Securing the exclusive launch rights for the latest top-tier chips from the two dominant chipmakers annually provides a significant sales boost for flagship models, yet it's merely a preliminary advantage. The true test of strength lies in the Ultimate variant, where cutting-edge technologies and most potent features are exclusively showcased. This not only serves as a vital platform to demonstrate R&D prowess but also a crucial lever to elevate brand value. Leading manufacturers often host separate launch events for their Ultimate models, even if other products are introduced simultaneously, as the Ultimate invariably steals the spotlight.

Xiaomi has already set the pace, and barring any unforeseen developments, OPPO and vivo are poised to follow suit. The order of the second and third entrants remains uncertain. However, OPPO's pre-launch buzz commenced earlier, with the Find X8 Ultra receiving online exposure, hinting at an emphasis on imaging enhancements. On vivo's front, preliminary hints have emerged, with the product manager officially initiating the pre-launch campaign.

The announcement further unveils substantial improvements in the imaging capabilities of the vivo X200 Ultra. Last year's X100 Ultra saw vivo pioneering the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, already outpacing its competitors. This year, vivo remains committed to this realm. While the 50-megapixel 1-inch sensor LYT-900 primary camera is anticipated to remain unchanged, the focal length will extend to 33mm, the aperture will widen to f/1.69, supporting a broader focal length range and enhancing light intake, naturally bolstering the primary camera's performance.

The 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens will also stay put but will similarly expand its focal length support. The previous generation already supported 3.7x optical zoom, and this iteration is expected to boost it to 5x optical zoom, further enhancing telephoto capabilities. The 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens will remain consistent but will extend its focal length to 14mm, mirroring the adjustments of the other two lenses. The X200 Ultra harbors significant ambitions in imaging, aiming to be the first in the industry to feature a triple-camera setup with full-size sensors and comprehensive focal length coverage, a lavish configuration indeed.

Regarding overall photography, not only will focal length transitions be smoother, but all three cameras can directly output 4K 120FPS video. These capabilities rival professional cameras, aiming to position the X200 Ultra as the first Android phone to surpass Apple in video recording prowess (here, the benchmark is naturally the iPhone 16 Pro Max). This indirectly attests to the iPhone's robust video recording capabilities, a point well-acknowledged by users.

vivo has also previewed sample images. Even under continuous zoom, hair and skin textures remain strikingly clear. These images carry a deeper significance. Why were images of hawks' eyes chosen amidst myriad options? Hawks' eyes can lock onto targets from considerable distances and maintain focus even when the target is moving at high speeds. This underscores the X200 Ultra's robust photography capabilities, adept at handling diverse and complex environments.

This year's Ultra model segment competition is an epic clash of titans. Which one captivates you the most?