It’s the season of flagship Android wars in China. Almost every major brand has unveiled a new device in the last month or so, each equipped with the latest processors, top-tier displays, and, thankfully, bigger batteries.
The Vivo X300 and Xiaomi 17 are two such contenders. On paper, both devices come loaded with high-end hardware, eye-catching designs, and the latest chips from MediaTek and Qualcomm.
But peel back the specs and the differences start to show. So let’s break down what really sets them apart.
Design and Build
Both the Vivo X300 and Xiaomi 17 share similar dimensions. It measures around 150mm tall and weighs just under 200 grams. They’re slim, premium slabs that feel engineered to impress.
Vivo’s design features glass on both sides, paired with an aluminum alloy frame, while Xiaomi opts for Dragon Crystal Glass on the front, complemented by an aluminum frame.
Both phones are IP68 rated, meaning they can withstand accidental water drops and dusty environments. However, Vivo takes it a step further with an IP69 rating, enabling it to withstand high-pressure water jets. That’s rare even among flagships, though it’s unlikely to make a meaningful difference in real-life use.
Display
Both phones use LTPO AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates and 2160Hz PWM dimming, making them easier on the eyes at low brightness. Vivo’s display measures 6.31 inches, while Xiaomi’s is roughly the same at 6.3 inches.
Brightness is where Vivo pulls ahead. The X300 peaks at a massive 4,500 nits, while Xiaomi reaches up to 3,500 nits. Both are extremely bright and should deliver great outdoor visibility, regardless of the numbers.
In terms of color, both screens support HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and advanced tone mapping. Xiaomi adds Dolby Vision to the mix, giving it an edge when watching supported content on Netflix or YouTube.
Resolution-wise, both hover in the 1220–1260p range, offering crisp text and smooth visuals.
Performance: MediaTek vs Snapdragon
The two phones take very different approaches to performance. The X300 runs MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500, a 3nm chip with ARM C1 cores clocked up to 4.21GHz.
Xiaomi, on the other hand, ships with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, also built on a 3nm process and equipped with custom Oryon V3 cores running up to 4.6GHz.
On paper, Snapdragon’s architecture has the upper hand. It uses two 4.6GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L cores and six 3.62GHz Phoenix M cores, paired with an Adreno 840 GPU—delivering top-tier gaming and raw compute performance. The Dimensity 9500’s 4.21GHz C1-Ultra and 3.5GHz C1-Premium cores aren’t far behind, and MediaTek’s Arm G1-Ultra GPU is also powerful.
In real-world use, both phones should feel incredibly fast. Scrolling, multitasking, and gaming happen without hesitation. Vivo’s OriginOS 6 (based on Android 16) feels smooth and responsive, while Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 offers deep customization and similarly slick performance.
Cameras
This is where things get interesting. The Vivo X300 features a bold 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide. The system is tuned by Zeiss and includes Zeiss T* lens coating, laser autofocus, and even 3D LUT import for pro-grade color work.
The Xiaomi 17, meanwhile, sticks to a more traditional 50MP triple setup—50MP main, 50MP telephoto (2.6x optical), and 50MP ultrawide—with Leica-co-engineered optics.
Both phones offer flagship camera performance, and the final quality will come down to ISP tuning and post-processing. However, Vivo holds a clear advantage in flexibility, thanks to support for external photography accessories, including a telephoto extender that can deliver crisp shots at up to 200mm.
On the front, both devices use 50MP selfie cameras with 4K video support, but Xiaomi goes further with HDR10+ video capture and gyro-EIS.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is where Xiaomi dominates. The Xiaomi 17 packs a huge 7,000mAh cell along with 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 22.5W reverse wireless charging.
Vivo’s 6,040mAh battery with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging still offers strong endurance, easily lasting a day and a half, but Xiaomi simply goes farther. The difference between 6,040mAh and 7,000mAh will be noticeable, especially for heavy users.
Audio and Connectivity
Both phones skip the headphone jack but feature stereo speakers. Xiaomi’s setup is tuned for Dolby Atmos and Snapdragon Sound, with Hi-Res 24-bit/192kHz playback. Vivo’s speakers are clean, but lack Dolby branding.
Connectivity is top-tier on both devices, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, infrared, and multi-band GPS. Vivo adds eSIM support internationally, which Xiaomi lacks, while Xiaomi includes DisplayPort output over USB-C, allowing it to connect directly to a monitor.
Verdict
The Vivo X300 and Xiaomi 17 show how differently two brands can approach the same idea: a compact 2025 flagship.
The Vivo X300 stands out with its brighter display, Zeiss-tuned 200MP camera, and cleaner design. It’s ideal for users who prioritize photography and aesthetics.
The Xiaomi 17 shines with its massive battery, Leica tuning, Snapdragon performance, and superior audio. It’s the better fit for power users who value endurance and versatility.
There’s no outright winner—just two flagships excelling in their own way.
Xiaomi has added the Portable Photo Printer Pro to its global website. The compact printer is designed to bring professional-quality photo printing to everyday users.
The printer uses professional dye-sublimation printing technology to produce sharp, high-definition photos. It supports a 313 dpi resolution, a wide 16.7 million colour gamut, and 256 levels of greyscale, ensuring smooth colour transitions and realistic details. Each print captures accurate tones and true-to-life clarity.
Each photo is automatically laminated during printing, protecting it from moisture, fingerprints, and fading. Xiaomi says this feature keeps prints bright and clear over time, helping preserve memories for years. The Portable Photo Printer Pro is small enough to fit in one hand (measures 86.8 x 142.5 millimeters and 26.8 millimeters thick) and can easily be carried in a backpack or jacket pocket.
The printer connects directly to smartphones through Bluetooth using the Xiaomi Home app. It also supports multi-user connections for up to three users, allowing friends and family to print from their own phones without additional setup.
Users can print live photos and AR photos that include short videos (up to 15 seconds) or audio clips (up to 60 seconds). You can also add borders, dates, and watermarks, or use photo templates for collages, stickers, and creative layouts. The Portable Photo Printer Pro has an inbuilt 880 mAh battery.
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Portable Photo Printer Pro is currently available in the UK for £109.99 and in Europe for €129.99. It is expected to roll out to other regions soon, depending on local distribution channels.
Xiaomi has officially started pushing out HyperOS 3 globally, its latest Android 16-based skin that promises a cleaner design, better performance, and tighter device integration across its ecosystem. The company announced the rollout on October 25, via its official X account, confirming that the new Xiaomi 15T and 15T Pro are the first to receive it.
The initial builds — OS3.0.3.0.WOEEUXM for the 15T and OS3.0.4.0.WOSEUXM for the 15T Pro — arrive as OTA updates, and they also reportedly include the October security patch. The rollout begins in Europe, with other regions to follow soon. Users can check for updates under Settings > About Phone > System Update as availability expands in the coming days.
Interestingly, Xiaomi’s mid-range 15T models are getting the new OS ahead of the flagship Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra, which feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The 15T Pro, powered by the Dimensity 9400+, will effectively serve as the first global test group for the refined platform.
According to Xiaomi’s rollout roadmap, the 15 and 15 Ultra, Redmi Note 14, and Poco F7/X7 series will follow in November, with the Xiaomi 14, Poco F6, and other 2024 models getting the update by late November or early December.
HyperOS 3 introduces a new “Hyper Island” quick menu for media, navigation, and notifications, along with faster performance and improved cross-device syncing between phones, tablets, and wearables. With this update, Xiaomi continues closing the software gap with Apple’s iOS — and for 15T owners, the upgrade starts now.
Xiaomi is said to be working on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra for the Chinese market. Speculations are rife that the device may launch before the end of this year. Reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has been leaking key details about the 17 Ultra, and in a new leak, he shared new details about its camera capabilities and rear design.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s key details tipped
DCS’ new leak reveals that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will arrive with a major upgrade in its camera system, starting with a new 50-megapixel primary camera with a significantly larger sensor, improved in-sensor zoom technology, and a seamless transition to its telephoto lens for lossless focal range coverage.
The telephoto unit itself will reportedly use a new 200-megapixel large-sensor periscope camera, supporting multiple focal lengths without loss in image quality. It is also expected to offer telephoto macro shooting with good magnification, although the focus range may not be extremely close.
Both these new lenses are claimed to provide a high dynamic range, suggesting a major step up in overall photography performance on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Readers can visit this post to know its rumored camera sensors.
Based on this speculation about the Xiaomi 17 Ultra featuring a large round camera module that occupies a significant portion of the back panel, the device may not include a secondary display like the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will have the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which also powers the other Xiaomi 17 series phones. On the front, it is expected to feature a 6.8-inch flat OLED screen offering a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is expected to arrive in three shades, such as black, white, and purple.
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If you’re making TikToks in 2025, your phone isn’t just a phone. It’s your camera rig, editing suite, sound booth, and live broadcast studio all in one. Raw specs alone are no longer enough. You need cameras that don’t blow out highlights or lose detail in low light, software that understands creative workflows, and connectivity that stays reliable during uploads. And ideally, it all fits in your pocket.
Here’s a breakdown of the best smartphones for TikTok creators in 2025 based on what actually matters for shooting, editing, and posting content on the go.
iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max
Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are built for serious content creators. Both models feature a triple 48MP camera system, including a next-generation telephoto lens with 8x optical zoom at 200mm. This setup works well for creative portrait videos and stylized b-roll. The 18MP front camera now uses a square sensor, which helps capture wide, cinematic-looking vlogs and selfies.
The A19 Pro chip, combined with Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine, processes 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video without breaking a sweat. High-resolution footage can be edited directly in apps like iMovie or CapCut without slowing the system down.
For vloggers, Dual Capture allows simultaneous front and rear camera recording. This is useful for reaction videos, travel updates, and storytelling content. With vapor chamber cooling and up to 2TB of storage, the iPhone 17 Pro models deliver studio-level performance in a phone.
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Google Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL
The new Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL are ideal for creators who want software to handle much of the workload. The Tensor G5 chip may not be the fastest in benchmark tests, but it focuses heavily on camera performance. Features like Magic Cue, Auto Best Take, and Camera Coach help creators optimize scenes in real time.
The 48MP Pro Res Zoom camera supports up to 100x digital zoom with strong stabilization and clear detail. The front camera now shoots at 4K 60fps. Features like cinematic blur and HDR10+ add a polished look to everyday clips.
Google has also introduced Pixelsnap, a magnetic accessory system that supports 25W Qi2 wireless charging and works with grips, gimbals, and other tools. It is a creator-friendly ecosystem with support for fast shooting and seamless setup.
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is designed for creators who treat mobile video like professional work. The 200MP main sensor produces ultra-detailed footage, and the new 50MP ultra-wide camera captures cleaner visuals in low-light indoor settings.
The camera app includes tools like ProScaler for advanced image processing and Galaxy Log for direct in-camera color grading. These features make it easier to maintain a consistent visual style. Optical zoom at 5x and 10x levels adds framing flexibility for stylized shots.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip powers on-device AI, while a larger vapor chamber improves thermal stability. With a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy S25 Ultra supports long recording sessions without overheating or draining too quickly.
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Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra caters to creators who demand full manual control and high-end video output. It uses a Leica-branded quad-camera system with a 1-inch primary sensor and a 200MP HP9 telephoto lens. The phone supports 4K 120fps recording, 10-bit Log, and ACES-certified video standards.
Xiaomi includes a dedicated Photography Kit Edition. This grip accessory features a shutter button, thumb rest, filter ring, and a built-in 2,000mAh battery. This toolset helps creators stay productive on longer shoots.
The phone runs on HyperOS, which efficiently handles large video files and complex editing tasks. It is best suited for creators who treat mobile filmmaking like a professional setup.
Vivo’s X200 Ultra emphasizes imaging above all else. The phone features two 50MP Sony LYT-818 sensors and a 200MP Zeiss APO super-telephoto lens with 200mm optical zoom. Two custom imaging chips, VS1 and V3+, handle image processing before and after capture. This setup ensures responsive performance, even with complex video modes.
It supports 4K 120fps, time-lapse video, and a professional-grade teleconverter kit. Vivo also offers a separate photographer’s kit that includes a zoom lever, shutter grip, and a 2300mAh battery. This phone is highly adaptable for professional-style content creation.
iPhone 17
Apple’s base iPhone 17 brings several pro-level features to the standard model. The 6.3-inch display now includes ProMotion and Always-On Display, while the A19 chip delivers top-tier processing. The camera system includes a 48MP main and 48MP ultra-wide lens, along with the new 18MP Center Stage front camera.
This front camera uses AI to track faces, rotate orientation, and improve framing for group selfies and vlogs. It also supports 4K HDR video and Dual Capture. For lifestyle creators and everyday vloggers, the iPhone 17 is a strong choice. It is lightweight, fast, and easy to use.
Xiaomi President, Lu Weibing, tried to deflect the criticism over the pricing of the new Redmi K90 smartphone lineup by blaming "storage costs" for the price hikes. Xiaomi President: "We cannot change the trend of global supply chains, and the rise in storage costs is much higher than expected and will continue to increase" In a recent Weibo post, Lu Weibing claimed that Xiaomi "cannot change the trend of global supply chains, and the rise in storage costs is much higher than expected and will continue to increase." There is some merit to this assertion. After all, According to a […]
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Gaming Monitor G34WQ (2026) in China. The new model was unveiled last month and is now available for purchase on JD.com with a retail price of 1,399 yuan ($196).
Redmi Gaming Monitor G34WQ 2026 Specifications
The monitor features a 34-inch curved ultrawide display with a 3440×1440 resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. It adopts a 21:9 aspect ratio, which provides 30% more horizontal screen space than traditional 16:9 displays.
Xiaomi uses a 1500R curvature to match the natural field of view, aiming to create a more immersive experience for gamers and multitaskers. The display uses a VA panel with a 3500:1 contrast ratio and a typical brightness of 400 nits.
Redmi G34WQ supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which synchronizes the display refresh rate with the GPU to prevent screen tearing. It also achieves a 1ms GTG response time, which helps reduce motion blur during fast-paced gaming sessions.
In terms of color reproduction, the display supports 10-bit color (8-bit + FRC) and covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut along with 100% sRGB. Xiaomi claims a factory-calibrated ΔE<2 color accuracy, making the monitor suitable for light creative tasks in addition to gaming. The monitor also meets VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification.
Xiaomi has included TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification and its own eye care technology to reduce eye strain. The panel supports DC dimming to lower flicker and improve comfort during long hours of use.
The stand supports tilt, lift, and swivel adjustments. The monitor also supports 100×100mm VESA wall mounting. For connectivity, it includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports.
The design uses a narrow bezel on three sides for a more immersive look. Xiaomi also includes RGB ambient lighting on the rear and a joystick controller for quick on-screen menu adjustments. The monitor consumes up to 65W of power and comes with a 3-year warranty in China.
You’re probably here to figure out which brand makes the best smartphone cameras. It’s an easy call if you’re in the West. It’s either Apple or Samsung. Their latest flagships are often considered the gold standard.
But if you’re willing to look beyond the usual two, there’s a whole world of brands pushing smartphone photography to new heights. Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Honor are all building cameras that don’t just rival Apple and Samsung; in some cases, they outperform them.
Many of these brands now even offer dedicated photography kits with detachable lenses and pro-grade zoom options that let you capture crisp shots at 30x or more. In short, the best smartphone cameras aren’t just coming from the brands you already know, and it’s time to give credit where it’s due.
What actually makes a “best” smartphone camera?
Before diving in, let’s clear up what “the best camera” actually means. It’s not just about megapixels or how big the lens looks on the back. Great smartphone photography comes from a balance of hardware and software, and the image signal processor (ISP) inside the chip plays just as big a role as the camera sensor itself.
Here’s what I look for in a camera phone:
A dedicated telephoto lens for crisp portrait shots and lossless zoom.
A large main sensor because size matters when it comes to low-light performance.
Optical image stabilization (OIS) to keep handheld shots sharp and videos smooth.
Smart computational photography is the software magic that fine-tunes color, detail, and dynamic range.
Of course, that’s not the full checklist. But it’s enough for me to know whether a phone is worth considering before digging into the finer details.
Vivo
Vivo has quietly upped its camera game in a way that deserves attention. The recent X300 series, for example, shows that the company isn’t simply following others; they are doing it in their own way.
The new X300 and X300 Pro use a triple-camera setup with standout specs. The base X300 packs a 200 MP main camera (Samsung HPB sensor) paired with a 50 MP telephoto and 50 MP ultrawide.
Vivo X300 Pro telephoto converter
The X300 Pro ups the game with a 50 MP Sony LYT-828 sensor for the main camera and a 200 MP 1/1.4″ Samsung HPB telephoto sensor. They also bundle Zeiss optics and coatings to reduce flare and boost clarity.
But it doesn’t end there. Both the X300 phone supports a dedicated telephoto extender, a 2.35x lens that sits on top of the existing telephoto and increases the focal length from 80mm to 200mm. Vivo’s X-series is also popular among users for the range of image filters it comes with.
Oppo
Oppo’s approach is also very interesting for camera-first buyers. Their recently launched Oppo Find X9 Pro features a 200 MP Samsung HP5 telephoto sensor (70 mm equivalent) with 3x optical zoom and four-axis OIS.
Moreover, it uses a Danxia Color Reproduction Lens across all imaging modules to improve color accuracy. Oppo has also introduced a Hasselblad-branded photography kit accessory for this series that includes a telephoto extender, just like Vivo.
After Vivo, Oppo is another brand that is making a strong push into “camera system” territory. However, as with many niche leaders, Oppo Find X series phones aren’t available as widely as, say, Apple or Samsung.
Xiaomi
Then there’s Xiaomi, which has made a name for itself with camera-centric flagships. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, in particular, has earned praise for its photography hardware: a massive 1-inch main sensor, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide lens.
The 50MP telephoto is a floating lens, a 70mm-equivalent portrait lens that can also handle macro shots. This “floating” design allows for a minimum focusing distance of just 10cm, enabling detailed macro photography with a natural background blur, without relying heavily on software-generated bokeh.
On top of that, the 15 Ultra also comes with a dedicated photography kit with a telephoto extender in it. In fact, it was Xiaomi that really started the trend of camera-focused accessories for smartphones with the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Apple
When you buy an iPhone, you’re buying into a photography platform that is consistent, mature, and globally supported. The iPhones may not always lead with the most exotic sensors or sizes or biggest zooms, but they deliver reliable, predictable results across lighting conditions and tend to age well in terms of software support.
iPhone 17 Pro
Because of that reliability and availability (in nearly every market), Apple is a safe choice for users around the world.
That said, we have to point out that innovation in the telephoto/zoom space has been slower for Apple compared to some rivals. If you prioritize extreme zoom or specialized photography accessories, Apple may lag a bit behind the more photography-centric brands.
Samsung
Samsung similarly has the global reach and polish to make it a go-to for camera-focused buyers. Their sensors and optics are strong, and the ecosystem (accessories, service) is robust as well.
However, third-party tests suggest Samsung’s camera ranking is not always at the top. For example, DxOMark’s aggregated ranking places Samsung’s recent flagship at 21st position among top camera phones.
What that indicates is that Samsung is still a good choice, but it may no longer be the uncontested “best” in all categories when other brands are clearly pushing harder.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
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