Unveiling the Vivo X100 Pro: A Comprehensive Review of Design, Performance, and Camera Capabilities in the Premium Smartphone Arena

Vivo’s X100 Pro is the latest addition to the premium X series of smartphones, following the success of its predecessor, the X90 Pro. The X70 Pro+ marked a turning point for Vivo in 2021, featuring a unique gimbal stabilization system and the introduction of the V1 imaging chip for stable video shooting in various lighting conditions.

The subsequent models, such as the X80 Pro, continued the success story with additions like a hand-held astrophotography mode and improved low-light imaging through its four rear cameras. However, the X90 Pro faced challenges, lacking essential hardware elements and struggling in both camera and performance aspects.

In comparison to its predecessors, the X100 Pro stands out with its distinctive design, retaining elements that made previous models special. The curved edge display, a signature feature for Vivo, contributes to the phone’s unique appearance and feel. The triple rear camera setup is present but with new hardware, including the powerful V3 imaging chip and the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, offering an intriguing and compelling package.

Vivo X100 Pro Review: Price in India

While not directly competing with Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra due to different price brackets, the X100 Pro poses a strong challenge to Google’s AI-driven Pixel 8 Pro. Priced at Rs. 89,999 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant, the package includes a charger, a Type-C charging cable, and a durable silicon case.

Vivo X100 Pro Review: Design

Available in the Asteroid Black finish, featuring a fluorite anti-glare glass back panel, the X100 Pro maintains a consistent design approach. Unlike some competitors in its price range, Vivo offers no alternatives, such as the orange vegan-leather finish available in China. The phone’s design has seen refinements, appearing slimmer with a rounded design, despite its thickness and chunkiness.

The matte-finish gives a luxurious feel but is slippery, necessitating the use of the included case for better grip. The curved edge front glass, along with the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, justifies the phone’s chunkiness. The 5,400mAh battery contributes to the device’s overall weight but supports both wired and wireless charging.

Vivo X100 Pro Review: Specifications and Software

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC and accompanied by the new V3 imaging co-processor, the X100 Pro boasts 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It supports two physical nano SIM cards, eSIM functionality, and dual 5G standby. The 6.78-inch full-HD+ curved edge AMOLED panel features a 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO technology for better battery life.

Running on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, the X100 Pro promises three years of security and firmware updates. The software experience remains similar to previous models, with optimizations and new personalization options.

Vivo X100 Pro Review: Performance

The X100 Pro excels in performance, with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 outperforming even the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The phone’s 20,20,631 AnTuTu score and 2,190/7,218 Geekbench scores demonstrate its capabilities. The 120Hz LTPO display, optimized software, and GPU synchronization contribute to a smooth user experience. The phone handles multitasking effortlessly, thanks to its ample 16GB of RAM.

The phone’s vapor chamber cooling system manages heat effectively, ensuring stable performance even during extended usage. The large 5,400mAh battery impresses with over twenty hours in a standard video loop test. The 100W wired charging system enables rapid charging, reaching 0-90 percent in 30 minutes.

Vivo X100 Pro Review: Cameras

The X100 Pro’s camera setup features three 50-megapixel sensors, promising improved consistency. The primary 1-inch type camera excels in detail and dynamic range, providing detailed textures and accurate colors. The new periscope telephoto lens enables 4.3X optical zoom, offering versatility for shooting portraits and macro photography.

The telephoto camera introduces a unique Telephoto Sunshot mode for capturing sunsets, although some users may find the colors exaggerated. The Super Macro mode, utilizing the telephoto camera, delivers sharp and detailed close-up shots. The ultra-wide-angle camera performs well in daylight but falls short in low-light conditions.

Selfies are satisfactory but may lack some detail, and video recording at 4K/30fps is commendable, especially in low light. The X100 Pro’s camera capabilities position it as a strong contender for camera enthusiasts, competing favorably with the Pixel 8 Pro.

Vivo X100 Pro Review: Verdict

The Vivo X100 Pro emerges as a solid all-rounder in the premium smartphone segment, offering impressive capabilities in design, performance, software, gaming, and battery life. Priced at Rs. 89,999, it competes well with flagship models in 2024. Whether you’re into photography or seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone, the X100 Pro presents a compelling option in the premium segment.