The iPhone 16 Pro Max has recently undergone a comprehensive camera test by DXOMark, the leading authority in mobile camera evaluations. The results reveal a smartphone that shines in videography but has surprising weaknesses in photography, particularly in zoom capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro Max DXOMark Review - Best Smartphone Video Performance But Lacks in Zoom and Low-Light Photo Quality - Before You Take

Key Highlights

Overall Ranking: The iPhone 16 Pro Max ranks fourth globally and among ultra-premium smartphones (priced above $800), trailing only Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Honor Magic6 Pro.

Video Performance: Recognized as the best video mode available on any smartphone, particularly in 4K60fps variable frame rate recordings, with exceptional low-light performance.

Photography Challenges: While capable in many areas, the photo performance, especially in zoom, did not meet expectations for a flagship device.

Strengths of the iPhone 16 Pro Max

Top-tier Videography: The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video quality, with features like 4K120 recording and various Pro modes that enhance creative options. It handles low-light conditions exceptionally well.

Image Processing and Color Accuracy: DXOMark commends Apple’s image processing capabilities, noting the high quality of color performance and editing options available to users.

Fast Capture of Moving Subjects: The phone features zero-shutter lag, enabling quick and effective photography of fast-moving subjects. Its HDR capabilities provide great results in challenging lighting conditions.

Areas Needing Improvement

Limited Photo Depth of Field: Group photos can suffer from a lack of focus on distant subjects due to a limited depth of field, impacting overall image quality.

Zoom Inconsistencies: The iPhone 16 Pro Max struggles with zoom, showing a decline in detail between 2x and 5x zoom levels, which falls short compared to competitors like the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.

Night Mode Limitations: In night mode, the phone exhibits noise and less detail than rival devices, indicating that improvements are needed in low-light photography.

Ultra-Wide Camera Performance: The new 48MP ultra-wide camera hasn’t significantly improved from the previous iPhone 15 Pro Max, leading to unmet expectations.

Conclusion

The iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a strong option for those prioritizing video capabilities, but its photography performance reveals notable gaps, especially in zoom and night mode. While it remains a leading choice for videographers, potential buyers should consider these limitations alongside their photography needs when choosing this flagship smartphone.