Global smartphone brand TECNO has partnered with imaging authority DXOMARK to launch the world’s first fully automated smartphone imaging lab in Chongqing, China. The new lab is built entirely on DXOMARK’s sixth-generation Smartphone Camera Evaluation Protocol. This milestone aims to drive innovation, accuracy, and inclusivity in mobile photography. 

Inside the Lab: Features and Technology

The imaging lab is designed with advanced robotic systems that allow testing without human involvement. Robotic arms control device positioning, angles, and movement, while motorized sliders and gimbals simulate real shooting conditions. This ensures consistency and eliminates errors caused by manual testing.

Lighting plays a key role in camera evaluation, and the lab is equipped with professional lighting arrays that replicate diverse conditions such as bright sunlight, indoor light, and golden hour. Testing also involves comprehensive scenarios like color charts, texture plates, and multi-tone calibration targets to evaluate color accuracy, detail, and noise performance. To ensure inclusivity, the lab also uses human models with different global skin tones.

Another highlight is video stabilization testing. Devices are placed on robotic platforms that apply uniform vibration, allowing engineers to measure stabilization consistently and reliably.

Breakthroughs in Imaging Testing

The lab introduces three breakthroughs. First, full automation allows robotic workflows to manage positioning, lighting, scene switching, and image capture with micron-level precision. This speeds up research and development cycles.

Second, inclusive testing ensures that skin tones are represented naturally across global markets. Six realistic head models and special calibration charts help deliver flattering and accurate results for all users.

Third, the lab enables region-specific customization. For example, cameras can be tuned for authentic skin tones in Africa and for bright, clear exposure in Southeast Asia. This means smartphones can be optimized for different user preferences.

Industry Insights and User Impact

TECNO and DXOMARK explained that automation brings faster and more reliable testing, reducing setup times from hours to minutes. The partnership combines DXOMARK’s global standards with local input, creating devices that work well in real-world conditions.

For users, this means better camera performance in all types of lighting, improved HDR, faster autofocus, and more accurate skin tones. Testing is informed by real-world surveys to reflect what users actually want. The companies also revealed that the TECNO CAMON 40 Pro recently received the DXOMARK Smart Choice Award 2025, ranking as the best-scoring smartphone camera under $600.

DXOMARK’s Expertise and Future Roadmap

With over 25 years of imaging expertise, DXOMARK provides the testing foundation through its Camera V6 protocol. This protocol focuses on real-world scenarios such as portraits, low light, zoom, HDR, and video. DXOMARK is also the first in the industry to fully support HDR photo and video testing.

TECNO and DXOMARK plan to develop AI-enhanced imaging algorithms, next-generation evaluation methods, and perceptual metrics that go beyond lab conditions. The roadmap also includes promoting transparency and open standards for the global imaging industry.