Here’s the upgrade to my favorite phone camera of last year: Vivo

Vivo made a significant splash at MWC this year, breaking its usual low-profile presence with the reveal of its next flagship phone, the X300 Ultra. The announcement was accompanied by a powerful upgraded telephoto extender lens and a new professional camera cage. While full details and a launch date are still under wraps, Vivo offered an early look at its ambitious new camera system, confirming the X300 Ultra will be the first of its 'Ultra' devices to go on sale outside China.

The X300 Ultra is set to feature a 200-megapixel telephoto camera, a specification it shares with last year's X200 Ultra. However, Vivo is holding back on revealing the specific enhancements that distinguish the new model from its predecessor, which was lauded as a top phone camera. The company stated that the new device aims to build upon that strong foundation with significant advancements.

A New Era for Telephoto Lenses

The 200-megapixel sensor is designed to be fully exploited by the new Telephoto Extender Gen2 Ultra. This optional accessory attaches to the phone's rear, evolving from the first-generation extender introduced with the X200 Ultra. Co-engineered with long-term camera partner Zeiss, this new lens dramatically increases the focal length from an equivalent of 200mm to a substantial 400mm.

Physically, the Gen2 Ultra extender is noticeably thicker and heftier than its predecessor, reflecting its enhanced capabilities. It’s described as 'more lens than phone' due to its substantial size. This new extender follows a trend in smartphone photography, where telephoto extenders, popularized by Vivo, have been adopted by other manufacturers like Oppo and Honor.

Accompanying the new extender is a redesigned camera grip case. This updated grip features rearranged buttons and additional controls. A notable change is the absence of a cutout for the touch-sensitive shutter button, which was present on the X200 Ultra, hinting at its removal from the phone itself—a detail confirmed during a hands-on session at MWC.

Pro-Grade Accessories for Serious Shooters

Vivo is also introducing an entirely new accessory: a 'pro-grade' camera cage, developed in collaboration with phone photography accessory manufacturer SmallRig. This robust cage will integrate an 'array of cold shoe mounts and quick-release ports,' along with physical buttons for shutter and zoom controls. Crucially, it includes a dedicated cooling fan, designed to prevent overheating during intense video shoots.

This suite of accessories signals Vivo's intent to position the X300 Ultra not just for photography enthusiasts, but as a legitimate productivity tool for professional photographers and videographers. The shift towards 'professional video creators' appears to be an inevitable trajectory for smartphone camera innovation, and Vivo is clearly embracing it.

Global Ambitions, Lingering Questions

While previous Vivo Ultra phones have been exclusive to the Chinese market, the X300 Ultra has been promised a release in 'global markets' later this year. The extent of this global rollout remains to be seen. It is almost certain not to include the US, and Vivo's inconsistent history with European releases still leaves that market as a question mark, despite assurances from Vivo executives that Europe will not be overlooked this time.

During MWC, while photography with the device wasn't permitted, we were able to hold the video setup, marveling at its surprisingly light feel compared to a full-sized professional camera rig. The X300 Ultra and its ecosystem of accessories add to the diverse and often experimental array of devices showcased at MWC.

FAQ

Q: When will the Vivo X300 Ultra be released?

A: Vivo has not announced a specific launch date yet, stating only that it will be released 'some time later this year' in global markets.

Q: What is the key upgrade in the new Telephoto Extender Gen2 Ultra?

A: The new extender, co-engineered with Zeiss, increases the equivalent focal length from 200mm to 400mm, offering significantly enhanced telephoto capabilities.

Q: Will the Vivo X300 Ultra be available in the US or Europe?

A: Vivo has promised a release in 'global markets' for the X300 Ultra. However, it is almost certain not to include the US, and despite assurances from Vivo executives regarding Europe, its patchy history of releases there means availability in that region remains uncertain.