The 2026 smartphone camera war is already taking shape. Early leaks suggest next year will mark a major turning point in mobile photography. Leading brands Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo are preparing ultra-premium flagship phones. These devices will feature camera hardware and legendary photography partners like Leica, ZEISS, and Hasselblad. Consequently, these models could redefine the expectations for a 2026 camera phone.
With bigger sensors, advanced zoom systems, and record-breaking megapixel counts, the race for the best camera phone of 2026 is more competitive than ever.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra (Leica): Large Sensor
The upcoming Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to focus heavily on professional-grade imaging. Co-engineered with Leica, the device is rumored to feature the largest main camera sensor ever used in a smartphone. This is a true standout for the 2026 camera phone market.
Another standout upgrade is a continuous optical zoom lens, reportedly covering 75mm to 100mm. Unlike traditional fixed telephoto lenses, this system could deliver smoother zoom transitions. Additionally, it offers higher image quality across a range of focal lengths, making it ideal for portrait and long-range photography.
Key highlights (rumored)
- Leica-tuned camera system
- Industry-leading main camera sensor
- Continuous optical zoom (75mm–100mm)
Vivo X300 Ultra (ZEISS): Ultrawide Photography
The vivo X300 Ultra, developed in partnership with ZEISS, is shaping up to be a powerhouse for camera enthusiasts. Leaks suggest Vivo is prioritising sensor size and optical performance, especially in areas where smartphones traditionally struggle.
The device is rumoured to offer the best ultrawide camera in its class, along with large main and telephoto sensors. This could give Vivo a significant advantage in landscape, low-light, and architectural photography.
Key highlights (rumored):
- ZEISS-optimised camera optics
- Best-in-class ultrawide camera
- Massive main and telephoto sensors
OPPO Find X9 Ultra (Hasselblad): Quad Cameras
The OPPO Find X9 Ultra may stand out as the most versatile camera phone of the trio. Tuned with Hasselblad color science, it is rumored to be the only flagship with a quad-camera setup in this segment.
According to leaks, the camera configuration could include a 200MP main camera, 200MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 10x periscope telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. If accurate, this setup would offer unmatched flexibility across ultra-wide, portrait, and long-range zoom photography.
Key highlights (rumored):
- Hasselblad-tuned imaging system
- Quad-camera setup
- Dual 200MP cameras (main + 3x telephoto)
2026: The Peak of Mobile Photography?
While it’s still too early to declare a definitive “Camera King of 2026,” one thing is sure: smartphone photography is reaching a new peak. Larger sensors, advanced optics, AI imaging, and deeper brand collaborations are pushing camera phones closer than ever to professional-grade cameras. Moreover, the innovation in 2026 camera phones is paving this path.
As the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Vivo X300 Ultra, and Oppo Find X9 Ultra prepare to launch in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra can expect to face one of the most competitive and exciting years in mobile imaging history.
