Vivo is reportedly still weighing three different 200 MP periscope telephoto sensors for the Vivo X500 Ultra. The choice could shape the phone’s long-range image quality, camera module size, and overall body design.
The uncertainty follows an earlier report that Vivo had stopped work on a prototype with a dedicated 10x periscope camera. The company is now said to be considering a single 200 MP periscope camera supported by in-sensor zoom technology.
That shift places greater importance on the main telephoto sensor. Rather than relying on a separate 10x module, the final system would need to handle zoom requirements through one primary periscope camera.
A choice between three sensor sizes
Digital Chat Station, as reported by Gizmochina, says Vivo is evaluating sensors in 1/1.12-inch, 1/1.3-inch, and 1/1.4-inch formats. No final selection has been confirmed, and the camera hardware may still change before mass production.
The 1/1.12-inch option is described as the most aggressive approach for telephoto photography. A larger sensor could potentially collect more light and preserve image quality when using longer focal lengths.
Its larger physical footprint may also create engineering challenges. A bigger sensor can require a more complex camera module and occupy more space inside the handset.
| Sensor Size | Reported Positioning | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1.12-inch | Most aggressive telephoto option | Light collection and image quality |
| 1/1.3-inch | More balanced option | Camera performance and device design |
| 1/1.4-inch | More balanced option | Camera performance and device design |
The 1/1.3-inch and 1/1.4-inch alternatives are viewed as more balanced options. They could offer a more practical compromise between imaging capability and the phone’s physical design.
The reported testing suggests that Vivo is not simply pursuing a higher resolution figure. The company also needs to determine how the sensor fits into the complete camera system without compromising the overall device layout.
The reported end of the 10x prototype
Digital Chat Station previously said in June that the dedicated 10x telephoto periscope prototype had been discontinued. The newer report is consistent with a strategy centered on one 200 MP periscope camera instead.
In-sensor zoom would be expected to serve different magnification needs within that approach. However, the final sensor, lens arrangement, and zoom implementation remain unconfirmed.
The Vivo X500 Ultra is considered unlikely to launch this year. It is expected to be introduced in the first half of 2027 for China and global markets.
The extended development period leaves Vivo time to assess the strengths and trade-offs of each sensor option. Official camera details will only be clear once the company announces the device directly.
