DXOMARK 2025: Xiaomi 15 Ultra Ranks 7th in Camera Scores
DXOMARK’s Top 7 Smartphone Cameras for 2025: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra Shines at Seventh
Mobile photography has hit some seriously impressive heights in 2025, and the latest DXOMARK ranking, dropped in August of this year, is giving us the lowdown on which smartphones are truly leading the pack. Among the heavy hitters, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is making a strong case for itself, snagging a solid seventh place with a score of 159 points. So, let’s dive into the top 7 cameras according to DXOMARK, with a special spotlight on Xiaomi’s flagship and how it stacks up against the competition.
The Reigning Champs: Unpacking the DXOMARK Top 7
The world of smartphone photography is more competitive than ever, and DXOMARK’s rigorous testing methodology provides a fantastic benchmark. Their latest ranking showcases a clear hierarchy, with some familiar names and a few exciting newcomers.
1. Huawei Pura 80 Ultra – 175 Points
Leading the charge, the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra has set a new benchmark, achieving a record-breaking 175 points. Its standout feature is the 50MP main camera with a 1-inch sensor and LOFIC technology, delivering incredibly vibrant colors, spot-on exposure, and exceptional dynamic range, even when the lights are low. The dual telephoto system (3.7x and 9.4x) and a 40MP ultra-wide lens ensure serious versatility and crisp detail in every shot. When it comes to video, its optical stabilization and sharpness are simply unmatched. The only real hitch? Its availability in markets like Spain is still a bit up in the air, which could limit its reach.
2. Oppo Find X8 Ultra – 169 Points
Following closely, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra secures the second spot with a score of 169 points. This model, co-tuned with Hasselblad, pairs a 50MP 1-inch main sensor with a dual periscope setup (3x and 6x), absolutely killing it in zoom capabilities and 4K 120fps video recording with Dolby Vision. Its color and exposure consistency, coupled with a QHD+ AMOLED display and the powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, make it a truly premium offering. Much like the Huawei, its arrival in Europe isn’t confirmed, but its performance alone makes it a formidable rival.
3. Vivo X200 Ultra – 167 Points
Claiming the third position with 167 points is the Vivo X200 Ultra. This device really shines thanks to its high-quality periscope lens, a collaboration with ZEISS, making it a dream for capturing distant subjects. Its focus on zoom and fine detail makes it a top pick for anyone who loves shooting from afar. Plus, the smart blend of hardware and software ensures it handles various lighting conditions like a champ.
4. Huawei Pura 70 Ultra – 163 Points
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, with its 163 points, continues to prove Huawei’s dominance in mobile photography. Featuring a retractable lens and a sizable sensor, it produces natural-looking colors and boasts exceptional low-light performance. This device is a reliable choice for those prioritizing consistent photo and video quality, though it falls just a tad short of its newer Pura 80 Ultra sibling.
5. iPhone 16 Pro Max – 161 Points
Landing in fifth place with 161 points is the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Apple’s latest flagship stands out for its impressive consistency across its lenses and its stellar video recording capabilities. With a 48MP main sensor, another 48MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto lenses, Apple upholds its reputation for natural skin tones in portraits and incredibly smooth stabilization. It’s a fantastic option for those who value video and want a straightforward, reliable photographic experience.
6. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – 160 Points
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, scoring 160 points, is the undisputed king of smart processing. Its camera system, anchored by a 50MP main sensor and supercharged by Google’s AI, consistently delivers fantastic HDR and accurate skin tones. Features like Magic Eraser are perfect for users who love tweaking their shots with ease. This phone is a go-to for anyone seeking impressive results without needing to fiddle with manual settings.
7. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – 159 Points
Rounding out the top 7 is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, achieving a respectable 159 points and cementing its place as one of Xiaomi’s most ambitious photography-focused devices. Developed in partnership with Leica, this smartphone packs a quad-camera system: a 50MP main sensor with a Leica Summilux lens, a 200MP ultra-telephoto, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultra-wide. Plus, its 32MP front camera ensures your selfies are top-notch.
Why the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Stands Out
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra presents a really compelling package for anyone looking for a sweet spot between photographic innovation and overall performance. That Leica collaboration is no joke, promising outstanding optical quality with a real emphasis on vibrant colors and intricate details. When you compare it to the absolute leaders in the ranking, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra tends to appeal more to users who enjoy a hands-on approach, thanks to its manual modes and signature Leica color profiles. While it might not hit the stratospheric scores of the top Huawei or Oppo models, its competitive pricing and sheer versatility make it a seriously attractive option, especially for devoted Xiaomi fans craving a top-tier camera experience.
It really shines with its versatility, letting users play around with different color profiles and manual controls, making it ideal for budding photography enthusiasts. Its ability to shoot 8K video and offer a digital zoom of up to 120x adds another layer for those wanting to push the boundaries of mobile photography. Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, features a 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display, and boasts a 5410 mAh battery with 90W fast charging. So, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t just about the cameras; it’s a complete high-end package. Its official price tag is €1,499, though we’ve already spotted deals bringing it down to €1,299 at retailers like Fnac.
A Snapshot of Smartphone Photography Excellence
DXOMARK’s 2025 ranking really highlights the intense competition in the mobile photography arena, with Huawei taking the lead thanks to the Pura 80 Ultra, closely followed by Oppo and Vivo. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, securing seventh place, proves that Xiaomi is still heavily invested in pushing the boundaries of mobile photography, offering a versatile and powerful camera system that can absolutely go toe-to-toe with the best. If you’re after a smartphone that marries top-tier camera hardware with a robust ecosystem and a competitive price point, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is definitely one to consider. For those who prioritize zoom, the Vivo X200 Ultra or Huawei Pura 80 Ultra are excellent choices; for video, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a powerhouse; and for a fuss-free, brilliant experience, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a surefire winner.
DXOMARK Ranking Table (August 2025):
| Rank | Smartphone | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huawei Pura 80 Ultra | 175 |
| 2 | Oppo Find X8 Ultra | 169 |
| 3 | Vivo X200 Ultra | 167 |
| 4 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | 163 |
| 5 | iPhone 16 Pro Max | 161 |
| 6 | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | 160 |
| 7 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | 159 |
Sources: DXOMARK, https://www.dxomark.com/smartphones/
