DXOMARK has awarded the Motorola Signature 27 an impressive camera score of 173, securing its position as the second highest-ranked smartphone camera in the organization’s evaluations.
This places it slightly ahead of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro, which scores 172, but two points behind the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, which leads the pack with a score of 175.Image: Motorola
Pre-orders in the United States will commence on November 19. For prospective buyers, the intricacies behind this score carry significant weight beyond just rank.
DXOMARK’s analysis spots a commendable 3x telephoto capability, albeit a weaker long-range zoom performance and discernible noise levels in low-light conditions.
Current DXOMARK Smartphone Camera Rankings
The following are the leading contenders in DXOMARK’s smartphone camera rankings as of November 6:
- 1. Huawei Pura 80 Ultra: 175
- 2. Motorola Signature 27: 173
- 3. Apple iPhone 18 Pro: 172
- 4. Vivo X300 Pro: 171
Notably, the original Motorola Signature released in January 2026 achieved a score of 164, highlighting a commendable 9-point improvement within this generation.
The marginal 1-point advantage over the iPhone 18 Pro, while noteworthy, should be regarded as nearly negligible. DXOMARK cautions that its rankings encompass results obtained from both versions 5 and 6 of its testing protocols.
It elaborates that these scores are not directly interchangeable, a commentary that is pertinent concerning both the iPhone’s score differential and the generational enhancement.
Positive Aspects of the Signature 27 Camera
DXOMARK appraises the overall camera performance as exceptionally balanced, showcasing commendable results for both static images and video capture.
Portrait photography emerges as a highlight, with the lab commending the authenticity of skin tones, well-managed exposure, and remarkable attention to fine detail.
The zoom function exhibits adequate performance from the periscope’s native 3x magnification to nearly 6x. Within this range, the quality of the images remains quite favorable.
Limitations of the Signature 27 Camera
Beyond this magnification range, however, the performance noticeably deteriorates. In its examination of the Signature 27 camera, DXOMARK notes:
“However, long-range zoom performance falls behind that of competing devices equipped with dedicated telephoto modules, with fine details becoming more difficult to preserve at greater distances.”
Low-light conditions represent another area of concern. DXOMARK reported visible noise in darker regions and along the borders of ultrawide shots. Additionally, movement during low-light video recording exacerbates noise visibility.
Furthermore, the lab identified several additional concerns:
- Skin tones: darker skin tones may not be rendered accurately, leading to color drift in subdued lighting
- Portrait Motion Blur: this effect appears more pronounced compared to rival devices from Vivo and Huawei
- Video Panning: noticeable frame shifts can occur
- Backlit Scenes: veiling glare can diminish contrast, leading to flat imagery
Signature 27 Camera Specifications
DXOMARK has detailed the three rear cameras integrated into the Signature 27:
- Main: 50MP, featuring a 1/1.28-inch sensor, f/1.6 aperture, and optical image stabilization (OIS)
- Ultrawide: 50MP, 12mm focal length, providing a 122-degree field of view
- Telephoto: 200MP periscope lens with 3x zoom and OIS capabilities
Pricing and Implications for Consumers
The Signature 27 is priced at $1,599.99 in the United States, with sales officially launching on November 26. For further insights, refer to our comprehensive coverage on US pricing and release timelines.
A score derived from professional testing is merely one consideration among many. Those prioritizing long-range zoom or nocturnal photography should weigh the limitations enumerated alongside the favorable score of 173.
Additionally, be sure to review Motorola’s tentative assurances regarding software updates prior to placing any pre-orders.
Source link: Androidpure.com.
