Apple and Samsung have long been rivals in the smartphone industry, constantly vying for the title of the best smartphone on the planet. Each year, they release their flagship models, the iPhone Pro and Galaxy S lineups respectively, in an attempt to outdo each other. This year is no different, with the recently launched Galaxy S26 Ultra going head to head with the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, in a comprehensive camera evaluation by DxOMark, the iPhone 17 Pro has emerged as the clear winner, despite Samsung’s inclusion of a 200-megapixel sensor.
DxOMark is a well-respected and trusted source for camera evaluations, and their latest report has once again put the spotlight on the camera capabilities of these two tech giants. The iPhone 17 Pro scored an impressive 134 points, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra fell short with a score of 128 points. This is a significant difference, especially considering the high standards set by both companies in terms of camera technology.
One of the main reasons for the iPhone 17 Pro’s superior performance is its triple-camera setup, which includes a 12-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera. This combination allows for a versatile range of photography options, from capturing wide landscapes to zooming in on distant subjects. DxOMark praised the iPhone 17 Pro’s cameras for their excellent color accuracy, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s quad-camera setup, which includes a 200-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 3D ToF sensor, failed to impress DxOMark. While the 200-megapixel sensor may seem impressive on paper, it did not translate into better image quality. In fact, DxOMark noted that the images captured by the Galaxy S26 Ultra lacked detail and had a noticeable loss of sharpness.
Another area where the iPhone 17 Pro outshone the Galaxy S26 Ultra was in video recording. The iPhone 17 Pro scored 112 points in the video category, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra scored 106 points. DxOMark praised the iPhone 17 Pro’s video stabilization, color accuracy, and autofocus capabilities, making it the preferred choice for videographers.
It is worth mentioning that both smartphones have impressive camera features, such as 8K video recording, night mode, and portrait mode. However, it is the overall performance and image quality that sets the iPhone 17 Pro apart from the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
This is not the first time that the iPhone has outperformed Samsung’s flagship model in DxOMark’s camera evaluation. In fact, the iPhone 12 Pro Max also beat the Galaxy S21 Ultra earlier this year. This consistent trend highlights Apple’s commitment to continuously improving their camera technology and staying ahead of the competition.
Of course, it is not just about the numbers and scores. Ultimately, it is the user experience that matters the most. And in this aspect, both the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra offer a seamless and user-friendly experience. However, for those who prioritize camera performance, the iPhone 17 Pro is the clear winner.
In conclusion, while the competition between Apple and Samsung is fierce, the iPhone 17 Pro has once again proven its superiority in terms of camera technology. With its impressive triple-camera setup and exceptional image and video quality, it has outperformed the Galaxy S26 Ultra in DxOMark’s comprehensive evaluation. This is a testament to Apple’s dedication to providing its customers with the best possible smartphone experience.
