A brand new wave of Android flagships is on the horizon, and so they’re not taking part in it protected. The largest shift is that these telephones are going all-in on cameras, whereas eclipsing the apex Android predators (learn: Samsung and Google) in just a few different methods, too.
The specs of the upcoming Vivo X300 Extremely have been revealed on Weibo, and the system is confirmed to characteristic a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor (seemingly 1/1.4-inch class), paired with a big 1-inch-type major sensor and an upgraded ultra-wide lens, together with superior zoom methods and improved colour science. That’s pushing smartphone images nearer to devoted cameras, one thing Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Extremely, with its largely iterative digital camera {hardware}, hasn’t fairly matched this yr.
And it’s not nearly megapixels anymore. These telephones are specializing in optics, sensor measurement, and real-world usability, with manufacturers like Vivo and Xiaomi leaning closely on partnerships (like Zeiss and Leica) to refine picture processing and video efficiency.
Why ought to Samsung be paying consideration?
The very fact of the matter is that the competitors is getting fairly aggressive. For years, Samsung’s Galaxy Extremely lineup has been the benchmark for Android flagships, particularly in digital camera tech. However now, manufacturers like Vivo and Oppo are pushing extra experimental and impressive {hardware}, significantly in zoom and imaging. Each the vivo X100 Extremely and X200 Professional had nice digital camera setups, and the X300 Extremely appears to proceed the development.
Then there’s Oppo, too. The upcoming Discover X9 Extremely is predicted to characteristic a local 10x optical zoom system with a posh prism design, one thing that might rival, and even surpass, conventional periscope setups. Equally, the Xiaomi 17 Extremely additionally includes a DSLR-like bodily zoom ring paired with a 200MP zoom digital camera. In different phrases, these manufacturers aren’t simply catching up, however as a substitute attempting to leap forward.
My time with the Oppo Discover X9 Extremely and the Vivo X300 Professional satisfied me that these two labels are on the prime of the digital camera, each by way of uncooked high quality and artistic options. Samsung simply feels uninspired, though it’s not underwhelming by any stretch of the creativeness.
The S26 Extremely isn’t fairly main the cost
Samsung continues to be innovating, however this time, it doesn’t really feel prefer it’s paying off as strongly. The largest spotlight of the Galaxy S26 Extremely is its new Privateness Show, which is a neat addition, nevertheless it additionally comes with a trade-off: an 8-bit panel that didn’t precisely impress fanatics. Past that, the upgrades really feel pretty routine, with the same old chipset bump and never a lot else standing out.
In the meantime, rivals are pushing a lot tougher, particularly within the digital camera house. Whereas manufacturers like Vivo and Oppo are experimenting with new optics, bigger sensors, and extra superior zoom methods, Samsung appears to be sticking nearer to its present system, together with a largely unchanged periscope setup and incremental sensor upgrades. Loyal customers will seemingly keep, and choices like Google Pixel nonetheless exist. However the Android house has at all times been about alternative, and that alternative is getting much more attention-grabbing.
“Extremely” is beginning to imply one thing else
This shift isn’t nearly specs; it’s about route. New flagships are clearly embracing a camera-first identification, with options like superior zoom, professional controls, and even exterior lens help. What’s extra, these gadgets additionally include much more. The vivo X300 Extremely’s different specs verify it comes with 100W wired and 40W wi-fi charging help, with a rumored 6,600mAh capability.
If these gadgets ship, Samsung might have to rethink the way it approaches its Extremely lineup. As a result of going ahead, “Extremely” may not be a Samsung-exclusive thought anymore.