Tag: smartphone camera

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra “100 Years of Leica” Limited Edition Patina Style

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra “100 Years of Leica” Limited Edition Patina Style

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra starts at $1,220 and emphasizes camera quality through a collaboration with Leica, featuring unique software and hardware enhancements.
    2. It has a quad-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with macro capabilities, and a notable 200MP periscope telephoto camera with 4.3x optical zoom.
    3. A special limited edition celebrates Leica’s 100th anniversary, featuring unique packaging and a photo book, along with a silver phone design with gold accents.
    4. The limited edition phone includes an engraving commemorating Leica’s history and a design that reveals metal as the paint wears away.
    5. Xiaomi plans to release the special edition globally, but has not yet provided pricing or specific country details.


    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, starting at $1,220 on Amazon, stands out as one of the most captivating flagship phones with a focus on camera quality. The collaboration with Leica has brought about significant software changes, including unique Leica filters, and the two companies also worked together to enhance the camera hardware.

    Impressive Camera Features

    This device boasts an impressive quad-camera setup, which is spearheaded by a 50MP f/1.6 main camera equipped with a 1-inch sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). Additionally, Xiaomi has incorporated a 50MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, a telephoto camera with 50MP f/1.8 that features a 1/2.51-inch sensor and macro capabilities. Most remarkable is the 200MP f/2.6 periscope telephoto camera which includes a sizable 1/1.4-inch sensor and provides 4.3x optical zoom. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Leica 1, their first mass-produced 35mm camera, Xiaomi has introduced a special limited edition of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

    Special Edition Packaging

    This limited edition comes nestled in a large gift box, which also includes an exclusive “Xiaomi x Leica Humanistic Photography Series” photo book along with a 90W USB-C charger. The phone itself sports a silver back complemented by gold accents on its frame and camera module. Engraved on the golden frame is the phrase “100 Years of Leica 1925 – 2025.” Xiaomi indicates that the gray paint on the frame is designed to wear away gradually, revealing the metal beneath, harkening back to the classic black-painted Leica cameras.

    Global Release Information

    On the back, you will find both the Xiaomi logo and a special “Leica 100” logo that was created just for this milestone. Although Xiaomi has mentioned that this special edition will be available globally, they have yet to disclose the pricing and specific countries where the “100 Years of Leica” Special Edition of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be sold.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Launches Worldwide with Dual-Lens Zoom Camera

    Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Launches Worldwide with Dual-Lens Zoom Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. Revolutionary Camera System: The Pura 80 Ultra features a unique dual-lens telephoto setup with the longest true optical zoom ever on a smartphone.

    2. Sleek Design: The phone boasts a stylish aluminum body with second-generation Kunlun Glass, IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance, and improved drop protection.

    3. Stunning Display: It offers a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen with a dynamic refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz, peak brightness of 3000 nits, and support for HDR playback.

    4. Powerful Performance: Powered by an octa-core Kirin 9020 chipset, it includes 16 GB of RAM and storage options of 512 GB or 1 TB, running on EMUI 15 based on an undisclosed Android version.

    5. Impressive Battery & Charging: The phone has a 5,170 mAh battery with 100 W wired charging and 80 W wireless charging, but lacks 5G support in the global version.


    Huawei has just revealed its newest flagship phone, the Pura 80 Ultra, aimed at photography enthusiasts, for worldwide sales. Staying true to the brand’s history of exciting camera advancements, the Pura 80 Ultra introduces a revolutionary mechanical dual-lens telephoto setup.

    Sleek Design and Build

    The Pura 80 Ultra takes cues from last year’s Pura 70 series, showcasing a stylish aluminum body with second-generation Kunlun Glass on both sides. This model comes in classic black and elegant gold color options, weighing in at 234 grams, reflecting its advanced camera features. Additionally, it boasts an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, with promises of improved drop protection.

    Stunning Display Features

    It sports a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED screen with curved edges, offering a resolution of 2848 × 1276 pixels. The display adapts dynamically with a refresh rate ranging from 1 to 120 Hz, achieves peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, and supports 1.07 billion colors alongside HDR playback. There’s a 13 MP front camera with autofocus nestled in a punch-hole design right in the center.

    Powerful Performance

    Although Huawei usually keeps its flagship processors a secret, some unofficial reports suggest that the Pura 80 Ultra is driven by the octa-core Kirin 9020 chipset. It comes with 16 GB of RAM and storage choices of either 512 GB or 1 TB. The device operates on EMUI 15, which is based on an undisclosed version of Android. Meanwhile, Huawei’s HarmonyOS Next, devoid of Android features, is still limited to the Chinese market.

    Advanced Camera System

    Notably, the camera system stands out as the main attraction. The primary camera utilizes a sizable 1-inch, 50 MP RYYB sensor complete with a variable aperture (f/1.6–f/4.0), hybrid autofocus, and optical image stabilization. The ultra-wide camera is equipped with a 40 MP sensor featuring autofocus and an f/2.2 aperture, while a specialized spectral sensor guarantees accurate color capture across various scenes.

    Innovative Telephoto Features

    The highlight is the world’s first dual-lens telephoto module. Both lenses are paired with a single 50 MP 1/1.28-inch sensor. The first lens provides a 3.7x optical zoom (equivalent to 83mm, f/2.4), while the second lens achieves an extraordinary 9.4x optical zoom (equivalent to 212mm, f/3.6). Users can switch between lenses through a unique internal mechanism that employs moving prisms and mirrors, creating a distinct buzzing sound during zoom changes. This technology allows for the longest true optical zoom ever offered on a smartphone.

    Impressive Battery and Additional Features

    The global version of the Pura 80 Ultra comes with a 5,170 mAh battery (the Chinese variant has a larger 5,700 mAh battery) that supports rapid 100 W wired charging, reaching a full charge in just 30 minutes, along with 80 W wireless charging. It also includes dual stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience, an in-display fingerprint scanner for security, and Wi-Fi 6. However, unlike the Chinese version, the global one does not support 5G or satellite communication, offering only 4G LTE.

    Huawei has announced that the Pura 80 Ultra will be priced at AED5,100 in the UAE, which is around $1,400—similar to its price in China where it is already available. Details regarding the exact launch date and pricing in other international markets are yet to be confirmed.

    Source:
    Link

  • Nubia Z70S Ultra: Premium Retro Smartphone with Excellent Camera

    Nubia Z70S Ultra: Premium Retro Smartphone with Excellent Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Design and Build: Features a vintage aesthetic inspired by classic cameras, with a luxurious feel but a somewhat cheap faux leather back. Offers water and dust resistance (IP68 and IP69).

    2. Advanced Connectivity: Supports modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Sub-6, with dual nano SIM slots but lacks eSIM support. Call quality is good, though noise cancellation struggles in loud environments.

    3. Camera Performance: Strong rear triple camera setup with a new larger OmniVision sensor, excellent in various lighting conditions; front camera performance is less impressive.

    4. Display and Performance: 6.9-inch AMOLED display with high peak brightness and 144Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with good everyday performance but high temperatures during stress tests.

    5. Battery and Audio: 6,600mAh battery offers satisfactory runtimes, while the audio quality from the speakers is decent but can sound hollow at higher volumes.


    The Nubia Z70S Ultra is a premium smartphone that captures attention with its vintage aesthetic and impressive camera features. It draws inspiration from classic cameras, especially the black version paired with an optional camera kit, which may remind some users of renowned German camera brands.

    Build and Design

    The quality of the construction feels luxurious, although the faux leather design on the back gives a somewhat cheap impression, yet it feels nice when handled. Its focus on photography is highlighted by a multi-functional slider switch (like for camera use or muting) and a two-stage camera button. Moreover, the device boasts water and dust resistance with IP68 and IP69 ratings.

    Connectivity and Security

    When it comes to connectivity, the Nubia Z70S Ultra is quite modern. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and 6GHz, providing excellent transfer speeds. Mobile connectivity is impressive as well, featuring 5G Sub-6, extensive frequency support, and dual nano SIM slots. However, it does not support eSIM. Call quality is reliable, although the noise cancellation struggles in loud settings.

    Security features include a fast optical under-display fingerprint sensor. There’s also facial recognition through the under-display front camera, but it doesn’t function well in low-light scenarios. The vibration motor offers precise and satisfying feedback.

    Software and Packaging

    The Nubia Z70S Ultra operates on an Android-based interface, with the manufacturer promising three years of updates. It remains uncertain if this covers major Android upgrades. Unfortunately, the packaging lacks eco-friendly materials, as it mainly consists of plastic and is fully shrink-wrapped.

    Camera Performance

    The camera technology is one of the standout aspects of the Z70S Ultra. The front camera, which is hidden under the display, tends to produce underwhelming images, often appearing oversharpened and faded. Conversely, the rear triple camera setup is of high quality.

    The new, larger OmniVision main sensor with enhanced optical image stabilization performs admirably in both bright and dim lighting. The digital zoom is acceptable, and the ultrawide lens captures mostly excellent images, although the edges may lack sharpness.

    Video Capabilities

    Video recording capabilities include 8K at 30 frames per second or 4K at up to 120 frames per second. Image stabilization is available up to 4K60, ensuring smooth video footage.

    Display and Performance

    The 6.9-inch AMOLED display achieves a peak HDR brightness of 1,869 nits and supports a refresh rate of 144Hz. However, it is not an LTPO panel, meaning the rate can only be lowered to 60Hz. Thanks to a high PWM dimming frequency of up to 2160 Hz, the screen largely avoids flickering, making it suitable for sensitive users.

    The Nubia phone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM. In everyday use, its performance is good, but the Nubia Z70S Ultra falls short in benchmark tests, likely due to high temperatures. During stress tests, we recorded surface temperatures reaching 54 °C. On the bright side, there was no condensation in the camera, unlike earlier models.

    Battery Life and Audio

    The robust 6,600mAh battery delivers satisfactory runtimes, but we anticipated slightly better performance given its size. The speakers offer decent audio quality, though they can sound a bit hollow at higher volumes.

    Conclusion

    The Nubia Z70S Ultra appeals to those who appreciate a unique design, solid camera performance, and modern connectivity options. However, the smartphone does have some drawbacks concerning thermal management and performance. It also does not support eSIM and lacks visible sustainability efforts. Still, for photography lovers, it remains an intriguing device with a wide range of features.

    Source:
    Link

  • Pura 80 Ultra: Huawei’s Zoom Camera Teaser Inspired by P30 Pro

    Pura 80 Ultra: Huawei’s Zoom Camera Teaser Inspired by P30 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. Huawei’s smartphone camera technology gained prominence starting with the P9 in 2016, challenging major competitors like Samsung.
    2. The P30 Pro introduced key innovations, such as exceptional night mode, RYYB sensor technology, and a pioneering periscope telephoto camera.
    3. The upcoming Pura 80 launch promises advanced features, including a sneak peek at the new XImage camera system with a variable aperture.
    4. Enhanced zoom capabilities in the Pura 80 series aim to redefine standards, particularly in low-light conditions.
    5. The Pura 80 Ultra may include a switchable telephoto lens and a 24mm main camera with a variable aperture, while 3D facial recognition will not be included in 2025.


    Huawei’s journey to the forefront of smartphone camera technology started in 2016 with the launch of the Huawei P9. This marked the beginning of a competitive era, as the brand gained immense popularity and posed a real challenge to Samsung with the introduction of the P30 and P30 Pro. The P30 Pro, in particular, was notable for its exceptional night mode, Huawei’s signature RYYB sensor technology, and one of the first effective periscope telephoto cameras, which has since become the benchmark in high-end smartphones.

    Upcoming Launch of the Pura 80

    In anticipation of the Pura 80 launch event happening next week, Huawei is highlighting these achievements with a video on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The video will conclude with a sneak peek of the new XImage camera system featured in the Pura 80 series. This system is expected to include a variable aperture and, although not yet confirmed, may showcase Huawei’s first 1-inch sensor alongside a dual-focus periscope telephoto lens.

    Enhanced Zoom Capabilities

    A major highlight of the Pura 80 series is the zoom camera, as evidenced in the second teaser video released from China. The ability to zoom in on distant subjects, particularly in low-light environments like concert halls, is a feature many brands boast about. Huawei is poised to potentially redefine standards in this area with the Pura 80 Ultra, as suggested by the promotional video. Digital Chat Station has also recently mentioned the “switchable telephoto lens” of the Pura 80 Ultra on Weibo. Another post indicates that the Pro model will feature a 24mm main camera with a variable aperture and an 89mm (or 3.7x) telephoto lens, though it appears that Huawei will skip 3D facial recognition in 2025.

    Source:
    Link

  • Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Launch Date Revealed in Latest Leak

    Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Launch Date Revealed in Latest Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pura 80 Ultra is designed to compete strongly in the smartphone market, particularly with its standout camera design.
    2. The camera features a first-gen SmartSens SC5A0CS 1-inch sensor, promising significant improvements in videography and photography.
    3. Huawei is likely developing the camera technology in-house, with a potential upgrade of the color temperature sensor to 2MP.
    4. Pre-orders for the Pura 80 series are expected to start after the Dragon Boat Festival, which runs from May 31 to June 2, 2025.
    5. The official launch of the Pura 80 Ultra and its variants is anticipated to occur after the festival, possibly in July 2025.


    The Pura 80 Ultra is said to be ready to take over the smartphone market, especially with its camera design expected to stand out on its back panel, as reported by the usually trustworthy leaker, Fixed Focus Digital.

    Impressive Camera Features

    The capabilities of the Ultra’s camera are described as “intimidating” by the source, and this could be linked to its upgrade featuring the first-gen SmartSens SC5A0CS 1-inch sensor. This enhancement is anticipated to significantly improve both videography and photography.

    In-House Innovations

    It is believed that Huawei has developed the camera in-house, and there are hints about a possible upgrade for the color temperature sensor to 2MP, compared to 1.6MP in the previous Pura 70 Ultra version, despite earlier rumors suggesting a 5MP upgrade.

    Pre-Order and Release Timeline

    Fixed Focus Digital also claims that Huawei will likely start accepting pre-orders for the Pura 80 series after the upcoming public holiday in China, which is the Dragon Boat Festival. This festival begins today, May 31, 2025, and goes on until June 2.

    The Pura 80 Ultra and its variants are expected to be officially launched following this period, although the exact release date might not occur until July 2025.

    Source:
    Link

     

  • Nubia Z70S Ultra: Launch of 35mm Camera with Unique Accessory

    Nubia Z70S Ultra: Launch of 35mm Camera with Unique Accessory

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nubia launched the Z70S Ultra, succeeding the Z70 Ultra, featuring a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
    2. The Z70S Ultra retains the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 80 W wired charging, and IP69 water and dust resistance, with an increased battery capacity of 6,600 mAh.
    3. Camera upgrades include a 50 MP primary camera, a 64 MP telephoto camera, and a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, with improved light capture from the front camera.
    4. The Z70S Ultra offers an optional photography kit for additional lenses and filters, enhancing photography capabilities.
    5. Pricing for the Z70S Ultra starts at approximately $562 in China, with higher configurations available, but global availability details are not yet announced.


    Vivo has just launched the X200 Ultra, which features a 35 mm main camera and an innovative zoom lens accessory for photography. In response, Nubia has unveiled the Z70S Ultra, succeeding the Z70 Ultra from last November (currently priced at $769 on Amazon).

    Display and Design

    The Z70S Ultra retains the design of its predecessor, boasting a 6.85-inch AMOLED display and an under-panel front camera. Nubia claims this large screen still delivers a resolution of 2,688 x 1,216 pixels, with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and peak brightness reaching 2,000 nits. However, Nubia has made a switch from Longxi Glass Gen 2 to Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for better protection.

    Hardware Specifications

    Continuing with last year’s model, the Z70S Ultra retains the Snapdragon 8 Elite (SM8750-AB) processor and 80 W wired charging. The device is also certified to IP69 for water and dust resistance. The Z70S Ultra matches its predecessor’s specs with up to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage.

    The device boasts a slight increase in battery capacity, now at 6,600 mAh, yet the weight remains unchanged at 228 g. The key differences between the two models lie in the camera upgrades. For instance, the aperture change from f/2.5 to f/2.0 enables the 16 MP front camera to capture more light in the Z70S Ultra compared to the Z70 Ultra.

    Camera Capabilities

    The Z70S Ultra features a 50 MP primary camera with a 35 mm equivalent focal length and a 1/1.3-inch optical format. It also includes a 64 MP telephoto camera with an f/2.48 aperture and a 1/2-inch optical format, along with a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera that supports macro shots. Notably, Nubia offers an optional photography kit that accommodates 67 mm filters and clip-on lenses of 135 mm or 400 mm.

    The Nubia Z70S Ultra starts at CNY 4,099 (~$562) in China for the model with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. In contrast, the version with 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage is priced at CNY 6,299 (~$863), and the photography kit costs an additional CNY 899 (~$123). There has been no announcement yet from Nubia regarding the global availability of the Z70S Ultra.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Vivo X200 Ultra Teardown: Detailed Look at Zeiss Triple-Camera

    Vivo X200 Ultra Teardown: Detailed Look at Zeiss Triple-Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Vivo X200 Ultra features a large camera bump that provides a comfortable grip for users.
    2. The smartphone has a powerful 6,000mAh battery that charges from 1% to 100% in just 48 minutes at 72.7 watts.
    3. It boasts a high-quality display with 2160Hz dimming and brightness up to 1,700 nits.
    4. The camera system includes three sensors and a teleconverter that allows an 85mm lens to function as a 200mm zoom lens.
    5. Accessories like the camera grip and teleconverter are currently unavailable for import, despite the phone’s impressive capabilities.


    The close to 17-minute video in Chinese begins with the idea that the large camera bump of the Vivo X200 Ultra has at least one benefit; it gives ample space for the index finger to comfortably rest when holding the otherwise quite slim 35mm camera flagship. For those who do not speak Chinese, the automatically generated subtitles on YouTube provide key information about the phone’s internals.

    Key Features and Performance

    While Vivo’s latest smartphone emphasizes three camera sensors of similar size, users can also expect high-end quality in other aspects. That’s what the teardown specialist concludes, who also shares a few test outcomes at the end of the video. For instance, the 6,000mAh battery can charge at a rate of up to 72.7 watts, allowing it to go from 1 to 100 percent in just 48 minutes with its silicon-carbon battery. The BOE display features 2160Hz dimming and can reach up to 1,700 nits in bright light conditions. The tester highlights the camera grip and teleconverter in his demonstration, which transforms the 85mm telephoto lens into a 200mm zoom camera, ideal for concerts and similar events. Unfortunately, these two accessories are currently unavailable for import, unlike the Vivo X200 Ultra itself.

    Conclusion

    Overall, this video provides great insights into the Vivo X200 Ultra, enhancing understanding for viewers who may not be familiar with the device. With its exceptional camera capabilities and impressive specs, it’s clear that Vivo is striving to deliver a top-tier smartphone experience.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Vivo X200 Ultra: A Phone That Comes Closest to a Real Camera

    Vivo X200 Ultra: A Phone That Comes Closest to a Real Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. Groundbreaking Camera Design: Vivo X200 Ultra features a unique camera system that mimics professional mirrorless cameras with a prime lens trio strategy, including 14mm ultra-wide, 35mm standard, and 85mm telephoto lenses.

    2. Collaboration with Zeiss: The device showcases advanced optical engineering through a partnership with Zeiss, incorporating large sensors, floating lens elements, and specialized imaging hardware for superior image quality.

    3. Exceptional Telephoto Capabilities: The 85mm Zeiss APO telephoto lens offers true optical zoom with a 200MP sensor and an optional 2.35x telephoto extender, enhancing versatility and image sharpness.

    4. Advanced Imaging Technology: Dual custom imaging chips manage pre- and post-processing tasks, enabling high-quality video features like 4K 60fps and 4K 120fps slow motion.

    5. Photographer-Centric Design: The X200 Ultra includes an optional photographer’s kit with ergonomic grips and additional battery life, catering to both amateur and professional photographers.


    In a time when upgrades to smartphone cameras feel minor, Vivo’s X200 Ultra makes a daring advancement. The company describes it as a “mirrorless camera that can make calls,” pushing the boundaries of typical computational photography methods.

    Optical Innovations with Zeiss Partnership

    The device showcases true optical engineering achievements in collaboration with Zeiss, combining large sensors, floating lens elements, and periscope modules along with specially designed imaging hardware. So, what sets the camera system of the X200 Ultra apart?

    Professional Lens Configuration

    Unlike typical smartphones that depend on hybrid zoom or flashy macro sensors, the Vivo X200 Ultra adopts a prime lens trio strategy akin to professional mirrorless cameras. Each rear camera serves a specific focal length with its own optical setup.

    The system includes a 14mm ultra-wide angle lens, a 35mm standard lens, and an 85mm Zeiss APO Super Telephoto Lens II. These are not merely focal lengths attached to small sensors; they are complete optical systems with large apertures, custom coatings, and stabilization technology.

    The 14mm ultra-wide lens works with a 1/1.28-inch Sony LYT-818 sensor and an f/2.0 aperture, delivering an impressive 181% increase in light capture compared to the previous model. It features OIS with a stabilization angle of 1.95 degrees, along with a frame-by-frame active recentering algorithm, which simulates a miniaturized gimbal setup.

    The 35mm lens also employs the same LYT-818 sensor and an f/1.7 aperture, making it perfect for portrait and street photography. Vivo has enhanced its GLC 2.0 coating to minimize reflections and ghosting, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting situations such as backlit portraits or urban lights.

    Advanced Telephoto Capabilities

    The 85mm periscope telephoto lens is a remarkable highlight. This 200MP Zeiss APO unit features a distinct floating lens design and ultra-light prism architecture co-developed with Samsung. The HP9 sensor boasts the highest light intake in its category. OIS stabilization has been raised to CIPA 5.0 standards, commonly found in mirrorless cameras.

    One of its standout features is Vivo’s optional 2.35x Zeiss telephoto extender. Attaching it to the 85mm lens turns the setup into a full 200mm f/2.3 long-focus lens. This is true optical, not digital, zoom, made feasible by a sophisticated lens structure inspired by Kepler, consisting of 13 high-transmittance glass components. This ensures a level of versatility and optical sharpness seldom seen in mobile photography.

    Enhanced Image Processing and Video Features

    To support its demanding optical performance, Vivo has included dual custom imaging chips. The VS1 chip manages pre-processing tasks like noise reduction and exposure adjustment before sending the data to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The V3+ chip focuses on post-processing and enables features like 4K 60fps 10-bit Log, 4K 120fps slow motion, and 4K time-lapse. This division of responsibilities allows for high-quality image rendering without overloading the primary SoC.

    Designed for Photographers

    What further distinguishes the X200 Ultra is its optional photographer’s kit, which includes a hardware grip featuring zoom and shutter controls, a 2300mAh battery for longer shooting sessions, and a 67mm filter thread. This is a considerate nod to traditional mirrorless ergonomics, transforming the phone into a modular photography tool that appeals to both hobbyists and professional users.

    Aspirations in Camera Technology

    Vivo aims to position the X200 Ultra as a device that competes not only with other flagship smartphones but also with mirrorless systems. While the average user may not switch lenses or utilize 10-bit Log, Vivo is asserting its vision of what smartphone cameras could evolve into.

    Where most brands enhance HDR or increase megapixels, Vivo has developed optical systems, created dual imaging chips, and built a lens ecosystem tailored for mobile use. For those passionate about photography, this represents a significant shift in the landscape.


  • Vivo X200 Ultra: A 35mm Flagship DSLR Alternative in Teasers

    Vivo X200 Ultra: A 35mm Flagship DSLR Alternative in Teasers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo is launching the Vivo X200 Ultra next week after a strong teaser campaign on Chinese social media.
    2. The company has revealed over six images of the X200 Ultra, showcasing its three color options and unique textured back panels.
    3. The camera module on the X200 Ultra is significantly larger than competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    4. Vivo shared new camera samples and a video, promoting the X200 Ultra’s capabilities for capturing portrait images at various focal lengths.
    5. The promotional material positions the X200 Ultra as a potential alternative to traditional DSLR cameras.


    Vivo is set to launch the Vivo X200 Ultra next week after an extensive teaser campaign on Chinese social platforms. Just earlier this week, the company revealed numerous camera samples while highlighting the main camera features a few days ago. However, Vivo is still keeping the excitement alive with more teasers.

    New Photos Released

    This time around, they have released more than six images of the X200 Ultra itself. The images showcase the device in its three colors at launch, each featuring unique textured back panels. The pictures also highlight the impressive size of the camera module on the X200 Ultra, which easily surpasses competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,054.99 on Amazon).

    Camera Samples and Video

    Vivo has also shared a plethora of new camera samples, accompanied by another promotional video. After previously posting a similar number of landscape images, the company now asserts that the X200 Ultra is perfect for capturing portrait images, no matter the focal length used.

    To back this claim, Vivo released photographs taken at 35 mm, 50 mm, and 85 mm equivalent focal lengths. Additionally, another set of images suggests that Vivo sees the X200 Ultra as a viable alternative to traditional DSLR cameras. The latest promotional video reinforces this message, which we have included below.

    Source:
    Link

  • Vivo X200 Ultra Camera Features Custom Parts and Bold Claims

    Vivo X200 Ultra Camera Features Custom Parts and Bold Claims

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Vivo X200 Ultra features a 35mm primary camera with a Sony LYT-818 sensor and Zeiss T-coated lens, known for its advanced optical stabilization and low light reflection.
    2. It includes a customized ultra-wide camera with significant light intake and faster shutter speed, also utilizing the Sony LYT-818 sensor.
    3. The telephoto lens boasts a 200MP Samsung HP9 sensor, offering improved light performance and stability, and is the first APO-grade configuration in a mobile device.
    4. The new VS1 chip powers the camera system, enabling advanced AI processing for portrait photography, real-time bokeh rendering, and HDR processing.
    5. Low-light photography capabilities feature multiple modes for night shots, enhanced by extensive scene recognition models trained on over 80 million samples.


    The Vivo X200 Ultra represents a significant step forward in camera phone technology. An executive from the company even referred to it as “a pocket camera that can make calls.” Vivo has been gradually revealing the phone’s imaging capabilities over recent weeks, but today, it shared the complete specifications through a series of posts on its official Weibo account. There’s much to explore, so here’s a concise overview of the key features.

    Camera Features of the Vivo X200 Ultra

    The core of the X200 Ultra’s camera setup features a new 35mm primary camera utilizing the Sony LYT-818 sensor. This is a 1/1.28” sensor combined with a Zeiss T-coated lens, which is notably the first in the world to use GLC 2.0 ultra-low dispersion glass. The lens benefits from optical stabilization, featuring CIPA 5.0-level OIS. Additionally, Vivo is showcasing its third-generation VCS bionic spectral imaging technology here, with the lens achieving sub-0.1% visible light reflection thanks to enhanced anti-glare coatings.

    Advanced Imaging Technology

    The ultra-wide camera maintains a high-quality sensor strategy, also utilizing the Sony LYT-818, but this one has been specially customized in collaboration with Zeiss. This 14mm “Hawk Eye” lens promises an impressive 181% increase in light intake and a 216% faster shutter speed than its earlier model. It comes equipped with dual-axis optical image stabilization.

    Next is the 85mm telephoto lens, which features a 200MP Samsung HP9 sensor and is touted by Vivo as the first APO-grade telephoto configuration in a mobile device. It has a six-element design that enhances clarity and includes 5.0-level OIS. Vivo claims this new module offers 38% improved light performance and 41% more stable results compared to its predecessor.

    Innovative Processing Power

    Supporting this entire camera system is the new VS1 chip, which is Vivo’s first AI ISP (image signal processor) boasting 80 TOPS of computing power and outstanding energy efficiency at 16 TOPS/W. This chip is designed to manage tasks such as real-time bokeh rendering, HDR processing, and complex multi-frame image stacking.

    Portrait photography is a key feature of the X200 Ultra. It can capture images from 24mm to 100mm, enhanced by AI-driven skin rendering, lighting adjustments, and million-level 3D ray tracing for bokeh effects. There is also a unique “Humanistic Street Photography” mode that emphasizes quick-launch capabilities, 35mm framing, and a film-like visual style.

    The X200 Ultra can record 4K portrait videos across all focal lengths, optimizing skin tones through the HSV algorithm, and boasts nearly zero shutter delay owing to the new VS1 chip.

    Low-Light Photography Options

    Low-light photography is given equal attention. Users can take shots ranging from (14mm) ultra-wide to long-range telephoto at night. A variety of modes such as Supermoon, Zeiss Micro Bokeh, and Starry Sky are available to capture intricate details of the night sky.

    For scene recognition and visual quality, Vivo claims to utilize models trained on over 80 million samples, which includes large-scale image sets and data-engineered photo simulations.

    The Vivo X200 Ultra is scheduled for an official launch on April 21st.

    Source:
    Link