TECNO continues to break boundaries in imaging with their recent line of smartphones — the CAMON 40 Premier highlighting that claim as it’s one of the market’s midrangers that deliver excellent camera quality without compromising overall price.

At this year’s event, not only this marks the fifth anniversary of its annual Future Lens showcase, they are delivering two new innovations in mobile imaging.

Two New Tele-nnovation

From 2023’s W-Shaped Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens to last year’s (very mouthful) Tap Any Zoom Dual Prism Telephoto, TECNO introduces two new flagship-level telephoto zoom innovations for future smartphones.

Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto

First and foremost, this new type of telephoto tech is based on a smaller telephoto module 50% smaller than traditional systems.

That’s all thanks to its coaxial optical structure that enables an evern slimmer design slimmer without totally compromising the zoom performance.

Moreover, this type of telephoto module also creates a distinct “doughnut-shaped” bokeh and low-light shots that are also strong.

Freeform Continuum Telephoto

This is another breakthrough of TECNO in terms ofd telephoto zoom tech.

From the term itself, the Freeform Continuum Telephoto tech provides true continuous optical zoom from 1x to 9x. By that, it totally eliminates those unwanted “focal jumps” very apparent in modern-day smartphone camera systems.

TECNO says this achieves with a pro-grade zoom performance comparable to camcorders. Still, providing full image quality and sharp detail at every distance and angle.

Advancing the TECNO Image Matrix

That said, it’s not always limited to just announcing an upgraded camera hardware and advanced optics alongside an intelligent camera software experience . TECNO seamlessly bridges all of these with its already-existing imaging architecture, the TECNO Image Matrix (TIM).

The uprising brand is also committed to imaging that favors humans in all races, as well as providing industry-leading color science with their very first automated imaging lab collab with DXOMARK.

ICYMI, it unifies AIGC-enhanced hardware and intelligent algorithms. This system also powers technologies such as TECNO’s revolutionary Universal Tone (UT) technology that continues to deliver accurate and inclusive color rendering of diverse skin tones — eliminating the racial bias in image processing.

Technology that understands culture makes it possible. Cultural accuracy at the center — cultural fidelity the core in mobile photography. And in the wisest words of Amateur Photographer’s Musa Bwanali, “Every culture has a story worth telling”.

In addition to that, she told her that TECNO truly knows the path they’re aiming for. “This is not just about technical progress. It’s human progress.”

Why Focus on Telephoto?

Gaohan Bei, a Senior Analyst from Counterpoint, has revealed that more and more phone brands have invested and applied telephoto and periscope zoom lenses among their smartphones during the first half of 2025 — regardless if it’s a flagship model or a midrange one.

Furthermore, periscope zoom lenses is the most challenging part among smartphones nowadays. Not only with all the varying sizes of lens modules, quality also differs from one brand to another.

TECNO’s latest tech developments in telephoto modules demonstrate the clear alignment with these trends. And it’s not just zooming in and capturing light. Also,  intelligently understand scenes and intention of users.

Quick Fire Q&A

After the very-detailed presentation, some media friends were encouraged to ask anything and everything under the sun.

* These were answered in Mandarin by TECNO’s Director of Image R&D Centre, Xiaohan Huang, and was translated live for us by a human translator. The answers you will see here are non-verbatim and was simplified by the author during the writing process.

1. Is it possible to fuse these two new tech together?

Technically and mechanically speaking, it is impossible and incompatible.

Other than the high-precision requirement, processing and manufacturing these modules are already very challenging to begin with.

2. Are there any realistic timeline for these to be available for users?

All I can tell is that, 2026 will be challenging for commercialization. For the freeform telephoto, it is very difficult. The two lens module groups in this unit have a high requirement for processing and manufacturing.

On the other hand, the Dual-Mirror Reflect Telephoto is ready to be commercialized. However, TECNO is still testing what will be the effect for its intended users.

Commercialization and market-size are key factors for this survey.

3. Is TECNO re-considering to go back in making flagship smartphones (like the Phantom X2 Pro) or just focus on CAMON series moving forward?

There’s no definite answer to going back and moving forward. New technologies are very costly with an expensive sale price.

That said, TECNO’s main goal is to focus and bring the latest and greatest to these users. This technique can solve the painpoints of mobile photography in the middle or lower-end spectrum of the market.

4. Is it possible to bring these two telephoto technologies to phones like the TECNO Slim?

If you don’t mind getting the bump thicker, it is doable. But realistically speaking, it is still too thick for this product — thicker than we wanted it to be. Therefor, it’s merely impossible to do it just yet.

There are phone markets that are willing to sacrifice overall camera performance in favor of a pleasing design and appearance. Also, cmeras aren’t only the bottleneck, battery longevity is for another.

Bringing it to the Slim series may not be possible (for now) but should be doable for TECNO’s another set of phone series.

5. When can the DXOMARK collab be seen in TECNO’s phones?

Even though the first fully-automated imaging lab was announced just this year, TECNO and DXOMARK has already established a long-term partnership for many years now.

At TECNO, we clearly focus and prioritize on portrait shooting. And, with our heavy reliance on DXOMARK’s professional quantifiable benchmarking tools and technologies, we are hoping to further deepen this relationship.

With all that being said, the collab can be felt and seen by 2026 without a specific date.

Shaping the Future of Mobile Imaging

Building on innovations ranging from periscope telephoto lenses to full-system imaging frameworks, TECNO reaffirmed its ambition to make pro-grade imaging accessible across global markets.

Through continued research partnerships and advanced testing facilities, it aims to deliver more personalized, authentic, and creatively empower photography experiences both for professionals, hobbyists, and even just casual users.

Together with TECNO’s “Stop At Nothing” mantra, they will continue to focus on breaking through the boundaries of smartphone camera innovation for the next five years — and the foreseeable future.

Samsung can’t let the year end without getting one last hurrah. After teasing the smartphone for months, the South Korean brand has finally unveiled the much-awaited Galaxy Z TriFold in all its glory.

This year started with a similar bang. Earlier, Huawei launched the Huawei Mate XT, the market’s first tri-fold smartphone. Since then, other brands have teased similar entries to compete against Huawei. Now, Samsung is ready with its own.

One gigantic screen

As with Huawei, the Galaxy Z TriFold will feature two hinges to complete the tri-fold format. Unfolded, the main screen is a humungous 10.0-inch screen. It will allow a lot of different uses; users can utilize the entire screen as one giant panel or split it into three windows for multi-tasking.

Then, users can fold the main screen inward, much like a brochure. When bent, the screen can turn into an immersive way to watch movies. Otherwise, the screen can fully fold into itself, which allows users to utilize the smaller 6.5-inch cover screen on the other side.

Both screens have a Dynamic 2X AMOLED display, featuring a refresh rate of 120Hz. It is also capable of up to 2,600 nits of brightness. Meanwhile, the main screen features 1,600 nits of brightness.

Both a looker and a fighter

If you’re worried that this just looks like a fad, the Galaxy Z TriFold has a wealth of hardware to convince you of what it can do.

Inside, the foldable sports a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, tailored specifically for Galaxy. It features 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

The main screen has three-camera setup. Heading the pack is a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera. It’s paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. Both the main and the cover screen will each come with their own 10-megapixel selfie camera.

Finally, the Galaxy Z TriFold will have a 5600mAh battery. It’s compatible with up to 45W Super-Fast Charging 2.0 (wired) and up to 15W Fast Wireless Charging 2.0. It also has Wireless PowerShare for other Samsung phones and those with WPC Qi wireless charging.

Built for durability

Durability is often a concern for those who want to buy a foldable. Have smartphone makers finally perfected a foldable screen?

While we can’t confirm this phone’s durability just yet, Samsung claims that the Galaxy Z TriFold focuses on keeping the screen safe for use for years to come.

Firstly, when folded, the screens will not touch each other. There’s a minimal gap, but there will be no contact between the folded screens. Regardless, Samsung still installed a new reinforced overcoat for increased resistance against dings and scratches.

Additionally, the chassis has been reinforced with an Advanced Armor Aluminum Frame. The hinges have also been strengthened with titanium for added durability.

Finally, the Galaxy Z TriFold is IP48 rated.

These added measures are nothing to sneeze at. When unfolded, the body is only around 4.2mm thin and weighs only 309 grams.

Price, availability

As bombastic as this reveal is, the Galaxy Z TriFold is not available everywhere just yet. Starting December 12, the foldable will launch exclusively in South Korea. China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates will follow shortly after.

Meanwhile, the United States will get the foldable in the first quarter of 2026. Presumably, the American launch will coincide with the wider global one, but Samsung has not confirmed this yet.

There’s also no word on price yet. However, if the Mate XT is anything to go buy, expect an eye-watering price for this one. For reference, the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 costs US$ 1,999.

In a surprising turn of events, vivo has already made the X300 Pro globally available as short as three weeks after the exclusive Mainland launch.

It was first introduced to European regions. Next in line were Asian markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and definitely, the Philippines.

Without any frills, here’s my X-tensive review of the latest and greatest flagship from vivo — 300+ hours after I started using it.

For context: we unboxed the unit exactly October 31st. But it was only during the first day of my Vietnam trip (November 10) that I was able to fully utilize and maximize the X300 Pro. Counting those days (or hours), I’ve been using vivo’s latest X-phone for around 386 hours as I’m writing this piece.

X-cellent Cameras

Without beating around the bush, we all know the main reason why we’re eyeing the X300 Pro, and it’s none other than its intricate camera setup.

	vivo X300 Pro	vivo X200 Pro
Wide	50MP f/1.57 1/1.28” Sony LYT-828	50MP f/1.57 1/1.28” Sony LYT-818
Ultra-Wide	50MP f/2.0 119º FoV (Field of View) Samsung ISOCELL JN1	50MP f/2.0 119º FoV (Field of View) Samsung ISOCELL JN1
Telephoto	200MP f/2.67 ZEISS APO 3.7x optical zoom (85mm) 1/1.4” Samsung ISOCELL HPB	200MP f/2.67 ZEISS APO 3.7x optical zoom (85mm) 1/1.4” Samsung ISOCELL HP9
Selfie	50MP f/2.0 1/2.76” Samsung ISOCELL JN1	32MP f/2.0

Specs-wise, there hasn’t been a massive difference — just newer sensors equipped.

But, as I always say in my write-ups, hardware is just one factor. Actual photo output is what truly makes or breaks the performance of the phone’s cameras.

To somewhat entice you, here are some of my postcards from my very recent Vietnam trip — obviously shot on the vivo X300 Pro.

(Brace yourself, there’s a lot to come!)

Just like hopping along three cities in Vietnam, I used the three lenses of the X300 Pro more extensively due to their overall flexibility — more than what I did with my mirrorless camera and the recently-bought 35mm prime lens attached to it.

And by that, it’s the phone’s capability to switch seamlessly between several focal length options with little to no degradation.

That also meant consistent colors regardless if you use the main 1x mode, UWA (ultra-wide angle), its optical 3.5x zoom, or even beyond 5x lossless zoom.

X-ceptional Collab

The superiority of vivo X300 Pro’s cameras doesn’t revolve only around its hardware. Over the years, vivo has strengthened its ties with ZEISS even further. Starting it all with the X60 all the way to X300 series, the brand’s exceptional collab is stronger than ever.

The default ZEISS color profile captures photos that look natural without being too flat. I’ve been using this in subjects that offers the best balance in shadows and saturation.

That said, vivo providing two more profiles just means they want the user to be as creative and as free as possible.

When it comes to food, switching to Vivid is deemed the best option. This profile gives the best pop of colors in the scene.

Architecture and interior should not be exempted when using this punchy profile.

It also made these golden hour shots more favorable than just sticking with the default ZEISS calibration.

📍 Lotte Mall West Lake (Hồ Tây)

📍 Lotte Hanoi Sky

But, for the entirety of my trip, I relied heavily on Textured as I love how my shots look more soulful in this profile with ample amount of shadows and toned-down highlights.

📍 Hạ Long Bay

📍 Sun World Fansipan Legend

📍 SaPa Center

📍 Moana SaPa

📍 Ban Mong Alpine Coaster

📍 Hanoi Train Street

📍 Phố cổ Hà Nội + Hoàn Kiếm

📍 Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh / Sài Gòn

📍 Vietnam Airlines / VN206

Furthermore, it gives that much-needed depth when taking pics of indoor and outdoor pets.

Switching to Portrait Mode, ZEISS Style Portrait remains with faster shooting times plus more precise subject to background segmentation.

Mind you, it’s not limited to human subjects as I used it all throughout my time with these cute capys in Saigon.

📍 Kapi Cafe

Speaking of, it’s worth mentioning that the user now has the ability to pick between vivo’s three color profiles when shooting in Portrait Mode. It’s something you cannot do in previous vivo phones. Not even vivo’s latest V60 midranger has this.

Also, the rear flash unit can now be toggled in this mode — just without that Aura Light madness. It makes more sense when taking night-time portraits with high facial illumination.

There’s also an additional ZEISS “Mirotar” lens. This only appears though when aiming to shoot tele-macro subjects as it’s not included in vivo’s default Portrait Mode lenses under ZEISS Style Portrait.

X-traordinary Camera X-tras

The vivo X300 Pro is very rich in camera feats. It doesn’t just end with the default Photo Mode.

Humanistic Street Snap Camera Mode still remains — which isn’t very different from the X200 Pro. Thankfully, vivo added two more film presets: Positive Film and Clear Blue.

 

The X300 Pro already has a fast shutter speed in the default Photo Mode. But in times where you’re really on the move and you cannot stay still, Snapshot Mode is here to save the day.

With my commute in Vietnam heavily relying on riding motorbikes, this mode became my go-to for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Trying to take very-detailed horizon shots? The 50MP and 200MP Hi-Res toggles exist. They were beneficial when I tried taking horizon shots of Hanoi, Saigon, and even SaPa.

* For the sake of this write-up, I’ve retained the resolution but compressed the overall quality for faster loading times

When it comes to video shooting, the vivo X300 Pro is undoubtedly dynamic. And it’s more than just that 10-bit Log feature.

The X200 Pro was only limited to 4K/60fps when shooting in Dolby Vision. Now, vivo’s X300 Pro steps it up a notch as it maxes out at 120fps — perfect for those slo-mo clips in crispier UHD quality.

If you’re the concert-goer type of fan, the X300 Pro is more than capable enough to produce those social media-ready snaps.

Stage Mode got improved as well with additional support for 4K/60fps resolution — Dolby Vision toggle not forgotten.

The X200 Pro never had any configurable options and only had a limiting 1080p / Full HD option.

I’ve fully used this camera mode when I went to BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE Tour in Bulacan.

The LBA (Lower Box A) Premium section I was seated isn’t the closest to the stage. Still, the X300 Pro had me capture shots and clips that still looked closer than what I’ve seen IRL.

Talk about concerts. It’s good to mention that both the base and Pro X300s have their dedicated Professional Imaging Grip Kit. This was something previously exclusive to the vivo X200 Ultra.

Sadly, despite anticipating for it, we were not given this special camera kit. I cannot vouch for something I haven’t tried at all.

The new Selfie X-pert?

The vivo X300 Pro not only takes great-looking mirrorfies, the improved selfie shooter provides ample amount of light and detail that the X200 Pro simply lacked.

Not only that selfie camera boasts a megapixel count more than 1.5x than its predecessor, FoV and color reproduction also seem more natural and less whitewashed.

That’s something I have experienced using the X200 Pro — and more of a reason why I refused taking selfies with it.

Speaking of color, the aforementioned color profiles as well as the bundled ZEISS Style Portrait lens bokeh are also applicable when shooting with the front camera.

X-quisite Design

If it ain’t broke, there’s no point of fixing it. However, vivo still tried refining the X200 Pro’s successor even further.

Gone are the slightly curved edges and the micro quad-curved display. This time, they have completely flattened everything out on the X300 Pro — camera bump, notwithstanding.

This form factor clearly reminds me of the base iPhones, premium midrange Androids, even the newest line of its sister brand, the OPPO Find X9 series.

In return, the X300 Pro is thinner at 7.99mm (versus 8.5mm of the X200 Pro). Though heft reduction isn’t significant as it weighs just 2 grams less (226 grams over 228 grams).

Comfort-wise, those flat edges felt sharp when held one-handedly. Although after several days of usage, I eventually got the hang of it.

I just miss the grippier hold of its predecessor. Also, the subtle curves I felt when swiping and navigating through the edges of its screen.

Good thing, the absence of a curved display means not having to buy any flimsy screen protectors that lack that curved edge coverage.

More so, “specialized” tempered glass that need UV glue (and light) in order for that undersonic fingerprint sensor to work properly.

Personally, I love the new look of X300 Pro’s monstrous camera bump.

How they trimmed down the camera rim in favor of a larger flat surface looks more sleek. Also, the new striped texture of the bump closely resembles a camera lens grip.

Then again, the dust magnet issue I’ve experienced before is still present in this new X-teration.

Only time will tell though how durable it is. So far, I’ve only managed it to drop it twice on a hard floor. So far, no unwanted dents and scathes found.

Speaking of, the X300 Pro still features that dual IP68 + IP69 water and dust resistance rating — a staple of Android flagships moving forward.

X-cellent Powerhouse

While the display curves are gone, vivo’s already superior display tech stays. It has an unchanged 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel. I just assume the bigger screen size is reserved for the Ultra variant.

Display accuracy and calibration, as well as support for HDR content, are top-notch as one would expect. Whether the visuals are vibrant, bright, or just dark, the X300 Pro doesn’t go overboard and accurately shows the most natural output possible.

For that ultimate audiovisual pleasure, its stereo speakers are loud and full with that powerful bass to rock your banging solo concert sessions.

Found beneath this superior slab is none other than MediaTek’s latest and greatest Dimensity 9500 SoC based on a 3nm process.

The last iteration was already great to begin with. Let alone, this all-new Dimensity chip headlined by the X300 series.

Day-to-day tasks are buttery smooth with no room for lag. Switching (and even split-screen multitasking) through multiple apps is a breeze.

Playing games wasn’t an exception to the experience.

For instance, my all-time fave racing game, Racing Master, was able to run for two hours without throttling. That’s considering I set it in the most extreme graphics setting possible.

HoYoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero is able to run as well. But, due to the heavier nature of the game, except some overheating in the long run.

X-citing new OS

If you’ve read my X200 Pro review, I’ve boldly stated how Funtouch OS isn’t “fun” at all.

After several years of forcing to bear with that aging Android skin, vivo has finally decided to bring the latest flavor of OriginOS to global units.

Funtouch OS 15 was already fast as it is. OriginOS 6 made that even snappier with added fluidity.

The AI Tools are still there. From transcribing, call assist, all the way to gallery’s AI Erase, reflection removal, even AI UHD upscaling, they’re all there.

For me though, the best changes can be seen in its overhauled UI.

Heck, vivo even brought iPhone-like features — just with better customizations.

From the more customizable lock screen, resizable folder sizes, to the (finally) separate Notifications and Control Center.

For one, there’s the Origin Island that acts like Apple’s Dynamic Island. But, dragging texts, photos, or even files to the island itself gives you a range of apps for it to be shared.

The other one is the additional button on the X300 Pro’s left side. Unlike iOS’s limiting Action Button assignments, it’s more customizable here.

On my end, I’ve set the double-tap to quickly launch the camera in Snapshot mode for fast-firing shootouts. Holding the button fires up the flashlight behind. Unfortunately though, single-tapping the button doesn’t do anything.

Overall, OriginOS 6 seems and feels like a proper and polished experience.

X-panded Horizons

Another feature where I felt that I needed to have in global vivo phones is none other than the Office Kit.

As a long-time MacBook Pro user ever since my university days back in 2016, this feature is a gift from the gods.

Not only I can wirelessly transfer photos and videos, I can also receive notifications and even access Notes stored in my X300 Pro. Even when you take a freshly-captured photo, it will simply prompt you so you can easily share it.

Although you can remotely control your MacBook through the screen of the X300 Pro, that screen size simply won’t make the cut. This feature works best with a foldable or a tablet.

But hey, it’s still useful if you’re out and about and your higher-ups needed that document stored on your MacBook.

Given that nothing beats the cross-platform compatibility between iOS and macOS, it’s still a huge leap forward to be able to connect the vivo X300 Pro to an Apple device.

Lastly, OriginOS also has a new Private Space feature. It serves as a separate space from your main screen with apps and accounts that are totally unrelated to the one you’re mainly using.

This enables users to keep confidential files and information from prying eyes. I just hope users will use this feature into good use 👀.

More than enough even when you X-haust it

On paper, the battery of the vivo X300 Pro gets a battery boost from 6000mAh to 6500mAh.

While it doesn’t beat the hell out of the 7500mAh capacity of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, an increase is still an increase.

Using it moderately or ever so lightly, the vivo X300 Pro can last a full day (or even two) with staggering hours of standby time and plenty left in the tank.

Admittedly, I’ve used the cameras more than I expected during my two-week Vietnam getaway.

From shooting plethora of photos and barrage of vertical clips for Instagram Stories and possible use for Reels, the X300 Pro hogs that battery juice a lot.

I’ve even experienced some overheating in the long run. But, not to the point where the camera will shut off, as I was able to still shoot and record without ever halting.

That said, 90W FlashCharge is here to save the day. This time though, vivo has added a “FlashCharge High Speed” mode when using its bundled charger.

	FlashCharge High Speed	FlashCharge Regular
START TIME (From 0%)	12:14PM	1:59PM
3 minutes	3%	1%
5 minutes	6%	3%
10 minutes	15%	10%
15 minutes	23%	18%
20 minutes	29%	24%
30 minutes	50%	38%
40 minutes	66%	51%
45 minutes	75%	57%
50 minutes	82%	63%
1 hour	96%	71%
1 hour 10 minutes	–	85%
1 hour 15 minutes	–	99%
END TIME	1:17PM 1 hour 3 minutes	3:15PM 1 hour 16 minutes

Using non-vivo chargers and cables that are USB-C PD and/or PPS compliant will still top-up the phone fast — just with regular FlashCharge speeds.

While I haven’t tested wireless charging (which is my least favorite mode of charging), it’s worthy to point out that it was improved to 40W (from the conventional 30W).

Although the vivo X300 Pro has faster speeds than Qi2 or Qi2.2, it still doesn’t implement built-in magnets like the HMD Skyline or Pixel 10 series with Pixelsnap.

Don’t get me wrong. Support for magnetic wireless charging plus MagSafe accessories will still be possible. Only if you buy third-party cases with magnets on it.

Is the vivo X300 Pro your GadgetMatch?

It seems like 2025 has already reached the pinnacle of smartphones: superior camera system, gargantuan battery capacities with long-lasting endurance, faster than ever performance, displays and speakers that truly satisfy one’s audiovisual cravings.

The vivo X300 Pro is a great embodiment of that. Not only you get the best in class cameras, the smartphone itself is just a refined version of a smartphone that was already superior to begin with.

And if you’d ask me, the asking price of EUR 1099 / MYR 4699 / PhP 77,999 is more than justified — unlike how some brands aggressively slap overpriced tags on their barely flagship offerings 🙄

I just hope they consider bringing in a larger 1TB configuration (or maybe even 2TB) in the next lineup — especially for storage-hungry multimedia creatives like me who’s expected to shoot a lot of stills and clips in the foreseeable future.

All sentiments aside and without an ounce of doubt, the vivo X300 Pro is both a Swipe Right and a Super Swipe.

And, just like its older sibling, it also rightfully deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.