Vivo is reportedly testing a major shift for its next flagship camera strategy, with a periscope telephoto system capable of up to 10x optical zoom. The device believed to be the Vivo X500 Ultra could reshape how the brand approaches long-range photography.
That move would place Vivo in a far tougher premium market, where camera performance now matters as much as speed, design, and display quality. In the flagship segment, zoom capability has become one of the most closely watched features among buyers.
A Clear Departure From Vivo’s Current Ultra Formula
The Vivo X300 Ultra currently relies on a single 200MP periscope camera with around 3.7x optical zoom. The setup offers flexibility through sensor cropping, but it still trails rivals that already use dual telephoto systems for longer-range shooting.
Reports about the Vivo X500 Ultra point to a dedicated 10x periscope solution designed to improve image quality at high magnification. The aim is also to reduce dependence on digital processing, which is often used to compensate for weaker optical zoom.
The Flagship Zoom Race Is Getting More Intense
Vivo’s possible direction comes amid aggressive competition from other premium smartphone makers. Oppo Find X9 Ultra is said to bring a 200MP 3x telephoto camera alongside a separate 50MP 10x periscope lens for greater flexibility across different shooting distances.
Huawei has also drawn attention with the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, which features periscope technology reaching up to 9.4x. Devices like these show how smartphone zoom is steadily advancing and, in some situations, moving closer to professional camera results.
Against that backdrop, Vivo’s interest in a longer optical zoom solution makes strategic sense. In the flagship market, imaging has become a key differentiator alongside performance and industrial design.
Zeiss Remains One Of Vivo’s Strongest Advantages
Vivo has spent several years building a reputation as one of the most aggressive smartphone brands in camera development. Its long-running partnership with Zeiss has helped strengthen that image in mobile photography.
That collaboration has previously supported improvements in optical quality, color processing, and professional-style photography features across Vivo’s flagship lineup. For that reason, the rumor of 10x periscope testing on the Vivo X500 Ultra is viewed by some industry observers as a credible step rather than a wild leap.
Still In Testing, Not Yet A Final Product
Even so, the 10x telephoto system remains in internal testing. There is no certainty that the feature will make it into the commercial version of the Vivo X500 Ultra.
Final approval will likely depend on several practical issues, including camera module size, device weight, internal space efficiency, and production cost. If Vivo manages to keep the phone comfortable to use while adding 10x optical zoom, the feature could become one of the biggest attractions of its next flagship wave.
