In a thorough lab assessment, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra earned the top spot for camera performance and display quality among contemporary smartphones. For observers at DXOMARK, the test highlighted precise color reproduction, strong video processing, and a screen that stays bright and readable in direct sunlight, helping the device excel in everyday use.
DXOMARK has the Galaxy S25 Ultra scoring highest overall, with the display especially praised for its outdoor readability and a touch response that feels instantly responsive during everyday tasks and rapid video editing.
In addition to the Ultra, other members of the S25 line delivered solid results. Within the same test cycle, mid-range models landed in the high 150s, while the top model climbed to 160 points. The base S25 stayed around 157 points, underscoring Samsung’s consistent, camera-focused approach across its flagship family.
On the DXOMARK leaderboard, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL and the standard Pixel 9 Pro stood as credible rivals, each reaching 158 points and signaling strong competition in imaging and video performance in the same evaluation cycle.
Earlier generations in Samsung’s lineup shows the Galaxy S24 Ultra scoring roughly 155 points, illustrating a clear upward trajectory for the brand’s premium devices and a shrinking gap to the latest flagships in the field.
Evaluation notes leaned toward strong performance in both video and still photography on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with accurate colors, preserved detail, and reliable exposure across varied lighting. The display earned praise for its smooth touch response and broad daylight visibility, empowering users to frame shots confidently while on the move.
One improvement point pointed to brightness handling in very low light, where the screen could use finer tuning for challenging scenes, though the overall performance remains impressive for most daily use.
Within the Galaxy S25 family, the standard S25 and S25 Plus anchor the lineup, while a Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to join later, offering a larger display and different ergonomics without compromising flagship camera performance.
Meanwhile, Oppo X8 Pro’s camera performance matched the iPhone 16 Pro in several tests, underscoring the competitive landscape for premium mobile photography and the ongoing emphasis on balanced color, fine detail, and stabilization across brands.
For North American shoppers choosing flagship phones, the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as a leading option for photography and video, backed by clear imaging strengths and reliable outdoor usability. The Pixel 9 Pro family remains a strong alternative, offering versatile imaging capabilities and color fidelity that appeal to users who value computational photography.