Highlights
- Xperia 1 VII: Wide zoom range (85–170mm), smaller sensor, 12MP resolution.
- Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Narrow zoom range (75–100mm), large sensor, 200MP resolution.
- Design trade‑off: Sensor size vs. zoom flexibility.
- Future outlook: Continuous variable optical zoom remains rare and challenging to implement.
Smartphone cameras have come a long way in the last few years, especially in the area of telephoto lenses. One of the most advanced technologies in this space is continuous variable optical zoom. Unlike fixed zoom lenses, this system allows smooth zooming across a range of focal lengths. But while the idea sounds perfect, in reality it comes with serious design challenges.
At present, only a handful of phones use this technology — most notably Sony’s Xperia 1 VI and the newly launched Xperia 1 VII, along with Xiaomi’s 17 Ultra. Both brands have adopted continuous zoom, but their approaches reveal the trade‑offs that engineers face when balancing sensor size, image quality, and zoom range.
Why Xiaomi Narrowed Its Zoom Range
According to well‑known leaker Kartikey Singh, Xiaomi originally planned a zoom range of 75mm to 150mm for the 17 Ultra. This would have given users a powerful telephoto reach. However, the design required a much larger periscope module, which simply didn’t fit into the slim smartphone body.
As a result, Xiaomi settled for a more compact range of 75mm to 100mm, equivalent to 3.2x to 4.3x zoom. While this range is narrower, Xiaomi compensated by using a large 1/1.4‑inch sensor paired with a massive 200MP resolution. The focus here is clear: prioritize image quality, detail, and rich telephoto shots, even if the zoom flexibility is limited.
Xperia’s Wider Zoom Approach
Sony took a different path with the Xperia 1 VI and VII. The latest Xperia 1 VII offers a zoom range of 85mm to 170mm, giving users 3.5x to 7.1x zoom. This is much wider than Xiaomi’s implementation, making it more versatile for long‑distance shooting — whether it’s wildlife, sports, or video recording.
The trade‑off? Sony uses a smaller 1/3.5‑inch sensor with only 12MP resolution. Because the sensor is compact, the optical system inside the periscope has more room to move, allowing a broader zoom range. But the smaller sensor means less detail and weaker performance in low light compared to Xiaomi’s large sensor.
The Trade‑Off Explained
The comparison between Xperia and Xiaomi highlights a simple truth:
- Large sensors = better image quality, but limited zoom range.
- Smaller sensors = wider zoom range, but lower image quality.
Each company chose based on its priorities. Xperia focused on versatility and usability for long‑distance photography. Xiaomi emphasized detail and clarity, betting that users care more about sharp telephoto shots than extreme zoom flexibility.
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