Following the Pro Max tests in September, DXOMARK's results for the base iPhone 16 were released, and the smartphone took 20th place.
The organization notes that while the camera hardware is almost identical to the base iPhone 15, software improvements have improved results in several areas …
iPhone 16 DXOMARK Camera Tests
DXOMARK announced the iPhone 16 Pro Max test results back in September, when it took 4th place overall and 1st place for video quality.
The same tests were conducted on the standard model, and the overall score was 147 versus 157 for the Pro Max.
In DXOMARK's camera tests, the Apple iPhone 16 showed very good performance for its class. With the exception of improved autofocus and a faster lens in the ultra-wide camera, the new device uses nearly identical camera hardware to its predecessor, but software tweaks have resulted in improved performance in several test areas.
In our evaluations, the camera captured good still images and video, with excellent exposure, good contrast, and pleasing skin tones. The video stabilization system kept moving images smooth and stable. On the downside, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens meant that images taken at mid- and long-telephoto settings lacked detail and texture.
DXOMARK has a reputation for conducting the most thorough testing in the industry, combining scientific lab testing with real-world shooting. Overall, smartphone cameras are rated in 17 different categories.
- Eight positives were noted:
- Good brightness and contrast in images viewed on the HDR display
- Pleasant skin tones and pleasant colors for photos and videos
- High level of detail in bright light and when shooting indoors
- Fast and generally accurate autofocus
- Smooth zooming in preview
- Bright brightness and contrast when viewing video on an HDR display
- Video noise is generally well controlled
- Fairly effective video stabilization
And six downsides:
- Limited dynamic range can result in clipped highlights in photos and video
- Highlights, color shift artifacts, and ringing in photos
- Limited telezoom capabilities at long distances
- Loss of fine detail in video, especially in low light
- Artifacts including highlights, moving texture in low light, and aliasing may be visible in video
- Noise in shadows and in low-light images
The device received top scores for exposure and color accuracy, scoring 124/30 and 129/130, respectively.
Video performance was rated very highly, at 154/159 — matching the Pro Max’s high score.
Video performance was excellent for this class of device. As with still images, overall video quality was fairly similar to its predecessor. Our testers noticed some improvements, particularly in the color category, with improved white balance. The new model also delivered better video texture than last year’s device, while noise could be a little more intrusive on the iPhone 16.
Photo: Amanz on Unsplash
