Google Pixel 9 Pro XL outpaced most flagships in DXOMARK camera evaluation. The platform crowned the Pixel 9 Pro XL as the best camera phone in the Android category. It’s far above Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max but below the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra.

While scrolling the ranking chart, I found the Galaxy S24 Ultra on the 25th rank. It isn’t a shocking listing as we’ve always observed biased reviews from DXOMARK. The agency doesn’t seem to evaluate products on practical performance.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL scored 158 points in the DXOMARK camera review. It ranked 2nd in Global and ultra-premium ranking. Huawei’s Pura 70 Ultra continues to dominate the chart with 163 DXO points in terms of camera performance.

While reviewing the Pixel 9 Pro XL, DXOMARK reviewers observed some camera cons. The phone has occasional problems with depth estimation in bokeh mode. In low light, some loss of texture and visible coarse noise in images and videos.

However, it got a thumbs up for providing a well-balanced camera experience with outstanding results in most categories. It delivers good zoom performance, Good overall video performance with effective video stabilization and Excellent display colors.

The smartphone also consistently captures the moment in all conditions, even with motion in the scene. The selfie snapper is also good, offering well-balanced performance, whether taking photos or videos, with consistently accurate skin tones.

Pixel 9 Pro XL rear camera specs:

• Primary: 50MP 1/1.31″ sensor, f/1.68-aperture lens, 82° field of view, OctaPD, OIS
• Ultra-wide: 48MP sensor, 1/2.55″ sensor, f/1.7-aperture lens, 123° field of view, Quad PDAF
• Telephoto: 48MP sensor, 1/2.55″ sensor, f/2.8-aperture lens, 22° field of view, Quad PD, 5x optical zoom

Apple inks deal with LG Innotek for iPhone 16 periscope camera supply. The company will be the sole supplier of the initial batch of periscope models. LG Innotek and Jahwa will jointly supply the initial batch of OIS actuators for folded zoom.

Israel-based Samsung subsidiary, Corephotonics, hasn’t yet sued Apple over a patent dispute. The iPhone maker declined Corephotonics’ request to reach an agreement. Despite this, the Samsung subsidiary hasn’t yet filed a patent lawsuit.

Apple used a periscope camera with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This year, the Pro model of the iPhone 16 lineup will also use a zoom sensor. The folded zoom is a periscope-type telephoto camera that is the most valued sensor in the camera module.

The US tech giant prefers partners that are stably developing parts for initial launch units. The supply chain and component diversification starts in the fourth quarter. It is aimed at reducing the overall component pricing and making phones cheaper.

Apple reportedly plans to produce folded zoom modules for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max through Cowell or Foxconn in the fourth quarter. For Apple, diversifying the supply chain lowers component costs and makes future expansion easier.

Samsung has recently launched the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6. Apple’s foldable dreams have reportedly been delayed due to technical hurdles. Now, the first foldable Apple product is rumored to be released in 2027.

The Korean tech giant is also developing the Galaxy S25 series. The S25 Ultra is said to adopt a significantly refined design and upgraded hardware. The camera module will also be tweaked to better compete with rivals.

Counterpoint Research published the latest report on the Latin American smartphone market. Figures indicate that all smartphone brands secured positive growth. Despite being the market leader, Samsung faced a marginal drop in its market share.

The Latin American smartphone market experienced a robust 14.5% year-over-year growth in the second quarter of 2024. This growth was fueled by increased consumer spending and the availability of affordable devices.

One out of three smartphones sold in the second quarter of the year was from Samsung. However, the company declined in both volume and share given relentless competition from Chinese brands in the mid-price and low-mid-price segments.

Apple grew YoY with the Brazilian market as its main growth driver. The brand is using aggressive pricing strategies for its locally assembled legacy models. 4G iPhone sales also declining due to the gradual adoption of the 5G network across LATAM.

Motorola’s sales volume increased by almost 14% compared to the same quarter last year, but its market share declined slightly. Xiaomi’s sales rose both YoY and QoQ. The company gained sales volume in Mexico, Venezuela, and Central America.

HONOR grew aggressively in the region in Q2 2024, expanding into new markets such as Brazil and Venezuela. The Chinese firm recorded a massive 51% year-on-year growth, while the next quarters will be worth watching.