The Huawei Pura 80 Ultra still holds the number one spot on DXOMark’s global rankings. And no, you can’t buy it in the US. Neither can you get the phones sitting in second, third, or fourth place. So if you want the best camera phone you can actually purchase in America right now, the answer is the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL.
According to Android Headlines, DXOMark scored the Pixel 11 Pro XL at 168 in its camera and video tests, placing it fifth in the global ultra-premium rankings (that’s the $800-and-up tier). It ties with last year’s OPPO Find X8 Ultra and the iPhone 17 Pro, sits just two points behind the vivo X300 Ultra and OPPO Find X9 Ultra, and sits a full seven points behind the Pura 80 Ultra at the top. But again, none of those phones are sold here.
So what does 168 actually mean in practice? DXOMark notes that the Pixel 11 Pro XL delivers “pleasant exposure with extended dynamic range and good highlight preservation in most conditions,” along with “natural-looking colors and accurate skin tones across a wide range of lighting conditions.” That lines up with what a lot of hands-on reviewers have said about the Pixel 11 series this year. The camera upgrades are real, even if they’re not flashy on paper.
Compared to last year’s Pixel 10 Pro XL, which scored a 163, the Pixel 11 Pro XL picks up five points. That’s a meaningful jump. DXOMark scores don’t usually move dramatically year over year, so five points is actually notable. It also puts the Pixel 11 Pro XL well ahead of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra, which scored 157 and is stuck in a seven-way tie for 21st place globally. Eleven points behind Google is a rough spot for Samsung’s flagship.
This also means the Pixel 11 Pro XL has taken the top Android camera crown in the US away from the Motorola Razr Fold. That’s a title Google probably feels good about, especially heading into fall when Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch next month and will almost certainly shake up these rankings again.
Here’s what DXOMark highlights in its Pixel 11 Pro XL camera assessment:
- Pleasant exposure with extended dynamic range
- Good highlight preservation in most lighting conditions
- Natural-looking colors with accurate skin tones
- Fifth place globally in the ultra-premium category
- Best camera phone currently available for purchase in the US
Now, a word of caution. DXOMark is the most recognized name in smartphone camera benchmarking, and a score of 168 is genuinely impressive. But their lab tests don’t always match what you’ll experience day to day. Their scoring system rewards consistency and technical accuracy, which matters, but it doesn’t always capture things like processing speed, low-light video quality in unpredictable situations, or how a phone handles a chaotic birthday party in dim lighting. Take the rankings seriously, but don’t treat them as the final word.
Still, if you’re shopping for a phone right now and camera quality is your top priority, the Pixel 11 Pro XL is a very strong answer. At least until Apple shows up next month.