Smartphones with attachable telephoto lenses tested

The primary goal is to set new standards and to achieve a clear unique position on the market through a technological pioneering role. This is how you want your own brand to stand out from the crowd of competitors. The KURIER was able to take a close look at two such ultra cell phones: this Vivo X300 Ultra as well as that Oppo Find X9 Ultra.

External telephoto lens

When it comes to the core components of smartphones, there is hardly any room for improvement these days. Even mid-range cell phones usually have good displays and fast processors. The ultra models therefore rely on a different strategy to differentiate themselves. Send Vivo and Oppo special accessories into the race.

Similar to system cameras, both the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and the Vivo X300 Ultra have one attachable telephoto lens with a focal length of 300 respectively 400 millimeterswhich enable a high zoom factor. The so-called “tele extenders” are mounted using a mechanical shutter, as is known from cameras.

High image quality

Both Ultra phones take excellent images with their attachable telephoto lenses. The Photos are razor-sharp and leave little room for criticism – both in daylight and artificial light as well as at dusk or at night. Even without the attachable tele extenders, both devices deliver high image quality. Main and wide angle camera can convince.

In addition, both devices also have optical telephoto lenses installed directly in the housing, which also deliver high-quality photos. The Vivo X300 Ultra has a 3.7x optical zoom, the Oppo Find

Extremely impractical

Because cell phones already have a telephoto, the question arises as to whether additional tele extenders make sense. Even if they allow a little more zoom, they are maximally impractical. Since you have the cell phone together massive telephoto lens If you don’t pack it in a bag, the tele will have to be reassembled every time to be able to use it.

If the tele extender is on the cell phone, it is not possible to quickly switch to the other lenses – wide angle and main camera – because the attached telephoto blocking your clear view. By the way: In order for such a tele extender to be mounted on the smartphone at all, there is one special cell phone case necessary, which is quite generous and makes the already large devices even bulkier.

Conclusion

Technically speaking, Vivo and Oppo manage to bridge the gap with their tele extenders Smartphone-Photos and conventional photography to beat. However, the claim fails due to practice and handling. Cell phone photography is primarily impressive because of its simplicity.

It thrives on always having your cell phone to hand and having your camera ready to use in just a few seconds. At best, the smartphone delivers high-quality images and videos even during spontaneous use. All of this applies to the two ultra cell phones and their integrated cameras, but not to the tele extenders, which seem bulky in everyday life.

High prices

Things also get difficult when it comes to price: Vivo charges for its X300 Ultra 1.999 Euro. For the tele extender come again 599 Euro in addition. The Oppo Find X9 Ultra costs 1.699 Euro. Oppo has not yet announced a price for the telephoto lens; it is likely to be as expensive as Vivo’s. In terms of price, this puts you in a price range where you can also look for a more than usable system camera.