In the latest evaluation by DXOMARK, the iPhone 17 Pro has secured a lead over the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Despite significant hardware upgrades from Samsung, Apple maintains its dominance through superior computational photography, autofocus reliability, and low-light consistency.
Samsung’s Hardware vs. Software Bottlenecks
The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduced a formidable 200 MP primary sensor with an f/1.4 aperture, increasing light intake by 47% compared to its predecessor. While Samsung’s “Pro Scaler” algorithm has improved skin tones and reduced noise in indoor settings, the device continues to struggle with legacy software issues. DXOMARK noted persistent inconsistencies in autofocus face detection and visible segmentation errors in portrait (bokeh) mode.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. (Image: DXOMARK)
Samsung’s conservative choice to retain the 50 MP ultra-wide and 10 MP 3x telephoto sensors further suggests a reliance on established formulas that may be reaching their ceiling against Apple’s integrated approach.
Apple’s Computational Edge
The iPhone 17 Pro, released in late 2025, continues to excel in plane separation and shadow detail. Apple’s image processing interprets dark environments more effectively, producing “cleaner” images with fewer digital artifacts.
A key innovation in the iPhone 17 Pro is the ALoP (Adaptive Lens on Prism) 5x telephoto system. While this delivers a more organic, rounded background blur, the compact design has a drawback: a minimum focus distance of 52 cm, which may hinder close-up photography.
iPhone 17 Pro. (Image: DXOMARK)
Conclusion: Reliability over Raw Power
The preliminary results highlight a divergence in strategy. Samsung has prioritized optical power and zoom range, offering the market’s best hardware for distance. However, Apple focuses on the instantaneous user experience, ensuring a “perfect shot” on the first attempt regardless of lighting complexity. While the Galaxy S26 Ultra provides raw technical potential, the iPhone 17 Pro remains the benchmark for daily reliability and refined processing.
| Feature | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
| Display | 6.3″ LTPO OLED (3,000 nits) | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2,600 nits) |
| Processor | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Main Camera | 48 MP (f/1.78) | 200 MP (f/1.9) |
| Ultra-Wide | 48 MP (f/2.2) | 50 MP (f/1.9) |
| Telephoto 1 | 48 MP (4x Optical, f/2.8) | 50 MP (5x Optical, f/2.9) |
| Telephoto 2 | N/A | 10 MP (3x Optical, f/2.4) |
| Selfie Camera | 18 MP with AF | 12 MP (f/2.2) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB / 16 GB |
| Battery | ~4,252 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W MagSafe | 60W Wired |
| OS | iOS 26 | Android 16 (One UI 8.5) |
| Weight | 204g | 214g |