Vivo X500 Ultra rumored to add built‑in 10x optical zoom

Vivo is reportedly developing a significant camera upgrade for its next flagship smartphone, with rumors indicating the upcoming X500 Ultra will feature a built-in 10x optical zoom periscope telephoto lens. This move would mark a strategic shift from the company's current approach with the X300 Ultra, which achieves extreme zoom through external teleconverter lenses.

The current X300 Ultra model is noted for its modular photography system, centered around a high-resolution 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3.7x optical zoom. To extend its reach, users can attach separate 200mm and 400mm teleconverter lenses, alongside other accessories like filters, via a dedicated protective case. This design philosophy positions the device as a tool for creators seeking DSLR-like flexibility from a smartphone.

Industry sources suggest the new 10x optical zoom camera would be a major hardware advancement, potentially reducing reliance on external accessories for long-range photography. Achieving such a high native zoom level presents engineering challenges, including managing the size of the camera module, image stabilization, and overall device thickness. Vivo's Ultra series has...