The iPhone 15 Pro Max has made waves in the smartphone world as Apple's first top-end flagship to launch with groundbreaking 5x "Tetraprism" zoom technology. In this article, we delve into its performance in DxOMark's mobile camera rankings, where it secured an impressive second place.
The Power of Tetraprism Zoom Technology
The introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro Max marked a significant milestone for Apple, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. With the innovative 5x "Tetraprism" zoom technology, Apple aimed to provide users with an unparalleled photography experience. However, despite this exciting upgrade, the device faced fierce competition from the Huawei P60 Pro, which managed to retain its top spot in DxOMark's rankings.
Praise for Telephoto Abilities
One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max was its new telephoto abilities. Users and experts alike praised the device for its ability to capture stunning close-up shots. The inclusion of a periscope-style "120mm-equivalent" lens for the telephoto camera set the device apart from its predecessors and competitors.
Performance in DxOMark Rankings
Now, let's turn our attention to the DxOMark scores. The DxOMark assessment evaluated the iPhone 15 Pro Max in various photography aspects, shedding light on its strengths and weaknesses. The good news for Apple enthusiasts is that the device managed to secure the #2 spot with a commendable score of 154 points.
Surpassing its predecessor, the 14 Pro Max, as well as formidable competitors like the OPPO Find X6 Pro with a 1-inch sensor, the triple 50MP Honor Magic5 Pro, and the versatile Huawei Mate 50 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max proved its worth.
A Battle for Supremacy
However, the challenge for the iPhone 15 Pro Max was overcoming the reigning champion, the Huawei P60 Pro, which still holds the throne with 156 points. DxOMark's evaluation highlighted several strengths of the iPhone, including skin-tone accuracy, exposure control, auto-focus precision, and video stabilization.
Yet, it wasn't all smooth sailing. DxOMark's report pointed out that while the new zoom capabilities were generally effective, they lacked consistency "across all ranges". Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max struggled to eliminate "unwanted artifacts, including flare, ghosting, and aliasing", especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Low-light photography enthusiasts might also be disappointed, as DxOMark noted the presence of noise in low-light shots. While these findings provide valuable insights, it's important to remember that they represent just one assessment. More exhaustive testing, including our upcoming review, is on the horizon.
What Lies Ahead
As the iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to make its mark, it will be intriguing to observe how it fares in additional assessments and real-world scenarios. Furthermore, Apple's decision to exclude the fancy new Tetraprism camera from the 15 Pro model in 2023 raises questions about future iterations and their camera capabilities.
In conclusion, the iPhone 15 Pro Max's journey to second place in DxOMark's mobile camera rankings showcases its potential and the strides Apple is making in the world of smartphone photography. While it couldn't dethrone the Huawei P60 Pro, it has undoubtedly carved a notable place for itself, leaving us eagerly awaiting further advancements in mobile camera technology.
