Global AI-driven technology brand TECNO, in partnership with DXOMARK, the internationally recognized authority in imaging testing, today announced the official opening of their joint imaging laboratory in Chongqing. This state-of-the-art facility is the world’s first fully automated imaging lab built entirely around DXOMARK’s sixth-generation Smartphone Camera Evaluation Protocol, designed to drive innovation, precision, and inclusivity in smartphone photography.
The inauguration ceremony brought together key executives from both companies and media representatives to witness a new chapter in imaging technology collaboration. The lab represents a significant milestone in TECNO’s commitment to delivering exceptional image quality tailored to diverse global users.
Inside the Lab: A Fully Automated Imaging Wonderland
During the media tour following the ceremony, journalists were granted exclusive access to the revolutionary testing facility. The laboratory represents a leap forward in imaging evaluation technology:
Complete Robotic Automation
The lab operates with zero human intervention in the testing process. Precision robotic arms smoothly handle device positioning and angle adjustment, while motorized sliders and gimbals simulate every possible shooting scenario—from handheld motion to tripod-stable conditions. This eliminates human variability and ensures perfectly consistent test conditions.
Advanced Lighting Systems
Flanking both sides of the testing area are professional-grade lighting arrays capable of replicating everything from bright sunlight to subtle indoor illumination. These systems can simulate the full spectrum of natural lighting conditions, from the harsh midday sun to the golden hour glow, allowing TECNO to optimize camera performance for any lighting environment users might encounter.
Comprehensive Testing Scenarios
The lab features an extensive collection of test charts and human models that cover every aspect of image quality evaluation. Dozens of specialized color charts, texture plates, and multi-tone calibration targets enable precise measurement of color accuracy, detail preservation, and noise performance. The collection of realistic human head models spanning the full range of global skin tones ensures that TECNO devices deliver natural and flattering results for all users.
Video Stabilization Simulation
Beyond photography, videography is a crucial part of a mobile camera system. Behind the robotic arm in the lab is a platform that provides sustained vibration, capable of shaking every phone with the same amplitude. Compared to manual testing, this approach saves significant time and, more importantly, ensures perfect consistency and repeatability across all tests.
Three Breakthroughs: Automation, Inclusion, and Customization
1. Full Automation for Unmatched Precision
The lab eliminates human error and variability through fully automated workflows. Robotic systems handle device positioning, lighting control, scene switching, and image capture with micron-level precision. This allows TECNO to execute thousands of test cases consistently and rapidly, significantly accelerating R&D cycles.
2. Inclusive Testing for Global Users
To address the diverse skin tones and cultural preferences of users across over 70 markets, the lab features six realistic human head models spanning a wide range of skin tones, complemented by multi-tone calibration charts. This ensures that TECNO devices deliver accurate, flattering, and natural-looking skin tones for everyone.
3. Region-Specific Customization
The lab enables hyper-localized tuning based on regional preferences. For example:
- In African markets, users prefer authentic skin tone reproduction.
- In Southeast Asia, clarity and bright exposure are prioritized.
TECNO can now generate customized evaluation reports per region, ensuring each device meets local expectations.
Q&A Highlights: Addressing Key Industry Questions
Q: What are the main advantages of a fully automated lab compared to manual testing?
A: Beyond efficiency gains, automation ensures perfect consistency and repeatability over time. Complex test setups that previously took hours to configure manually can now be completed in minutes with robotic precision. This eliminates technician dependency and ensures testing standards remain unchanged for years.
Q: Why did TECNO choose to partner with DXOMARK instead of local studios?
A: While we work with local studios for regional style preferences, DXOMARK provides scientific fundamentals, global standards, and transparent evaluation systems that help us build truly world-class products. Their scoring systems and software tools bring tangible benefits to our product development process.
Q: How will end-users perceive these technical improvements?
A: Users will experience more stable performance across all lighting conditions, more accurate skin tones, faster autofocus, and better HDR processing. Our testing methodology is based on real user preferences—for example, color scoring is calibrated through global user surveys to ensure we deliver what people actually want to see.
Q: Which test scenarios received the most investment?
A: The “All in One Portrait” setup is our most complex and important configuration, simulating real-world person photography. It uses AI-trained models based on millions of images to evaluate facial detail preservation, exposure, HDR, noise, and timing. Additionally, the DMC chart setup with realistic objects allows us to measure texture noise and color accuracy in unprecedented ways.
Q: Does TECNO aim to top DXOMARK rankings?
A: While we’re proud that our TECNO CAMON 40 Pro previously achieved top scores under $600 and received the DXOMARK 2025 Smart Choice Label Award, our focus remains on delivering stable, reliable camera experiences that exceed user expectations in daily life. We’re committed to breaking technical limitations rather than chasing scores.
DXOMARK’s Role: Science-Driven Innovation
DXOMARK brings over 25 years of imaging expertise, scientific rigor, and global benchmarking standards to the partnership. The Camera V6 protocol—a comprehensive revision focused on real-world usage—forms the foundation of the lab’s testing methodology.
“We are not just measuring performance; we are defining what excellence looks like,” said the Scientific Director of DXOMARK. “Our tools and metrics are designed to reflect how people actually use their cameras—in portraits, low light, zoom, video, and HDR scenarios.”
The lab also fully supports HDR photo and video evaluation, a first in the industry, ensuring TECNO devices are future-ready for next-generation imaging formats.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Future Roadmap
The joint lab is just the beginning of a long-term partnership between TECNO and DXOMARK. Both companies plan to:
- Explore AI-enhanced image quality algorithms.
- Develop next-generation evaluation methods.
- Introduce real-world perceptual metrics beyond traditional lab tests.
- Promote transparency and open standards in the imaging industry.
About TECNO
TECNO is an AI-driven, innovative technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence.
About DXOMARK
DXOMARK is a French independent engineering company that has been a global leader in objective and scientific testing of cameras, displays, and audio systems for over two decades. Its benchmarks are trusted by manufacturers and consumers worldwide.
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