Vivo unveils X200 Ultra – a smartphone to rival cameras

The Vivo X200 Ultra is priced starting at 6,499 yuan (approximately R16,977 based on current exchange rates) for the model featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The top-tier configuration, boasting 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, will retail for 7,999 yuan (approximately R20,890). The device sports a large 6.82-inch OLED display, an under-display fingerprint sensor for seamless security, rapid 90W wired charging via USB-C, and convenient up to 40W wireless charging with a compatible charging pad. It also boasts dust and water resistance for added durability and will be available in elegant silver, vibrant red, and classic black color options. Currently, Vivo has not indicated any plans for a release outside of the Chinese market. While the company hasn’t provided specific details on battery endurance – a crucial aspect for devices aiming to replace other gadgets – they assure users that the 6,000mAh battery will allow them to “rely on their device throughout the day.”

For photography enthusiasts, Vivo is offering an optional “Photographer Kit,” priced at 2,598 yuan (approximately R6,779) when purchased separately, or available in a bundle with the top-spec 16GB/1TB X200 Ultra for 9,699 yuan (approximately R25,328). This kit is where the X200 Ultra truly distinguishes itself.

Even without the Photographer Kit accessories, the X200 Ultra’s inherent photographic prowess could be compelling enough for some users to leave their dedicated cameras behind. The rear camera setup comprises two primary 50-megapixel cameras utilizing large 1/1.28-inch Sony sensors and equipped with optical image stabilization for sharp, steady shots. One of these sensors is paired with a 14-millimeter f/2.0 ultra-wide-angle lens, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, while the other features a versatile 35-millimeter f/1.69 lens, well-suited for portrait photography with its ability to create a pleasingly shallow depth of field. The third rear camera boasts an impressive 200-megapixel 1/1.4-inch Samsung HP9 sensor coupled with an 85-millimeter f/2.27 telephoto zoom lens, offering macro capabilities and its own optical image stabilization. For selfies, the front of the device houses a high-resolution 50-megapixel camera.

All three rear cameras are capable of recording high-quality 10-bit 4K video at a smooth 60 frames per second, with slow-motion recording capabilities reaching up to 4K at 120 frames per second. Vivo emphasizes that both image and video quality are significantly enhanced through the integration of two “newly developed” dedicated imaging chips: the VS1, which handles pre-processing of RAW data directly from the camera sensors, and the V3+, which manages post-processing tasks such as applying filters and performing color correction. Notably, similar to the enhanced Camera Control feature on the iPhone 16 series, the X200 Ultra features an advanced shutter button that allows users to adjust exposure or control zoom simply by sliding their finger across its surface.

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The optional Photographer Kit takes the X200 Ultra’s photographic and videographic capabilities even further. The kit includes a dedicated grip featuring a physical video record button, a customizable settings dial for quick adjustments, a dedicated zoom control, and an integrated 2,300mAh supplementary battery, extending the life of the phone’s already substantial 6,000mAh internal battery. While Vivo has not yet specified the added weight of the complete kit to the 232-gram smartphone, the improved ergonomics offered by the grip, along with the inclusion of a convenient shoulder strap, could significantly enhance handling, especially when the device is fully accessorized for extended shooting sessions.

A key component of the Photographer Kit is a Zeiss 2.35x telephoto converter lens. This lens attaches to the X200 Ultra’s 200-megapixel camera via a system of adapters, effectively boosting its optical zoom capabilities from the native 3.7x to an impressive 8.7x, bringing distant subjects significantly closer.

The question remains: can the Vivo X200 Ultra truly replace the need for a dedicated camera? While its imaging prowess is undeniably impressive for a smartphone, its sensors are still considerably smaller than those found in modern DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, meaning professional and even serious amateur photographers will likely still value the superior low-light performance and creative control offered by their dedicated gear. The option to enhance the phone’s zoom range with an attachable telephoto lens is a valuable addition, but for the X200 Ultra to be considered a genuine camera replacement for a wider audience, Vivo would likely need to introduce a more comprehensive ecosystem of add-on lenses offering greater creative flexibility. Nevertheless, the Vivo X200 Ultra undeniably packs more photographic hardware and software innovation than virtually any other smartphone currently available on the market.