Versus’ end-of-the-year blind camera test result is in, featuring 12 flagship devices: iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Sony Xperia 1 VII, OnePlus 15, Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra, Oppo Find X9 Pro, Vivo X300 Pro, Motorola Edge 70, Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, and the Nothing Phone (3).
The blind test kicked off with the phones grouped into six pairs in a head-to-head style, with fans voting to determine which phone progresses to the next stage. The voting cut across two categories of photography: daytime and low light.
In the first matchup, the iPhone 17 Pro Max sent the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max home, sweeping up 67% of the votes. Copying Apple’s move, the Pixel 10 Pro XL also swept up 67% of the votes, leaving the OnePlus 15 with a measly 33%. The real surprise, however, came in the fourth test, where the Nothing Phone (3) knocked out the innovative Pura 80 Ultra.
In the first test of the second round, the Pixel received 65% of the votes, sending the iPhone out of the competition. In the second test, Nothing Phone (3) surprisingly beat the Galaxy, swaying 86% of the voters. The final test of the round saw the X300 Pro (curr. $1,099 on Amazon) send the Asus flagship straight to the lobby.
In the final round, the spectacular show of the Phone (3) was brought to an end, with the device winning over only 8% of the votes. The Vivo X300 Pro took the crown in a narrow win, receiving 47% of the votes, while the Pixel had to make do with 45%. Following detailed reviews, we also did crown the Vivo X300 Pro as the best camera phone of 2025.
NB: These blind tests involved the Versus community — not professional photographers. They were also very limited — involving only the main camera.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 358 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.