Tag: telephoto camera

  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra Camera Upgrades for Ultra Premium Edition Leaked

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra Camera Upgrades for Ultra Premium Edition Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max in China, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
    2. There are rumors about the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra, potentially debuting before the end of the year with an ‘Ultra Premium Edition’ chipset.
    3. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to provide a ‘physical zoom experience’ with advanced camera technologies, including Samsung’s ISOCELL telephoto cameras.
    4. The new OmniVision OVX10500U main camera will enhance the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s periscope telephoto capabilities for lossless zoom.
    5. Xiaomi may launch the 17 Ultra in China before Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, possibly delaying the international release until after the Galaxy S26 series launch.


    Xiaomi has just launched the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max in China. These devices are powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. While there is no confirmed date for a global release, rumors are swirling about the potential final addition to the Xiaomi 17 series.

    Anticipating the Xiaomi 17 Ultra

    There are talks of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra possibly making its debut before the year’s end. According to Digital Chat Station, this model might feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ‘Ultra Premium Edition’ chipset instead of the standard version, which is also being used in devices like the OnePlus 15, iQOO 15, Redmi K90 Pro Max, and Realme GT 8 Pro. However, it’s possible that some details could have been misinterpreted at this point.

    Camera Innovations

    Additionally, the leaker has reaffirmed previous speculations that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will offer a ‘physical zoom experience.’ This comes despite earlier hints suggesting that Xiaomi is equipping the phone with Samsung’s ISOCELL JN5 (S5KJN5) and ISOCELL HPE (S5KHPE) telephoto cameras. The latter is expected to provide tele macro and lossless zoom across various focal lengths, boasting a native 200 MP output.

    Digital Chat Station also believes that the new OmniVision OVX10500U main camera will work well with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s periscope telephoto camera, enabling ‘lossless focal lengths.’ Xiaomi is predicted to roll out the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China before Samsung gets a chance to unveil the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which currently retails for $949 on Amazon. Historically, there’s a strong likelihood that Xiaomi might wait until after Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series global launch before making the Xiaomi 17 Ultra available internationally.

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  • Honor Magic V5 vs Oppo Find N5 & Vivo X Fold5: Camera Samples

    Honor Magic V5 vs Oppo Find N5 & Vivo X Fold5: Camera Samples

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Honor Magic V5 is set to launch on July 2 and aims to be the lightest foldable phone globally.
    2. The device features a 64 MP telephoto camera, expected to outperform those in the Oppo Find N5 and Vivo X Fold5.
    3. The Magic V5’s telephoto camera has a wider aperture of f/2.5, an improvement from the Magic V3’s f/3.0.
    4. The optical zoom on the Magic V5 is reduced from 3.5x to 3x compared to previous models.
    5. Honor is focusing its marketing on competing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7.


    We are nearing the official release of Honor’s latest foldable device. Coming in just under a year after the Magic V3, which is currently priced at $1,550 on Amazon, the Magic V5 is expected to take over as the lightest foldable phone in the world, beating the Vivo X Fold5. Additionally, the new Magic V will be sleeker than the Oppo Find N5, even though Honor is currently focusing its marketing efforts on Samsung and the Galaxy Z Fold7.

    Exciting Developments Ahead

    The Magic V5 is set to launch on July 2, and Honor has been actively sharing updates about the device on Chinese social media platforms. Recently, the company revealed several sample images taken with the Magic V5’s telephoto lens. As teased last week, this telephoto camera is anticipated to outshine those found in the Find N5 and X Fold5, boasting an impressive 64 MP native output.

    Camera Features Unveiled

    Honor’s showcased photos demonstrate that the telephoto camera on the new model has a wider aperture compared to those on the Find N5 and X Fold5. To give some perspective, those earlier models have telephoto cameras with f/2.7 and f/2.6 apertures. In comparison, the Magic V5 is set to debut with an f/2.5 telephoto camera, an improvement from the f/3.0 aperture seen in the Magic V3. However, this year’s model seems to reduce the optical zoom from 3.5x to 3x. Furthermore, it looks like the Magic V5 will provide a 23 mm equivalent focal length for its main camera.

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  • Honor Magic V5 Beats Oppo Find N5 and Vivo X Fold5 with 64MP Camera

    Honor Magic V5 Beats Oppo Find N5 and Vivo X Fold5 with 64MP Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Vivo X Fold5 is now available for order in China and through global importers, featuring updates from last year’s models.
    2. The upcoming Honor Magic V5 is set to launch on July 2, potentially overshadowing the X Fold5.
    3. The X Fold5 has a superior telephoto camera with a larger sensor (1/1.95-inches) and wider aperture (f/2.6) compared to the Oppo Find N5.
    4. The Honor Magic V5 will feature a powerful 64 MP periscope camera with tele-macro photography capabilities.
    5. Both the X Fold5 and Honor Magic V5 include optical image stabilization (OIS) in their camera systems.


    The Vivo X Fold5 is now here and can be ordered either from China or through global importers. This new model brings some interesting updates compared to last year’s X Fold3 and X Fold3 Pro. However, keep in mind that it will soon be overshadowed by the Honor Magic V5, which is set to launch on July 2 as the newest book-style foldable phone.

    Camera Comparisons

    Honor has also disclosed that the Magic V5 will have a better telephoto camera than its competitors. To put things into perspective, the Oppo Find N5 and the X Fold5 both feature 50 MP telephoto cameras. However, the X Fold5’s camera has a larger sensor size of 1/1.95-inches compared to the Find N5’s smaller 1/2.75-inches. Furthermore, the X Fold5 offers a wider aperture at f/2.6, while the Find N5’s is slightly narrower at f/2.7.

    Upcoming Features

    Next week, the Magic V5 will make its debut, equipped with a powerful 64 MP periscope camera that also enables tele-macro photography. This new camera matches the megapixel count of the X Fold3 Pro and incorporates optical image stabilization (OIS) just like its competitors. Unfortunately, further specifics about Honor’s new telephoto camera are not available at this time.

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  • Nothing Phone 3: Telephoto Camera Samples Underwhelm

    Nothing Phone 3: Telephoto Camera Samples Underwhelm

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nothing has revealed the telephoto camera design of the Phone (3), set to launch on July 1, without a camera bump for all lenses.
    2. Sample images from the telephoto camera show close-up capabilities but display overly aggressive HDR processing leading to low contrast.
    3. Additional sample images from the wide-angle camera also exhibit low contrast and overly warm colors.
    4. The Nothing Phone (3) will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip and a 5,150mAh battery, with a starting price around €799.
    5. The smartphone will include a unique Glyph Matrix display on the back, alongside rumored specifications like a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and three 50MP rear cameras.


    Nothing has shared a new teaser image that reveals the telephoto camera of the Phone (3) for the very first time. This flagship device is set to be launched on Tuesday, July 1. In a unique design choice, the new camera module is positioned right in the corner of the smartphone. Unlike the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, which starts at $560 on Amazon, the company decided against a camera bump that includes all three lenses on the back.

    Sample Photos Showcase Telephoto Capabilities

    Additionally, Nothing has released a collection of sample images. Four of these pictures are likely meant to highlight the close-up features of the new telephoto camera. Because these images seem to be lit professionally, they don’t provide much information about the actual quality of the camera. However, it appears that Nothing’s HDR processing is overly aggressive, leading to a decrease in contrast. Shadows appear to be quite bright, while highlights are too muted, giving the images a somewhat unnatural look.

    Wide-Angle Camera Samples Released

    Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, has also shared four more sample images that were presumably captured with the wide-angle camera. These photos exhibit the same low contrast, and the colors often come across as overly warm. Up to now, Nothing has refrained from providing pictures taken in difficult situations, such as very low light, high contrast, or shots of moving subjects.

    The Nothing Phone (3) will officially be revealed on July 1, with expectations that the smartphone will hit the market starting at €799. It has been confirmed that the device will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip and a 5,150mAh battery, which supports charging via USB-C at rates of up to 65 watts. Moreover, Nothing is incorporating a small dot-matrix display on the rear, known as the Glyph Matrix. As for other specifications, only unverified rumors hint that Nothing will include a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, along with a 50MP front camera and three 50MP cameras on the back.

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  • Google Pixel 10 Launches with New Tele Macro Mode for Close-Ups

    Google Pixel 10 Launches with New Tele Macro Mode for Close-Ups

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google will introduce a telephoto camera in the Pixel 10 series, enhancing its entry-level flagship smartphone.
    2. The new telephoto camera will include a tele-macro mode for improved macro photography.
    3. The ultra-wide-angle macro mode will remain available in Pixel 10 devices for close-up shots.
    4. It’s uncertain if previous models, like the Pixel 9 Pro, will receive the new tele-macro functionality.
    5. The upcoming features aim to strengthen Google’s position in the competitive smartphone photography market.


    It’s well-known that Google is set to introduce a telephoto camera in its entry-level flagship smartphone this year with the launch of the Pixel 10 series. While Google hasn’t officially announced anything, there have already been sightings of a Pixel 10 commercial featuring a third rear-facing camera.

    Telephoto Camera and Macro Enhancements

    Reports from Android Headlines suggest that the addition of a telephoto camera throughout the Pixel 10 lineup will come with better macro photography features. Google plans to do this by adding a tele-macro mode to the Pixel Camera app. Other brands have had this capability for quite a while, but Google has stuck with using the ultra-wide-angle camera to provide macro shots.

    Keeping the Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode

    Interestingly, Android Authority claims that Google won’t be getting rid of its current ultra-wide-angle macro mode. Instead, Pixel 10 devices will continue to utilize their ultra-wide-angle cameras when objects are too close for the telephoto camera’s minimum focusing range. However, it’s still unclear if Google will extend the tele-macro functionality to previous models that already feature 5x telephoto cameras, such as the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL (currently priced at $899 on Amazon).

    Future of Pixel Photography

    As the release date approaches, many are eager to see how these new features will perform in real-world scenarios. With the competition in smartphone photography heating up, Google’s innovations could make a significant impact on how users capture their memories.

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  • Vivo X200 Ultra Launch: New Promo Video and 8.7x Zoom Lens Revealed

    Vivo X200 Ultra Launch: New Promo Video and 8.7x Zoom Lens Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo is launching a Photography Kit for the X200 Ultra, which includes a special lens for enhanced photography.
    2. The X200 Ultra features a unique fourth rear camera that connects via the Photography Kit adapter.
    3. The additional lens improves the telephoto camera’s capabilities to 8.7x optical zoom and 70x hybrid zoom, while maintaining an f/2.27 aperture.
    4. The lens extends the zoom potential to a focal length of 1,600 mm, with image quality declining after 800 mm.
    5. The X200 Ultra is set to be officially unveiled on April 21, competing with other flagship models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra.


    Vivo has recently revealed another accessory meant for the X20 Ultra ahead of the phone’s full launch later this month. Just to remind everyone, the company announced its intentions to introduce a specialized Photography Kit for the successor of its X100 Ultra, with comprehensive details available in a separate article.

    The Fourth Camera Mystery

    During the initial announcement, Vivo representatives hinted that the X200 Ultra would include a unique fourth rear camera, even though the device only lists a primary, telephoto, and ultra-wide-angle camera. It turns out, this enigmatic fourth camera will be provided through a special lens that connects to the X200 Ultra Photography Kit using an adapter, as depicted in the image above.

    Enhanced Telephoto Capabilities

    This lens is specifically crafted to enhance the X200 Ultra’s telephoto camera, which has a 3.7x optical zoom and a native output of 200 MP. Vivo asserts that this 13-piece glass lens broadens the optical range of the telephoto camera to 8.7x or 70x with hybrid zoom, all while maintaining an f/2.27 aperture.

    In simpler terms, this additional lens elevates the zoom potential of the X200 Ultra to a focal length equivalent of 1,600 mm. However, Vivo mentions that the image quality begins to decline past 800 mm. The official unveiling of the X200 Ultra is set for April 21, aiming to compete with the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,084.99 on Amazon), the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the Find X8 Ultra released by Oppo just today. Meanwhile, Vivo has also shared a brief promotional video highlighting the X200 Ultra, which we have included below.

    Final Thoughts

    This lens is specifically crafted to enhance the X200 Ultra’s telephoto camera, which has a 3.7x optical zoom and a native output of 200 MP. Vivo asserts that this 13-piece glass lens broadens the optical range of the telephoto camera to 8.7x or 70x with hybrid zoom, all while maintaining an f/2.27 aperture.

    In simpler terms, this additional lens elevates the zoom potential of the X200 Ultra to a focal length equivalent of 1,600 mm. However, Vivo mentions that the image quality begins to decline past 800 mm. The official unveiling of the X200 Ultra is set for April 21, aiming to compete with the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,084.99 on Amazon), the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the Find X8 Ultra released by Oppo just today. Meanwhile, Vivo has also shared a brief promotional video highlighting the X200 Ultra, which we have included below.

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  • Vivo X200 Ultra: 200 MP Telephoto Camera with 30x Zoom Performance

    Vivo X200 Ultra: 200 MP Telephoto Camera with 30x Zoom Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo has not yet announced the official launch date for the X200 Ultra, which will be unveiled alongside the X200s and Pad5 Pro.
    2. Executive Han Bo Xiao has shared sample images taken with the X200 Ultra’s telephoto camera, highlighting its capabilities.
    3. The X200 Ultra features a 200 MP telephoto sensor that captures 38% more light than its predecessor.
    4. The device will use the ISOCELL HP9 sensor with a larger aperture, taking shots natively at 85 mm.
    5. Sample images show strong performance at 10x, 20x, and 30x zoom, even in low-light conditions, but external reviews are recommended before making a judgment.


    Vivo has yet to announce when it will officially launch the X200 Ultra. Instead, the company hinted yesterday that it will eventually showcase its newest flagship along with other devices like the X200s and Pad5 Pro. Additionally, executive Han Bo Xiao has been consistently sharing details about the camera system featured in this device.

    Camera Insights

    In line with this, the same executive has now provided sample images taken with the telephoto camera of the X200 Ultra. While the upcoming Find X8 Ultra is set to compete with the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,073 on Amazon) and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra by featuring two telephoto cameras, the X200 Ultra will rely on just one sensor. Han Bo Xiao mentions that the X200 Ultra will contain a 200 MP telephoto sensor, which is capable of capturing up to 38% more light than its predecessor’s version.

    Rumors Confirmed

    It appears that the speculation was spot on, indicating that Vivo has reverted to the ISOCELL HP9 for this new generation, though with a larger aperture this time. Han Bo Xiao also explains that the enhanced telephoto camera will take shots natively at 85 mm. Nevertheless, sample images captured at 10x (230 mm), 20x (460 mm), and 30x (690 mm) perform admirably, even in low-light situations. Ultimately, we advise waiting for external reviews to come in before forming an opinion, despite how impressive these sample images may seem.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra Unveils 200 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra Unveils 200 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to launch tomorrow in China, with hands-on videos shared by executive Cici Lao Wei.
    2. The device features an impressive telephoto camera, rumored to be a 200 MP periscope sensor.
    3. The primary lens remains the Sony LYT-900, offering a 50 MP native output with a 1-inch optical format.
    4. The new telephoto sensor is significantly larger than the previous model’s camera, taking up about two-thirds of the device’s width.
    5. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the predecessor, is currently priced at $1,029 on Amazon.


    Xiaomi’s New Flagship Unveiled

    Cici Lao Wei, an executive at Xiaomi, has been actively sharing hands-on videos of the company’s upcoming flagship device, set to launch tomorrow in China. Among the various clips shared recently is a video showcasing a disassembled Xiaomi 15 Ultra being reassembled, which we’ve included below for your viewing.

    Exciting Hardware Features

    This sneak peek allows us to see some of the new hardware the device is packing, particularly its impressive telephoto camera. The previous model, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, already featured notably large cameras, including a Sony LYT-900 as its primary lens. Interestingly, a leaked spec sheet revealed that Xiaomi has opted for the LYT-900 again for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, promising a 50 MP native output alongside a 1-inch optical format.

    An Impressive Telephoto Camera

    One of the most discussed features is the rumored 200 MP periscope telephoto camera. According to the video shared, the new 1/1.4-inch sensor appears significantly larger than its 50 MP counterpart used in the previous Xiaomi 14 Ultra (currently priced at $1,029 on Amazon). In fact, the 200 MP sensor seems to take up about two-thirds of the width of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, suggesting it could be around 50 mm wide. For more details, check out the video below.

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  • iPhone 16 Pro Max Lags Behind Android Flagships in Camera Test

    iPhone 16 Pro Max Lags Behind Android Flagships in Camera Test

    The iPhone 16 Pro Max has recently undergone camera evaluations by DxOMark following its release in September. Currently, it ranks fourth in the global DxOMark smartphone camera ratings. This time, the benchmarking company has focused on comparing the Apple flagship with its Chinese counterparts, specifically regarding the performance of its telephoto camera.

    Performance Comparison

    According to DxOMark, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does provide improved telephoto images compared to its earlier models. However, the firm notes that the Apple device still cannot "catch up" to leading Chinese smartphones. In their comparison of portrait images, the iPhone shows less detail in the eyes and lower smoothness of facial skin compared to its rivals.

    iPhones are not typically recognized for their aggressive skin smoothing in photos, which is a common feature found in many Chinese Android devices. Nevertheless, as DxOMark suggests, users might be less inclined to favor the images produced by the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    Telephoto Quality Insights

    To illustrate the quality of its telephoto images, DxOMark has included a chart that displays detail preservation across various focal lengths. This chart contrasts the iPhone 16 Pro Max with models like the Vivo X100 Pro, Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

    The data indicates that the telephoto camera of the iPhone 16 Pro Max retains noticeably less detail than its competitors. While it performs comparably at 80 mm and 160 mm focal lengths, it lags behind in other areas. DxOMark also highlights that the details in landscape photos are not impressive either.

    Conclusion on Overall Performance

    In contrast, Chinese Android competitors excel at producing more refined images. However, as DxOMark mentioned in its earlier analysis, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video mode, dynamic range throughout the zoom spectrum, color accuracy, stabilization, and autofocus. Thus, the only aspect holding it back from being a versatile camera phone is its periscope telephoto performance.

    DxOMark shared this information on Weibo (translated from Chinese).


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