Latest news with #Zeiss
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Vivo X200 FE to launch in UAE on July 23: Is it worth Dh2,599?
In a market dominated by phones getting bigger, Vivo throws a curveball. The X200 FE, dropping July 23 in the UAE, is a compact flagship that tries to defy the trend. With a Dimensity 9300+ processor, Zeiss-backed camera system, and a stunning display, all wrapped into a sleek, one-hand-friendly design, this is Vivo's attempt to deliver the power of its X-series flagships in a smaller footprint. But in 2025, is compact still compelling? Let's unpack the device. What's in the box? Vivo X200 FE handset, 90W FlashCharge adapter, USB-C charging cable, a protective case, a pre-applied screen protector, SIM ejector tool, and the quick start guide. Design & Display First impressions matter, and the X200 FE gets it right with its polished, minimalistic aesthetic and lightweight build. At just 150.8 mm tall and 186 grams, it's light and surprisingly ergonomic. The Black Luxe finish (also available in Yellow Glow) offers a sophisticated look without being flashy. The front features a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which is as sharp as it is smooth with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. And with sharp brightness, outdoor visibility is excellent, even under the harsh UAE sun. If you miss the days of truly compact phones but don't want to compromise on screen quality, this hits the sweet spot. Performance The X200 FE is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+, a flagship-class chipset that trades efficiency cores for a full-core performance architecture. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the device handles everything from multitasking to mobile gaming without breaking a sweat — at least at first. That said, prolonged gaming or 4K video rendering does cause the phone to warm up, not uncomfortably, but enough to notice. Vivo's internal cooling system helps manage this, but thermals are still a point to watch. However, those who prefer the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, will ideally pick other smartphones like OnePlus 13s 5g or iQOO 13 5g that are in a similar price range. Cameras The X200 FE's camera setup is impressive on paper and mostly delivers in real-world use. 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor 50MP ZEISS super telephoto camera with up to 100x zoom 8MP ultra-wide lens 50MP front-facing selfie camera Photos have that familiar Vivo vibrancy, punchy colours and crisp details, especially in daylight. The Zeiss optics do make a difference in low light, with good control over flares and decent exposure stacking. The periscope lens captures surprisingly detailed shots at 3x and 5x zoom, although zoomed-in shots beyond that see a quality drop. A personal favourite in the phone, an upgraded Aura Light system. This isn't just a gimmick — the ring light around the rear camera offers temperature and brightness controls, allowing for soft, flattering lighting that mimics natural studio setups. In a world of harsh LED flashes, this is a game-changer for skin tones and nighttime portraits. Both the front and rear cameras benefit from this, with the studio-grade dual Aura lighting helping elevate selfies and vlogs. On the front, Vivo adds a unique twist: a dual-LED flash, currently exclusive to the X200 FE, that ensures even low-light selfies are sharp and well-lit without blinding brightness. Video capture peaks at 4K 60fps, with gyro-EIS and HDR delivering sharp, steady footage. The selfie camera deserves a shoutout too — it's fast to focus and flattering without over-smoothing. The cameras here make for a strong all-rounder for casual shooters and mobile videographers, though not quite in iPhone territory for low light. Battery Life & Charging Vivo has crammed a 6,500 mAh battery into this compact frame, an impressive engineering feat. In real-world use, it easily delivers a full day and a half with medium to heavy use, making it one of the best battery performers in this size class. Charging is equally impressive: 90W FlashCharge gets you from 0 to 100% in less than an hour. However, there's no wireless charging. Software and AI Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, the software is packed with AI-driven features, from Live Text and AI Call Assist to Smart Eye Protection Mode and Circle to Search. There's a lot to play with, but the UI still feels a bit bloated compared to the clean aesthetics of One UI. Availability and pricing in the UAE The Vivo X200 FE will be available in the UAE starting July 23 in a 12GB + 512GB variant with 12GB of Extended RAM, priced at Dh2,599. Is the Vivo X200 FE worth Dh2,599? The Vivo X200 FE gets a lot right. It's a rare compact flagship in 2025 that doesn't feel compromised. For UAE users who value a bright, sharp display that beats the desert glare, strong performance, versatile and high-res cameras, and long battery life and fast charging, it's a compelling option, especially if you're tired of larger phones. However, for Dh2,599, it enters the ring with similar offerings from names like OnePlus, all of which offer their own strengths, especially in software polish and brand trust. So, should you buy the Vivo X200 FE? If you're looking for a phone that fits in your pocket without skimping on power or camera quality, yes. It is a sleeper hit in the making. But if you lean on software smoothness, wireless charging, or brand loyalty, you might want to wait and compare.
The Verge
17-07-2025
- The Verge
Sony is still stubborn about the size of its cameras
Sony's new RX1R III camera looks awesome. Hardcore photo enthusiasts have wanted an updated version of its full-frame compact camera, the RX1, for nearly a decade. I'm not surprised it costs a whopping $5,100 (cameras and lenses have been trending more expensive), but what I do find surprising, and quite egregious, is that the RX1R III lost the tiltable screen of its predecessor. Its rear LCD is fixed in place, which is a real blow to the street photographers and shooters who like the added convenience of easier from-the-hip or overhead angles. The designers at Sony obviously went to great lengths to maintain similar dimensions to the last-gen RX1, and they did it while adding a lot: the high-resolution full-frame sensor from the A7R V, Sony's latest autofocus tracking system, a longer-lasting battery, and a proper electronic viewfinder (no more pop-up nonsense). They even went the extra mile of integrating the top dials and hot shoe into the body for a sleeker look. To do all this, the company made the camera 2.5mm taller and 15.5mm deeper — though that's mostly the Zeiss 35mm f/2 lens protruding a little further. But if it made the body just a few millimeters thicker or wider to accommodate a flippy-tilty-screen I don't think anyone would have minded. The camera's small stature also seems to make it a non-starter for any lens or sensor-based image stabilization, which it also lacks. (Though, to be fair, the RX1 cameras never had it before either.) Unrelenting dedication to smallness has been a long-standing issue of mine with Sony cameras. The Alpha line of mirrorless cameras have been technological marvels for years, and its innovations like eye-detect tracking autofocus helped lead the migration from DSLRs. At first, the move to mirrorless was all about smaller cameras, but Sony showed that better autofocus, electronic viewfinders, faster burst shooting, and higher video quality were all a bigger part of the equation. It's why I personally own and use Sony Alpha cameras, even for paid gigs. But if I was choosing based on handling and comfort (which are important, especially when you're sometimes shooting for 10-hour days), I would have stuck with Nikon or Canon. I'll commend Sony for making some inroads in the ergonomics department with its A9 III and A1 II cameras. They have deeper grips that are definitely better, and it's partly why I upgraded my A9 II to a III. But even with that better grip, I can still get that dreaded 'Sony knuckle' pain in my finger after a long day's shoot. I know part of the RX1's ethos is putting a lot of camera into a very small package, even smaller than the incredibly popular Fujifilm X100VI, but it's not like these are pocket-sized cameras. You still have to wear them over your shoulder on a strap or keep them in a bag. It's no different than how I handle my Leica Q2, which is noticeably bigger. The Q2 is also a more ergonomically friendly camera to use than the RX1 and RX1R II, which I tried years back during my days working at a camera store. Sony is charging Leica-level prices for the RX1R III, but it's being stubborn about size to not accommodate a feature it already had. Meanwhile, Leica compromised slightly on its formerly-immaculate design when it fitted the Q3 with a bare-minimum tilt screen. Why? Because its users were clamoring for one. I've wondered for a few years now if a potential RX1R III might sway me to sell my Q2 as my everyday camera and go all-in on Sony. The conveniences of Sony's autofocus system, even for grabbing casual snaps of my chaotic 1.5-year-old, often already has me toting around my Alpha cameras over my Leica anyway. I'm sure I could still be convinced to make that switch, but when I pictured that hypothetical I didn't expect to lose the conveniences of a tiltable screen like I'm accustomed to on my Alpha cameras are known for offering kitchen sink-levels of features. With the RX1R III, I think it falls just short. And at a high cost.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Business Standard
Vivo X Fold 5 review: Polished design, capable cameras and standout battery
The X Fold 5 is Vivo's latest attempt to make smartphones with foldable form factors feel just as effortless as traditional bar-shaped smartphones, and it comes surprisingly close. From fitting a massive 6000mAh battery into a slim profile to packing in a Zeiss co-engineered triple 50MP rear camera setup, Vivo's 2025 foldable ticks a lot of right boxes on paper. But how well do those numbers translate into real-world experience? Let us find out: Design The Vivo X Fold 5 borrows its rear design from the X200, with a familiar circular camera module housing the triple camera setup. The main difference, of course, is that the X Fold 5 opens up into a larger, foldable form factor. I have used several foldable smartphones over the past year, including book-style foldables from Google and Samsung, but the X Fold 5 stands out with its ergonomics. It's sleek at just 9.2mm when folded, which makes it feel no thicker than most standard bar phones. At 217g, it is not as light as traditional flagships, but the weight is impressive considering the battery it packs. For perspective, it is powered by a 6000mAh battery, the same capacity as the Vivo X200 Pro, while weighing 6g less. Yes, the phone does wobble slightly on flat surfaces, largely due to the oversized camera module. But it is still usable in this position, especially for typing. That said, the same large module that enables the wobble can also hinder grip during extended use. In terms of durability, the Vivo X Fold 5 carries IP5X and IPX9+ ratings for dust and water resistance. While I did not dunk the device during testing, Vivo claims the phone can withstand submersion, both folded and unfolded, if you somehow find yourself in such a scenario. Display Starting with the 6.53-inch cover screen, the 21.1:9 aspect ratio hits a sweet spot – it is tall, but not awkwardly so, and does not cramp everyday tasks like typing or browsing. The bezels are present but not distracting, giving the phone a familiar candy bar feel when folded. The panel offers a sharp 2748x1172 resolution, delivering clear visuals and vibrant colours. Unfolding the device reveals the main 8.03-inch screen with a 2480x2200 resolution. While its pixel density is slightly lower than the cover screen's, there's no visible drop in image sharpness or colour richness. App continuity works reliably between folded and unfolded states, with software optimisation ensuring a smooth transition. Most apps scale well to take advantage of the main screen's larger aspect ratio, though a few glitches remain with select apps – nothing that breaks the experience, and often easily resolved. Both displays support up to 120Hz refresh rates and feature LTPO technology for dynamic adjustment, helping with battery efficiency. Vivo also claims a peak brightness of 4500 nits on both panels. While I could not test that number precisely, both screens remain bright and highly legible in direct sunlight, with minimal colour shift at wide viewing angles. There is a faint glare near the hinge where the curvature catches light, but the crease is noticeably subtler than what I have seen on other foldables. For content consumption, both screens support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR. Streaming platforms like Netflix can display Dolby Vision content, and the HDR toggle shows up on supported YouTube videos. Vivo's own Visual Enhancement mode is also available. It is meant to boost contrast and colours for supported content, including on apps like Netflix and YouTube. However, the effect is subtle at best and not always noticeable. Camera The Vivo X Fold 5 delivers camera performance that comfortably rivals other flagship smartphones. Co-engineered with Zeiss, the triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary Sony IMX921 sensor (23mm equivalent), a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscopic telephoto lens (70mm equivalent), and a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultra-wide camera (15mm equivalent). Additionally, both the cover and inner displays feature a 20MP front-facing camera. Optical image stabilisation (OIS) is available on the primary and telephoto lenses, while the ultra-wide relies on autofocus. The front-facing cameras, however, come with fixed focus. Image quality is excellent, especially from the main sensor. Daylight shots come out vibrant and crisp with ample detail. In low-light conditions, while some finer textures are lost, overall performance remains impressive. The ultra-wide camera maintains good consistency in both colour and clarity, with reliable output across varying lighting conditions. But as with other Vivo X-series devices I have tested, the real standout here is the telephoto setup. The 3x optical zoom (70mm equivalent) offers creative flexibility, especially for portraits, an area where Vivo phones continue to excel. While the X Fold 5 allows you to shoot portraits up to a 100mm focal length, I found the 50mm and 85mm modes delivered the best results. Daylight portraits were sharp and well-toned, but it was the low-light portraits that truly impressed me, with natural-looking bokeh and balanced detail – albeit not quite as refined as what you would get from the Vivo X200 Pro. Speaking of bokeh, the Zeiss partnership pays off with signature effects like Sonnar, Biotar, and Cine-flare that add a layer of depth and character to portrait shots. Macro photography is another strength. Using the 3x telephoto lens in Super Macro Mode, the phone captures fine textures and colour accuracy even when shooting from a distance. New camera modes include Landscape Mode, which blends features like Long Exposure, Night Mode, and Astro Mode into a single, versatile setting. However, curiously, Vivo has left out the Street Photography mode, which is one of my favourite and available on the recently launched X200 FE. For videography, the main camera supports 8K recording at 30fps, while all three rear cameras offer 4K recording at up to 60fps. Both front-facing cameras, meanwhile, are limited to 1080p at 30fps. However, that is not much of an issue as you can always flip the phone open to use the rear cameras for front-facing recording. Performance and software The Vivo X Fold 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, the same processor used in the last generation model launched in India, the X Fold 3 Pro. While this chip is more than capable of delivering top-tier performance, the absence of the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite might leave some power users wanting, especially at this price point. That said, in real-world use, the X Fold 5 delivers across the board. Whether it is multitasking, shooting high-resolution video, or running graphically demanding games, the phone handles it all with ease. There is some noticeable warmth around the rear camera module during intensive tasks, but it never translates into performance throttling or discomfort during use. On the software side, the X Fold 5 runs Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15. The interface is relatively clean, with fewer bloatware notifications than in previous versions, though Vivo still has a way to go in terms of software refinement. The animations and transitions are fairly basic, and the level of UI customisation is still limited when compared to competitors. That said, Vivo has added some clever features tailored to the foldable form factor. Chief among them is the new Origin Workbench, a multitasking interface that allows you to open and manage up to five apps at once. Once you launch an app, swiping up from the bottom-left corner brings up a flexible windowed layout where one app takes centre stage while four others line up in smaller floating windows along the right. You can easily switch the focus between apps with a tap. The feature works well and feels somewhat reminiscent of Apple's Stage Manager, although there is room for improvement. For example, you cannot resize these floating windows or move them freely around the screen currently. Another practical addition is the new Documents app, which not only supports viewing and editing standard formats like PPT, Word, and Excel but also adds support for CAD files. It includes native tools for converting between PDF, image, and Microsoft Office formats, enhancing productivity. The X Fold 5 also introduces a customisable side key, which can be mapped to quick actions like changing sound profiles, opening the camera, launching voice recording, or accessing AI captions. As for AI features, the foldable comes with Vivo's full suite of smart tools. This includes Smart Call Assistant (for real-time audio-to-text conversion during calls), transcription support for meetings, and a variety of AI-powered image editing tools such as AI Reflection Remover, AI Eraser, and AI Photo Enhance. Battery The Vivo X Fold 5 packs a hefty 6000mAh battery, an impressive feat for a foldable smartphone. This alone sets it apart from many of its competitors, where battery life tends to be a consistent compromise. With the X Fold 5, battery anxiety becomes a non-issue, even during extended usage on the larger internal display. In my daily use, which included streaming YouTube on the main screen, casual gaming, some photography, and regular messaging and browsing, the phone easily lasted a full day. I typically charged it to around 80 per cent in the morning, and it cruised through the day without needing a top-up. In terms of charging speeds, Vivo claims 90W wired charging support, although the bundled adapter in the box is rated at 80W. Even with this charger, the phone charged from roughly 20 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes, which is more than respectable for a phone with such a large battery. There is also support for 40W wireless charging, a rarity among foldables, and reverse wireless charging for topping up accessories like earbuds, which adds an extra layer of convenience. Verdict Price: Rs 1,49,999 The Vivo X Fold 5 is one of the most refined foldable smartphones on the market today. It strikes an impressive balance between sleek design, reliable performance, and meaningful usability. The slim profile and lightweight build make it feel far less bulky than most book-style foldables, while still packing a massive 6000mAh battery – something even many slab-style flagships cannot match. Add to that a highly capable camera system, especially the telephoto portrait performance, and you have a foldable that genuinely delivers across the board. However, it is not a perfect package. While the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers more than enough power for daily use and gaming, Vivo could have truly gone all-in by including the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite to future-proof this flagship. The software, too, has made some welcome strides with features like Origin Workbench and the Documents app, but Funtouch OS still feels a step behind the polished experience you would expect at this level, particularly when compared to some competitors. That said, if you are looking for a foldable that does not compromise on ergonomics, battery life, or camera quality, and you are willing to accept a few trade-offs on the software front, the Vivo X Fold 5 is easily among the best foldables you can buy right now in India.
The Verge
15-07-2025
- The Verge
Sony's pocket-sized RX1R camera returns with its first update in 10 years
After nearly a decade, Sony has announced a new version of its fixed-lens compact RX1R camera that was last updated in 2015. The new third generation RX1R III arrives with the same 35mm full-frame Exmor R sensor as its predecessor, but with a bump from 42.4 to 61 megapixels. It also benefits from Sony's latest Bionz XR and AI image processors to deliver better autofocus that can track the movement of human bodies and more accurately focus on their heads and eyes. The RX1R III will be available sometime in July for approximately $5,099.99, according to Sony. That's considerably more expensive than the RX1R II, which launched in 2015 for $3,300. The RX1R III's compact size and Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens puts the camera in competition with the $4,899.95 medium format Fujifilm GFX100RF and the $5,995 full-frame Leica Q3 – both of which also feature fixed lenses. To compensate for that lens limitation, the RX1R III includes a Step Crop Shooting function that allows photographers to switch between 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm focal lengths achieved through sensor cropping. The camera also features a macro mode activated by a ring on the lens that can be used to focus on subjects as close as 20cm. The camera has a body made of magnesium alloy. To help make the RX1R III as light and portable as possible, Sony is now using a fixed screen on the back that can no longer be tilted up and down. The change means you may find yourself having to contort your body when trying to capture low-angle shots using the camera's screen or 2.36 million dot OLED electronic view finder. Sony is once again positioning this camera as a high quality shooter that's far less cumbersome to carry than larger mirrorless options or DSLRs, and its performance reflects that. Shooting speeds max out at just five frames per second, and the RX1R III can capture 4K video at 30 fps or 1080p at up to 120 fps (the RX1R II maxed out at 1080p) with the option to use Sony's S-Cinetone picture profile for a more cinematic look. The RX1R III also includes 12 different quick access Creative Looks that can be customized and applied to both stills and video. And like the Sony A7R V, its autofocus system features 693 phase-detection points and is capable of tracking human motion to determine where a subject's eyes are supposed to be, even if they're not looking directly at the camera or their face is obscured. It seems like a worthwhile upgrade over the last generation, but if you don't mind a bit more bulk, there are more capable and affordable alternatives from Sony.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Forbes
Vivo X200 FE Brings Premium Features To A Smaller Form Factor
Vivo X200 FE Alongside the Vivo X Fold 5, the company has launched a new compact phone, Vivo X200 FE. Like the OnePlus 13s, it offers big-phone power in a 6.3-inch screen design alongside a large battery. Compared to its OnePlus rival, it adds an ultrawide-angle camera and trades the Qualcomm chipset for a top-end MediaTek SoC. The X200 FE is Vivo's smallest phone with a flagship chipset. It features a comfortable in-hand feel and is made for those who are tired of performing finger gymnastics on big-screen slab phones. It measures just 186 grams and is rated IP68 and IP69 for dust and water resistance. The Vivo X200 FE features a 6.31-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 1,216 × 2,640-pixel resolution. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,800 nits peak brightness. Thanks to slim bezels, it remains as intuitive as a big-screen phone. Vivo X200 FE screen The new Vivo phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 onboard storage. It ships with Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15. You get a big 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired fast charging support. Connectivity options include dual nano SIM, 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, OTG, NFC, and USB Type-C. Coming to the Zeiss-backed triple rear camera setup, the Vivo X200 FE sports a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor with optical image stabilization. It is accompanied by a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and an 8MP ultrawide-angle camera with a 120-degree field of view. You also get a 50MP selfie shooter behind a punch-hole notch on top of the screen. Vivo X200 FE Price and Availability Vivo X200 FE The Vivo X200 FE is priced at INR 54,999 (approx. $640) for the 12GB + 256GB option in India. You can also buy a 16GB + 512GB variant for INR 59,999 (approx. $700). It is now available for pre-order in Amber Yellow, Frost Blue, and Luxe Grey color options. The new Vivo phone will go on sale starting July 23 through Flipkart and the Vivo India website.
