Vivo X300 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Battle of Camera Titans

Vivo’s new X300 Pro has landed – and it’s already stirring up the flagship scene. Currently exclusive to China, the phone is expected to hit global markets soon, and its main promise is clear: redefine mobile photography. With a 200 MP telephoto sensor capable of using external zoom lenses, alongside a 50 MP main camera and an equally impressive 50 MP ultra-wide, Vivo is challenging the notion that Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra holds the undisputed crown for smartphone photography.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched earlier this year, is no lightweight either. It earned top marks in most camera benchmark tests thanks to its remarkable 200 MP main sensor and superior image processing. Yet, Vivo’s confidence in its optical hardware – especially that massive zoom sensor – might just tilt the balance. So, how does this newcomer stand against Samsung’s seasoned champion in real-world tests?

Spec Showdown

On paper, the differences look razor-thin, but they tell an interesting story. Vivo’s main shooter is a 50 MP, f/2.0 sensor paired with a 24mm lens, while Samsung’s counterpart uses a 200 MP, f/1.7 unit with a 24mm equivalent. The Galaxy clearly packs more pixels and a slightly wider aperture, giving it an edge in low light. However, Vivo’s larger 1/1.28-inch sensor balances the scales with stronger dynamic range and color depth. Both phones use 50 MP ultra-wide lenses – Samsung’s at 13mm, Vivo’s at 15mm – resulting in nearly identical perspectives.

Zoom is where Vivo plays its wild card. The X300 Pro uses a 13x optical system with a 10MP f/2.4 sensor and a smaller 1/3.5-inch chip for stability. Samsung, by contrast, deploys its trademark 200 MP periscope lens at 3.5x zoom and a 50 MP telephoto for 25x range. The result? The Galaxy still leads in precision zooming, but Vivo’s external telephoto lens compatibility means enthusiasts can push magnification far beyond smartphone limits – an experimental but exciting concept.

Real-World Imaging

In daylight, Vivo’s images show punchier colors by default, especially in its signature ‘Vivid’ mode. Skies pop, greens glow, and the result is Instagram-ready out of the box. Samsung, on the other hand, goes for a more balanced, true-to-life tone – less saturated, but with more consistent white balance. Vivo offers a ‘Natural’ mode, though it slightly flattens the contrast, which some users might find too mellow.

Night shots reveal a different story. The X300 Pro captures dramatic contrast and deep blacks, making streetlights and reflections look cinematic. The Galaxy S25 Ultra focuses more on maintaining exposure and color accuracy, preserving shadow details with less visual punch but higher fidelity. The front cameras – 50 MP on Vivo and 12 MP on Samsung – both impress, though Vivo’s larger sensor makes selfies appear crisper under low light.

At ultra-wide and macro distances, Samsung’s processing consistency shines, producing cleaner lines and fewer distortions. Yet Vivo’s ultra-wide captures richer tones and subtle depth that gives landscapes an almost DSLR-like appeal. The macro shots from Vivo also surprise with their clarity – though Samsung edges out slightly in sharpness consistency.

Verdict

There’s no clear knockout. The Galaxy S25 Ultra still reigns as the all-around camera champ, offering balanced performance, exceptional detail, and reliable color science. But Vivo’s X300 Pro brings a new flavor – creative flexibility, daring lens design, and a distinct photographic style that appeals to enthusiasts who love visual drama. If Samsung’s approach is precision engineering, Vivo’s is pure artistry.

Ultimately, it’s not about which camera wins, but which one better suits your eye. The X300 Pro paints the world in bold brushstrokes; the S25 Ultra captures it as it is. And perhaps, that’s what makes this duel so fascinating.