Chinese smartphone maker Vivo has unveiled its latest flagship, the Vivo X300 Ultra, at Mobile World Congress 2026, showcasing a camera-focused device designed to push the limits of smartphone photography.
The phone introduces an optional 400mm telephoto lens attachment aimed at delivering powerful long-range zoom capabilities.
When people talk about the best camera phones, devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max from Apple or the Galaxy S25 Ultra from Samsung usually come to mind.
However, the Vivo X300 Ultra appears to take a different approach by turning the smartphone into something closer to a professional camera setup.
The device features a 200-megapixel primary lens, matching the camera specification of the previous Vivo X200 Ultra.
400mm telephoto lens accessory
What truly stands out is an optional accessory known as the Telephoto Extender Gen2 Ultra.
Developed in collaboration with Zeiss, the clip-on lens delivers a 400mm equivalent focal length, significantly expanding the phone’s zoom capabilities.
With additional digital cropping, the setup could reportedly reach the equivalent of a 1600mm super-telephoto lens, although that may involve some compromise in image quality.
This level of zoom power could make the device particularly appealing for long-range photography.
Portability trade-off
Despite its impressive capabilities, the setup comes with a practical limitation.
Attaching the external lens makes the phone much less portable, meaning it may not easily fit in a pocket when the accessory is in use.
Experts also note that the phone’s image processing performance will ultimately determine how effective the extreme zoom system is in real-world scenarios.
Additional accessories for creators
Alongside the lens extender, Vivo also introduced a “pro-grade” Camera Cage designed for videography and content creation.
The accessory includes:
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multiple cold shoe mounts
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quick-release ports
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two hand grips for stability
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physical shutter and zoom buttons
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an active cooling fan to maintain performance
The Camera Cage is also compatible with the telephoto lens extender, enabling creators to use both accessories together.
These accessories suggest that Vivo is targeting professional or semi-professional photographers and videographers.
While the setup may be excessive for casual users, it could appeal to photography enthusiasts who want powerful zoom capabilities without carrying a traditional DSLR camera.
Leaked specifications
While the company has not revealed the full specifications of the Vivo X300 Ultra, leaks from Chinese social media platform Weibo suggest additional details.
According to well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, the device may feature:
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a 6.82-inch display
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2K resolution
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a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate
The display is also expected to include slim bezels and rounded corners.
The battery capacity is rumored to be slightly larger than the one found in the Vivo X300 Pro.
The leak also hinted at another accessory described as a “teleconverter.”
Unlike the specialized telephoto extender, this accessory could be designed for broader everyday photography use.
However, further details about this device have not yet been revealed.
The smartphone camera race continues to intensify.
Recently, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra debuted with a powerful camera system, while the Oppo Find X9 Ultra has entered the market with a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor.
The Oppo device reportedly combines a 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, which could make it well suited for long-distance photography scenarios such as wildlife or safari shooting.
However, Vivo’s 400mm telephoto accessory may still offer a unique advantage in extreme zoom situations.
Launch timeline and availability
According to Vivo, the Vivo X300 Ultra is expected to launch later this year.
The company says it will be the first Ultra model available globally outside China.
However, the phone is unlikely to be sold in the United States, and availability in Europe remains uncertain.
Pricing and the exact release date have not yet been announced.
With a 200MP camera and a powerful 400mm telephoto accessory, the Vivo X300 Ultra appears designed to push smartphone photography closer to professional territory.
If the device delivers on its promise, it could reshape expectations for camera-centric smartphones. More details about its specifications, price, and availability are expected in the coming months.
