2026 Smartphone Camera Tier List - Based on DXOMark Test Scores

2026 Smartphone Camera Tiers – Ranked Based on DXOMark Scores

Smartphone camera performance… honestly, it feels like it evolves just a little bit each year, yet they look so similar. Especially since there are so many smartphones that take good photos, many people are struggling to decide which one to buy. So today, we’ll look at the current smartphone camera performance in 2026, divided into tiers (Tier) based on the rigorous test results of DXOMark. We’ll carefully examine which phones are truly ‘the strongest’ and which offer good value for money to help you make informed purchasing decisions.

What is DXOMark?

For those of you who might be wondering what DXOMark is, it’s an organization that objectively evaluates camera, lens, and smartphone camera performance. They test various items such as photos, videos, and zoom functions, and assign scores. Of course, the score isn’t everything, but it can be considered one of the most reliable objective indicators to date.

S Tier: Absolutely the Top Camera Phones (140+ points)

S Tier smartphones, which demonstrate overwhelming performance, are truly special. They go beyond simply 'taking good pictures' and offer innovative technology and excellent user experience. Currently in 2026, only two models are listed in the S Tier.

1. Huawei Pura 80 Ultra (145 points): This can be said to be a unique existence. In particular, dynamic range and low-light (Night Photography) performance are unparalleled. Equipped with cutting-edge camera systems, it is evaluated as presenting the direction of mobile photo technology despite global service restrictions. Sensor size and lens configuration hardware specs are also overwhelming, but software optimization seems to have a considerable influence as well. [IMAGE: Huawei Pura 80 Ultra | https://consumer.huawei.com/en/phones/pura80-ultra/]

2. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (142 points): As expected of Samsung’s latest flagship model, it delivers excellent performance. In particular, the zoom function has been significantly improved, and the color reproduction has become much more natural than previous models. Combined with the powerful performance of a 1-inch sensor and AI-based image processing technology, you can get satisfying results in any environment. [IMAGE: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/]

A Tier: Flagship-Level Excellent Cameras (130-139 points)

Smartphones belonging to the A Tier demonstrate solid performance in photos, videos, and zoom functions. They are not as overwhelming as the S Tier, but they are excellent cameras that meet all expectations for a flagship smartphone.

1. OPPO Find X9 Pro (138 points): It is recognized for its excellent portrait photo processing capabilities. Along with the Vivo X300 Pro, it provides excellent portrait mode and provides a positive experience for users. The sensor size is 1/1.49 inches, and the lens has an f/1.7 aperture value. [IMAGE: OPPO Find X9 Pro | https://www.oppo.com/en/smartphones/find-x9-pro/]

2. Vivo X300 Pro (135 points): Along with the OPPO Find X9 Pro, it has an excellent portrait mode. It features a 200MP main camera for high-resolution photo shooting and also has a remarkably good video stabilization function. Honestly, Vivo seems to be getting better and better at camera performance. [IMAGE: Vivo X300 Pro | https://www.vivo.com/en/product/x300-pro/]

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro (132 points): The Google Pixel series has always received good reviews for its excellent software optimization. While the hardware specs are similar to other flagship models, Google’s AI-powered image processing capabilities are unparalleled. [IMAGE: Google Pixel 9 Pro | https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_9_pro?hl=en]

B Tier: Mid-Range Cameras (120-129 points)

Smartphones belonging to the B Tier offer decent performance. There’s nothing particularly lacking, but there’s nothing outstanding either – it’s a balanced performance.

1. Xiaomi 14 Pro (127 points): Xiaomi is a brand famous for its value-for-money smartphones. The 14 Pro also offers decent camera performance at a reasonable price. In particular, the video shooting performance is said to be quite good. [IMAGE: Xiaomi 14 Pro | https://www.mi.com/global/product/xiaomi-14-pro/]

2. OnePlus 12 Pro (125 points): OnePlus is also gaining popularity for its stable performance and reasonable price. The 12 Pro offers generally decent camera performance and can produce natural-looking results when shooting portraits. [IMAGE: OnePlus 12 Pro | https://www.oneplus.com/kr/12-pro]

C Tier: Decent Camera Performance (110-119 points)

Smartphones belonging to the C Tier don’t have anything particularly outstanding, but they offer enough performance for everyday photo shooting. I don’t think there’s much to complain about, really.

1. Sony Xperia 26 (115 points): Sony’s smartphones captivate pixel enthusiasts with their unique color reproduction. However, the overall camera performance is a bit lacking compared to other flagship models. [IMAGE: Sony Xperia 26 | https://www.sony.co.kr/electronics/xperia/smartphones/xperia-26]

In addition to the above, various smartphones are undergoing DXOMark testing and receiving scores. The models mentioned above are based on the results of tests up to now, and the rankings may change at any time as new models are released.

Ultimately, which tier of smartphone you choose will depend on your individual needs and budget. Just remember that the important thing is to choose a smartphone that’s right for you!