Pixel, iPhone lag behind Galaxy S26 Ultra in camera test

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has shown the overall best performance in a comparative camera test conducted among the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Pixel 11 Pro XL and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Especially in terms of fine details in images, natural skin texture and portrait quality, Samsung’s flagship has remained ahead of the other two rivals.

The images were analysed by zooming to 100 percent in the test. In this, the Galaxy S26 Ultra performed the best in retaining fine lines of the face and skin texture. Although the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL also captured images of near quality, it lagged slightly behind the S26 Ultra in preserving details. On the other hand, the images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max showed comparatively more softness, as a result of which the fine details were also somewhat less clear.

In portrait photography too, the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro XL performed well. Especially in full-body images, the processing of both phones was quite precise in separating the main subject and the background. However, the application of background blur was not fully accurate in some images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. As a result, some inconsistency was noticed in edge detection.

In terms of colour and exposure, the images of the Pixel 11 Pro XL showed a somewhat cold tone and comparatively less brightness. However, the colours of the images appeared natural and balanced. The Pixel’s camera performed well in keeping the images close to the real scene without excessive processing.

Meanwhile, with the addition of portrait mode to the 5x telephoto camera in the new model of the Pixel series, one of the previous limitations has been removed. Although this has further increased the opportunity to take portraits of distant subjects, it could not change the overall test results. Considering details, subject separation and overall portrait quality, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has remained ahead.

Therefore, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has emerged as the overall winner in this camera comparison of the three flagships. Although the Pixel 11 Pro XL put up a strong competition, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has lagged comparatively, especially in some areas of detail and portrait processing.