Zooming In with the vivo V60’s 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera in BGC

Smartphone cameras have reached a point where they’re no longer just about convenience, as they’re also tools for creativity. The vivo V60, with its ZEISS partnership, pushes that boundary by putting advanced telephoto and portrait options into the hands of everyday users with its 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera. 

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How do we test that out? We captured strangers who are game to be photographed right at the Bonifacio Global City High Street area. Here’s what we realized.

The ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera

At the heart of the vivo V60’s camera system is the 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera. It’s powered by the Sony IMX882 sensor, a flagship-grade sensor also seen in higher-end devices. With optical image stabilization (OIS) and a large 1/1.95-inch base, the telephoto system is designed to capture more light and detail than typical smartphone telephoto lenses.

Photos: 1x, 3x, and 10x photos captured with the vivo V60

The V60 produces strong results at its native 1x, 3x, and 10x zoom levels. Photos at 1x come out crisp and balanced, with accurate colors and solid dynamic range. Moving into 3x zoom, the details hold steady, making it perfect for portraits with natural background separation or close-ups of architecture. 

At 10x zoom, which is often where smartphones start to falter, the vivo V60 still produces images with surprising clarity. This makes it ideal for situations like concerts, stage performances, or sports events, where you can’t get physically close to the action but still want sharp results.

For those who love to push limits, the V60 supports up to 100x digital zoom. While this is more situational and best used in good lighting, it demonstrates the flexibility of the system. Even at extreme zoom, the ZEISS optics combined with OIS help stabilize shots and keep details usable. It may not replace a professional telephoto lens, but for a smartphone in your pocket, the reach it offers is impressive.

ZEISS Multifocal Portrait: More Ways to Frame Your Story

Portrait photography is one of the vivo V60’s strongest suits, thanks to ZEISS Multifocal Portrait. Unlike most smartphones that offer just one or two preset portrait modes, the V60 expands options with five distinct focal lengths: 23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm. This flexibility allows users to choose the right look for the mood they want to capture.

The new additions—85mm and 100mm—are particularly interesting. The 85mm portrait strikes a balance between subject and background, making it ideal for natural-looking shots with soft blur that feels cinematic. This is a focal length often favored by professional photographers for portraits, as it flatters facial features while still maintaining a sense of environment.

The 100mm portrait goes further, pulling the subject in closer and isolating them from the background almost entirely. This creates dramatic, intimate shots that highlight detail and emotion. Whether it’s capturing a close-up of a friend, a pet, or even objects for creative compositions, the 100mm option adds new depth to portrait shooting on a smartphone.

Having all five focal lengths available gives users the freedom to experiment. You can capture the same subject in different perspectives without moving physically closer or farther away. For casual users, it’s an accessible way to learn about framing and composition; for enthusiasts, it offers creative versatility without needing extra lenses.

To appreciate how these features fit into everyday life, imagine attending a concert. At 1x zoom, you can capture the wide atmosphere, the crowd, and the lights. Switch to 3x zoom, and you’re framing the performer clearly without too much distraction. At 10x, you’re zooming right onto the stage, capturing expressions and details you wouldn’t notice otherwise. For fun, you might push it to 100x digital zoom to see how close you can get. All of this, without moving from your spot in the audience.

For portraits, the choice of focal lengths means more than just numbers—it’s about storytelling. An 85mm shot of a friend at a café keeps the cozy vibe intact while highlighting them naturally. A 100mm shot at the same moment creates a close, expressive portrait that feels like it belongs in a magazine. The vivo V60 makes these creative possibilities accessible without the need for professional gear.

The Rundown

The vivo V60 stands out for those who want more control and flexibility over their photography. With its ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera delivering strong results at 1x, 3x, and 10x zoom, and the ability to push up to 100x digital zoom, it’s a powerful tool for capturing events, travel, and everyday life. 

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ZEISS Multifocal Portrait adds another layer of creativity with five focal lengths, including the new 85mm and 100mm options that bring professional-style portraits into your pocket. Add a touch of AI creativity, and the V60 becomes a phone designed not just for communication but for capturing and shaping memories.

By combining long-range zoom with versatile portrait options, the vivo V60 sets itself apart from many mid-range devices. It’s not just about megapixels—it’s about giving users the freedom to capture life the way they want, whether that’s up close, far away, or somewhere in between. Would these camera tools change the way you shoot your everyday moments?

The vivo V60 is now available in vivo Stores and authorized dealers offline for these variants: 12GB + 256GB for PHP 28,999, and 12GB + 512GB for PHP 30,999. You can also check out online via the vivo e-store, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

Carl walked away from a corporate marketing career to build WalasTech from the ground up—now he writes no-fluff tech stories as its Founder and Editor-in-Chief. When news breaks, he’s already typing. Got a tip? Hit him up at [email protected].