This will mark the company’s first Ultra release outside of China.
This will mark the company’s first Ultra release outside of China.
Vivo seldom makes an appearance at MWC, but this year it broke that pattern significantly by unveiling its upcoming flagship device, the X300 Ultra, along with an enhanced telephoto extender lens and a professional camera cage. While the company isn’t quite ready to launch the phone or disclose many specifications, it has assured that when it becomes available, it will be the inaugural Ultra model to be sold outside of China.
The sole specific information about the X300 Ultra that Vivo is willing to share is that it will include a 200-megapixel telephoto sensor. However, this was also the case with last year’s X200 Ultra, so we are still anticipating to learn what advancements Vivo has planned for my favorite mobile camera from previous year.
The 200-megapixel sensor is expected to be fully utilized by the new Telephoto Extender Gen2 Ultra, an optional accessory that can attach to the back of the phone. Telephoto extenders have become quite popular among manufacturers since Vivo introduced its version with the X200 Ultra, which has also been adopted by the X300 and X300 Pro, with similar products emerging from both Oppo and Honor. Vivo is stepping up its game by doubling the focal length from 200mm to 400mm with a lens co-designed with its long-time camera partner Zeiss.
This new accessory is noticeably thicker and heavier than its predecessor, yet retains a similar appearance. It comes alongside a revamped camera grip case that appears to have gained additional buttons and controls. Upon closer inspection, you may notice that the case lacks a cut-out for the touch-sensitive shutter button that was featured on the side of the X200 Ultra — could this mean that feature has been removed from the device?
In addition to the telephoto accessory, there’s a brand-new offering: a “pro-grade” camera cage developed in collaboration with phone photography accessory company SmallRig. Vivo’s press release states that the cage will feature an “array of cold shoe mounts and quick-release ports,” along with physical buttons for shutter and zoom controls, and a cooling fan specifically for demanding video recording sessions. This indicates that Vivo aims to position the X300 Ultra not just as a tool for photo lovers, but as a genuine productivity device for serious photographers and videographers.
While earlier Vivo Ultra phones have been restricted to the Chinese market, the X300 Ultra is anticipated to have a launch “in international markets” later this year. It remains uncertain how broad the actual release will be — it is nearly guaranteed that it won’t be available in the US, and Vivo’s inconsistent record in Europe raises questions as well.
