After capturing over a thousand photos and videos with this smartphone, I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed that similar innovations aren’t available in Western flagship devices from Samsung, Apple, or even Google—at least not yet. This phone has changed my perspective on mobile photography, and I want to share why it has become my favorite camera, not just my favorite smartphone camera.
What Sets This Smartphone Apart?
Aside from the massive circular camera module on the back, which some people might find off-putting, the real magic lies in the technology inside. The sensors in this camera system are what make it truly unique.
This device is the Vivo X100 Ultra—not the newest or highest-end smartphone available, but one that offers a camera setup unlike anything found in mainstream flagships. The X200 Pro also features an impressive telephoto lens, but since it lacks a 1-inch main sensor, it doesn’t quite match up to this one in my book.
Hardware and Software That Make a Difference
It’s not just the hardware that makes this camera stand out—the software adds a host of powerful features as well. This phone includes:
- Log recording, similar to the iPhone’s ProRes mode.
- Portrait video mode with background blur.
- Astrophotography mode for stunning night sky shots.
- High-resolution mode to avoid pixel binning.
- Super macro mode for detailed close-ups.
- Pro mode with manual controls, including log recording.
- Portrait stills mode, which might be the best implementation I’ve ever seen.
The portrait stills mode allows you to switch focal lengths and adjust the virtual aperture from f/16 all the way down to f/0.95. It even includes lens simulations that mimic the look of classic Zeiss lenses, creating a distinct bokeh effect that adds character to images. This isn’t just about blurring the background—it’s about producing photos that look like they were taken with professional cameras.
A Natural-Looking Camera System
The camera app offers three color modes:
- Vivid Mode – Enhances contrast and saturation.
- Textured Mode – Adds a unique tonal effect.
- Zeiss Natural Mode – Produces the most realistic colors.
I found myself using Zeiss Natural Mode the most because it delivers a balanced and authentic look. Many smartphone cameras today apply aggressive processing, but this one avoids that, making photos look natural rather than artificially enhanced.
A Game-Changing Telephoto Lens
Most of my smartphone photography involves using the telephoto lens, and this device takes that experience to another level. The 3.7x periscope telephoto lens features a 200MP sensor (1/1.4-inch), which is significantly larger than what’s found in most other smartphones.
This means you don’t always need portrait mode to create a shallow depth of field—the sensor itself produces natural background blur. It also works well in video mode, eliminating the need for artificial depth effects.
At zoom levels beyond 10x, the image quality starts to degrade slightly due to AI processing, creating a “watercolor” effect. However, for anything below that, this is one of the best telephoto cameras I’ve ever used.
A Versatile Main Sensor
The 1-inch main sensor is another major highlight. While it requires some distance between the subject and the lens, it delivers stunning images with a f/1.8 aperture for beautiful background blur. This sensor allows for minor cropping without losing quality, making it incredibly versatile.
While I’ve grown less interested in ultra-wide cameras over the years, this phone’s 50MP ultra-wide sensor still delivers excellent results with Zeiss color tuning. It’s great to have this option, even if it’s not my primary shooting preference.
Video Performance: Impressive, but Not the Best
Apple still leads the pack when it comes to smartphone video quality, especially with ProRes Log recording, but this phone holds its own. It can record 4K at 120fps on both the main and telephoto cameras, and 8K at 30fps on the primary sensor.
One downside is the inability to shoot 24fps video in standard mode. To achieve that cinematic frame rate, you need to use either Cinematic Portrait Mode (with effects disabled) or Pro Video Mode. Despite this limitation, the video output is sharp and natural-looking, avoiding the exaggerated HDR effects that many smartphones apply.
Is This the Best Smartphone Camera?
A month ago, I was seriously considering buying a Sony RX100 point-and-shoot camera, but this phone has made me rethink that decision. With its weather-sealed, IP-rated body, powerful sensor technology, and flexible software, it offers a level of convenience that traditional cameras can’t match.
I wasn’t paid to review this phone, nor was I sent a free unit—I bought it myself. But as someone passionate about smartphone cameras, I can confidently say that this might be the best smartphone camera available today.
Of course, photography is subjective. If you have a favorite smartphone camera, let me know in the comments!
