The Nubia Z70 Ultra and Vivo X200 Ultra demonstrate that 35mm is the future of camera phones.

The resurgence of 35mm equivalent focal lengths in smartphone cameras is shaping up to be a major trend in 2024, and devices like the Nubia Z70 Ultra and Vivo X200 Ultra are leading the charge. Here’s why 35mm is becoming the new standard for mobile photography and how these phones prove it.

Finally, we are moving toward a 35mm smartphone future. After last year's Nubia Z60 Ultra made the switch, the recently announced Nubia Z70 Ultra and Vivo X200 Ultra are breaking away from the 23mm status quo that’s overstayed its welcome.

For the longest time, smartphones have saved their best hardware for the primary 23mm equivalent focal length cameras – and this made perfect sense back in 2015, when phones had one camera.

After all, 23mm is very versatile. Wide but not too wide; great for group shots while minimizing distortion; anyone who wishes to zoom can pinch in; and there is no real need for an ultra-wide, as recent smartphones, such as the Razr 50 Ultra, demonstrate by eliminating it in order to save space.

Why 35mm? The Sweet Spot for Mobile Photography

1. Natural Perspective – The 35mm focal length (full-frame equivalent) closely matches the human eye’s field of view, making images feel more immersive and natural compared to ultra-wide or standard 24-28mm smartphone lenses.

2. Better Composition – It’s wide enough for environmental shots yet tight enough to avoid distortion, making it ideal for street photography, portraits, and everyday scenes.

3. Low-Light Advantage – Many 35mm lenses in smartphones (like the Z70 Ultra’s f/1.6 aperture) gather more light than ultra-wide or periscope zooms, improving night shots.

4. Cinematic Appeal – 35mm has long been a favorite in filmmaking, and smartphone brands are leveraging this for more cinematic video and photo styles.

Nubia Z70 Ultra: A 35mm Powerhouse

• Main Camera: A 35mm f/1.6 lens with a large 1/1.4" sensor (likely Sony IMX800 or similar), optimized for street and portrait photography.

• Software Enhancements: Nubia’s NeoVision tuning emphasizes natural bokeh and film-like color science, making the 35mm shots stand out.

• Multi-Focal System: While it includes ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, the 35mm is the star, proving that brands are prioritizing this focal length over the traditional 24-26mm main cam.

Vivo X200 Ultra: Leica-Tuned 35mm Excellence

• Co-Engineered with Leica – Following the Xiaomi-Leica partnership, Vivo’s X200 Ultra is rumored to feature a Leica-tuned 35mm lens with advanced optics.

• Large Sensor + Aperture – Likely a 1-inch-type sensor (IMX989 or similar) paired with a bright f/1.4-f/1.8 aperture for DSLR-like depth control.

• Pro-Level Processing – Vivo’s V3 imaging chip enhances dynamic range and texture in 35mm shots, rivaling dedicated cameras.

The Shift Away from Ultra-Wide Dominance

For years, smartphone brands pushed wider = better, leading to 12-14mm ultra-wide lenses that often suffered from distortion and soft edges. Now, with 35mm, we’re seeing a shift toward quality over extremes:

• More usable focal length for daily shooting.

• Better low-light performance than ultra-wide or periscope lenses.

• Professional-grade rendering that appeals to enthusiasts.

The Future: 35mm as the New Default?

With Apple (iPhone 16 Pro rumors), Xiaomi, and OPPO also exploring 35mm variants, this could become the new default focal length for flagship phones. The Nubia Z70 Ultra and Vivo X200 Ultra are just the beginning—soon, we might see 35mm overtake 24-28mm as the primary lens in high-end devices.

Final Verdict

If you love natural-looking photos with great depth and composition, the 35mm trend is a game-changer. Phones like the Z70 Ultra and X200 Ultra prove that smartphone photography is maturing—moving beyond gimmicks to deliver DSLR-like versatility in your pocket.

Would you prefer a 35mm main lens over a traditional wide-angle? Let me know your thoughts!