Latest news with #vivoX200Ultra
Android Authority
4 days ago
- Android Authority
After using the vivo X200 Ultra for several weeks, I wish Samsung would copy its amazing cameras
vivo X200 Ultra The vivo X200 Ultra is a China-only release, so most buyers sadly won't be able to get their hands on one, but dedicated Android fans who want a top-notch camera experience and plenty of premium features should certainly add it to their wishlist. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is among the most popular camera phones around. But there's a strong argument to be made that Samsung's flagships (and to a lesser extent even Google's top Pixels) have stagnated as far as hardware is concerned. Samsung's base and Plus phones have effectively used the same camera hardware since 2022, while its most recent Ultra phones have offered upgraded ultrawide cameras and a switch to a more modern 5x 50MP camera. Nevertheless, the company is still sticking with a measly 10MP 3x camera on its $1,200 Ultra devices. However, the newly launched vivo X200 Ultra has shaken things up in a big way, and after using it extensively for several weeks, I really hope the likes of Apple, Google, and Samsung are taking notes for 2026 and beyond. vivo X200 Ultra 35mm main camera test and samples One of vivo's most notable camera-related moves is offering a 35mm main camera (50MP LYT-818, 1/1.28-inch). By contrast, 99% of smartphones on the market use a 24mm main camera, offering a wider field of view. The 35mm camera is equivalent to a 1.4x or 1.5x camera. vivo isn't the first manufacturer to do this, owing to ZTE's previous forays, but it still marks a major expansion for this tech. As colleague Rob Triggs observed, having a native 35mm focal length should reduce facial distortion compared to a standard 24mm lens. But more importantly, in my own experience, it allows for better framing. Check out this comparison between an older Pixel 7 Pro and the X200 Ultra to see the difference between a conventional 24mm smartphone shot and a 35mm snap. I didn't have to worry about the sheets above or people sitting too close to my friend. Pixel 7 Pro at 24mm vivo X200 Ultra at 35mm Furthermore, a native 35mm camera should theoretically deliver better image quality than a crop from a similar 24mm camera. However, I had to pixel-peep to spot any significant quality differences versus a 35mm crop. So it's not a night-and-day quality difference if you stick with a software-based 35mm mode, especially when some phones let you set the 35mm crop as the default. This main camera still holds up in a variety of lighting conditions, offering plenty of detail, wide dynamic range (see the fourth and sixth image in the gallery), and little noise. I do occasionally see some over-processing, particularly at night when vivo sometimes manages the feat of using too much noise reduction and too much sharpening in the same scene. I'm also glad to report that this camera doesn't suffer from glare like the X200 Pro's primary shooter. Ultrawide camera hardware that's closer to the main camera We've also seen the Pixel 9 series and Galaxy S25 Ultra embrace higher-resolution ultrawide cameras. These sensors are much smaller than the primary cameras, though. However, vivo has decided to use the same 1/1.28-inch camera sensor for both the main and ultrawide cameras. This also seems like the next logical step for more mainstream brands. Perhaps the biggest benefit I noticed with the X200 Ultra's ultrawide camera was the much-improved brightness. There isn't a big disparity between the ultrawide and main cameras. The improved light capture also means I was able to capture handheld astrophotography shots using the wider camera. That's particularly important as it means you can get more of the expansive night sky in your snaps. 1x Ultrawide I thought the X200 Ultra's ultrawide camera was far from perfect, though. There's still a lot of corner softness, in line with the X200 Pro's somewhat disappointing wide-angle shooter. I really feel like vivo could've reduced the field-of-view from the current 14mm to something more restrained to combat this problem and distortion. I also thought ultrawide shots were quite blotchy and soft in general compared to the main camera, with this problem being extremely apparent at night. Check out the comparison below. In any event, I think vivo definitely needs to improve the ultrawide image quality, but it's clear that the gap between it and the main camera has narrowed somewhat. It's not the first time we've seen smartphones use the same camera sensor for both main and ultrawide lenses (hello, OPPO Find X3 Pro), but I want to see Google and Samsung pull this off too. vivo has also taken the interesting step of defaulting to the ultrawide camera for video. It makes sense on paper as cameras with a narrower field of view, like the 35mm main sensor, tend to be less stable than wider cameras. You can still switch to the 35mm camera anyway, although it looks like vivo is shooting 8K/30fps videos exclusively via the ultrawide lens. In any event, I thought that video capture was at least on par with the already good X200 Pro, with smooth panning and good stabilization. But I did notice weird flickering on people's faces when filming portrait video in poor lighting. What about that 200MP zoom camera? 85mm 85mm snapshot mode 85mm 85mm 170mm 85mm vivo was the first smartphone brand to adopt a 200MP zoom camera on a smartphone, debuting the feature on the X100 Ultra in 2024. It has since become a fixture on high-end phones like the HONOR Magic 7 Pro and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the X200 Ultra returns with a 200MP 3.7x periscope camera (f/2.27). This zoom camera delivers image quality that's close to the main camera, featuring a good level of detail, consistent colors, and dynamic range, and very little noise. Image quality does fall sharply from 10x to 15x, though, with 20x shots being a gamble. But more than anything else, I'd like to see Google and Samsung take a similarly ambitious route with their zoom cameras. I'd love to see a Pixel 11 Pro with a 200MP tele camera or a giant 50MP periscope lens. 35mm 85mm Much like the X200 Pro and X100 Ultra, the X200 Ultra edges out Google when it comes to the number of ways you can use the periscope camera. There's the expected macro focus and 4K/120fps slow-motion options, as well as portrait video with automatic focus switching (like iPhones), a stage mode, and higher-resolution active stabilized video. There's also local support for 8K video and night video capture. I thought there was still room for improvement here, though. vivo does some sketchy processing at long focal lengths, as I noticed in my hands-on with the X200 Ultra's crazy external lens. During my time with the lens, I noticed that the phone actually seemed to airbrush balcony railings out of a very long-range zoom snap, while the picture taken with the lens kept it intact. There's also a very shallow depth of field when taking close-up images or full-blown macro shots (e.g. food or bugs). So you have to move back if you want everything in focus. Still, this depth of field comes in handy for portrait snaps. vivo X200 Ultra verdict: A great camera phone with one dealbreaker Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Thankfully, the vivo X200 Ultra also ticks many boxes for a 2025 flagship device. There's the all-powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 6,000mAh battery that usually delivers two days of regular usage, 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, and a bright, 6.82-inch QHD+ OLED screen. Other notable vivo X200 Ultra features include IP68/IP69 ratings, an Apple-style Camera Control button, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth 6.0, and Wi-Fi 7. So, the vivo X200 Ultra has a cutting-edge set of cameras that could be a sign of things to come, a ton of performance, a large battery, and plenty of premium extras. So far, so good, right? The vivo X200 Ultra is another great camera phone from vivo that most people can't buy. There is one major caveat, though. Unlike the excellent vivo X200 Pro ($749.99 at Giztop), the Ultra is limited to China only. This restricted availability severely reduces your purchase options if you're interested in the device. You'll just have to pay the ~$1,049 fee to import the phone from storefronts like Giztop. The China-only nature also means you miss out on Quick Share, although Google Wallet works fine, and it supports Android Auto. Another galling absence from China-only phones is eSIM support. There are eSIM adapters that bring this support to phones without the tech, but it's still a notable omission here. In any event, I really hope Google and Samsung embrace technologies like a 35mm main camera, an ultrawide camera with a flagship sensor, and more ambitious zoom cameras. Because it certainly looks like the rest of the industry will adopt or has adopted this tech. vivo X200 Ultra Optional external lens • 35mm camera • Top-notch performance MSRP: $1,099.99 One of 2025's best camera phones The vivo X200 Ultra has an optional external camera lens that delivers great long-range zoom. Other notable features include a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, high-quality rear cameras, and fast wired/wireless charging. See price at Giztop Positives Smooth performance Smooth performance Unique camera hardware Unique camera hardware Great video capture Great video capture Fast wired/wireless charging Fast wired/wireless charging Long battery life Cons China-only release China-only release No eSIM No eSIM Ultrawide images could be better
GSM Arena
30-05-2025
- Business
- GSM Arena
vivo X200 Ultra review
You can't have it, so that's why you want it, right? Well, no - we know we'll want the vivo X200 Ultra because of its camera greatness, just like we did with the X100 Ultra before. Not being able to have it isn't remotely part of its appeal - all it is, is one the world's most unfortunate enduring injustices. On the X200 Ultra, vivo has decided to swap out the 1-inch main camera for a smaller-sensor one - the 1/1.28" optical format of the new imager is a bit of a downgrade. To make up for that, the company has chosen to pair it with a 35mm equivalent lens - not the most popular choice, so far almost an exclusive territory for nubia's camera efforts. It could be an attempt at misdirection by vivo so that we shift our focus away from the smaller sensor, though they just might be on to something with that focal length. A proper upgrade can be seen on the ultrawide camera. It's another unit of the same sensor that is used here as well, replacing the 1/2.0" imager in the old model's setup. The 200MP 1/1.4" sensor on the 85mm telephoto didn't really call for an upgrade so it's been kept the same. It's really more like three 'main' cameras on the back of this Ultra, joined by one of the better specced selfie cameras in the industry. There are a handful of other changes, none of them all too surprising. This year's most powerful Snapdragon replaces last year's and there's a minor battery capacity increase. And that's mostly it, in fact. Well, that, and a new Photography kit - an optional accessory that includes a dedicated case with a battery grip and a telephoto extender lens. We'll give that one a look too. vivo X200 Ultra specs at a glance: Body: 163.1x76.8x8.7mm, 229g; Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame; IP69/IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min). 163.1x76.8x8.7mm, 229g; Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame; IP69/IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min). Display: 6.82" LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 4500 nits (peak), 1440x3168px resolution, 19.8:9 aspect ratio, 510ppi. 6.82" LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 4500 nits (peak), 1440x3168px resolution, 19.8:9 aspect ratio, 510ppi. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm): Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M); Adreno 830. Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm): Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M); Adreno 830. Memory: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS 4.1. 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS 4.1. OS/Software: Android 15, OriginOS 5. Android 15, OriginOS 5. Rear camera: Wide (main) : 50 MP, f/1.7, 35mm, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, gimbal OIS; Telephoto : 200 MP, f/2.3, 85mm, 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, macro 3.4:1; optional add-on 2.35x teleconverter lens; Ultra wide angle : 50 MP, f/2.0, 14mm, 116˚, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS. : 50 MP, f/1.7, 35mm, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, gimbal OIS; : 200 MP, f/2.3, 85mm, 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, macro 3.4:1; optional add-on 2.35x teleconverter lens; : 50 MP, f/2.0, 14mm, 116˚, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS. Front camera: 50 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF. 50 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF. Video capture: Rear camera : 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR, 10-bit Log, HDR10+; Front camera : 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps. : 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR, 10-bit Log, HDR10+; : 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps. Battery: 6000mAh; 90W wired, PD, PPS, QC, UFCS, 40W wireless, Reverse wired, Reverse wireless. 6000mAh; 90W wired, PD, PPS, QC, UFCS, 40W wireless, Reverse wired, Reverse wireless. Connectivity: 5G; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC 5; NFC; Infrared port. 5G; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC 5; NFC; Infrared port. Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; Emergency SOS via satellite (calls, messages) - 16GB + 1TB model only. vivo X200 Ultra unboxing The X200 Ultra's presentation is no different from any other high-end vivo from recent years. The squarish graphite-colored cardboard box holds the usual stuff too, the Chinese market being perfectly okay with having one charger per phone, unlike some other jurisdictions. Indeed, the package contains an adapter rated for 90W, and a USB-A-to-C cable to go with it. Also included is a soft matte silicone case in a color to match the phone's own colorway. Page 2
GSM Arena
19-05-2025
- GSM Arena
Camera battle: vivo X200 Ultra vs X100 Ultra
The vivo X200 Ultra follows in the footsteps of vivo's first-ever Ultra phone and one of the best camera-centric flagships of last year. Those are some big shoes to fill. We like vivo's approach - onstead of going for the safe (and boring) refinement approach, vivo shook things up in a major way with the X200 Ultra. The impressive telephoto camera was the star of the X100 Ultra, so vivo gave it a brighter lens. The selfie shooter is seemingly the same. The other two rear cameras bring massive changes and a new vision. The 1-inch 23mm main camera is gone, which a lot of people might see as a downgrade, but not so fast! We're here to tell you that the new 35mm main shooter with a still impressively large 1/1.28-inch sensor isn't worse at all. And the new 14mm ultrawide with the same 1/1.28-inch sensor may very well be the highlight of this phone. Let's put sensor sizes aside for a second and talk lenses. Both the 24mm (23mm in this case) and 35mm focal lengths have a strong following in the photographic community. The 35mm is a classic reporter-style lens - wide angle, yet low-distortion, able to capture a lot of the scene, but has an intimate, candid look to its images. The 24mm is a more starkly wide-angle lens, lending itself to capturing more of the scene, bringing a dramatic sense to an image, heavier on distortion, especially if you bring your subject close to the lens. We'd wager that some photographers would see the removal of the 23mm camera as a dealbreaker, while others might consider the new 35mm a reason alone to buy the X200 Ultra. But here's where the upgraded 14mm ultrawide comes in. Thanks to its main camera-sized sensor, it produces main camera-quality images. It's much better than the old ultrawide, and the difference is visible even in good light. So the vivo X200 Ultra is now a unique photographic proposition - it brings 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm lenses with flagship image quality - each of these cameras will capture nicer images than your iPhone, Galaxy Ultra, or Pixel's main camera. Now let's look at how the new vivo flagship compares against its monumental predecessor. Our first set of images is of the main cameras - the 1-inch 23mm f/1.8 on the left, the 1/1.28-inch 35mm f/1.7 on the right. The first thing you'll notice is the difference in focal length. The numbers seem close, but they're not - 23mm is a lot wider than 35mm. We expect that even experienced shooters will need a few days to readjust their eyes to the new normal. Main camera: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra Main camera: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra The lower distortion is obvious when you look at the thumbnails. 35mm is considered a wide-angle lens in the photo world, but it's the opposite in the smartphone world, which has adjusted to wider focal lengths on main cameras for years now. With the 35mm images, subjects are closer and bigger. This means that the new main camera is also better for people shots. Of course, some people might miss the distorted look of the older main camera. What impressed us the most was the image quality from the new 35mm main camera. It's better at the per-pixel level than the 1-inch 23mm camera - detail rendition is less digital, fine textures are less oversharpened, and there's more clarity in the 35mm images. Colors from the two main cameras also differ significantly. The X100 Ultra has much more saturated colors by default (though you can tune that in the phone's settings). Main camera: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra Moving to the ultrawide, where we see a big difference in quality. The field of view is the same - 14mm, 116˚ - but the sensors and lenses are different. The old ultrawide has a 1/2.0-inch sensor and an f/2.2 lens. The new camera has a much larger 1/1.28-inch imager with a slightly brighter f/2.0 lens. The new ultrawide is leaps and bounds better. Detail is much higher, and it's rendered in a more natural way. The new camera can discern the smallest of textures, while the older camera struggles to render it all, leaving a smeared mess in places where the new camera renders fine grass. The new camera is also better and color rendition and has an edge in dynamic range. Ultrawide: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra Ultrawide: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra There isn't a big difference in the 85mm images in good light, outside of the color rendition, which is a system-wide setting, rather than a per-camera setting. Zoom: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra In the next few images, we used the vivo X200 Ultra's new 14mm camera zoomed in to 23mm to see if you can get away with not having a native 23mm. The results are not far in good light, especially if you don't pixel peep and use them for social media. But the 14mm on the X200 Ultra, improved as it is, can't match the native 1-inch 23mm main camera on the X100 Ultra. 23mm vs 14mm zoomed in: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra We also tried the other scenario - using the vivo X100 Ultra's 23mm camera, zoomed in to 35mm, to match the vivo X200 Ultra's main camera. It's a closer match, but the 1-inch camera isn't as good at 35mm as the native 35mm. 23mm zoomed in vs 35mm: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra The main cameras are all excellent at night. Aside from the difference in color, we see equally great exposures, well-developed shadows, balanced highlights, no distracting noise, and the same, reliable detail capture. Top marks all-around! 23mm vs 35mm at night: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra We expected to see a big difference in the low-light performance of the zoom cameras - while the X200 Ultra's 85mm zoom has the same sensor as the one on the X100 Ultra, it brings a brighter f/2.27 lens (vs f/2.67). But there isn't a that much separating the two even in the dark. Yes, the new camera was able to keep ISO a bit lower, but we can't see any pronounced digital noise on either zoom's samples. The new camera is a bit heavier on the sharpening, and it processed its shadows a bit darker. Zooms at night: vivo X100 Ultra • vivo X200 Ultra Overall, we'd say that vivo made a strong follow-up to one of the best cameraphones of last year. The new 35mm is polarizing for its focal length but excellent in terms of quality. The 85mm zoom is just as transformative as it was a year ago, only with a slightly better lens! We said the ultrawide may be the highlight of the vivo X200 Ultra, and we mean it! It's without question the best ultrawide-angle camera on a phone. It renders images as beautifully as the main camera, which isn't the case on any other phone out there. Our next stop is to do thorough testing of the new camera in low light. Stay tuned for that!
Android Authority
17-05-2025
- Android Authority
The first phone with an external lens is so niche that I had to try it for myself
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Several Android phone manufacturers have showcased concept phones with external camera lenses over the years. In fact, realme showed off a concept phone with 3x or 10x external lenses at MWC earlier this year. But vivo decided to up the ante with the launch of the X200 Ultra in China last month, and it might be the first commercial phone with an optional (first-party) external lens. Of course, this is a product with extremely niche appeal, and being a bit of a mobile photography nerd, I had to test it out for myself to know if it's actually any good. Here are my thoughts after spending just under a week with this unique combination of a phone and an accessory. Setting up vivo's external lens The X200 Ultra's lens is an optional accessory that's available as part of the company's photography kit. This kit includes a phone case, a Xiaomi 15 Ultra-style camera grip, a camera ring, and a shoulder strap. The good news is that all versions of the X200 Ultra support the kit, so you aren't forced to buy it as part of a bundle. You can also theoretically buy the base storage variant and then purchase the photography kit down the line. I found it relatively easy to set things up, although I did have to refer to the review guide at first. The camera case contains a decorative ring that needs to be removed with the aid of a nearby button. From here, you add the camera ring with a simple twist until you hear a click. To add the lens itself, you have to line up a white dot on the lens with a white dot on the camera ring. You then simply twist until you hear a click. It's pretty easy stuff and reminiscent of proper cameras. Hadlee Simons / Android Authority This lens is a 2.35x telephoto converter that attaches to the 200MP 85mm periscope camera. Unlike some previous detachable cameras, vivo's zoom module doesn't have its own camera sensor. What it effectively does is multiply the 85mm camera's native zoom level by 2.35. That means you're getting 200mm native zoom with the aid of this lens. The vivo X200 Ultra's external lens basically turns the phone's 3.7x zoom camera into an ~8.3x shooter. The first thing you'll notice about the X200 Ultra's external lens is its massive size. You're not going to be putting your phone in your pocket while the lens is attached. The X200 Ultra also becomes ridiculously top-heavy when the lens is attached, to the point where I don't feel completely comfortable using the phone one-handed. You also need to take heed when using the phone in portrait orientation due to this top-heavy design. I tended to shoot with two hands, with one hand holding onto the lens. The combo is heavy in general, but I didn't feel arm fatigue while shooting for extended periods. What's it like to actually use? You can't just switch to the periscope camera to use this external lens, though. Shooting like this results in an extremely jittery viewfinder that's upside-down, too. Instead, vivo offers a discrete telephoto extender mode for the lens, giving you 200mm, 400mm, 800mm, and 1,600mm preset buttons. This mode also gives you access to the stage mode option (used for concerts and similar scenarios), a few sliders for brightness/saturation/contrast/sharpness, and video capture. The good news is that 200mm shots (equivalent to ~5.7x on the 35mm X200 Ultra or ~8.3x on any other phone) generally looked fantastic. Images captured via the lens also produced very pleasant bokeh effects compared to the lens-free shots, and this is very noticeable without needing to pixel-peep. Check out the images below, with the lens-free shot featuring blown highlights and a more washed-out look, too. 200mm with lens 230mm without lens I did find that the extra clarity in 200mm images wasn't always immediately noticeable compared to the lens-free pictures. I had to start pinching in to appreciate the difference here. Where the external lens pulls away from the standalone periscope camera is around 400mm (~16x or 17x), which is effectively a lossless resolution crop. Pictures taken at this zoom level still pack a good level of detail. We do see a few more instances of blown highlights, minor cases of color fringing, and the watercolor effect creeping in on occasion. But I found that, more often than not, you could still get a good-quality snap at this level. And there's often scope for minor cropping too. The benefits of the add-on camera lens are far more apparent from the 400mm mark. Shooting at 800mm (~33x) becomes a hit-and-miss experience. The company previously claimed that the 800mm focal length was 'highly usable.' But I thought that results were 50/50 and also depended on the subject matter. It's not uncommon to see blown highlights, edge fringing, and splotchy textures. However, I was pleasantly surprised with many 800mm shots as I often assumed the final image would be unusable. As for the 1600mm (~66x) focal length, I'm not really sure why vivo decided to add this as a preset zoom level. I found that 90% of the images taken at this range were blurry and full of fringing, although you do occasionally get a snap that might be okay for an Instagram Story. We also see some weird processing on more complex textures, along with over-sharpening. Check out the mountain in the 800mm and 1,600mm shots below. 200mm 400mm 800mm 1600mm 800mm 1600mm 800mm 800mm 200mm 400mm 800mm 1600mm Still, long-range shots taken with the lens were usually more defined and detailed than relying on the periscope camera alone. The example below is pretty notable owing to the more legible letters and the balcony fencing that's been airbrushed away in the lens-free shot. In saying so, the phone alone can occasionally capture ~600mm to 800mm shots that are comparable to the lens version. I also found that taking photos of fast-moving subjects was a tough challenge with this lens. I'm guessing that vivo is leaving the shutter open a little longer than if you were simply taking a photo with the periscope camera alone. Nevertheless, I would've loved to see a snapshot or sports mode feature incorporated into the telephoto extender mode, as it would've made for a less frustrating experience at the race track. This would obviously be a boon for parents and wildlife enthusiasts too. As for low-light shots, I noticed that images taken via the external lens could usually hold their own against lens-free shots at a similar focal length. In fact, the image captured with the lens has notably more detail and legible text than the lens-free versions. 200mm with lens 230mm without lens 170mm without lens Check out the image comparison below to get a better idea of how each approach fared. The difference is pretty stark, with the lens-aided shot offering far more readable text. I did find that focusing and blurriness could be a challenge in low-light situations. That's likely due to the shutter staying open longer to take the shot. So you'll sometimes need a steady hand to ensure good results when the sun goes down. Speaking of a steady hand, the external lens also supports video capture up to 4K/60fps, Dolby Vision capture, and 2.8K/60fps Ultra-stabilized video recording. I thought that standard video capture at 200mm looked just fine, albeit with some shakiness now and again, but the stabilization option does a good job of smoothing things out. Unfortunately, it's hard to avoid extreme judder and instability at 800mm and 1,600mm, particularly when tracking a moving subject (e.g. a jetliner or racecar). At least the included camera grip has a tripod mount. The external lens also supports the stage mode introduced on the vivo X100 Ultra and X200 Pro, but I haven't had the opportunity to try it out just yet. I found that stage mode on the older phone was hit-or-miss, with images at 20x or higher turning people into wax sculptures. So I look forward to trying this phone and lens in a concert environment. Where could the experience be better? Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Installing and removing the lens is easy, but the time spent doing this means I've missed out on shooting opportunities. You have to be sure that you'll only be shooting long-range (200mm or higher) pictures, as switching takes 10 to 20 seconds. In fact, it will take a little longer if you're like me and always put the caps back on the lens. This is compounded by the fact that the rear cameras quickly accrue dust when the camera ring is attached, necessitating a wipe of the periscope camera glass. Nothing is actually stopping you from switching to the main or ultrawide cameras while the lens is attached. It's just that every shot is partially obscured by the lens, as if you're driving a tank. Check the images below for an idea of what I mean. There are also many ways vivo could improve the actual camera software. For one, the telephoto extender mode doesn't offer pro controls. You'd think there'd be major crossover between people who are interested in an external lens and people who want pro controls. I would've also liked to see different color profiles/styles in the telephoto extender mode. This omission means you can't choose between realistic and vivid color profiles, nor can you use the new styles like classic negative and CCD. It would've also been cool to see high-resolution support at 200mm (e.g. 200MP or 50MP), 4K/120fps slow-motion capture, and focus peaking. Finally, the external lens delivers great bokeh, but it would've been fun to use the ZEISS bokeh effects (e.g. Biotar, Sonnar, Planar) with this lens. Is an external lens like this a good idea? Hadlee Simons / Android Authority I'm glad to finally see a commercial phone with an external lens, coming a few years after we first saw concept phones with this tech. It's clear that this is a step above using a periscope camera alone, particularly at ~15x to ~30x. However, the best camera phones on the market still suffice at 6x to 10x, even though the lens will often deliver better image quality. But here's the big problem: the vivo X200 Ultra's external lens is the antithesis of the smartphone photography experience. The lens installation/removal process means you might miss key moments. Furthermore, your main and ultrawide cameras are out of action with this lens attached, which means you really have to be sure that you'll only be shooting long-range snaps. The overall bulk also makes for a tight fit in your pockets when disassembled. Some key software features (e.g. pro mode) are missing in action, although there's a decent foundation so far. And finally, it's a China-only release, but it is available for ~$200 via resellers like Giztop… though you'll still need to import the vivo X200 Ultra as well. That's a lot of hoops to jump through! I'd advise most people to buy an actual DSLR camera if they want a proper camera experience. But if you're due for a phone upgrade, value great long-range zoom, and really don't mind a hefty external lens, this combination can deliver top-notch results. It's also the only option on the market. Still, as impractical as this is, I'd love to see a Google Pixel phone with an optional external lens of its own. A Google-made lens would probably cost more than $200, but the combo of this and Super Res Zoom would be fantastic on paper.
Globe and Mail
15-05-2025
- Globe and Mail
Unleash The Flagship Underwater: DIVEVOLK Platinum Meets the VIVO X200 Ultra
Global renowned waterproof equipment brand DIVEVOLK has recently unveiled the SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition waterproof case, specifically designed for the vivo X200 Ultra, a top-tier imaging flagship. This innovative collaboration aims to solve the four major challenges of underwater photography. As a phenomenon-level imaging flagship in 2025, the vivo X200 Ultra has been making waves in the 3C digital market since its launch on April 21. With its Zeiss triple prime lenses, dual imaging chips, and external teleconverter—disruptive innovations that have garnered significant attention—the vivo X200 Ultra has been hailed as a "mobile imaging workstation." Its full-focal-length, no-compromise "triple main camera" architecture has rewritten the rules of smartphone photography competition. Inspired by projects like "Roaming Earth", where creators explore and document our planet's wonders, we saw photographers facing this exact challenge. Their solution? Pairing the powerful VIVO X200 Ultra with the specialized DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition underwater housing. This combination proved essential for capturing breathtaking underwater sequences, overcoming environmental hurdles, and truly leveraging the phone's advanced capabilities. Let's dive into how the DIVEVOLK Platinum Edition is purpose-built to be the ultimate underwater companion for today's top-tier flagship smartphones. DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum – Born for Flagships Recognizing the specific needs of advanced users with premium devices, DIVEVOLK created the SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition. Engineered for Top-Tier Phones: Its design philosophy centers on accommodating the larger dimensions, thicker profiles, and complex camera modules often found on leading flagship models. It's precision-built for phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max,Samsung S25 Ultra,OnePlus 13, Google Pixel 9, VIVO X200 Ultra, HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, OPPO Find X8 Ultra, and other similar high-end devices. The distinctive platinum finish also adds a touch of premium aesthetic to match your top-tier phone. Dual Protection System: The Platinum Edition features a military-grade sealed structure capable of withstanding water pressure at depths of up to 60 meters. Specifically engineered for flagship devices, its reinforced mid-frame design ensures seamless compatibility with the Zeiss quad-camera module of the vivo X200 Ultra. Unlocking Native Camera Power with Full Touchscreen: The Platinum Edition features DIVEVOLK's revolutionary full underwater touchscreen technology. This is paramount for flagship phones, as it allows you direct access to the phone's native, feature-rich camera application. You can utilize all the advanced settings – manual focus, ISO, shutter speed adjustments, RAW capture, accessing different built-in lenses – just as you would on land. No limitations from simplified third-party apps or restricted button layouts. Professional Accessory Ecosystem: The Platinum housing seamlessly integrates with the full DIVEVOLK accessory system. The standard 67mm Threaded Adapter allows for the use of professional Underwater Filters and Wet Lenses (wide-angle, macro), while universal mounting points accommodate Video Lights, Handles, and Trays, enabling users to build a complete, customized underwater imaging rig. When Flagship Imaging Power Meets Underwater Challenges The "Roaming Earth" project provided a real-world proving ground. Photographers navigated complex underwater environments, dealing with currents and challenging lighting. They relied on the VIVO X200 Ultra's exceptional imaging prowess, accessed and controlled seamlessly through the DIVEVOLK Platinum's reliable protection and intuitive touchscreen interface. The ability to make fine adjustments on the fly using the native camera app was crucial for capturing professional-quality shots under demanding conditions. While many conventional waterproof housings depend on third-party applications to operate smartphones—a design choice that inherently restricts access to native imaging functionalities—the VIVO X200 Ultra distinguishes itself with its advanced imaging architecture. Notably, its capacity for 4K/120fps slow-motion cinematography and other professional-grade features can only be fully leveraged through the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum and its proprietary underwater touchscreen interface. This patented technology enables photographers to bypass software limitations, granting full access to the device's native camera controls. By preserving the phone's original imaging algorithms and creative tools, the Platinum Edition empowers users to unlock cinematic-grade underwater footage that generic solutions cannot achieve. Explore the behind-the-scenes samples shot with DIVEVOLK Platinum and vivo X200 Ultra, and experience the shocking underwater visual feast it brings. The stunning visuals achieved demonstrated that with the right housing solution, flagship smartphones are more than capable of delivering professional-grade underwater content. DIVEVOLK: Redefining Underwater Photography for Everyone Target User Profile: In addition to professional photographers, the proportion of casual diving enthusiasts and travel bloggers continues to rise annually. DIVEVOLK addresses these diverse needs through lightweight design and social media-friendly features such as one-touch sharing. Comparison with Professional Underwater Cameras: Taking the VIVO X200 Ultra's "triple main camera" system as an example, the combination of a smartphone and platinum housing demonstrates advantages in portability, seamless multi-focal switching, and color accuracy in direct output. Additionally, its cost is just one-third of professional underwater camera setups. Choosing Platinum for Your Flagship The SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition is specifically tailored for select flagship smartphone models recognized for their advanced camera systems, larger dimensions, or thicker profiles. Key compatible models include: VIVO X200 Ultra HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra Xiaomi 15 Ultra OPPO Find X8 Ultra (And other similar high-end models) Important: Due to the precision fit required for optimal touchscreen performance and protection, we strongly recommend checking the Official DIVEVOLK Compatibility List on our website or contacting our support team to confirm compatibility for your specific device before purchasing. Please remember to specify your exact phone model when placing your order. For users who demand the absolute best underwater performance from their top-tier smartphones and want uncompromised access to their phone's most advanced camera features, the SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition is the premium choice. Ready to unlock your flagship's true underwater potential? Explore the SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition Now Conclusion: Your Best Camera, Now Underwater Don't let the ocean's surface be the boundary for your creativity. Your flagship smartphone is likely the best camera you own – and with the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Edition, it becomes an incredibly powerful tool for capturing the underwater world in stunning detail. At DIVEVOLK, we remain committed to innovating solutions that make high-quality underwater imaging accessible and intuitive for everyone, from casual explorers to demanding professionals. What flagship phone would you love to take underwater? Let us know in the comments! Follow us on social media for more inspiration and updates. Get in Touch: Media Contact Company Name: DIVEVOLK Intelligence Tech Co,.Ltd. Contact Person: Louis Chen Email: Send Email Country: China Website:
