Vivo’s upcoming X300 FE is shaping up to be more than another compact premium phone. Recent reports suggest the device will launch in India with a Zeiss-branded telephoto system and a separate Zeiss Telephoto Extender Kit, a combination that could push mobile zoom into a more serious photography category.
That accessory is the key reason the X300 FE is drawing attention. If the leaks are accurate, Vivo is preparing a phone that can extend its telephoto reach well beyond the usual limits of a slim handset, while still keeping the device positioned below the standard Vivo X300.
A Zeiss accessory that changes the formula
According to a report from 91Mobiles citing industry sources, the Vivo X300 FE will support a detachable Zeiss Telephoto Extender Kit. The accessory is said to mount onto the telephoto lens by way of a special case, turning the phone into a more flexible zoom tool.
The extender is reportedly designed to increase zoom capability by 2.35x. With that setup, the phone could reach an optical-equivalent 200mm zoom range, with a maximum focal length of 1600mm claimed in the leak.
That approach matters because most smartphones rely on software tricks or fixed telephoto ranges. Vivo appears to be leaning into physical optics instead, which could appeal to users who care about portraits, distant subjects, and cleaner zoom shots.
Why the zoom system stands out
The reported telephoto setup is not just about numbers. It also signals a shift in how smartphone makers may differentiate camera phones in a crowded market where many devices now advertise similar AI features.
A separate detail in the leak says the Indian variant will include a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with Zeiss tuning. AI portrait optimization is also expected to improve when the extender kit is attached, which could make the accessory more useful for portrait shooters than for casual zoom alone.
Here is the reported camera-related setup at a glance:
| Feature | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Telephoto camera | 50MP with Zeiss tuning |
| Extender accessory | Zeiss Telephoto Extender Kit |
| Zoom boost | 2.35x |
| Effective zoom reach | Up to 200mm optical-equivalent |
| Maximum focal length claimed | Up to 1600mm |
| Portrait support | AI-enhanced portrait mode |
That combination suggests Vivo wants to position the X300 FE as a compact phone with unusually strong long-range imaging potential. For many buyers, that could be more compelling than a slightly faster processor or another incremental design update.
Expected placement, pricing, and launch window
The X300 FE is expected to sit below the regular Vivo X300, which is currently priced at around Rs. 75,000 in India, or roughly $900 USD. That would place the FE model in a more accessible premium bracket while still keeping camera performance at the center of the pitch.
Earlier leaks pointed to a possible launch in the first week of May, along with an India-exclusive green color option. Vivo has not confirmed the device yet, but the steady flow of reports suggests the launch may be approaching soon.
The phone is also expected to expand the X300 lineup after the Vivo X300 and X300 Pro entered the market. That would give Vivo a wider range of flagship-class options tailored to different price points and camera priorities.
Reported hardware points to flagship ambition
Beyond the camera system, leaked specifications indicate that Vivo is aiming high. The X300 FE is said to feature a thickness of 7.99mm and a weight of 191 grams, which would keep it relatively slim despite the large battery inside.
The phone is also rumored to come in Black, Green, and Purple, with an AG frosted finish for a softer premium feel. Under the hood, leaks point to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, LPDDR5x Ultra RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage.
Performance claims attached to the chip are also aggressive. The leaked figures mention up to 36% CPU improvement, 11% GPU improvement, and 46% AI gains, while AnTuTu performance is said to cross 3.16 million points.
What the leaked camera system includes
The broader camera package is also shaping up as a major part of the device’s identity. Reports suggest a triple rear setup developed with Zeiss, plus a strong front camera for selfies and video calls.
- 50MP Sony IMX921 main camera
- 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- 8MP ultrawide camera
- 50MP front camera
Additional rumored features include Stage Mode, dual-camera video recording, and an improved multi-focal portrait flash system covering 23mm to 100mm focal lengths. That would give the phone more flexibility in low light, especially for portraits and event photography.
Battery life may be another major advantage
The X300 FE is also rumored to pack a 6,500mAh battery, which would be unusually large for a phone said to stay under 8mm thick. Charging support is expected to include 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging, plus bypass charging and thermal management features.
Software leaks point to OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, along with features such as Atomic Island for drag-and-drop actions and file transfer between devices. AI extras like AI VFX are also said to be in development, allowing users to add effects such as aurora or snow more easily to images.
If the reported specifications hold up, the Vivo X300 FE could become one of the most interesting premium compact phones of the year. Its strongest selling point is not just the hardware, but the possibility that a Zeiss Telephoto Extender Kit may give smartphone photography a more serious zoom advantage than most rivals can currently match.
