Tecno, a global smartphone manufacturer, has partnered with imaging reference company DXOMark to launch the world’s first fully automated smartphone photography testing laboratory. The new facility, located in Chongqing, China, is named the Tecno DXOMark Joint Imaging Laboratory and is designed to provide precise, scientific evaluations of smartphone camera performance.
The lab’s primary goal is to standardise smartphone camera testing, allowing manufacturers and consumers better to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different devices. It uses the recently introduced DXOMark Camera V6 testing protocol, which debuted in July 2025, to deliver more detailed and consistent assessments than previous versions. This latest protocol introduces new evaluation scenes, refined methodologies, and a clearer scoring system. Key improvements include a more reliable HDR performance test that now covers night photography, an expanded portrait testing library with an additional 50 scenarios, and advanced video analysis that simulates human movement during recording.
Advanced automation and AI-driven precision
The Tecno DXOMark Joint Imaging Laboratory stands out for its full automation capabilities, which enable testing without any human intervention. Its equipment is designed for micron-level accuracy in camera positioning, ensuring consistent results for every evaluation. The facility also utilises an AI-controlled environmental simulation system that can replicate a variety of lighting and shooting conditions, thereby eliminating variability caused by human-operated tests.
This high level of automation helps to eliminate human error and guarantees a fair comparison between different smartphone models. The combination of AI-driven simulation and mechanical precision allows manufacturers to rely on objective, repeatable data when refining their camera technology.
Inclusive imaging with global skin tone representation
One of the laboratory’s most significant innovations is its emphasis on inclusive imaging evaluation. Alongside traditional 2D colour charts, the lab utilises six detailed 3D head models that represent a wide range of global skin tones. This approach enables highly accurate colour science and calibration, ensuring that cameras are optimised for all complexions rather than favouring a narrow range of tones.
By incorporating this diversity into testing, the laboratory provides a more representative evaluation of how smartphone cameras perform for users worldwide. This is particularly important for markets where accurate exposure and colour rendering for darker skin tones have historically been overlooked. Tecno’s inclusion of these advanced calibration tools highlights its commitment to producing camera systems that deliver consistent results for all users.
The Tecno DXOMark Joint Imaging Laboratory marks a major step forward in smartphone photography testing, setting a new standard for precision, inclusivity, and innovation in the mobile imaging industry.
