Vivo X300 Ultra Boasts the Best Smartphone Cameras Available

A few months back, I mentioned that the telephoto lens has become the standout feature for Ultra-class flagship phones. As smartphone cameras have improved, manufacturers have leaned heavily on them to differentiate their devices. Recently, brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Huawei have made telephoto capabilities their main selling point. However, Vivo’s X300 Ultra is taking a different route.

Instead of pushing the telephoto lens to new extremes, Vivo has opted for a more balanced approach. The focus here is on a significantly enhanced 35mm main camera, which stands out in the market for its natural focal length. Paired with the best ultrawide camera available on any smartphone and new professional-grade video features, the X300 Ultra offers a well-rounded camera system across all three rear lenses. While it may not be the flashiest option, its versatility makes it a joy to use.

The main camera is undoubtedly the star of the show. Featuring a 200-megapixel, 1/1.12-inch Sony Lytia 901 sensor, it represents a substantial upgrade in both size and resolution compared to last year’s model. It retains the 35mm-equivalent focal length, which is narrower than the typical 23–26mm found in most smartphones, making it feel more natural and akin to the human eye. If you’ve ever felt that your main camera was leaning too much toward ultrawide, this phone is a refreshing change.

The telephoto camera also boasts a 200-megapixel resolution, with an 85mm focal length and a 1/1.4-inch sensor, mirroring the specs of the previous model. While the slightly narrower f/2.7 aperture might suggest a downgrade, improvements in stabilization and processing give this version a notable advantage.

The ultrawide camera hasn’t changed much from last year, but it remains unique due to its larger sensor size, which surpasses that of the iPhone 17 Pro’s main camera. It also supports optical image stabilization, making it feel like a main camera with an ultrawide lens attached—no other ultrawide can compete.

The selfie camera, however, is less impressive, featuring a 50-megapixel sensor with a smaller 1/2.76-inch size. It performs adequately, but the other cameras truly shine.

Photos taken with all three rear lenses are remarkably consistent in quality across various lighting conditions. The only noticeable difference is that the telephoto and ultrawide lenses can be prone to motion blur when capturing fast-moving subjects in low light. Otherwise, choosing between lenses feels more like selecting the right focal length rather than worrying about quality trade-offs. Vivo’s color processing and impressive film simulations enhance the overall photography experience, making it my favorite in any smartphone.

Vivo hasn’t neglected video capabilities either. This year, they’ve made significant strides, particularly for professionals. You can now record 4K video at 120fps with 10-bit Log across all three rear lenses, import custom 3D LUTs, and utilize a Pro Video mode for full manual controls. If that sounds complex, you’re not alone—these features cater to a niche audience.

Like other Ultra phones, the X300 Ultra offers a range of camera accessories. A colleague has explored Vivo’s camera grip and separate 200mm and 400mm telephoto extenders, which can capture stunning long-range shots that no other phone can match. At MWC Barcelona 2026, I briefly tested a custom SmallRig camera cage designed for the phone, which integrates stabilization, cooling, and a fill light into a compact design. These accessories are sold separately and support Vivo’s claim that the X300 Ultra can serve as the foundation for a semi-professional camera system.

However, this is still a phone, so let’s discuss the rest of its features. One downside for me is the uninspiring design. The black model is quite dull, and while the two-tone options in green and white are better, they don’t compare to the striking aesthetics of the latest offerings from other brands. The camera bump is also notably raised, almost as thick as the phone itself, and Vivo has inexplicably removed the physical shutter button, which I miss.

In terms of specs, the X300 Ultra holds its own against rival Ultra phones, boasting an IP68 and IP69 protection rating, a massive 6,600mAh silicon-carbon battery, and a 144Hz refresh rate on its 6.8-inch OLED display. It features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, up to 1TB of storage, and 16GB of RAM, along with a solid promise of five years of Android OS updates and seven years of security patches. The phone runs on Vivo’s OriginOS, which has improved but still lags behind competitors with its bland design and excessive preinstalled apps and ads.

Ultra flagships serve as both tech showcases and consumer products, allowing manufacturers to demonstrate their capabilities and define what makes the “best” phone. As advancements in processors, displays, and water resistance have become standard, cameras are where brands can truly differentiate themselves. Vivo’s message is clear: the best camera is one that excels across all lenses, not just a select few.

As a tech demo, the X300 Ultra is quite practical, though its price is a consideration. It’s not launching in the US or UK but is available in various Asian markets and select European countries like Spain, Italy, and Austria. Priced at €1,999 (around $2,340), it’s not cheap, especially with additional photography accessories costing hundreds more. However, it’s comparable to a 1TB iPhone 17 Pro Max in those regions, making it a reasonable investment for what it offers.

While I wouldn’t say it’s the best phone for that price, it is a solid device with an excellent display, a large battery, and flagship performance. The design, however, feels bulky and somewhat unattractive, and the software can be frustrating. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra presents a slightly better overall package with a more appealing design and refined OS. Yet, the X300 Ultra’s three outstanding lenses are consistently excellent, allowing me to overlook those other concerns when using the camera.

If I were spending my own money right now, I’d lean toward the Xiaomi. But when it comes to this year’s Ultra camera showdown, Vivo takes the crown.