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From Nokia 808 to Pixel 2: phone cameras got drastically better with time

By Daniel Petrov

Published: Feb 28, 2018, 8:54 AM

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From Nokia 808 to Pixel 2: phone cameras got drastically better with time

Say what you will about the lack of dual-camera or optical zoom shenanigans on Google's Pixel phones, but they have consistently been making excellent pictures with the hardware at their disposal, and so much so, that the Pixel 2 currently stands at the top of the DxOMark chart.

While the camera testers' methods and ranking scheme have been a subject of criticism and scrutiny by shutterbugs, DxOMark has been probing digital cameras and lenses for many years, making a name for themselves, and, about 6 years ago, they started running cell phone cameras through the paces, too.

The shop just came out with a breakdown of their quality ratings on a 100-scale during that time, and it turns out that from the first major cameraphone they tested - the Nokia 808 PureView - and the current cream of the crop like the Pixel 2, iPhone X, Mate 10 Pro, or Note 8, there has been a drastic improvement, despite that the phones have gotten thinner, and the sensor sizes are still quite small.

The megapixel war was over a few years ago, and manufacturers focused on pixel sizes, focusing technologies, and improving software algorithms. One can see very clearly what a difference this had made to the cameras we always carry in our pockets, in the span of just a few short years.

Phone cameras progress over time

source: DxOMark

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena from 2010 to 2025, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.