Vivo X300 Ultra vs Xiaomi 17 Ultra: A Head-to-Head Comparison of 2026’s Top Photography Phones

If you value the photographic section of a mobile phone above the rest, this year we are seeing very good proposals. Therefore, now that we have a greater variety of phones, we are going to take the opportunity to put two of the most notable ones this year face to face: the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra.

The Differences Between the Vivo X300 Ultra and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra

Camera Configurations

When picking a photography-focused phone, camera specifications become crucial. Let’s break down the major camera components for both devices.

Vivo X300 Ultra

• Front Camera: 50 MP, f/2.45
• Rear Cameras:
  • 200 MP main sensor, f/1.85, OIS
  • 200 MP telephoto, f/2.67, OIS
  • 50 MP wide angle, f/2.0, FOV 123.4º, OIS

Xiaomi 17 Ultra

• Front Camera: 50 MP, f/2.2
• Rear Cameras:
  • 50 MP main sensor, f/1.7, OIS
  • 200 MP telephoto, f/2.4 – 3.0, OIS
  • 50 MP wide angle, f/2.2

Main Sensor Performance

The standout feature of the Vivo X300 Ultra is its impressive main sensor, boasting 200 MP compared to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s 50 MP. Higher megapixels are beneficial for cropping without detail loss, but they don’t define image quality. A notable advantage of the Xiaomi is its one-inch sensor, enhancing light capture for more vibrant colors and natural bokeh.

Telephoto Lens

Both phones feature a 200 MP telephoto sensor, crucial for detailed shots. However, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra offers an adjustable f-stop (f/2.4 – 3.0), allowing adaptability in varying light conditions. Furthermore, its zoom capability lets users switch between 3.2x and 4.3x, maintaining image quality thanks to advanced processing.

Ultra Wide Angle Camera

Both devices offer 50 MP ultra-wide-angle sensors. The Vivo’s lens (f/2.0) allows more light compared to Xiaomi’s (f/2.2), making it more suited for low-light photography. However, the Xiaomi excels with a 115º field of view, great for broader landscapes.

Accessories

The two phones come with distinct photographic kits. The Xiaomi’s kit is more of a functional case with battery and controls, while the Vivo X300 Ultra provides a teleconverter, enhancing long-distance photography and perfecting portraits.

Pricing Overview

The price point is a significant factor in the decision-making process. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra (512 GB) retails around €1,249 without additional accessories. In contrast, the Vivo X300 Ultra (1 TB) is bundled with its photography kit, priced at €2,399.

Final Summary

Both smartphones are equipped with remarkable camera features. The choice between the two often boils down to what you specifically value in your mobile photography. Here are our recommendations:

• Choose Vivo X300 Ultra if:
  • You require a high-resolution main sensor for detailed photos.
  • You prefer better low-light performance from the ultra-wide angle.
  • You want a comprehensive photography kit including a teleconverter.
• Choose Xiaomi 17 Ultra if:
  • You value overall image quality, particularly from the primary sensor.
  • You want better zoom functionality and adaptable telephoto capabilities.

Technical Sheet and Key Differences