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DxOMark’s newest camera ranking has shaken up the smartphone landscape: Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro slips into the global top three, edging the Vivo X200 Ultra by a single point. The result highlights a growing debate over how much weight should be given to stills versus video in camera scoring.
Where the iPhone 17 Pro sits in the leaderboard
DxOMark’s preliminary tests place the iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) behind the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, securing third overall. That leap surprised some observers because Vivo still dominates in photographic metrics. Instead, Apple’s lead was driven by exceptional video performance — a factor that carries significant influence under DxOMark’s methodology.
Photo performance: Vivo retains the edge
In still photography, the Vivo X200 Ultra remains the stronger performer on paper, posting a photo sub-score of 173 versus the iPhone’s 168. Test samples show Vivo delivering richer colors, finer detail, and better low-light handling. Huawei also stands out for a balanced mix of sharpness and color fidelity. For users who prioritize point-and-shoot photos, Vivo and Huawei continue to be top recommendations.
Video supremacy: why Apple pulled ahead
The iPhone 17 Pro set a new high-water mark for video in DxOMark’s testing, surpassing last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Reviewers praised its steady exposure, reliable white balance, and smoother HDR transitions in difficult lighting. Apple’s updated 48MP telephoto also helped by improving hybrid zoom performance, narrowing the gap with phones that use dedicated periscope lenses.
Why some readers question the ranking
Critics argue that Vivo’s photographic lead should have mattered more, but DxOMark’s scoring model gives substantial weight to video performance — which benefited Apple here. With the full report still pending, final scores could shift slightly, though the preliminary verdict favors creators who value video quality as much as stills.
Conclusion
For buyers focused mainly on video capture and consistent footage in varied lighting, the iPhone 17 Pro is now one of the top choices. Photographers who prioritize color, detail, and low-light snaps may still prefer the Vivo X200 Ultra or Huawei’s offering. Keep an eye out for DxOMark’s full breakdown to get the complete picture; in the meantime, our in-depth camera tests of the Vivo X200 Ultra and the Oppo Find X8 Ultra are available for comparison.
Source: gizmochina
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