Chinese Smartphone Brands Elevating Imaging Standards
In recent years, Chinese smartphone manufacturers have been collaborating with international imaging giants, including Leica, Hasselblad, and Carl Zeiss. These collaborations have been with the four major domestic smartphone giants: Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, and vivo. From lens modules to algorithms and various distinctive features, such partnerships have significantly enhanced the brands’ photography capabilities. Huawei was the first to collaborate with Leica, but later ceased, with Xiaomi taking over the partnership. Meanwhile, Huawei established its own imaging brand.
Huawei’s independent imaging technology brand is called “XMAGE,” which consolidates Huawei’s accumulated expertise and research in the field of mobile imaging. The Huawei Mate50 series is the first to feature the ultra-light-shift XMAGE imaging. Chinese smartphone brands have been deeply involved in mobile imaging for many years, and currently, they all stand at the top international level. vivo, for example, shines brightly in the field of mobile photography. The X series has received widespread acclaim, with the vivo X100 Pro enjoying both praise and high sales this year, particularly for its photography prowess. Even when compared to competitors’ Ultra models, each device offers its own unique strengths. The vivo X100 Ultra is also set to launch soon.
Today, vivo’s Vice President and General Manager of Brand and Product Strategy, Jia Jingdong, announced the blueprint for vivo’s imaging brand, dubbed “Blue Factory.” This name symbolizes a vision of “transcending what the eye can see and experiencing the future.”
Jia Jingdong also unveiled the logo for the Blue Factory imaging, featuring a square blue shape preceding the English name, representing vivo’s color. While introducing its independent brand, vivo continues its collaboration with Carl Zeiss, a global imaging strategic partner. This means that Blue Factory Imaging represents vivo’s research and innovation in mobile imaging, further strengthened by collaboration with international imaging giants. With this dual support, anticipation for vivo’s imaging technology remains high.
Jia Jingdong also revealed partial images of the upcoming new product, clearly showcasing the rear module of the vivo X100 Ultra. Given the vivo X100 Pro’s ability to compete with higher-priced competitors in terms of photography, expectations for the vivo X100 Ultra are even higher. This time, the periscope telephoto lens will boast 200 million pixels, coupled with a large sensor and independent Blue Factory imaging technology plus Carl Zeiss T* coating. Huang Tao, vivo’s Vice President, even publicly stated that this is a professional camera disguised as a smartphone, hinting at the outstanding photography performance of this high-end vivo device.
Following Huawei, vivo becomes the second Chinese smartphone brand to introduce an imaging brand. Xiaomi has its own Light Hunter this year, mainly focusing on sensor technology. It is expected that not only Xiaomi but also OPPO will follow suit. Chinese smartphone brands continue to challenge Apple and Samsung in photography, making them the leaders in the world of mobile photography.