Apple and Samsung have long been rivals in the highly competitive smartphone market, with both companies constantly striving to outdo each other and claim the title of the best smartphone on the planet. This year is no different, as the recently launched Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro models go head to head in a battle for supremacy. However, despite Samsung’s inclusion of a groundbreaking 200-megapixel sensor, it seems that the iPhone 17 Pro has emerged victorious in DxOMark’s comprehensive camera evaluation.
For years, Apple and Samsung have been at the forefront of smartphone technology, consistently pushing the boundaries and setting new standards for others to follow. Both companies have a loyal fan base and are known for their high-quality devices, making it difficult for consumers to choose between them. However, when it comes to camera performance, DxOMark’s evaluation is considered the gold standard, and this year’s results have left no room for doubt.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, with its impressive 200-megapixel sensor, was expected to outshine the iPhone 17 Pro in terms of camera performance. But to everyone’s surprise, Apple’s flagship device outperformed its rival in every aspect. In DxOMark’s review, the iPhone 17 Pro scored an impressive 136 points, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra lagged behind with a score of 130 points. This is a significant difference, especially considering Samsung’s reputation for producing top-of-the-line cameras.
So, what exactly sets the iPhone 17 Pro apart from the Galaxy S26 Ultra in terms of camera performance? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, the iPhone 17 Pro boasts a triple-camera setup, including a 12-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Ultra features a quad-camera setup, with a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 3D ToF (Time of Flight) sensor. While the 200-megapixel sensor may sound impressive, it seems that Apple’s tried and tested triple-camera setup was able to deliver better results in DxOMark’s evaluation.
Furthermore, DxOMark praised the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera for its excellent exposure and color accuracy, as well as its ability to capture a wide dynamic range. The device also performed exceptionally well in low light conditions, thanks to its Night mode feature. On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Ultra struggled with exposure and color accuracy, resulting in slightly underexposed and oversaturated images.
In terms of zoom capabilities, the iPhone 17 Pro’s telephoto lens proved to be more versatile and efficient than the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s. The device also offers a 2x optical zoom, compared to the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s 1.5x optical zoom. This allowed the iPhone 17 Pro to capture more detailed and sharper images when zoomed in.
The iPhone 17 Pro also impressed with its video capabilities, scoring higher than the Galaxy S26 Ultra in terms of video quality. DxOMark praised the device for its excellent stabilization, accurate color rendering, and good detail preservation. On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Ultra struggled with stabilization and showed some artifacts in videos.
In conclusion, while both the iPhone 17 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Ultra are exceptional devices, it seems that Apple’s flagship device has once again proven its superiority in terms of camera performance. Despite Samsung’s inclusion of the groundbreaking 200-megapixel sensor, the iPhone 17 Pro’s tried and tested camera setup and advanced software have allowed it to outshine its rival in DxOMark’s evaluation. This is a significant win for Apple and a testament to their commitment to constantly improving and delivering the best possible experience to their customers.
In the end, it’s not just about the numbers or the specs, but the overall user experience that matters. And with the iPhone 17 Pro’s impressive camera performance, it’s safe to say that it has once again secured its position as the best smartphone on the planet. As for Samsung, they may have lost this round, but we can be sure that they will continue to innovate and push the boundaries in the years to come. After all, healthy competition only benefits the consumers, and we can’t wait to
