The Vivo X100 Pro, a new flagship this year with an outstanding camera configuration, a superior display, and a unique high-end chipset, has just been released worldwide. We reviewed the latest and greatest in the company’s X-series, which boasts three 50MP cameras, a claimed 3000-nit peak brightness display, and an all-big-core Dimensity SoC.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Price in India
It may not be a direct competitor, given its price differential from Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra, but it will surely give Google’s pricey, AI-enabled Pixel 8 Pro (which starts at Rs. 1,06,999) a serious run for its money. The Vivo X100 Pro’s base model, which has 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, costs Rs. 89,999. In the box, Vivo includes a charger, a durable silicon case, and a Type-C charging cable.
Vivo X100 Pro: Design and Build
The device still prominently features “Professional Photography” at the top, a consistent branding choice for Vivo’s devices, while the Zeiss logo is positioned prominently in the center of the rear camera module.
The rear camera setup is noticeably larger compared to the previous X90 Pro, and this increase in size is primarily due to the inclusion of a Type 1.0-inch image sensor for the main lens. Changes to other lenses also contribute to the need for additional space to accommodate all components. As a result, the X100 Pro resembles recent Xiaomi flagships more closely in appearance.
Furthermore, the X100 Pro retains the same display as its predecessor, the X90 Pro, with a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen offering identical resolution (2800 x 1260), peak brightness (1300 nits), and an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate. However, this also means that curved edges are reintroduced, which can be mitigated by using the included silicone case that adds grip to the sides for better handling, especially when taking photos.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Specifications and software
India’s first MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC is found in the Vivo X100 Pro. The processor comes with the new V3 Imaging co-processor, which Vivo claims helps with gaming and imaging. The phone has 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM; expandable storage is not supported. The SIM card tray can accommodate two actual nano SIM cards, though, and the phone also has dual 5G standby and eSIM functionality.
The communication standards supported include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, an infrared port, and a USB-C port (version 3.2), in addition to the standard satellite navigation systems. The large 5,400 mAh battery (made up of two cells) can be charged with Vivo’s proprietary 120W wired charger (included in the box), but the maximum output is 100W. The phone also supports 50W wireless charging, though this requires a separate charging dock.
The phone runs Funtouch OS 14, which is based on Android 14, and has been updated to the most recent December 2023 security update. Vivo also appears to be committed to software updates, promising three years of security and firmware updates.
The new device’s software, Funtouch OS 14, is largely similar to that of earlier models running Funtouch OS 13 (which is based on Android 13). The improved Material You-style theming engine is one obvious upgrade; it now provides a wider selection of colors and swatches.
In comparison with previous software versions, applying these themes now runs more smoothly and is less prone to bugs. With the introduction of an instant start-up mode that allows the phone to be powered on from a dead battery in just 20 seconds, Vivo has emphasized optimization and smoothness.
Camera
Rear camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm, 1/0.98″, Laser AF, PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 50 MP, f/2.5, 100mm, 1/2″, OIS, PDAF, 4.3x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚, 1/2.76″, AF.
Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide).
Vivo X100 Review: Performance
In terms of software performance, the overall experience is notably smooth and responsive. With 16GB of RAM (alongside 16GB of virtual RAM), the device easily handles multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. This ample memory capacity ensures that apps and games remain in memory for extended periods, allowing for quick retrieval without needing to restart.
I was eager to evaluate the new processor’s performance against a variety of benchmarks after it was announced, and the outcomes were outstanding. AnTuTu scores of 20,20,631 for the Vivo X100 Pro are impressive; they even beat the 19,83,471 points scored by the iQoo 12, which was powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
The iQoo 12 scored 2,225 and 6,726 points in Geekbench for single-core and multi-core performance, respectively, while the Vivo X100 Pro scored 2,190 and 7,218 points, respectively. In GPU benchmarks, the device consistently ran at about 120 frames per second, which is a little bit slower than the iQoo 12’s average of 140 frames per second in the majority of GFXBench test suites.
Additionally, Vivo highlighted that the new 6nm co-processor brings a 30 percent improvement in energy efficiency and introduces features like a 4K cinematic video portrait mode. The imaging chip also optimizes power consumption during gaming sessions by employing game frame interpolation, supporting frame rates up to 90fps.
Vivo X100 Pro Review: Verdict
When it comes to cameras, Fujifilm appears to have found its niche among photographers as an enthusiast’s camera. Among smartphones, Vivo appears to be the best choice for smartphone camera enthusiasts or those who enjoy getting the most out of their smartphone cameras. It hits the sweet spot in terms of mobile imaging, providing a delicate mix of AI imagery while also emphasizing hardware.
It isn’t out to beat the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (Review) in a zoom contest or the Pixel 8 Pro (Review) with its AI smarts, but it has the potential to become a favorite among those who enjoy street photography or taking portraits (kids, pets, objects) and generally spending more time with the telephoto camera than the primary. At the same time, the Vivo X100 Pro offers enough flexibility for general camera needs.
Conclusion
The Vivo X100 Pro boasts a bright display, cutting-edge performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, and outstanding camera capabilities. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for both camera enthusiasts and those looking for a versatile flagship that offers impressive AI-enhanced photography without the premium price tag of competing models.