2026 Smartphone Camera Ranking TOP 10 - Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max

2026 Smartphone Camera Rankings Top 10 - Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: Whose Lens Shines Brighter?

, we’ll take a look at the predicted smartphone camera rankings for 2026, and particularly analyze the camera performance of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max. We’ll focus on actual shooting results and user experience, rather than just comparing scores.

1. Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra

[IMAGE: Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra | https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/s27-ultra/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 155 points

Samsung is expected to continue its leadership in camera technology. The Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a larger 1-inch sensor and cutting-edge AI-based image processing technology, delivering exceptional dynamic range and noise reduction performance. A 200-megapixel main camera, a 5x optical zoom lens, and an improved ultrawide lens provide a powerful combination for various shooting scenarios.

2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

[IMAGE: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | https://www.apple.com/kr/iphone-17-pro/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 153 points

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to achieve significant performance improvements through a larger sensor and a new image processing engine. Particularly, the Cinematic Mode video shooting feature will be enhanced, allowing for professional-level video production. Expect overall image quality improvements through lens performance enhancements and software optimization.

3. Xiaomi 17 Ultra

[IMAGE: Xiaomi 17 Ultra | https://www.xiaomi.com/global/mi-17-ultra/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 150 points

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has gained attention for its large sensor and innovative lens design. Featuring a 200MP main camera, a 75-100mm periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide lens, it delivers impressive detail and optical zoom performance. However, it may be challenging to achieve the same consistent results as with iPhones or Samsung, which is a slight drawback. Still, it has competitive specs when looking at the hardware alone.

4. Huawei P70 Pro

[IMAGE: Huawei P70 Pro | https://consumer.huawei.com/kr/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 148 points

Huawei will continue to maintain competitiveness through its strong image processing technology and proprietary lens technology. The P70 Pro is expected to showcase improved stabilization and enhanced low-light performance. The phone’s design will also be more refined.

5. Oppo Find X9 Pro

[IMAGE: Oppo Find X9 Pro | https://www.oppo.com/kr/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 145 points

Oppo has improved camera performance through collaborations, and the Find X9 Pro is expected to feature more advanced image sensors and AI technology. Specifically, the portrait mode will be enhanced, offering more natural skin tones and background blur effects.

6. Google Pixel 9 Pro

[IMAGE: Google Pixel 9 Pro | https://store.google.com/kr/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 143 points

Google's Pixel 9 Pro will create unique images through its impressive software-based image processing technology. Advanced AI-based HDR+ technology and low-light modes are expected to allow you to capture stunning photos in any environment.

7. Xiaomi 16 Pro

[IMAGE: Xiaomi 16 Pro | https://www.xiaomi.com/global/xiaomi-16-pro/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 140 points

The Xiaomi 16 Pro offers decent camera performance at a reasonable price. Featuring a 108-megapixel main camera and an optical zoom lens, it provides sufficient satisfaction for everyday shooting.

8. Vivo X90 Pro+

[IMAGE: Vivo X90 Pro+ | https://www.vivo.com/kr/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 138 points

Vivo has improved camera performance through collaboration with professional photographers, and the X90 Pro+ is expected to feature more advanced sensors and lenses. The beauty mode will become more natural, making it effective for portrait photography.

9. OnePlus 12 Pro

[IMAGE: OnePlus 12 Pro | https://www.oneplus.com/kr/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 135 points

OnePlus has secured competitiveness through the harmony of hardware and software, and the 12 Pro will offer more balanced camera performance. Improved video stabilization will allow for shake-free video recording.

10. Nokia 11 Pro

[IMAGE: Nokia 11 Pro | https://www.nokia.com/phones/nokia-11-pro/]

DXOMARK Predicted Score: 132 points

Nokia, a brand with a long history and tradition, will focus on taking pictures with clean and natural color reproduction in the 11 Pro. It’s expected to simplify usability by minimizing unnecessary features.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: A Deep Dive Comparison

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has impressive hardware specs. The large sensor and multiple lenses are certainly appealing. However, the actual shooting results may be lacking compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, particularly in the software aspect. The iPhone offers consistent color, stable exposure control, and powerful image processing capabilities, providing satisfying results in any environment.

The iPhone is also expected to excel in video performance. Features like Cinematic Mode make it easy to achieve professional-level results. While Xiaomi will improve video performance, closing the gap with the iPhone will be challenging.

The iPhone will also demonstrate more powerful AI capabilities. Scene recognition, auto-correction, and smart HDR technologies will provide users with a more convenient shooting experience. Regardless, Xiaomi will continue to develop, based on its hardware strengths.

These rankings are based on predictions and may differ from actual performance upon release. However, we hope this post has helped you better understand the 2026 smartphone camera market.