Vivo simply launched its newest flagship smartphones in China. They’re the X300 and the X300 Professional. In my view, Vivo’s X-series telephones have supplied one of the best images expertise in the previous couple of years, so my expectations have been sky-high.
This yr, the lineup is barely totally different. There’s no X300 Professional Mini; as an alternative, the bottom mannequin X300 is available in a compact, pocket-friendly measurement, however with most of the similar options because the X300 Professional. On this article, I’ll be specializing in the Professional mannequin, because it’s the one I’ve spent most time with, and it’s probably the most feature-packed.
So, what’s new?
Beginning with the design, the Vivo X300 Professional has ditched the curves and adopted a flat, boxy design. It’s very iPhone-like, and it even has its personal Motion Button on the left-hand aspect.

Luke Baker
One factor that’s not so iPhone-like is the digital camera module. Vivo is sticking to its giant, centrally positioned round digital camera array. It’s a outstanding unit, however nowhere close to as excessive because the China-exclusive X200 Extremely.
This mannequin is likely one of the first to function MediaTek’s brand-new Dimensity 9500 chip, which Vivo truly helped to develop. Slightly than together with a devoted imaging chip, Vivo’s V3+ chip is constructed proper into the Dimensity SoC.
This new configuration permits for millisecond-level autofocus and topic monitoring
This new configuration permits for millisecond-level autofocus and topic monitoring, in addition to super-advanced video options like 4K 120fps recording and portrait video results at 4K 60fps.

Luke Baker
In fact, the cameras have seen a wholesome improve, too. There’s a model new 1/1.3-inch Sony major sensor with what Vivo is asking gimbal-grade stabilisation, and the well-known 200Mp 1/1.4-inch telephoto sensor has been upgraded, too.
Vivo labored immediately with Samsung to develop a brand new model of this sensor with higher readability, elevated light-gathering capabilities, and boosted stabilisation. It was already main the pack, however with all these developments and even higher autofocus, it’s positive to be unmatched.
With regards to the battery, it’s slightly difficult. In China, the X300 Professional sports activities a 6510 mAh silicon carbon pack, and Vivo is extraordinarily assured about its skills. The model’s inside testing reveals it might outperform a whole lot of 7000 mAh+ telephones, regardless of the decrease capability.

Luke Baker
Nonetheless, when the cellphone launches internationally, some areas will obtain a 5440 mAh battery. And certainly, the pattern I’ve been testing has the smaller pack. It’s too quickly to say how effectively this battery performs, however for the final couple of days, it has been adequate sufficient.
When the cellphone launches internationally, some areas will obtain a 5440 mAh battery
The software program has additionally acquired an enormous overhaul, and that’s very true for the worldwide market. For some time now, Vivo has been utilizing Origin OS domestically and FunTouch OS internationally. Having used each, I can confidently say that Origin OS is superior. There are extra options, the aesthetics are a lot nicer, and the efficiency is usually higher, too.

Luke Baker
With the X300 sequence, Origin OS goes international for the primary time, and I couldn’t be happier. Origin OS 6 additionally comes with a visible overhaul, taking clear inspiration from Apple with its personal Liquid Glass-like components and even a Dynamic Island knock-off. Certain, it’s not notably authentic, but when it appears to be like good and performs effectively, I’m not complaining.
The images equipment
Probably the most uncommon issues in regards to the X200 Extremely was its optionally available images equipment and Zeiss teleconverter. It was a critically spectacular set of equipment, which I promptly fell in love with, however for the reason that cellphone by no means launched exterior of China, most Vivo followers have been out of luck.
Now, although, each the X300 Professional and X300 get the images equipment therapy, and higher but, this model has been considerably improved. At a look, the {hardware} could be very related, however the case is now extra sturdy, the supplies have been upgraded, and the lens affixes to the case rather more securely.
It basically transforms the X300 Professional right into a compact digital camera with a super-zoom lens
If you happen to haven’t seen this equipment earlier than, it basically transforms the X300 Professional right into a compact digital camera with a super-zoom lens. There’s an ergonomic grip with a two-stage shutter button and tactile controls, assist for photographic filters, and even an included quick-release neck strap.
The star of the present is the Zeiss teleconverter, which attaches in entrance of the 85mm equal telephoto lens, including a 2.35x magnification. The lens included within the equipment is equivalent to the one which was out there for the X200 Extremely, however that’s no unhealthy factor, as a result of the outcomes are distinctive.

Luke Baker
As you would possibly count on, it provides a whole lot of readability to long-range zooms, however I truly most well-liked utilizing it with nearer topics. For middle-distance portraits, the compression of this lengthy lens utterly defocuses the background, making pictures appear like they have been taken with an expert mirrorless digital camera.
The most important improve right here, although, is within the digital camera app. With the X200 Extremely, you could possibly solely use the teleconverter within the devoted Telephoto Extender mode, however now it’s out there to make use of all through the complete digital camera app.

Luke Baker
This implies you possibly can shoot high-res 200Mp photos with it, use portrait mode results, and document in 4K 120fps and Log. All of those have been off-limits on the earlier mannequin.
Digital camera efficiency
As I’ve talked about, I’ve been an enormous fan of Vivo’s cameras for just a few years now, so it’s no main shock that I like the best way pictures look from the X300 Professional. Probably the most impactful distinction is the pace of the autofocus, which I observed straight away.
This autofocus helps immeasurably when utilizing the telephoto extender. On the X200 Extremely, it used to hunt quite a bit earlier than discovering the topic, which meant it was very troublesome to make use of for issues like sports activities images or birding. Now, although, these actions are rather more possible.
The boosted stabilisation on the primary lens makes for wonderful video footage, and a number of the finest low-light within the enterprise
As traditional, I discovered myself gravitating in the direction of the 85mm, and it was excellent for capturing some candid avenue portraits. In the meantime, the boosted stabilisation on the primary lens makes for wonderful video footage, and a number of the finest low-light within the enterprise.

Luke Baker
The selfie digital camera has had a wholesome improve this yr, too. It has autofocus, for the primary time on the Professional sequence, and it has lastly acquired the Zeiss stamp of approval, which suggests you should utilize issues just like the Zeiss pure color profile and bokeh simulations.
In fact, I’ve solely had the cellphone for a few days, so there’s a lot extra testing to do nonetheless, however on first impressions, that is an absolute stormer.
When can I get one?
As of proper now, the worldwide launch has solely been teased and there’s no official date. Nonetheless, I’ve the worldwide model in my arms proper now, so I’d think about that we gained’t be ready too lengthy.
The larger query is the place the Vivo X300 telephones will launch. Sometimes, we see the fashions land in a few European international locations, however the UK is unfortunately not one among them.
I’ve acquired my fingers crossed that this would be the yr that issues change, however at this stage, I simply don’t know. If you happen to’re within the States, I can’t think about Vivo may have a presence any time quickly.
If there’s ever been a cellphone price importing, although, this could possibly be the one. And, in fact, if it’s out there in your area, you actually ought to take these cameras for a spin.

