Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Potential upgrades to Leica optical zoom lens
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is set to raise the bar for long-range mobile photography. So far, most 200 MP sensors used in telephoto lenses measure between 1/1.56 and 1/1.4 inches. By contrast, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is expected to feature a new 1/1.28-inch, 200 MP sensor, promising improved performance at 3x zoom. According to Digital Chat Station, a similar shift may be underway for miniaturized zoom cameras in smartphones. The China-based leaker claimed on Weibo that a Chinese company is currently developing the first 200 MP camera with continuous optical zoom, designed to capture highly dynamic images thanks to lateral overflow integration capacitor (LOFIC) technology.
Rumors point to Xiaomi 18 Ultra
The leaker – who tends to be somewhat cryptic – didn’t reveal which manufacturer is behind this project. However, Xiaomi’s name came up repeatedly in the comments, suggesting the zoom camera in question might be none other than the telephoto lens on the Xiaomi 18 Ultra. That would be a logical assumption, considering the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Leitzphone are the first Xiaomi devices to feature an optical zoom camera with a 75-100 mm equivalent focal length. They also use a larger 1/1.4-inch, 200 MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor compared with Sony’s current offering.
Other leakers, such as Kartikey Singh, have also emphasized that Xiaomi appears to be working on at least three upgrades for the Xiaomi 18 Ultra’s optical zoom camera: a larger sensor, an improved dynamic range on par with the main camera thanks to LOFIC, and better telemacro performance. This third upgrade is also said to be a development focus for the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. At the moment, there is no credible information on whether the optical zoom range will be expanded.
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