iPhone 18 Pro DXOMark Score 172 Second Overall Ultra-Premium Tier Above $800 Huawei Pura 80 Ultra 175 Top Since August 2025 Apple Low-Light Score 150 Highest In Rankings Strong Detail Accurate Exposure Controlled Noise Wide Dynamic Range
According to Notebookcheck and DXOMark, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro has scored 172 in DXOMark’s camera ranking, placing it second overall and second within the ultra-premium tier for phones priced above $800. Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra, which has held the top spot since August 2025, remains three points ahead on 175.
The iPhone 18 Pro’s strongest showing is in low-light photography, where it scored 150. DXOMark’s highest in its rankings. Shots exhibit strong detail, accurate exposure, controlled noise, a wide dynamic range and natural contrast in challenging lighting conditions. Video stabilisation also performed well during movement, with 60fps improving motion rendering.
A notable addition is Apple’s new variable aperture: a six-blade physical iris ranging from f/1.48 to f/4.0, allowing greater control over depth of field for group portraits and manual exposure flexibility. The phone uses three 48MP rear cameras.
However, the iPhone 18 Pro has clear weaknesses. Its telephoto score of 143 trails the 173-point benchmark set by the Oppo Find X9 Ultra, a significant gap. DXOMark also flagged occasional colour casts and white-balance shifts, noticeable flare in some conditions, and brightness inconsistencies between photo and video previews. Long-range zoom trails several competing flagships.
Apple leads after dark. Huawei still leads overall. Check out our previous coverage of smartphones on The Trusted Times.
