The race for the best camera phone of 2026 might not be led by Apple or Samsung this time.
Instead, early leaks suggest Vivo’s upcoming X300 Ultra could be the one to watch, thanks to a renewed focus on colour accuracy and camera hardware that goes beyond megapixels and zoom numbers.
According to a leak shared by the reliable Digital Chat Station, the Vivo X300 Ultra is tipped to feature what’s described as the industry’s largest multispectral sensor, potentially giving it a serious edge when it comes to natural-looking photos and video and perhaps making it the best camera phone around.
The sensor is said to be a 5MP unit, designed to read colour information from the scene more accurately, particularly in tricky lighting conditions like indoor or low-light environments.
Multispectral sensors aren’t entirely new in phones; Oppo has been experimenting with them for years, but results have been mixed. In theory, they allow a camera system to better understand real-world colour temperature and lighting, instead of relying purely on software correction. If Vivo can get this right, it could translate into more consistent skin tones and fewer colour shifts between lenses, something even the best camera phones still struggle with.
The leak also reiterates Vivo’s continued commitment to a 35mm main camera, paired with a Sony LYT-901 sensor and Zeiss optics. That already sets Vivo apart from most rivals, favouring a more natural perspective over ultra-wide framing. On top of that, the X300 Ultra is said to be getting a new teleconverter lens, possibly with a different magnification from the X200 Ultra’s 2.35x setup although details on the zoom camera itself remain under wraps.
Previous rumours have already pointed to three large camera sensors, and with colour science now entering the conversation, Vivo seems to be targeting a more photographer-focused approach rather than chasing spec-sheet bragging rights.
The Vivo X300 Ultra is expected to launch in China as early as March, with a global release likely to follow. If these camera upgrades materialise, the next big leap in smartphone photography might come from a brand many still overlook, and that could make 2026 far more interesting than expected.
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