The camera war in the smartphone market has extended from the phone itself to peripheral accessories. according to GSMArena Report, Chinese mobile phone brand vivo Recently, it was officially confirmed to Chinese media that a mobile phone specially designed for vlog Camera products designed for shooting, targeted DJI Osmo Pocket series. This news not only threw a shock bomb into the stable handheld gimbal camera market, but also revealed the ambition of smartphone brands to further seize the content creation ecosystem.
In recent years, audiovisual content creation has become one of the most popular forms of expression in the world. From YouTube, Instagram Reels to TikTok, the short video trend on various platforms has swept the world, spawning a large number of professional and amateur content creators. Under this trend, the demand for equipment that is lightweight, easy to use, and has high-quality shooting capabilities has greatly increased. Since the first generation of the DJI Osmo Pocket series was launched in 2020, it has successfully created a new category of “handheld gimbal cameras”. With its excellent video quality, three-axis gimbal anti-shock technology, and easy-to-carry pocket size, it has quickly become one of the preferred equipment for vloggers and YouTubers.
The Osmo Pocket 3 released in 2023 will push the specifications to a new peak. It is equipped with a 1-inch sensor, supports 4K 120fps recording, and adds an omnidirectional autofocus system, making the image quality of this small camera enough to challenge some professional equipment. Because of this, market expectations for the next generation Osmo Pocket 4 have reached an all-time high, and DJI is rumored to launch this high-profile new product in the near future. However, before the official announcement, the sudden addition of vivo made this seemingly innocent market competition more exciting.
vivo’s strategic layout
According to information obtained by GSMArena, vivo will launch this vlog camera project in the second half of 2025, with the goal of officially launching it before the end of 2026.” Although the official detailed specifications of this product have not yet been announced, it can be inferred from vivo that this camera will combine the technical heritage accumulated by vivo in the field of smartphone cameras for many years, including the imaging system in cooperation with Zeiss (Zeiss), AI image processing algorithm, as well as mature multi-frame synthesis, night scene mode and other functions on mobile phones.
Vivo chose to enter the vlog camera market at this time because of its deep strategic considerations. First of all, the growth of the smartphone market is slowing down, and brands are eager to explore new revenue sources. Content creation-related hardware is an ideal field with high gross profit and brand differentiation. Secondly, vivo’s investment in mobile photography in recent years is obvious to all. From ultra-telephoto, macro shooting to portrait mode, every new flagship phone released will bring innovative imaging technology. Extending these technologies to independent camera products will not only strengthen the brand’s professional image, but also attract more young creators.
It’s worth noting that this vivo vlogging camera will directly compete with the rumored DJI Osmo Pocket 4. DJI’s expertise in gimbal stabilization technology is unquestionable, but vivo’s smartphone image processing algorithms, AI scene recognition, and software ecosystem deeply integrated with social platforms may bring differentiated competitive advantages. For consumers, the result of the competition between the two giants usually means more choices, lower prices, and faster technological progress.
Market Impact and Outlook
The news that vivo is entering the vlog camera market is undoubtedly a warning sign for DJI. DJI has had few real rivals in this segment over the past few years, with the Osmo Pocket series firmly in the lead. However, the hardware strength of smartphone brands cannot be underestimated. If vivo can successfully integrate the camera technology on mobile phones into this new product and provide a competitive price positioning, it is expected to get a piece of the market.
On the other hand, this cooperation may also change the competitive landscape of the entire vlog ecosystem. For a long time, content creators have often had to strike a balance between “mobile phones are convenient but have limited image quality” and “dedicated cameras have good image quality but are inconvenient to carry” when choosing equipment. The addition of vivo may give rise to a new form of product between the two: it has the smart functions and convenience of a mobile phone, but also has the shooting quality of a dedicated vlog camera.
The specific specifications, price and launch date of this vivo vlog camera have not yet been announced, but judging from the timetable, the release time at the end of 2026 will coincide with the end of the year shopping season. At that time, consumers will have the opportunity to choose between DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and vivo’s new product. Regardless of the final outcome, the trend of smartphone brands crossing over into the dedicated imaging equipment market has officially begun.
Source: KOCPC Chinese