iPhone 11 Pro Max ranks 'third' in DXOMARK camera 'quality test'

What you need to know

• DXOMARK has released its review of the iPhone 11 Pro Max camera, ranking it 117 and third overall.
• DXOMARK offers consultation services as well as ratings, which is controversial.
• DXOMARK liked the contrast and exposure but didn't like the noise, zoom, or bokeh.

Oh look, DXOMARK has released its iPhone 11 Pro Max camera review, giving the device a score of 117 overall. "117 what?" I hear you cry... well nobody really knows, but here we go anyway... The 11 Pro Max's score makes it the 3rd highest scoring smartphone tested by DXOMARK, tied with the Galaxy Note 10+ and the 10+ 5G. The iPhone 11 Pro Max was tested running iOS 13.2, so Deep Fusion could be tested.

https://twitter.com/reneritchie/status/1087837704937750533

DXOMARK claims its scores are calculated using combined scores in a number of sub-categories. However, DXOMARK has also come under fire by many in the industry for also running a paid consulting service to, essentially, better pass their tests and, presumably, earn a higher rating. Apple, by policy, never pays for such services. So, factor that in — or throw the whole thing out — as you will.

According to DXOMARK, the 11 Pro Max performed well in several of their tests, achieving the highest score ever given by DXOMARK for exposure and contrast. It also scored well in the color, autofocus, artifacts, and wide categories, but was let down by bokeh, zoom, noise and texture.

You can read a full breakdown of each category and the score achieved here:

In summary of the test DXOMARK said:

While camera testing is subjective, DXOMARK has also been criticized for the apparently arbitrary and mercurial nature of their scale. So, take any numbers they offer, whether the iPhone is the higher or lowest any given Thursday, with a moneybag-sized grain of salt.

We're only covering it because so many others have somehow decided to cover it but without the context needed to make an informed decision about how much weight to give to them... if any.

Now you have the information, let us know what you think.

Updated to explain DXOMARK's role as both "consultant" and "ratings" company, and the potentially huge conflict of interest that results.