Over the years, we have seen concept phones with exterior camera lenses from a number of firms; the most current example of this technology was presented by Realme at MWC 2025. Vivo has now disclosed that the forthcoming X200 Ultra will bring this idea to life.
According to Vivo executive Han Boxiao, a ZEISS camera lens would be available as an add-on for the forthcoming X200 Ultra smartphone. This add-on lens uses the phone's 200MP 3.7x periscope camera and allows for a 200mm or 8.7x focal length at an f/2.3 aperture; it appears to require the company's recently revealed camera grip.
Interestingly, the company adds that 800mm or 35x zoom is “highly usable” and that 1600mm (70x) is equivalent to 30x zoom without the external lens. The executive also posted a few sample photos taken with the external lens. Check them out below.
Interestingly, the company adds that 800mm or 35x zoom is “highly usable” and that 1600mm (70x) is equivalent to 30x zoom without the external lens. The executive also posted a few sample photos taken with the external lens. Check them out below.
There are still a few unanswered questions about this add-on lens though, such as pricing. We’re also hoping the lens supports deep integration with the camera app, such as portrait mode (with bokeh styles), 4K/120fps video, night mode, and more.
In any case, on April 21, the Vivo X200 Ultra and its companion lens will be released in China. The new phone will feature a 200MP 3.7x periscope camera, a 35mm 50MP primary camera, and an ultrawide camera that is reportedly comparable to the primary camera. Additionally, the business promised video recording quality comparable to that of iPhones. Therefore, we're eager to find out if the X200 Ultra is the next big thing in photography phones.
