Google Pixel phones dominate MKBHD's early Blind Smartphone Camera Test 2023 results

The MKBHD 2023 Blind Smartphone Camera Test is back, and it’s probably bigger and better than ever! This year, Marques Brownlee put 20 top-tier smartphones to the test, blinding them all and having viewers vote on the best photos in various categories.

Here’s a quick rundown of the categories and some of the early front-runners as revealed by MKBHD himself on X:

1. Standard photo: This category judges overall image quality, including factors like color accuracy, sharpness, and exposure. So far, the Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and OnePlus Open seem to be neck-and-neck, with each producing stunning photos.
2. Low-light photo: This category puts smartphone cameras to the ultimate test in dim environments. Google’s Pixel phones have traditionally done well in poorly-lit environments, but the iPhone 15 Pro is unsurprisingly the early contender this year, capturing bright and clear low-light shots. However, it’s too early to write Pixels off, especially with the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 7a still in contention.
3. Portrait mode: This is another category that Pixel phones have always had the upper hand. It focuses on how well phones blur the background and enhance facial features in portrait photos. Indeed, early results show the Pixel 8 Pro taking the lead perhaps due the natural-looking bokeh effects and accurate skin tones we’ve become accustomed to with Pixel phones. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and iPhone 15 Pro are not far behind though, so things could get really interesting in the end.

Notably, the results are still being tallied, but the MKBHD 2023 Blind Smartphone Camera Test is already generating plenty of buzz. It’s a great way to see how the latest camera tech stacks up and decide which phone might be right for you. I’m still taking the test, and I already have some interesting results. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is my standard king followed by the Moto RAZR Plus and OnePlus 11. As for low-light photos, the Pixel Fold came third in a category won by the iPhone 15 and followed by the iPhone 15 Pro. It’ll be interesting to see the final results when I take the portrait mode test. However, here are some additional things to keep in mind as you head over to vote:

• The test is completely blind, so viewers are voting based solely on the image quality, not the brand or price of the phone.
• The results may not perfectly reflect every user’s preferences, as lighting conditions and personal photo styles can play a role.

So, who do you think will win the MKBHD 2023 Blind Smartphone Camera Test? Head over to the official voting site and cast your vote!

Meanwhile, below is a video of the 2022 Blind Smartphone Camera Test results in which the Pixel 6a won followed by the Pixel 7 Pro and Asus ZenFone 9, so it’s not surprising that Pixel phones are already early front runners for this year’s award.