The base model Apple iPhone 17 unexpectedly matched the flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in camera quality performance in updated DxOMark benchmark ratings.
Apple's entry-level smartphone achieved a score of 157 points in the latest testing, placing 20th overall. The device shared the 20th spot with three higher-end handsets: the iPhone 16 Pro, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
DxOMark is an independent technology evaluation laboratory based in France that tests consumer photography equipment and mobile devices under standardized lab conditions.
Camera hardware upgrades and test results
The score represents a 10-point improvement over the previous-generation iPhone 16. The primary hardware update is a new 48-megapixel sensor in the ultrawide camera, replacing the 12-megapixel sensor used in earlier models. The main camera retains hardware specifications from the previous generation, including a 48-megapixel sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and a 1/1.56-inch sensor size.
DxOMark evaluators praised the video recording capabilities of the iPhone 17, citing strong performance across varying lighting environments, reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization. The testing team also reported natural color accuracy, rapid autofocus response, and low levels of digital image noise.
In noise suppression tests, the standard iPhone 17 surpassed the iPhone 17 Pro model. However, evaluators noted that this aggressive noise reduction caused a minor loss of fine details and textures in specific scenes.
Zoom performance remained the biggest drawback for the standard model. Lacking a dedicated telephoto camera lens unlike the Pro version, the less expensive iPhone 17 relies entirely on digital zoom, lowering its overall evaluation score. Testers also observed flawed portrait mode performance during group photography.
Apple iPhone release schedule and legacy models
Industry rumors indicate Apple will break from its traditional release pattern by separating the launch dates of its main smartphone models for the first time in many years. Premium models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra, are scheduled for release in autumn 2026. Meanwhile, the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air have been rescheduled for release in spring 2027.
The updated camera benchmarks follow earlier expert recommendations identifying six pre-owned iPhone models worth buying in 2026. The oldest model included on the list was the iPhone SE 3, a third-generation budget handset powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chip and compatible with iOS 27 software updates.
