iPhone 16 Ranked #20 in DXOMARK Camera Tests

The DXOMARK camera results for the base model iPhone 16 have been released, ranking the smartphone #20 overall. Despite using nearly identical camera hardware to the iPhone 15 base model, software upgrades have contributed to enhanced performance in various categories.

The iPhone 16 scored a total of 147 points, placing it below the Pro Max version, which achieved 157 points in the same tests conducted in September. While the Pro Max secured the #4 position overall and was ranked #1 for video performance, the standard iPhone 16 still delivered impressive results for its class.

Key Performance Highlights

The iPhone 16’s camera received praise for its ability to produce high-quality still images and videos. Evaluations revealed excellent exposure, good contrast, and pleasant skin tones. Video recording showcased smooth stabilization, making it a strong performer for dynamic content creation.

The camera system includes an improved autofocus mechanism and a faster ultra-wide lens, contributing to better detail in bright and indoor conditions. However, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens led to limitations in long-range zoom capabilities and fine detail capture.

Pros and Cons

DXOMARK highlighted eight key strengths of the iPhone 16 camera system:

1. Brightness and contrast optimized for HDR display.
2. Accurate skin tones and vibrant colors for photos and videos.
3. High detail retention in bright and indoor settings.
4. Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
5. Smooth zoom transitions during previews.
6. Vibrant brightness and contrast in HDR video playback.
7. Effective video stabilization.
8. Controlled video noise levels.

The tests also identified six areas for improvement:

1. Limited dynamic range causing highlight clipping in both photos and videos.
2. Flare, hue shift, and ringing artifacts in photos.
3. Weak long-range telephoto zoom performance.
4. Noticeable loss of video detail in low-light settings.
5. Artifacts, including moving texture and aliasing in videos.
6. Noise in shadowed areas and low-light photos.

Test Results and Analysis

The camera received its highest scores in exposure (124/130) and color accuracy (129/130). Video performance also ranked highly, scoring 154/159, just short of the Pro Max. Testers noted refinements in white balance and video texture compared to the iPhone 15. However, some noise was more evident in video content produced by the iPhone 16, particularly under low-light conditions.

Conclusion

With its blend of hardware reliability and software improvements, the iPhone 16 sets a strong benchmark for standard models in its class. While it lacks some advanced features of the Pro Max, its performance in exposure, color, and video stabilization ensures it remains a competitive option for consumers.