Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. HONOR Magic 8 Pro: Breaking Down the Latest DXOMARK Camera Rankings

Xiaomi 17 Ultra vs. HONOR Magic 8 Pro: Breaking Down the Latest DXOMARK Camera Rankings

The smartphone camera wars are showing no signs of slowing down. With every new flagship release, manufacturers push the boundaries of computational photography, sensor size, and image processing. The latest buzz surrounds the newly ranked Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro, both of which have recently received their official DXOMARK camera scores.

But here is where things get confusing. A claim has been circulating online that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has defeated the HONOR Magic 8 Pro in the global DXOMARK ranking. That statement, while appealing to Xiaomi fans, is not accurate.

In this deep dive, we will examine the actual scores, break down the sub-categories, compare hardware and software strengths, and explain what these numbers really mean for consumers. Whether you are a photographer, a tech enthusiast, or simply shopping for a new flagship phone, this analysis will give you the full picture.

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The DXOMARK Landscape in 2026

Before jumping into the comparison, it is important to understand where DXOMARK stands in 2026. Once considered the definitive authority on camera performance, DXOMARK now shares the stage with other reviewers and real-world testing. However, it remains one of the few standardized benchmarks that allow for objective cross-device comparisons.

The current top tier includes devices from Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, HONOR, and Google. Apple and Samsung, while still competitive, no longer dominate the top five as they once did. Chinese manufacturers, in particular, have invested heavily in custom imaging chips, large sensors, and AI-driven processing.

Both the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro represent the absolute best of what 2026 has to offer. But their DXOMARK results tell a more nuanced story than a simple win-loss record.

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The Numbers: What the Rankings Actually Show

Let us begin with the facts. According to the official DXOMARK database as of February 2026:

HONOR Magic 8 Pro

· Overall Camera Score: 165

· Global Ranking: Top 5

· Photo Sub-Score: 164

· Video Sub-Score: 154<script>

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Xiaomi 17 Ultra

· Overall Camera Score: 166

· Global Ranking: 6th or 7th (tied with Oppo Find X9 Pro)

· Photo Sub-Score: 170

· Video Sub-Score: 157

At first glance, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra actually has a higher numerical score than the HONOR Magic 8 Pro. This is likely the source of the confusion. However, DXOMARK rankings are not determined solely by raw score totals. They also consider category placement, tiebreakers, and the performance of other devices in the same tier.

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro sits comfortably in the top five, alongside devices like the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra and the Vivo X200 Pro+. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, despite its impressive 166 points, is ranked just outside that elite group due to the concentration of high-scoring devices ahead of it.

In other words: Xiaomi scored higher but ranked lower. This is unusual but not impossible in a competitive field.

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Photo Performance: Where Xiaomi Takes the Lead

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra achieves a photo sub-score of 170, one of the highest ever recorded. This is where the device truly shines.

Xiaomi continues its partnership with Leica, and the 17 Ultra benefits from a custom 1-inch type sensor with variable aperture. The camera system allows for true optical control over depth of field, and the software tuning leans heavily into Leica's signature contrast and color science.

In still photography, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra delivers:

· Exceptional dynamic range in both bright and mixed lighting

· Natural skin tones without excessive smoothing

· Texture preservation even in low-light environments

· Fast and reliable autofocus across all lenses

· Minimal shutter lag, making it ideal for street photography

DXOMARK specifically praised the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for its portrait mode, which produces realistic bokeh with accurate edge detection. The monochrome sensor, now in its third generation, adds genuine value rather than serving as a marketing gimmick.

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro, by comparison, scores 164 in photo. It is no slouch. HONOR has refined its Falcon Camera system and AI motion capture capabilities. Where the Magic 8 Pro excels is in consistency. It performs well in almost every condition, even if it does not always reach the same peak as Xiaomi.

In side-by-side comparisons, the Magic 8 Pro tends to favor brighter exposures and slightly cooler white balance. Some users may prefer this look, but DXOMARK's methodology gave the edge to Xiaomi in most photo sub-categories.

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Video Performance: Xiaomi Edges Ahead

Another surprising finding is in video. Historically, Xiaomi flagships have lagged behind Apple and Samsung in video recording. The 17 Ultra marks a turning point.

With a video sub-score of 157, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra outperforms the HONOR Magic 8 Pro's 154. While the margin is narrow, it is significant enough to note.

Xiaomi has introduced a new dedicated imaging chip that handles video processing separately from the main application processor. This allows for:

· 4K 120fps recording with HDR

· Improved stabilization without excessive cropping

· Smoother exposure transitions when panning

· Lower noise in indoor video

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro remains a strong video performer. Its strength lies in AI-powered tracking, which automatically follows subjects and keeps them in focus. For vloggers or parents filming children, this feature is genuinely useful. However, in terms of pure video fidelity and flexibility, Xiaomi now holds the advantage.

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Why the Ranking Confusion Happened

So why are people saying the Xiaomi 17 Ultra defeated the Magic 8 Pro?

The answer lies in how ranking data is interpreted. Several tech blogs and social media accounts focused exclusively on the overall score of 166 versus 165 and declared Xiaomi the winner. This is a misunderstanding of how DXOMARK calculates its final leaderboard.

DXOMARK ranks devices based on a combination of total score, category placement, and tiebreaker rules. When multiple devices are clustered within a few points of each other, historical performance and sub-score weighting can influence final positioning.

In this case, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro was ranked earlier and has maintained its position due to consistent performance across all categories. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra, despite its slightly higher score, entered a more crowded field and could not break into the top five.

This is not a flaw in the ranking system. It simply reflects that the gap between the best smartphones in 2026 is incredibly small. A one-point difference no longer guarantees a higher rank.

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Hardware Comparison: Two Approaches to Imaging

Beyond the numbers, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and HONOR Magic 8 Pro represent two distinct philosophies in smartphone photography.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

· Primary: 50MP 1-inch sensor, variable aperture f/1.4–f/4.0

· Ultrawide: 50MP with autofocus and macro capability

· Telephoto: 50MP periscope, 5x optical, up to 100x digital

· Additional: 50MP monochrome sensor

· Partnership: Leica

HONOR Magic 8 Pro

· Primary: 60MP custom sensor, fixed aperture f/1.6

· Ultrawide: 50MP with 122-degree field of view

· Telephoto: 100MP periscope, 3.5x optical, up to 100x digital

· Additional: AI spectrum sensor

· Partnership: None (in-house imaging engine)

Xiaomi focuses on hardware flexibility. The variable aperture allows the camera to physically adapt to lighting conditions, a rare feature in modern smartphones. HONOR, by contrast, relies more heavily on computational photography. Its AI engine analyzes scenes and adjusts processing in real time.

Neither approach is inherently superior. Photographers who want control will prefer Xiaomi. Users who want simplicity and consistency may prefer HONOR.

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Real-World Usability: Beyond the Lab

DXOMARK scores are useful, but they do not tell the whole story. In everyday use, both phones deliver flagship-level experiences with minor trade-offs.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a large, heavy device. The camera bump is substantial, and the phone does not sit flat on a table. However, the手感 (hand feel) is premium, and the Leica branding carries weight with photography enthusiasts.

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is slightly lighter and better balanced. Its software is clean and responsive, and the camera app launches quickly. HONOR has also improved battery efficiency, and the Magic 8 Pro generally outlasts the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in mixed usage.

Neither phone disappoints. But for the average consumer, the differences in DXOMARK scores will not be noticeable in daily use.

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What This Means for Buyers

If you are trying to decide between these two devices, do not let the rankings alone guide your decision. Here is a simple breakdown:

Choose the Xiaomi 17 Ultra if:

· You prioritize still photography, especially portraits and street photography

· You want a variable aperture for creative control

· You appreciate Leica color science

· Video quality is important to you

Choose the HONOR Magic 8 Pro if:

· You want a top-five ranked device with proven consistency

· You value AI features like motion capture and subject tracking

· Battery life is a top priority

· You prefer a lighter, more balanced device

Both phones are excellent. Neither will leave you disappointed.

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The Bigger Picture: Competition in 2026

The close scores between the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and HONOR Magic 8 Pro reflect a broader trend in the smartphone industry. Differentiation is becoming harder. Sensors are maxed out. Chips are fast enough. Software is mature.

What remains is taste.

Leica fans will always prefer Xiaomi. HONOR users appreciate the polish and consistency of MagicOS. Neither is wrong.

DXOMARK still matters, but it is no longer the final word. It is one data point among many. In 2026, the best camera phone is the one you enjoy using.

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Conclusion: Setting the Record Straight

The claim that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra has defeated the HONOR Magic 8 Pro in DXOMARK rankings is incorrect. While the Xiaomi device scores slightly higher overall, it ranks behind the HONOR Magic 8 Pro in the global leaderboard.

The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is a stunning camera phone with best-in-class photo performance and significantly improved video capabilities. The HONOR Magic 8 Pro remains a top-five device with outstanding consistency and intelligent features.

There is no single winner here. There are two excellent phones, each with its own strengths, competing in the most competitive smartphone camera market in history.

For consumers, that is a very good problem to have.

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This article was written based on official DXOMARK data released in February 2026. Rankings and scores are subject to change as new devices are tested.