current DxOMark 2018 rating. The main sensor has a resolution 12 MP. The physical size of the sensor is smaller ( 1/2.55″) than in the smartphone P20 Pro (1/1.73″), but due to the lower resolution we get a good size of one pixel - 1.4 microns. Aperture of optics screwed to the main sensor - f/1.75.

The HTC U12+ secondary camera is represented by a sensor with the same resolution 16 MP but the sensor itself is different. The size of one dot is 1 µm, that is, the actual size of the sensor is smaller. "Darker" optics - aperture f/2.6. Attached to the sensor is a telephoto lens with an equivalent focal length 54 mm. Let's add that the equivalent focal length of the main camera module is 27 mm, which is a kind of standard for smartphones.

The HTC U12+ camera received optical stabilization and hybrid autofocus. You can read more about the ratings received by the HTC U12+ smartphone from DxO experts in the article published on our website. Here we will limit ourselves to examples of photographs and move on to the next person involved in the DxOMark rating 2018:

Huawei P20: 102 points, 3rd in DxOMark 2018

In third place in the ranking of smartphone cameras DxOMark 2018 is Huawei P20. The camera configuration of the smartphone is very different from what we saw in the Huawei P20 Pro. Here is a dual module in which the main camera is equipped with an RGB sensor with a resolution 12 MP, aperture optics f/1.8 and focal length 27 mm. Physically, the main sensor is smaller - 1/2.3″.

The second module is represented by a black and white sensor with a resolution 20 MP. It has brighter f/1.6 lenses but is smaller - 1/2.78″. The equivalent focal length is the same - 27 mm.

The Huawei P20 camera received optical stabilization and Leica optics. Automatic focusing is implemented using laser and phase technology. 2x zoom is supported without loss of quality. In addition, all smartphones in the DxOMark camera rating support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second.

Samsung Galaxy S9+: 99 points

Galaxy S9+ is the first representative of the S series with a dual camera. The configuration may seem standard for today, because both modules are built on sensors with a resolution of 12 MP but, as they say, the devil is in the details.

Main sensor with resolution 12 MP received a variable aperture function, unique for smartphones. Aperture ranges from f/1.5 to f/2.4. With excellent lighting, the aperture decreases, with insufficient lighting, it expands and transmits more light. The dot size on the sensor is 1.4 µm, although the sensor size is not that big - 1/2.55″. Auto focus implemented by technology dual pixel, equivalent focal length - 26 mm.

The second sensor of the Galaxy S9+ has a similar resolution 12 MP, but physically it is smaller ( 1/3.6″), due to which the size of an individual pixel was reduced to 1 micron. A telephoto lens with an equivalent distance is screwed to the sensor 52 mm. Aperture fixed - f/2.4. Autofocus is implemented using conventional phase technology. Note that both Galaxy S9 + camera modules received optical stabilization. Supports 2x zoom without loss of quality.

Xiaomi Mi 8: 99 points in DxOMark ranking of smartphones

Xiaomi Mi 8 is the latest phone, the characteristics of which we analyze in detail in this publication. Following him in the DxOMark ranking are the flagships of 2017, which no longer fall into the category “Smartphone Camera Rating 2018”.

Smartphones and very productive smartphones are being replaced by gadgets in which a particular function is exaggeratedly enhanced by the efforts of developers. Some smartphones aimed at the younger generation come with a large screen and a powerful video processor to allow you to play the most demanding games. Others rely on their phone's camera to allow travel enthusiasts and even selfie lovers to take not just good, but very good pictures on their phones.

Who are DxOMark?

By the way, they do a lot of different reviews and tests, but the most authoritative ones are in the field of cameras on smartphones. In 2018, several new products from giants such as Apple, Samsung, Asus, HTC and Xiaomi came out at once, which have already been tested with a verdict from DxOMark. In this article, we will talk about the top models and find out why the best are called the best.

What is the DxOMark rating based on?

1. Color depth for portrait photography,
2. Dynamic range for landscape photography,
3. Low-light ISO for sports, wildlife and action photography.

The translation of these values ​​is free, and the ideal values ​​​​of indicators are developed by the employees of DxOMark themselves. For example, the ideal Low-light ISO value according to their version is as follows: the color depth of the photo is at least 18 bit, the dynamic range is at least 9 EV, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR18%, signal to noise ratio at 18%) is not less than 30 dB. If you are not a professional photographer, this will tell you little, but these guys know what they are doing and in this article we will not go into details, but simply publish the TOP 10 smartphone cameras according to DxOMark for 2018, indicating points for each smartphone model .

DxOMark smartphone camera rating 2018 by points

A brief overview of the pros of the 5 TOP rating models

three cameras,
- Primary camera: 40MP, 1/1.73" RGB sensor with Bayer quartz structure, f/1.8 aperture lens with 27mm equivalent focal length,
- Secondary camera: 20Mp, 1/2.78" monochrome sensor, f/1.6 aperture lens with 27mm equivalent focal length,
- Telecamera: 8MP, 1/4.4" RGB sensor, f/2.4 aperture lens with 80mm equivalent focal length and optical image stabilization,
- Default aperture mode. Focal length: 55mm,
- PDAF on the main sensor,
- 4K video (not default mode, set by user),
- 960 fps with slow motion playback at 720p,
- 6.1" display with 2240 x 1080 resolution,
- Chipset Kirin 970,

HTC U12+

2 cameras,
- 12MP main camera with 1/2.55" sensor (1.4um pixel size), f/1.75 lens and OIS,
- 16MP secondary camera (1.0um pixel size) with f/2.6 2x telephoto lens,
- Phase detection and autofocus with laser control,
- Dual LED flash,
- Capture 4K video at 60 fps

Huawei P20

2 cameras,
- Main camera: 12MP 1/2.3" RGB sensor, F/1.8 aperture lens and 27mm equivalent focal length,
- Secondary camera: 20Mp 1/2.78" monochrome sensor, f/1.6 aperture lens and 27mm equivalent focal length,
- PDAF of the main camera,
- 5.8 "display, with a resolution of 2240 x 1080,
- Standard equivalent aperture focal length: 55mm

Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus

12Mp main camera with 1/2.55" sensor and f/1.5/f/2.4 variable aperture lens,
- 12MP secondary camera with 1/3.6" sensor, 2x lens with telephoto and f/2.4 aperture,
- OIS for both lenses,
- Dual pixel PDAF on the main camera,
- LED flash,
- 4K video at 60 fps,
- 720p super slow motion video at 960 fps,

Xiaomi Mi 8

4-axis optical image stabilization (OIS)
- Dual camera with wide-angle main and secondary telephoto lenses,
- OIS on the main camera,
- Automatic phase focus,
- Snapdragon 845 chipset,
- Powerful LED flash

The DxOMark portal was founded in 2008. Positions itself as an independent expert who evaluates the quality of photo and video materials, smartphones, cameras and lenses in the laboratory. Many information portals and newspapers refer to DxOMark as an authoritative resource, such as GSMARENA, xdadevelovers, Engadget, CNET, Techradar, Forbes, The Washington Post, The VERGE, Le Momde.

How does the portal differ from other companies that evaluate the quality of images taken on a smartphone.

• Modern, specialized laboratory equipment.
• A scientific approach to image quality testing.
• Counts are calculated for each image quality attribute.
• Explores over 1500 photos and over 2 hours of video for each smartphone.

How smartphones are evaluated.

Each smartphone goes through an identical series of tests, under the same conditions, in identically configured lab settings, using the same testing procedures, with the same software, which includes taking 1,500 photos and dozens of videos over two hours long. For each device, a team of engineers is assembled, which for two weeks collects photo and video material both in the laboratory and outdoors. The test results are based on objective tests calculated on the equipment under test, as well as a number of special tests for which a complex set of indicators is used so that image experts can evaluate those aspects that require human control.

How is the total score calculated?

The total score is made up of the results for photo and video shooting. In turn, for photo shooting there are results for such parameters as

• Exposure and contrast - how correctly the camera adjusts and captures the brightness of the background and object.
• Color - shows how accurately the camera reproduces colors in various lighting conditions, day, night, artificial light, etc.
• Autofocus is how quickly a camera can focus on an object under different lighting conditions.
• Texture - How well the camera can capture fine details.
• Noise - how much noise is present in the images.
• Artifacts - how much digital processing or the camera introduces distortion.
• Flash - Measures the effectiveness of the flash to accurately illuminate the subject.
• Zoom - how close an object can be without loss of quality.
• Bokeh - Evaluates the quality and smoothness of the blur effect, as well as how accurately it was applied.

For video shooting

• Exposure and contrast
• autofocus
• Texture
• Artifacts
• Stabilization - how accurately the camera eliminates shaking, the movement that occurs during video capture.

Since the wishes of each user are individual, if a certain parameter is important to you, the portal recommends paying attention to the ratings for each parameter. Because the final score of a smartphone that has very good final scores for the parameters will be higher than that of a device that, for example, some of the parameters received the maximum score, but at the same time has noticeable shortcomings in others.

In order for the user to evaluate the quality in tests, pictures of both the tested smartphone and its competitors are often attached. That is, everyone can take and compare photos taken in the same conditions, with the same settings.

The first and second place with the highest score went to Huawei P30 Pro with 112 points. For the photo, he received 119 points, and for the video, 97.

The second place went to the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G, with a final score of 112. For the photo 117 and for the video 100 points.

Third place Huawei Mate 20 Pro, final score 109. For photo 114, for video 97.

Fourth place Huawei P20 Pro, final score 109. For photo 114 and for video 98 points.

In fifth place is the Samsung Galaxy S10+ with a score of 109. For photo 114 and video 97.

The DxOMark rating is a very important factor when choosing a smartphone for camera quality. If you are not one of those who think that the more megapixels, the better, then you should pay close attention to this rating.

What is DxOMark and what is known for?

DxOMark is a logical continuation of the activities of the French company DxO Labs. This company develops software and manufactures equipment for measuring and evaluating the performance of photo equipment.

DxO is known for its professional software such as:

• DxO OpticsPro. Raw corrector
• DxO ViewPoint. allows you to correct distortion from wide-angle lenses and more.
• DxO FilmPack. Emulates the effect of various films in digital format.
• DxO Analyzer. A set of software tools designed to test photo sensors, matrices, sensors, etc. It can display the results both in the form of numerical data and in graphical form.

And even their own devices. They released DxO ONE, a 20 megapixel external camera for iPhone with good performance.

Does DxOMark help you choose the best camera?

This is where DxOMark will help us. Although the resource is in English (well, at least not French), everything is quite clearly presented there.

Cameras try to compare in the same places and conditions, photographing the same places for years. Many templates for shooting, special stands for shooting in certain lighting conditions, with different ISOs, etc.

DxO bench for laboratory testing

At the head of this whole composition is a Chinese cowboy. His photo for me has become almost the face of the entire resource. 😉

In the new testing methodology, they began to compare the quality of the software modes of smartphone cameras. DxO is especially interested in the portrait mode and software creation of bokeh (blur):

Also, in addition to photos, here you can find various graphics:

Even if you don’t like to delve into all this at all and you’re too lazy to read, then on the main page there is immediately a board of honor, the best cameras according to DxOMark. At the time of writing, it looked like this:

I would like to draw your attention to the last one on this list, Nokia 808 Pure View. The phone entered the market 5 years ago, in the summer of 2012, and still manages to keep the bar. The huge matrix and the physical dimensions of the sensor still affect the quality of the pictures.

Can DxoMark be trusted?

The final figure looks fair, but in addition to dry numbers, it is better to look at graphs and photos. Different cameras have different characteristics, some camera can have good daytime shooting, but disgusting night shooting and vice versa. Some smartphone camera is more suitable for portrait shooting, some for landscapes, etc.

In terms of points, the phone may score the most, but specifically you may not like its camera. People do not often need good detail and dynamic range, many will choose a photo brighter and with high contrast. This was clearly shown to us by the guys from Hi-tech in their blind test of flagship smartphone cameras, you can see the results.

By the way, DxO Labs is not only engaged in mobile cameras, their main work is real adult DSLRs and lenses for them. They also write software to optimize their work and sell it to camera manufacturers.

And since among the subjects there are their clients in the software business. Therefore, they may be "slightly" biased when testing certain brands. However, DxO has never been caught lying and rigging the results.

In any case, it is worth choosing a smartphone camera for yourself. At the end of each review, you can see more detailed statistics, where you can study the strengths and weaknesses of the camera you are interested in.

Total. Trust or not?

The guys from DxO Labs are undoubtedly great, but you should not rely 100% on their ratings. But to take note of their work is undoubtedly necessary. Especially if you cannot decide between the two already selected smartphone models and the determining factor for you is the quality of the camera.