DXOMARK Launches Camera V6: A New Standard, Shaped by Users and Experts

DXOMARK is proud to announce the launch of Camera v6, the latest evaluation to our smartphone camera testing protocol, designed to better reflect real-world user experiences and expectations. 

Built on over two years of consumer research and expert feedback, this new version introduces updated testing methods, new evaluation scenes, and a clearer scoring system that focuses on what truly matters to today’s smartphone users. 

This new protocol was recently showcased during a three-city tour across China, with events held in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These gatherings offered a unique opportunity not only to present the technical and strategic foundations of Camera V6, but also to engage in insightful discussions with industry professionals and partners. 

As part of this launch, DXOMARK also introduced the DXOMARK Expert Committee an open, collaborative initiative that brings together industry leaders to help shape the future of smartphone image quality assessments. This committee is designed to foster meaningful exchanges on the challenges and innovations shaping mobile photography, ensuring that our evaluations stay aligned with real-world needs and forward-looking perspectives. 

During the tour, we hosted focused roundtables on key topics influencing the future of imaging, including portrait photography, zoom performance, and video quality. These discussions highlighted critical challenges and priorities facing the industry today. We’ll be sharing more insights from these roundtables in upcoming communications. 

Thank you to all our partners who joined us in these valuable conversations and helped shape the dialogue around Camera V6. 

Want to know more about our Camera v6 protocol: What’s New in Camera V6? 

Camera V6 introduces a simplified dual-core scoring system, with separate and clearly defined sub-scores for Photo and Video, making it easier than ever to compare smartphones across main, telephoto, and ultra-wide cameras. Here are some of the key improvements: 

• Comprehensive Portrait evaluation: 
  he new benchmark adds 50 sets of portrait test scenarios, covering lighting conditions from 0.1 lux to 10,000 lux, with lighting types expanded to 9 categories. Video test scenarios have also increased to 13. We’ve innovatively introduced motion simulation testing modes to mimic real-world user behaviors (handheld, walking, etc.). 

• Consistent HDR evaluation: 
  The v6 pioneers cross-device comparative analysis to promote open standardization in HDR testing. Additionally, we’ve introduced the new AF-HDR Portrait lab setup, combined with more complex lighting environments like natural night scenes, to provide a comprehensive assessment of HDR performance. 

• Targeted Zoom Evaluations:
  The new v6 strengthens testing standards for 85mm-300mm, mid-to-long telephoto ranges, covering various lighting conditions. For the first time, video zoom performance is included – a direct response to the growing demand for long-distance recording (e.g., concerts). 

• Comprehensive video evaluation: 
  As key technologies break through, video performance demands have become stricter. DXOMARK introduces the industry’s first test solution simulating user motion behaviors, alongside more diverse skin tones, lighting, and HDR scenarios, delivering deeper insights into video performance. 

This new version of the protocol was powered by the unique tools developed and offered by DXOMARK. Our testing tools, updated lab setups, and real-life scene libraries played a key role in making the protocol smarter, more robust, and fully aligned with modern imaging standards.