Recent results from DxOMark have surprised many, as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, once a leader in smartphone photography, now trails behind Chinese competitors like the vivo X100 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. This comes as a shock for Apple enthusiasts, as Chinese smartphone makers have made significant strides in areas such as telephoto and ultrawide shots.
Chinese Smartphones Gain Ground in Camera Performance
One of the key areas where Chinese smartphones are excelling is in telephoto capabilities. According to DxOMark, devices like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and vivo X100 Pro have surpassed the iPhone 16 Pro Max by offering superior detail, especially in long-range shots. Images from Chinese models consistently showcased better skin tone preservation and reduced noise, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max struggled with noticeable noise and softer details.
In a direct comparison, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra captured clearer and more detailed cityscape shots, outpacing the iPhone in detail retention.
In zoom tests, the vivo X100 Pro maintained impressive sharpness, leaving the iPhone 16 Pro Max last in terms of detail retention, particularly in telephoto zoom ranges.
Ultrawide Camera Issues on the iPhone 16 Pro Max
In addition to telephoto performance, ultrawide shots also revealed the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s shortcomings. While the Chinese competitors delivered sharper results with less noise, the iPhone’s images lacked detail and suffered from significant noise. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra showed some oversaturation but still outperformed Apple in overall clarity.
Why Chinese Smartphones Are Pulling Ahead?
A deeper look into the data shows that Chinese smartphone brands have made major strides in camera technology. Chinese smartphone makers are closing the gap in camera technology. DxOMark tests show that vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei are now leading in telephoto and ultrawide capabilities. They have better sensors and improved software, while Apple seems to have fallen behind.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is no longer the clear leader in camera performance. Chinese competitors like Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei are now at the forefront. Apple needs to step up its game, especially in telephoto and ultrawide cameras, to stay dominant in the market.
