DxOMark researchers published a thorough evaluation of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, focusing on both photo and video capabilities. In their camera phone rankings, the device sits just behind the top spot, earning the number two position overall. The review highlights progress across multiple facets and places the model among the most capable smartphones for imaging in the market today.
What stands out in the assessment is the substantial improvement in the HDR algorithm. DxOMark notes that the new processing advances deliver richer dynamic range and more natural transitions when scenes contain both bright highlights and deep shadows. In video, the team describes results that raise the bar for the industry, with stable exposure, accurate color rendition, and smooth tonal handling that helps footage look polished even in challenging lighting. A particular point of praise is the faithful representation of skin tones in stills and clips, an area where many devices struggle to reproduce nuance and warmth without oversaturation.
The report also highlights a notably fast shutter response and a marked increase in zoom reach, expanding framing options without sacrificing image quality. Portrait mode is commended for producing clean subject separation, improved edge detail, and pleasing background bokeh that maintains a true-to-life look in a variety of lighting conditions. These capabilities collectively contribute to a more confident shooting experience across everyday scenarios and more demanding creative projects.
On the other hand, the evaluation does flag some limitations. The standard photo module exhibits restricted zoom range relative to rival flagships, which may constrain options for distant subjects. Night mode performance, while adequate in many situations, can feel sluggish at times, and some images captured under dim lighting show more noise than ideal. Such observations remind potential buyers that real-world outcomes can vary with lighting and subject matter, and that software updates often address early camera behavior after launch.
In total, the DxOMark score for the iPhone 15 Pro Max lands at 154 points, placing it just two points behind the leading Huawei P60 Pro. Following the top tier, the Oppo Find X6 Pro and the Honor Magic5 Pro round out the next two spots with scores of 153 and 152 respectively. These figures illustrate how tightly contested the premium smartphone camera segment has become and underscore the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s strong standing among peers, particularly in still photography, video quality, and subject rendering.
Additionally, the report contrasts this model with recently announced competitors from other manufacturers, noting how each brand prioritizes imaging hardware, software processing, and computational photography to differentiate in a crowded market. The landscape remains dynamic, with ongoing refinements expected through firmware updates and new generations of devices. The analysis provides users with a detailed benchmark for evaluating camera performance and helps guide purchase decisions based on how these devices perform in real-world scenarios.
In related industry news, Xiaomi has announced a new flagship device with a price point around 65,000 rubles, signaling continued competition in the premium segment and reinforcing the importance of camera performance as a key differentiator among high-end smartphones.