Vivo’s 200MP ZEISS-Optimized Sensor Outperforms Samsung’s Flagship in Low-Light Shots
Vivo continues to prove itself as an underrated yet powerful camera contender in the smartphone industry. Despite not always getting the recognition it deserves, Vivo frequently ranks high in DxOMark’s camera charts — and the new Vivo X300 Pro is no exception. In a recent comparison by renowned leaker IceUniverse, the device went head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, showcasing an impressive performance in zoom photography.
The Vivo X300 Pro comes equipped with a Samsung-made 200MP ISOCELL HPB (HP10) sensor integrated into a ZEISS-optimized periscope lens, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 50MP 5x telephoto and 10MP 3x optical zoom setup. In low-light zoom tests taken at 10x and 35x, Vivo’s images demonstrated remarkable texture detail, sharper subjects, and significantly less noise compared to Samsung’s shots. The difference was particularly noticeable in challenging scenarios where light and focus precision are critical.
While Samsung relies heavily on software-based image enhancement, the S25 Ultra struggled to match Vivo’s hardware-driven clarity and performance. The test results highlight a major concern for Samsung’s premium pricing — a $1,200 flagship phone being outperformed by Vivo’s $750 X300 Pro. As Vivo’s camera technology continues to evolve, the competition in smartphone photography is heating up, leaving many wondering whether Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra can close the gap.
