First Impressions of the Vivo X200 Ultra: The "All-Round V Camera" That Redefines Smartphone Imaging
Before getting our hands on the vivo X200 Ultra, we had our concerns. Rumors suggested significant upgrades to its imaging hardware, raising questions about whether the phone’s design could accommodate such advancements without compromise. We braced ourselves for a device that might require carefully measured praise.
But the vivo X200 Ultra surprised us. It boldly delivers groundbreaking imaging capabilities, earning its self-proclaimed title of "All-Round V Camera"—a nod to its DSLR-like prowess—while confidently asserting itself as a true flagship.
Bold Design Language
The "V Camera" identity is immediately evident in the X200 Ultra’s camera module. Departing from curved or sloped edges, it adopts a cylindrical design with straight-knurled textures, resembling a compact pancake lens. The module’s tactile finish even allows users to grip the phone by the camera housing—a bold statement of its imaging focus.
Our review unit features the striking "Red Ring" colorway, with a crimson accent encircling the camera module, emphasizing its photographic pedigree. To balance the triple-camera layout, vivo cleverly integrates a circular motif in the top-right corner, highlighting the APO (Apochromatic) telephoto lens.
The Red Ring’s matte-dark-red back shifts subtly under light—appearing almost black in low light, yet revealing scattered reflections under direct illumination. The frame adopts a minimalist, flat-edge design, ditching the textured accents of its predecessor. A dedicated camera button sits on the right edge, positioned for ergonomic use in both portrait and landscape orientations. This capacitive touch button supports slide gestures for adjusting exposure and zoom.
Despite its angular frame, the front features a quad-curved "Equal Depth" display, softening the phone’s profile while maintaining touch-friendly usability.
Triple "Main Camera" Setup: No Compromises
The X200 Ultra’s imaging hardware pushes boundaries. Beyond the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it packs dual imaging co-processors: the VS1 (handling pre-processing for noise reduction and dynamic range) and V3+ (optimizing output for speed and quality). Together, they enable features like AI-powered bokeh, "Film-like" portrait algorithms, and full-focal-length 4K video recording.
The triple-camera array breaks conventions:
Ultra-wide: 14mm equivalent, f/2.0 aperture, 1/1.28-inch LYT-818 sensor.
"Standard" prime: 35mm equivalent, f/1.8 aperture, same LYT-818 sensor (marking a shift from traditional 23-24mm "main" cameras).
APO Telephoto: 85mm equivalent, f/2.27 aperture, 1/1.4-inch HP9 sensor, supporting up to 1600mm digital zoom with a dedicated 2.35x teleconverter (sold separately).
Notably, the 35mm and 14mm lenses share the same large sensor, making them true "main cameras" in their focal lengths. vivo claims their performance rivals 1-inch sensors in many scenarios, particularly for video.
For enthusiasts, vivo partnered with PGY (Peak Design) on a premium Photography Kit, including a case, grip, quick-release straps, and teleconverter compatibility—turning the phone into a modular imaging tool.
Imaging Performance: DSLR-Level Ambitions
Daylight Samples: The 35mm lens shines with vivid colors, crisp details, and intuitive framing. Its "Street Snap" mode (with simulated film presets) delivers instant, nostalgic shots reminiscent of classic cameras.
Low Light: Night shots lean into high contrast and rich hues, balancing noise suppression with atmospheric depth. The 35mm lens excels in handheld street photography, capturing fleeting moments with minimal lag.
Telephoto Excellence: The 85mm APO lens impresses at 85mm and 170mm (digital zoom), retaining sharpness even in complex textures like foliage. With the teleconverter, it reaches 200mm optical zoom, remaining usable up to 1600mm—a feat for smartphones.
Portraits: vivo’s signature portrait algorithms return, refining skin textures and background bokeh. New "Negative Film" filters and retro lens effects (e.g., swirly bokeh) add artistic flair. A standout feature is the zoom-synced flash, which adjusts intensity per focal length for natural-looking nighttime portraits.
Quirks and Considerations
While the camera module’s industrial design is striking, the Photography Kit has room for improvement: the included strap feels finicky, and the case’s built-in stand struggles with the teleconverter attached. The teleconverter’s loose lens cap also risks getting lost.
Casual users may find the kit unnecessary—the phone’s built-in camera button and APO lens already cover most needs. But for enthusiasts craving DSLR-like modularity, it’s a unique offering in the smartphone space.
Beyond Imaging: A Balanced Flagship
The X200 Ultra isn’t just a camera grafted onto a phone. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, paired with a 6.78-inch 1440p AMOLED (120Hz, 2160Hz PWM dimming). The 6000mAh Blue Ocean battery supports 90W wired and 40W wireless charging—modest by 2024 standards but improved over previous Ultras.
OriginOS 4 enhances cross-device synergy, including seamless file sharing and call/text forwarding with iPhones—a rare nod to ecosystem flexibility.
Conclusion: More Than a "V Camera"
The vivo X200 Ultra walks a fine line between smartphone and dedicated camera. Its 35mm-centric approach and modular add-ons cater to photography purists, while its refined hardware and software ensure mainstream appeal.
Yes, the camera module is audacious, and the teleconverter borders on absurdity. But in a world where smartphones increasingly replace dedicated cameras, the X200 Ultra stands out by embracing—not masking—its hybrid identity. It’s a "V Camera" first, but also a no-compromise flagship that excels in everyday use. For those who demand both a pocketable powerhouse and a creative tool, it’s a compelling step forward—even if that step is half a stride into uncharted territory.
