Tag: Zeiss Optics

  • Vivo V50 Elite Edition Launching in India on May 15 with Upgrades

    Vivo V50 Elite Edition Launching in India on May 15 with Upgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Vivo V50 Elite Edition will launch in India on May 15, 2025, enhancing the existing V50 series.
    2. It features Zeiss-co-engineered cameras and improved audio quality, focusing on portrait photography and immersive sound.
    3. The design will likely include a circular camera layout and a premium finish, while retaining original V50 specifications.
    4. The expected price for the V50 Elite Edition is around ₹40,000, targeting the mid-premium market, competing with devices like the iQOO Neo 10 and Realme GT 7.
    5. The official launch will clarify if the Elite Edition offers significant upgrades or serves primarily as a stylish version of the V50.


    Vivo is set to broaden its V50 series with the introduction of the V50 Elite Edition, which is scheduled to launch in India on May 15, 2025. This premium model, featuring Zeiss-co-engineered cameras and promising superior audio quality, will join the existing V50 and V50e, aiming to enhance portrait photography and deliver a more immersive sound experience.

    Teaser Video and Launch Announcement

    According to a post by Vivo India on X, the V50 Elite Edition will be unveiled at 12 PM IST on May 15. A teaser video highlights a circular camera design with the phrase “co-engineered with Zeiss,” indicating a strong emphasis on advanced photography. The catchy taglines “portraits that captivate” and “sound that surrounds” hint at improvements in camera and audio capabilities compared to the regular V50, which was released in February 2025.

    Specifications Reminder

    To recap, the original V50 features a 6.77-inch FHD+ quad-curved AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. It runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC and comes with options of 8/12GB RAM and 128/256/512GB storage. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP ultrawide lens with macro capabilities, and a 50MP front-facing camera. Additionally, it packs a 6,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging. The Elite Edition is anticipated to keep these specifications but may introduce a more premium design, perhaps with a new finish or a distinctive “Elite Edition” engraving.

    Pricing and Competition

    The starting price for the V50 is set at ₹34,999, while the Elite Edition is expected to be priced around ₹40,000, targeting the mid-premium market segment. With IP68/IP69 ratings and running Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, this phone aims to compete with devices like the iQOO Neo 10 (India), which is particularly aimed at users who value design and camera quality over sheer performance. Recent teasers suggest that the Neo 10 (India) will launch at a price “under INR 35K” and is touted as the “first 144fps gaming smartphone” in its segment.

    The V50 Elite Edition may also serve as a competitor to the Realme GT 7, another premium mid-range smartphone, which is set to launch globally on May 27.

    Will the Zeiss optics and audio improvements of the vivo V50 Elite Edition make it a standout option, or is it simply a stylish update to the V50? The official launch on May 15 will provide all the answers.

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  • 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 and Fujifilm: Revolutionizing Smartphone Photography

    Vivo X200 Ultra and Fujifilm: Revolutionizing Smartphone Photography

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo X200 Ultra will enhance photography capabilities through a new partnership with Fujifilm, focusing on image quality and color accuracy.
    2. The device will feature advanced camera technology, including 4K@120fps HDR video recording and 5-axis stabilization for better image clarity.
    3. It will run on an A1 chip for improved image and video processing, and be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for better performance and energy efficiency.
    4. The phone will have a 6.8″ 2K display and a circular rear camera setup with three high-resolution lenses: two 50MP cameras and one 200MP periscope telephoto camera.
    5. The X200 Ultra is expected to launch in April 2025, exclusively in the Chinese market, continuing the trend of region-specific high-end devices.


    Vivo is preparing to enhance its flagship photography capabilities with the X200 Ultra, which will showcase camera technology developed in partnership with Fujifilm. The X-series has a history of collaborating with ZEISS optics, but this new alliance with Fujifilm aims to provide a more professional imaging experience, particularly in terms of image quality and color accuracy. The X200 Ultra is anticipated to launch in April 2025 and will be exclusively available in the Chinese market, similar to its predecessor.

    A New Chapter in Imaging Quality

    The partnership with Fujifilm signifies a major change for the Vivo X200 Ultra and future models. Vivo will still work with ZEISS for the X200 Ultra, but will now leverage Fujifilm’s expertise in color science and image processing as well. This collaboration is expected to produce more vibrant and realistic colors, appealing to casual users as well as photography lovers.

    Exciting Camera Features Ahead

    Inside, the X200 Ultra is set to run on an A1 chip that boasts enhanced intelligent processing abilities, ensuring quicker and more effective image and video processing. The device will support 4K@120fps HDR video recording, delivering impressive video quality with smooth movements and a high dynamic range.

    Moreover, the phone will introduce a new Live Photo feature and 5-axis stabilization to help users capture clear, blur-free images and videos even in tough situations. There’s also a dedicated camera mode being developed for photography enthusiasts. Like its predecessor, the X200 Ultra will only be offered in China, which limits its global reach but preserves its reputation as a high-end, region-specific product. Still, fans may find ways to import the device, especially through sites like Geekwills, where the previous model, the X100 Ultra, is currently priced at $899.00.

    The X200 Ultra is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, representing a notable upgrade in performance and energy efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 used in the earlier model.

    Display and Camera Specifications

    A leak from Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the phone will feature a 6.8″ (a slight increase from 6.78″) 2K 8T LTPO display protected by micro quad-curved glass. On the rear, there will be a circular camera setup including a 50-megapixel main camera (1/1.28″), a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens (1/1.28″), and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The size of the current 200MP periscope telephoto modules is quite large, as seen in the teardown of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

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  • Vivo V30 Pro: Zeiss Optics, Dimensity 8200 Chip, Curved Display & More

    Vivo V30 Pro: Zeiss Optics, Dimensity 8200 Chip, Curved Display & More

    The launch of the Vivo V30 Pro in Indonesia has been officially confirmed, alongside the introduction of the Vivo V30. These devices are modifications of the Vivo S18 and Vivo S18 Pro models originally from China.

    Vivo V30 Pro Features Zeiss Optics

    The Vivo V30 Pro marks Vivo's first non-X series smartphone to incorporate Zeiss optics. It boasts a 50MP triple camera setup along with a standard flashlight and soft light for enhanced photography capabilities.

    Comparing Vivo V30 Pro with S18 Pro

    While the V30 Pro is equipped with a less potent MediaTek chip in comparison to the S18 Pro, it maintains most of the other specifications intact.

    Vivo V30 Pro Specifications

    The Vivo V30 Pro retains the thin and lightweight design of its predecessor, measuring just 7.45mm in thickness and weighing 188g.

    The smartphone showcases a 6.78-inch centered punch-hole curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels (1.5K), 452 PPI, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 10-bit color depth. It offers a brightness level of up to 2800 nits locally and 1200 nits globally, a 300Hz touch sampling rate, and 2160Hz PWM dimming. Additionally, a fingerprint sensor is integrated beneath the display.

    Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, the device is coupled with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage and runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14.

    The camera setup comprises a Zeiss-tuned triple system at the rear, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX920 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultrawide unit with autofocus, and a 50MP 2x telephoto shooter. On the front side, there is a 50MP snapper with autofocus.

    Connectivity options include dual SIM support, 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, NFC, and USB 2.0. The smartphone is backed by a 5,000mAh battery and offers 80W wired charging support.

    Vivo V30 Pricing Details

    In Indonesia, the Vivo V30 Pro is priced at Rp. 8,999,000 (~$570) for the single 12GB + 512GB memory variant. It is available in Equatorial Green and Volcanic Black color choices.

    Pre-orders for the device are currently open in Indonesia, with an official launch set for India on March 7.