Vivo X300 Ultra Could Debut with Two 200MP Cameras, Shaking Up Samsung’s Lead

For years, Samsung has proudly held the crown in smartphone photography thanks to its 200MP ISOCELL sensor, particularly in the Galaxy S23 Ultra and its successors. But the game may be about to change. According to a major new leak from Digital Chat Station, the upcoming Vivo X300 Ultra could become the world’s first smartphone to pack not just one but two 200MP cameras – a bold move that directly challenges Samsung’s long-standing leadership in the camera department.

The leak suggests that two of the three rear cameras on the Vivo X300 Ultra will feature Sony’s latest imaging technology.

The primary shooter is rumored to use the IMX09E, an as-yet-unreleased flagship sensor expected to bring groundbreaking performance. Reports hint that it may feature a massive 1/1.12-inch size with 0.7 µm pixels, built on an advanced 22nm process – all designed to deliver higher sensitivity and richer detail, even in low light conditions. Meanwhile, the periscope telephoto lens could be paired with another 200MP sensor, the IMX09A, although the exact difference between these two sensors is still unclear. What does seem clear is that Sony is gearing up to shake the market.

The telephoto module may also introduce a new hybrid lens design made from both glass and plastic. Such a construction could balance clarity with lightweight build, offering sharper zoom performance without significantly adding to the phone’s size or weight. Beyond the twin 200MP monsters, Vivo is reportedly including a 50MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots, plus a 50MP front-facing camera with autofocus for crisp selfies and video calls.

This rumor is particularly noteworthy because it would mark the first time Sony supplies 200MP sensors for commercial smartphones, threatening Samsung’s once near-monopoly in this niche. Until now, every major phone using 200MP cameras – from Samsung itself to Motorola – has relied on Samsung’s ISOCELL technology. If Vivo delivers as promised, Samsung’s dominance could face its toughest test yet. And Vivo may not be alone: insiders suggest that Oppo and Xiaomi are also lining up to adopt Sony’s upcoming IMX09E sensor in their next flagships.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s strategy looks increasingly conservative. The company has relied on the same ISOCELL HP2 sensor for its Ultra line since 2023, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra also expected to carry the same hardware. While software optimization and processing improvements help, the lack of hardware evolution may leave Samsung vulnerable to rivals who are doubling down on innovation. As one observer put it, this is shaping up to be a classic story of aggressive catch-up, where brands like Vivo and Sony push the envelope while Samsung risks looking stagnant.

Of course, numbers alone don’t make a great camera. Real-world photography depends on optics, image processing, and software smarts as much as raw megapixels. Still, the promise of dual 200MP shooters is enough to capture the imagination of photography enthusiasts and could redefine what users expect from premium smartphones in 2025.