iPhone 11 Pro Max not included: The smartphones with the best cameras

Apple's flagship iPhone 11 Pro Max does not do well in an extensive comparison test of smartphone cameras. Chinese cell phones dominate, Samsung is doing well. If it's only about the main camera, the competition moves closer together.

The mobile communications magazine "Connect" and the photo magazine "Colorfoto" have teamed up to evaluate the cameras of current top smartphones "independently and using scientific methods like professional system cameras". Of the 20 devices tested so far, seven do very well and four do well. Apple's flagship iPhone 11 Pro Max is only given a satisfactory quality rating, although two of its cameras are very good.

For the test, each of the two to four optics of a smartphone was assessed separately in the laboratory and "with the trained eye of photo professionals". In order to realistically map the usage habits, the individual results were weighted differently: ultra wide angle (10 percent), wide angle (30 percent), double zoom (30 percent), long telephoto focal length (30 percent).

Huawei clearly ahead

The unique number 1 is currently that Huawei P40 Pro with a total of 86 points. This is mainly thanks to its ultra-wide-angle camera (90 points). Your 40-megapixel sensor has a full impact on quality, according to the press release. No other optic succeeds in displaying low-contrast structures in all lighting situations so well and so consistently. The testers also praised the edge areas with few distortions and low vignetting. The other cameras in the P40 Pro also received very good marks.

With a slightly weaker configuration, it was enough for the sister model Huawei P40 still for second place and a total of 86 points. That follows at a considerable distance Oneplus 8 Pro, which comes to 79 points. The image quality of its main camera is "convincing across the board". Even in low light, fine structures are retained and the image impression is very close to the original, writes "Connect". The examiners were less enthusiastic about the double zoom, they advise using the very good telephoto focal length with three times optical magnification.

Top camera smartphone under 400 euros

That too should be emphasized Xiaomi Mi Note 10, which landed in 4th place with 78 points. Because although it can be had online for less than 400 euros, its main camera was rated the best. They also did very well Oppo Find X2 Pro (75 points), that Samsung Galaxy S20 + (75 points) and the Honor 20 Pro (75 points).

The iPhone 11 Pro Max disappointed in the test with just 52 points, which was only enough for a satisfactory quality rating. This is mainly due to its ultra-wide-angle optics, which the examiners only rated 48 out of a possible 100 points. They also complain that, unlike the test winners, the device does not have a multiple zoom lens. Owners of an iPhone 11 Pro Max don't have to be too disappointed, the main camera and double zoom received very good reviews.