Vivo, Oppo, Huawei Ultra Phones: Launch Dates & Specs | March 2024
A wave of flagship smartphones boasting advanced camera systems is set to arrive this month, with Vivo, Oppo, and Huawei joining Samsung and Xiaomi in the “Ultra” phone arena. Following recent releases like the iQOO 15 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Xiaomi 17 Ultra, these upcoming devices promise to further push the boundaries of mobile photography. The focus is clearly on delivering professional-grade imaging capabilities in a pocketable form factor, and competition is heating up.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra: A Quad-Camera Contender
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is poised to be among the first of these new flagships to launch globally. Confirmed to be arriving “very soon” (Notebookcheck), the device is expected to feature a sophisticated quad-camera system, highlighted by a 10x periscope zoom lens. While a specific launch date in China hasn’t been announced, speculation suggests it may debut alongside the Find N6 on March 17th, though reports of a potential delay have also surfaced (Notebookcheck). The Find X9 Ultra is anticipated to be a strong contender in the high-complete smartphone market, particularly for users prioritizing camera performance.
Vivo X300 Ultra: Expanding Global Reach
Vivo’s entry, the X300 Ultra, is also slated for release outside of China, though likely later in the year than the Oppo offering. The device is expected to debut in China in the final week of March, according to current information (Notebookcheck). Details regarding the X300 Ultra’s specifications remain somewhat scarce, but it’s expected to compete directly with other “Ultra” phones in terms of camera capabilities and overall performance. Vivo has been steadily increasing its presence in international markets, and the X300 Ultra represents a further step in that direction.
Huawei Pura 90 Ultra: A Mystery Unveiled
The Huawei Pura 90 Ultra is the most enigmatic of the three. Currently, limited information is available about this device. However, it’s anticipated to challenge the other “Ultra” phones with a 200 MP periscope zoom lens and the potential utilize of RYYB sensors across its camera array. RYYB (Red, Yellow, Yellow, Blue) sensors replace the traditional green filter in a standard RGGB (Red, Green, Green, Blue) array, aiming to capture more light and improve low-light performance. While the effectiveness of RYYB sensors has been debated, Huawei has previously utilized this technology in its flagship phones.
The Rise of the “Ultra” Smartphone
The proliferation of “Ultra” branded smartphones signals a clear trend in the mobile industry: a focus on delivering premium features and capabilities, particularly in the realm of photography. These devices typically feature larger sensors, more advanced image processing algorithms, and a greater number of lenses to provide users with a versatile and high-quality camera experience. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, for example, emphasizes refined image processing and a brighter f/1.4 aperture on its primary sensor (Android Solution | Facebook). Xiaomi, meanwhile, is pushing hardware limits with larger 1-inch-class sensors and secondary 200MP telephoto systems. This competition is driving innovation and ultimately benefiting consumers.
Sensor Size and its Impact
The trend towards larger sensors is particularly noteworthy. A larger sensor generally captures more light, resulting in images with better dynamic range, lower noise, and improved detail. The 1-inch sensor size, often touted in these “Ultra” phones, is significantly larger than the sensors found in most standard smartphones. However, sensor size isn’t the only factor determining image quality; image processing algorithms and lens quality also play crucial roles.
Price Points and Market Positioning
The “Ultra” designation typically comes with a premium price tag. According to Smartprix data as of March 9, 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G is priced at ₹1,39,999, while the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is available for ₹80,990 (Smartprix). This price difference reflects variations in specifications, features, and brand positioning. These phones are aimed at consumers who are willing to pay a premium for the best possible mobile photography experience.
What to Expect in the Coming Months
The coming weeks will be crucial as these “Ultra” smartphones are officially unveiled and subjected to independent reviews and comparisons. The focus will be on evaluating their camera performance in real-world scenarios, assessing their overall capabilities, and determining which device truly earns the title of “camera king.” Beyond the initial launch, software updates and ongoing optimization will likely play a significant role in shaping the user experience and refining image quality. The competition between these manufacturers will undoubtedly continue to drive innovation in the mobile photography space, leading to even more impressive camera technology in future generations of smartphones.
