At the intersection of local vibrancy and global precision, the vivo ZEISS imaging partnership has quietly rewritten the rules of what’s possible in smartphone imaging. Inside the joint vivo ZEISS imaging lab, global ambition meets local soul, and together, they’re rewriting the playbook for premium mobile imaging.

In an exclusive conversation, Marisa Weis, Head of Business Unit Mobile Imaging at ZEISS, pulls back the curtain on this partnership; charting milestones, decoding the science behind their “Made for the world, tailored for India” approach, and offering a rare peek into what’s next for the future of visual storytelling.

Q1. Marisa, you’ve been involved since the beginning of the partnership. Can you tell us more about the journey?

On a personal level, I’m a hundred percent invested in this collaboration because I believe it holds incredible potential for the future of mobile imaging. At the start, I was leading across brand and product, and now I’m acting as head of the Mobile Imaging business unit. Early on, it was crucial to establish a shared vision and foster trust between the teams. As we moved from brand alignment into deep technical collaboration, our focus shifted to creating conditions for open innovation. To sum it up, it’s about raising the bar for imaging excellence, not chasing specs but setting new benchmarks.

With the X60 Pro, we launched the co-engineered vivo ZEISS Imaging System and established our joint imaging lab, a hub where true collaboration and innovation happens.

Since then, devices like the X100 Pro, featuring the Vario-Apo-Sonnar lens and the X200 Pro, have redefined pro-level mobile imaging quality. And it doesn’t stop there. The recent launches of The X200 FE and X Fold5 stand out as vivo’s most ambitious cameras yet, with ZEISS lending its optical mastery to elevate every shot. From the precision-tuned lenses to ZEISS Natural Colour 2.0, these devices deliver crisp detail, true-to-life colors, and cinematic portraits. It’s a collaboration that transforms flagship hardware into an imaging experience worthy of professional storytelling.

Q2. Each vivo series serves a different audience. How do you ensure they’re not just variations, but truly unique imaging experiences?

That’s the heart of our approach. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For the X Series, we’re building imaging systems from scratch. That means full-scale co-engineering with custom ZEISS optics, including the ZEISS T coating* for clarity and sharpness; and features engineered together, every step of the way.

For the V Series, it’s about making high-quality imaging experiences accessible; adapting ZEISS features for everyday creativity. We refine the algorithms, fine-tune the color science, and ensure that even in a lighter form factor, users recognize the authentic ZEISS quality.

In both cases, it’s driven by one idea: user-centricity. We’re not just co-engineering features; we’re building systems that make users say, “I see the difference.”

Q3. So, ZEISS tailors its role for each series. What does that look like in practice?

For the X Series, we put everything into the process: Custom optics, advanced R&D, high-level system engineering and pro-grade portrait styles to set the series apart.

For the V Series, we focus on smart adaptations. Optimized features and algorithmic precision that bring the ZEISS signature look to a more lifestyle-friendly package.  

But for both devices, consistency is key. Every vivo device that carries the ZEISS brand delivers our promise of precision.

Q4. AI and computational photography are rewriting the rules. How do you keep optical excellence intact during this shift?

The secret lies in co-engineering solutions where hardware and software amplify each other. AI doesn’t replace optics; it’s a partner. Algorithms are trained to work in lockstep with ZEISS optics, ensuring natural colors, lifelike detail, and precision that’s unmistakably ZEISS.

Besides adapting to computational photography, we’re also shaping it. Making sure that even as AI gets smarter, the soul and authenticity of imaging remain untouched.

Q5. Let’s widen the lens. What’s next for mobile imaging, and specifically in India?

Globally, imaging is moving toward personalization and AI-driven imaging. India is well-known for some of the most iconic photographs in history. There’s an added layer of cultural vibrancy, giving images unique characteristics. People want to capture the color and energy of weddings, festivals, and daily life with exceptional clarity that feels real.

Our mission with the vivo ZEISS partnership is to co-engineer imaging solutions that celebrate and reflect this local energy. And, ZEISS has been dedicated to India for over 25 years, with our headquarters in Bangalore and colleagues across the country. Our local presence keeps us closely connected to Indian fans, customers, and creative communities and inspires our work.  Globally, imaging is moving toward personalization and AI-powered creativity and nowhere is this evolution more vibrant than in India. From the colour and energy of weddings to everyday moments, Indian consumers demand imaging that feels authentic and alive. vivo India, in partnership with ZEISS, is committed to meeting this aspiration. For ZEISS, India isn’t just a key market, it’s a global priority. With over 25 years of presence, a headquarters in Bangalore, and teams across the country, ZEISS’s deep roots here continue to inspire co-engineered solutions that honour India’s unique visual culture.

Q6. Finally, what can users and the market expect from the future of vivo and ZEISS?

We can’t show all our cards, but here’s what we can say: this partnership stands for innovation and progress. Our shared commitment to co-engineering ensures that future in vivo devices will continue to push boundaries. One example is our enhanced telephoto capabilities, delivering new ways of capturing everything from concerts to daily adventures.

For us, it’s simple: we’re co-engineering the future of mobile imaging, making it more accessible, powerful, and true to life, enhancing the future of visual storytelling for our users.