The results are in for the rankings of the Google Pixel 9 camera, and surprising no one, it’s really good. This isn’t based on our own testing, but rather the ranking given by DXOMark. Officially, the Pixel 9 camera is rated #1 in the rankings with other smartphones in the premium segment. The words “premium segment” are a key detail here, so if you’re wondering how the Pixel 9 could beat out other, higher-priced phones with undoubtedly better cameras, that’s the thing. It doesn’t.
According to DXOMark, the premium segment encompasses smartphones that range anywhere from $600 – $800. Among all the devices in that category, the Pixel 9 reigns supreme. Edging out last year’s Pixel 8 and iPhone 15. It received a total score of 154 compared to the Pixel 8’s 148, and the iPhone 15’s 145. That being said, those scores aren’t too far off from each other. So if you’re still using one of those two phones from 2023, don’t worry. Your smartphone’s camera isn’t obsolete.
The overall score is made up of several factors to reach that average. Including a general photo score, as well as performance in other areas like bokeh, zoom, and video. These areas received scores of 161, 75, and 150 respectively. The short of it, the Pixel 9 has a great camera with lots of awesome features and the results are some amazing photos.
The Google Pixel 9 camera is #7 in the global rankings
Being number #1 in the premium segment is a noteworthy achievement to be proud of. But how did the Pixel 9’s camera score against all other phones globally? Turns out, not too bad. Based on the same factors, the Pixel 9 camera is #7. This of course includes not only those in the premium segment but also phones in the ultra-premium segment, which of course includes devices like the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. As well as the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, Honor Magic6 Pro, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, and Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
Worth noting is that DXOMark has the Pixel 9 tied for 7th with those last two. Which seems like a pretty big accomplishment.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is surprisingly not the top phone
Google’s Pixel smartphones always rank very well in the camera department, and this year is no different. However, some might have expected DXOMark to rank the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL at #1. But that isn’t the case. The Pixel 9 Pro XL actually ranks at #2 on the global rankings list with a score of 158.
The #1 phone for the global rankings is actually the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra with a score of 163. That should make buyers of that phone feel pretty good about their purchase. Considering the retail value is about $1,500.
Moving back to the Pixel 9, DXOMark gives a few reasons for its score, stating that “With vibrant colors, pleasant skin tones, accurate exposure, and a wide dynamic range, the Pixel 9 excels in both landscape and portrait photography. The Pixel 9’s camera performance closely aligns with that of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, thanks to the shared main camera hardware. The main difference lies in zoom capabilities, where the Pixel 9 relies on digital zoom while the Pro XL benefits from a dedicated telephoto lens.”
