Vivo’s ascent in the premium smartphone arena gained momentum with the successful X70 Pro+ in 2021, renowned for its unique gimbal stabilization system and the introduction of the V1 imaging chip. Following suit, the Vivo X80 Pro continued the trend by incorporating features like a handheld astrophotography mode and excelling in low-light imaging with its versatile quad-camera setup. However, the subsequent release, the Vivo X90 Pro, witnessed a deviation, encountering challenges in both hardware essentials and camera performance. Enter the Vivo X100 Pro, a smartphone that, while preserving some hallmark elements of its predecessors, introduces new features to distinguish itself in the market. Boasting a distinctive curved-edge display, the device maintains Vivo’s signature style, creating a unique and refreshing feel. The triple rear camera setup has undergone an upgrade, now featuring the potent V3 imaging chip and the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, equivalent to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Having used the phone extensively, here’s my comprehensive review.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Price in India
Although not directly competing with Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra due to differing price brackets, the Vivo X100 Pro positions itself as a formidable contender against Google’s AI-driven Pixel 8 Pro. Priced at Rs. 89,999 for the sole 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant, the package includes a charger, Type-C charging cable, and a durable silicon case.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Design
Following the footsteps of the X90 Pro, the Vivo X100 Pro is available in a single finish named Asteroid Black, featuring a fluorite anti-glare glass back panel. The absence of multiple finish options might be a drawback, leaving users with limited choices. Despite maintaining a certain thickness and chunkiness, Vivo has managed to present a slimmer appearance with a more rounded design. The 3D curved edge display, although a distinctive choice, adds to the device’s overall uniqueness. However, the design’s matte-finish, while luxurious, makes the phone extremely slippery. Given its top-heaviness, especially with the sizable camera glass and sensors, it’s advisable to use the included case for better grip and balance.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Specifications and Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, a novelty for the Indian market, the phone is equipped with the V3 Imaging co-processor, enhancing both imaging and gaming capabilities. Boasting 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device lacks expandable storage but supports two physical nano SIM cards and eSIM functionality. The 6.78-inch full-HD+ curved edge AMOLED panel features a 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO technology, optimizing battery life by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate. The Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14, delivers a familiar user experience with refinements in theming and smoothness. Vivo promises three years of security and firmware updates, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing software support.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Performance
The 16GB RAM, accompanied by 16GB of virtual RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and app handling, meeting the demands of even the most resource-intensive applications. Benchmarks reveal impressive performance, surpassing some aspects of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The new 6nm co-processor brings a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency and introduces features like 4K cinematic video portrait and game frame interpolation. The phone efficiently handles heat, thanks to its vapour chamber cooling system, though prolonged video recording may lead to on-screen stuttering.
In the battery department, the 5,400mAh battery proves resilient, lasting over twenty hours in standard video loop tests. The inclusion of Vivo’s proprietary 120W wired charger and 50W wireless charging adds to the device’s versatility.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Cameras
The Vivo X100 Pro’s camera setup showcases significant improvements, featuring three 50-megapixel camera sensors for enhanced consistency. The primary 1-inch type (Sony IMX989) camera with PDAF, laser-assisted autofocus, and OIS delivers sharp and stable shots. The new Zeiss APO floating periscope telephoto lens with a half-inch OV64B sensor offers versatile shooting capabilities, including macro photography, at 4.3X optical zoom. The 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, now with a Samsung JN1 sensor, adds to the overall imaging prowess. The selfie camera, a 32-megapixel shooter, caters to the front-facing photography needs.
Comparing the Vivo X100 Pro to its competitor, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, reveals a close contest in image quality despite the slight price difference. The Vivo X100 Pro’s camera interface is feature-rich yet well-organized, offering a seamless user experience. The choice between Vivid, Textured, and Zeiss Natural color treatments adds a personal touch to photography.
When it comes to zoom capabilities, the Vivo X100 Pro extends its reach up to 100X using hybrid zoom technology. However, it falls slightly short of the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s telephoto prowess due to its limited native telephoto range (4.3X compared to 10X). The X100 Pro is more geared towards portrait photography rather than extreme zooming. Impressively detailed and textured photos can be captured up to 10X, but the quality starts to diminish beyond this point.
A noteworthy addition to its feature set is the Telephoto Sunshot mode, designed for capturing sunsets automatically within the 10X-30X zoom range. While it aids in achieving well-exposed sunset shots and silhouettes, the colors may appear exaggerated and less natural. Another intriguing feature is the Super Macro mode, allowing for macro photography utilizing the telephoto camera. This mode enables focusing on objects as close as 18cm, delivering sharp and detailed photos at 4.3X (optical) and even 8.6X (digital) with impressive background separation, even before applying software bokeh.
Lastly, the ultra-wide-angle camera performs admirably in daylight, although it struggles in low-light conditions. Despite its 50-megapixel sensor, the resolved detail in low light isn’t as impressive as desired. Comparatively, the photos may appear somewhat washed out when compared to the capabilities of the Google Pixel 8 Pro.
In conclusion, the Vivo X100 Pro emerges as a compelling contender in the premium smartphone segment, combining innovative design, powerful performance, and improved camera capabilities. As users indulge in the advanced features, it’s crucial to safeguard their investment. This is where GoWarranty steps in, offering extended warranty and repair services for gadgets and appliances, ensuring a worry-free experience. With features like maximum coverage, all-inclusive repair costs, free logistics or at-home repairs, genuine spare parts guarantee, no depreciation, and repair or replacement guarantee, GoWarranty complements the Vivo X100 Pro’s reliability, providing users with peace of mind. As you embark on your smartphone journey with the Vivo X100 Pro, GoWarranty stands ready to enhance and extend your device’s lifespan, empowering you to enjoy its capabilities for longer.
