Zeiss camera of the compact Vivo X300 outclasses Galaxy S25 Ultra despite smaller 200 MP sensor
Usually, there is no substitute for a larger sensor in the camera sector, but there are apparently exceptions in cases where computational photography algorithms in smartphones are decisive. That said, leaker and blogger Ice Universe on X is currently picking a fight with the Samsung fan community on social media thanks to some comparison photos between two very dissimilar candidates: the 6.9-inch Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is challenged here by the compact Vivo X300 with a display measuring just 6.3 inches.
It's an unfair fight, as the two flagship cameras are not only different in size and sold in completely different price ranges, but also serve completely different customer segments as a basic model and an ultra model. Nevertheless, the comparison is interesting because the Vivo X300 uses Samsung technology to beat Samsung. Here, Vivo's optimized new 200 MP ISOCELL HPB sensor with a size of 1/1.4 inches competes against the three-year-old but larger 1/1.3-inch ISOCELL HP2, which is rumored to be serving a fourth year in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Both cameras have an F/1.7 aperture.
Better algorithms appear to be decisive
The high-resolution 200 MP comparison photos are available for download in full resolution, at least from the second scenario, in case anyone wants to compare them themselves. It should be noted that the photos were taken at full sensor resolution, not in the default 12 MP mode of both flagships. In any case, the comparison shows not only a more pleasing overall image with more intense colors on the Vivo, but also more detail and less noise in the details. This may be due, among other things, to the fact that Vivo uses improved software algorithms on the X300 generation, which other testers have praised in comparison to the Vivo X200. Added to this, of course, is the potentially better optics thanks to the Zeiss collaboration.
The leaker also provides further comparison photos between the Vivo X300, Vivo X300 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, in the example above at around 10x zoom. Here, the Samsung flagship stands out with significantly paler colors. It should be noted that we do not know whether these comparisons were carried out correctly. Samsung fans are already protesting in the comments and some are certain that the photos were manipulated. Ice Universe is actually one of the more controversial tech observers, having also made several critical comments about Samsung in the past, but we don't want to accuse him of deliberate manipulation. Incidentally, the Vivo X300 series will officially launch in Europe in just a few days, as has now been confirmed.
Source(s)
Image: Weibo
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