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| The Vivo X300 Ultra could sport a continuous zoom, although one that's different from the Xiaomi 17 Ultra |
The first weekend of the new year has ignited the smartphone rumor mill with a potentially massive leak surrounding Vivo's upcoming flagship. According to emerging chatter from China, the much-anticipated Vivo X300 Ultra might not just be another incremental upgrade—it could be aiming to redefine mobile photography with a groundbreaking continuous zoom system.
Slated for a potential global debut in March, the X300 Ultra is poised to be Vivo's first "Ultra" model to see a wide international release, marking a significant strategic move for the brand.
A Camera System That Turns Heads
The core of the rumor, stemming from a post by a Weibo user, paints a picture of a formidable camera array:
- A 200MP main camera with a 35mm focal length, reportedly using a large 1/1.12-inch Sony LYT-901 sensor.
- A 200MP periscope telephoto camera for long-range shots.
- A substantial 50MP ultra-wide sensor at 1/1.28-inch.
While impressive, these specs alone have been hinted at before. The real headline-grabber is what might be happening with that main sensor.
The "Continuous Zoom" Speculation Heats Up
The most intriguing claim is that the Vivo X300 Ultra could feature a continuous optical zoom lens on its main camera. This technology, similar to what was introduced on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, allows for seamless optical zoom across a range of focal lengths without switching cameras or using digital crop.
However, the leaker suggests Vivo's implementation could be even more versatile. Where the Xiaomi system offers a 75mm to 100mm range on its telephoto, the Vivo system is rumored to operate right from the 35mm starting point of its main camera, potentially extending towards 85mm. This would mean true optical zoom from a standard portrait focal length all the way to a classic telephoto perspective—all from a single lens.
The leak, which migrated from Chinese social media to Reddit and then X (formerly Twitter), has sparked fervent discussion about the possibilities and technical hurdles of such a wide zoom range on a main camera.
A Healthy Dose of Skepticism is Advised
As exciting as this sounds, industry watchers are urging caution. Major questions surround the leak's technical feasibility and source reliability.
- The Physics Challenge: Xiaomi itself noted that the zoom range on its periscope module is limited by the physical size required for its large 1/1.4-inch sensor. The rumor claims Vivo would use an even larger 1/1.12-inch sensor for its zoom mechanism. Experts argue this would likely necessitate a smaller zoom range, not the expansive one speculated, to keep the module from becoming impractically large for a smartphone.
- Source Uncertainty: The Weibo account behind the initial post does not have a established track record of accurate leaks. Notably, trusted and prolific leakers in the Chinese tech space, such as Digital Chat Station, have made no mention of a continuous zoom feature for the X300 Ultra. This specific leak appears to borrow other, more credible details from these established sources.
What Is More Likely for the Vivo X300 Ultra?
While the continuous zoom rumor remains in "too good to be true" territory for now, other details align with credible leaks:
- A stunning 6.82-inch flat 2K LTPO display with very thin bezels.
- The possible removal of the dedicated camera button, a design change hinted at by multiple sources.
- A Q1 launch window, with March as the prime candidate.
- A high probability of a simultaneous global launch, a key detail for international fans of Vivo's camera tech.
The Bottom Line
The rumor of a 35mm to 85mm continuous optical zoom on the Vivo X300 Ultra is the smartphone fantasy of the moment. It represents the next frontier in mobile photography, but significant engineering and credibility barriers stand in its way.
For now, it's wise to treat this specific claim as a spectacular "what if" scenario. The confirmed ingredients—a powerful sensor suite, a top-tier display, and a global launch—are enough to make the Vivo X300 Ultra one of the most anticipated phones of early 2025. We likely won't have to wait long for the truth, with March just around the corner.
Stay tuned for more confirmed details as we approach the expected launch period.
