iPhone 18 Pro has the best night camera on the market. But it wasn't enough for first place in DXOMARK

This year, Apple introduced a new feature to the Pro series that mobile photography enthusiasts had been waiting for for years: a physically variable aperture. However, it wasn’t enough to reach the absolute top. The iPhone 18 Pro received 172 points and second place from the DXOMARK laboratory, both in the overall ranking and among the most expensive phones over $800. The throne is still held by the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra with 175 points.

When the lights go out, there’s no one better

The iPhone 18 Pro’s strongest discipline is low-light photography. According to DXOMARK, it has no competition in this regard across the entire ranking. Images retain details, exposure is accurate, and noise remains under control even when other phones start to “paint over” the image. Testers also praise its wide dynamic range and natural contrast.

Video performs equally well, where the iPhone achieved the highest score in the ranking (176 points). The stabilization can handle shots taken while running, and recording at 60 frames per second adds fluidity to movement. Apple traditionally dominates in this discipline, and this year is no different.

An Aperture That Finally Moves

The main 48Mpx camera received a six-blade aperture with a range of f/1.48 to f/4.0. It works similarly to the pupil of an eye: in the dark, it opens to let in more light, while for a group portrait, it closes down to ensure people in the second row are also sharp.

Zoom Remains the Achilles’ Heel

Apple mainly lost points on its telephoto lens. It scored 143 points, while the best Oppo Find X9 Ultra has 173. Zooming at longer distances also lags behind the top performers. DXOMARK adds minor criticisms: occasional color casts, fluctuating white balance, noticeable flares in backlight, and differing preview brightness between photo and video modes.

For the Czech customer, context is important. The winning Huawei Pura 80 Ultra does not offer Google services due to US sanctions, so its first place is mainly a technological trophy. The iPhone 18 Pro is sold in our country starting from 34,990 CZK for the 256GB version, which is 2,000 CZK more expensive than last year’s 17 Pro. You won’t notice a three-point difference in everyday photography. It’s more worthwhile to consider whether you photograph more often at a distance or after dark.

Does the DXOMARK rating influence your phone choice?

Source: DXOMARK, Notebookcheck