Samsung Electro-Mechanics has announced the mass production of its innovative 200-megapixel continuous optical zoom camera module, debuting in Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphone. The announcement was made in the company’s 2025 business report released Tuesday.
The advanced module, developed by the Korean electronic components manufacturer, supports a continuous optical zoom range from 3.2x to 4.3x. This cutting-edge design allows smartphone cameras to maintain superior optical image quality while zooming, eliminating the need to switch between fixed magnification levels and relying on digital zoom.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics had previously hinted at the rollout during its January earnings conference call, stating that mass production of differentiated technologies, including continuous zoom and super macro zoom, had commenced for Chinese flagship smartphone clients in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The newly developed module is now featured in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, a premium smartphone that was globally unveiled at MWC Barcelona on Feb. 28.
Specifically, the phone’s telephoto camera utilizes a 200-megapixel sensor and boasts a 75 mm to 100 mm focal length, translating to a 3.2x to 4.3x optical zoom capability. It also incorporates optical image stabilization and a variable aperture ranging from f/2.39 to f/2.96.
Continuous zoom technology is considered a challenging feat in smartphone engineering. It necessitates the precise movement of multiple lens groups within the telephoto module to achieve smooth focal length adjustments. This mechanical movement enables the camera to seamlessly adjust magnification across a spectrum while upholding pristine optical image quality.
Existing high-end smartphones from competitors like Apple and Samsung often employ folded zoom modules, which only offer optical zoom at specific magnifications, such as 5x or 10x. Images captured at intermediate magnifications typically depend on digital processing, which can compromise image clarity compared to true optical zoom.
This commercial deployment marks a significant milestone, considering Xiaomi’s global prominence as a major handset manufacturer. Research firms IDC and Counterpoint Research estimate that the company holds the third position in worldwide smartphone shipments, with a market share ranging from 13 percent to 14 percent.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics, an affiliate of the Samsung Group, specializes in supplying components such as camera modules, multilayer ceramic capacitors, and semiconductor substrates. The company reported a record annual revenue of 11.3 trillion won in 2025 ($7.7 billion), as stated in its latest earnings disclosure.
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