Vivo X300 Ultra review: Amazing Camera, Also a Phone

Greatest Costs At this time: Vivo X300 Extremely

The Vivo X200 Extremely was certainly one of my favorite telephones of 2025, however there was an enormous downside. The cellphone was solely formally launched in China, and utilizing it elsewhere was a little bit of a ache. Regardless, I cherished the cameras a lot that I made it work, and it grew to become my main cellphone for a number of months.

Now, its successor has arrived, and for the primary time, the Extremely mannequin has launched globally. Sadly, the record nonetheless excludes the UK and the US, but it surely’s formally accessible in some European international locations, which makes getting your arms on one a lot, a lot simpler.

The Vivo X300 Extremely goals to be the most effective digital camera cellphone available on the market, full with twin 200MP sensors, the most important ultrawide sensor in any cellphone, and a significantly spectacular collection of equipment and exterior lens attachments.

This mighty digital camera cellphone doesn’t come low cost, although, and it faces stiff competitors from the not too long ago launched Oppo Discover X9 Extremely. Its key rival (together with the Xiaomi 17 Extremely) acquired a world launch, together with the UK. Sorry, People, once more.

Can it presumably be well worth the lofty asking value of practically €2,000 in Europe? I’ve been utilizing it for the previous week to seek out out.

Design & Construct

• Gigantic digital camera bump
• Glass Again, Aluminium body
• 232g, IP69 rated

The Vivo X300 Extremely might simply be mistaken for its predecessor at a look. It has an virtually comically giant digital camera island that dominates the rear of the cellphone, really blurring the strains between compact digital camera and smartphone.

It has an virtually comically giant digital camera island that dominates the rear of the cellphone

The largest distinction in how the 2 telephones really feel is that the older mannequin had micro curves on all sides, whereas the X300 Extremely opts for a very flat entrance and rear. In any other case, the development feels very comparable, with a glass rear panel and matte aluminium aspect rails.

The color choices are totally different this time round, too. Now you can select from Black, Silver, or Inexperienced choices, and as you possibly can inform from the images, I’ve the Black mannequin.

Black is essentially the most smart of the bunch, with a delicate matte end on its rear panel. If you happen to select the Silver model, there’s an etched mountain vary on the again, whereas the Inexperienced mannequin has a two-tone end with totally different shades of inexperienced.

It’s very plain in comparison with rivals, so look to Oppo and Xiaomi if you would like one thing extra thrilling on the design aspect.

In the case of buttons, Vivo retains issues easy. The cellphone has a quantity rocker and energy button on the correct aspect, and that’s your lot. I used to be a bit of disenchanted that Vivo eliminated the touch-sensitive Digicam Management button that was current on final yr’s mannequin, however I’d be mendacity if I stated I used all of it that usually.

The X300 Extremely has an IP69 ranking for mud and water resistance, which is about pretty much as good because it will get, and it additionally comes with a factory-applied display screen protector and a primary silicon case included within the field. 

These ought to all assist to maintain the cellphone protected, and in my expertise, you may wish to maintain them put in, as Vivo’s glass tends to scratch fairly simply. That stated, my overview unit continues to be wanting pristine up to now.

The Images Package

• Ergonomic grip with tactile buttons
• Extra compact 200mm teleconverter
• New 400mm teleconverter

The X200 Extremely was the primary cellphone to come back with an exterior teleconverter lens in its pictures package. It was a little bit of a development setter, as we’ve now seen comparable kits rising from a number of Chinese language cellphone manufacturers.

I used to be sceptical at first, however these exterior lenses are not any gimmick. They supply unimaginable element and compression that make images and movies appear like they got here from knowledgeable digital camera, quite than a smartphone. 

With the launch of the X300 Extremely, Vivo has doubled down on this idea. Not solely have they refreshed the unique 200mm lens, making it extra compact and moveable, however they’ve additionally added a second 400mm adapter, for instances whenever you want some further attain.

The package additionally has a brand new look, with a lighter silver paint job all through, and a extra premium end on the cellphone case and grip. Functionally, it’s the identical idea; there’s a cellphone case with swappable bezels and an ergonomic grip with an built-in battery to maintain your cellphone topped up.

The lenses are affixed in entrance of the built-in telephoto lens, providing you with both a 200mm or 400mm discipline of view. Nice for concert events, wildlife, and sporting occasions.

the software program allows you to use the teleconverters in virtually each taking pictures mode

My favorite factor about Vivo’s implementation is that the software program allows you to use the teleconverters in virtually each taking pictures mode. You possibly can shoot Log in Professional Video mode, snap RAW images, and use all of the filters.

Sadly, the stabilisation isn’t fairly on the identical degree as Oppo’s newest try, and the shakiness could make it fairly tough to border your photographs at 400mm. Vivo’s processing does an incredible job of cleansing this up in each movies and images, however the preview is a bit of tough at current. Hopefully, that improves with future updates.

In any other case, it’s simply essentially the most versatile and full accent system we’ve seen thus far. I completely love that Vivo has been in keeping with its lens mounts, so you possibly can mount the unique teleconverter on the brand new package, and vice versa. Lengthy might it proceed.

Display & Audio system

• 6.82-inch, 1440 x 3168, OLED, 120Hz
• 2160Hz PWM, 4500 nits
• Stereo audio system

As talked about, essentially the most noticeable change to the show is that it’s now fully flat, quite than having micro curves on all sides. I welcome this transfer; it makes it a lot simpler to maintain the display screen protected, as circumstances can have raised lips to guard it from dings, and display screen protectors will likely be extra available.

In any other case, it has all the advantages you’d count on from a top-tier smartphone show. It’s a buttery clean 120Hz OLED with a shiny output that’s simple to learn in shiny daylight. Colors seem correct and vivid proper out of the field, plus, there are many choices to alter the color copy if it’s to not your liking.

Like typical Extremely telephones, the display screen is giant at 6.82-inch so it’s not for the faint-hearted, particularly whenever you issue within the big digital camera module on the again. Utilizing it one-handed could also be tough for many individuals.

The audio system have improved drastically on the X300 Extremely, too. They sound a lot clearer than the earlier mannequin, and the bass response is barely higher, which makes an enormous distinction when watching movies or enjoying video games round the home. They’re not best-in-class, however they’re very respectable.

What made an even bigger distinction, for my wants, is that the Bluetooth transmission appears to have improved dramatically. Not solely did I expertise fewer drop-outs utilizing this cellphone, however music sounded clearer when paired to my automotive stereo.

Specs & Efficiency

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• 12GB / 16GB RAM
• 256GB / 512GB /1TB storage

The Vivo X300 Extremely advantages from Qualcomm’s prime SoC, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and my mannequin comes with 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. It additionally has a 22% bigger vapour chamber than final yr, which ought to maintain temperatures underneath management whenever you’re pushing this chip to its limits.

As you’d count on, this cellphone feels lightning fast, regardless of the duty at hand. Gaming efficiency can also be wonderful. I put just a few hours into NTE, the most recent graphically dazzling gatcha recreation, and the X300 Extremely dealt with it with finesse.

this cellphone feels lightning fast, regardless of the duty at hand

I used to be capable of max out all of the graphics settings, and the cellphone managed to remain within the 50-60fps vary all through. The body started to warmth up a good bit after some time, however I suppose that’s simply the vapour chamber doing its job. The essential factor is that it didn’t change into uncomfortable to carry.

These outcomes have been mirrored by our traditional suite of benchmark checks. The cellphone managed aggressive scores all through and achieved a decent stability charge exceeding 65% within the 20-minute Wild Life Excessive Stress Check.

It’s additionally value stating that haptics have been improved on the X300 Extremely. Vibrations really feel extra exact and refined, which makes an enormous distinction when typing and likewise enhances the gaming expertise.

Vivo X300 Extremely benchmarks

Cameras

• 200 Mp f/1.9 35mm primary digital camera (1/1.12-inch)
• 200 Mp f/2.7 85mm telephoto (1/1.4-inch)
• 50 Mp, f/2.0 14mm ultrawide (1/1.28-inch)
• 50 Mp, f/2.5 selfie digital camera (1/2.76-inch)

At first look, you possibly can inform the X300 Extremely all in regards to the cameras, and that’s not with out cause. On the rear, you’ll discover three of essentially the most spectacular cameras ever to grace a smartphone.

The largest {hardware} improve is with the first digital camera. It has a bigger 1/1.12-inch 200Mp sensor, up from a 50Mp 1/1.28-inch unit. It’s nonetheless one of many solely telephones to come back with a 35mm-equivalent primary digital camera, too. This implies images from the primary digital camera have a extra naturalistic look, just like what the human eye sees, quite than the standard broad smartphone angle of round 23mm. 

images really feel extra like they have been taken with a correct digital camera

It instantly makes images really feel extra like they have been taken with a correct digital camera, and it’s an incredible focal size for road pictures, candid snaps, and portraits. It additionally has extra compression than a typical primary digital camera, so that you get some softening to the background while not having to activate portrait mode.

The draw back to that is that the primary digital camera turns into a lot much less helpful for POV video taking pictures and rear-camera selfies – however Vivo has considered that. Whereas ultrawide cameras normally have fairly horrible specs, the X300 Extremely’s ultrawide is a beast.

It has a large 1/1.28-inch sensor (matching the iPhone 17 Professional’s primary digital camera) and a 50Mp decision. This implies it performs nicely in all lighting circumstances and might be cropped to round 23mm with out a lot of a drop in high quality.

Rounding out the trio is the formidable 200Mp 1/1.4-inch 85mm telephoto, with very comparable specs to the previous few Vivo flagships. This digital camera wants no introduction; it’s the most effective telephotos round, a lot in order that telephones just like the Honor Magic 8 Professional have adopted very comparable {hardware} in an try and sustain.

Across the entrance, the 50Mp selfie digital camera is unchanged, and it’s fairly clearly the weakest of the bunch. That’s to not say it’s a foul selfie digital camera; it’s very respectable, however in comparison with the insanely good cameras on the again, it’s fairly lacklustre.

Now, if you happen to’re accustomed to the X200 Extremely, you is perhaps a bit of underwhelmed by these digital camera specs. The core idea is similar, and solely the primary digital camera has obtained a big improve. The telephoto might even be considered as a downgrade, because it has a narrower aperture to make sure higher compatibility with teleconverter lenses.

However, I’d argue that the {hardware} isn’t essentially the most thrilling factor on supply right here. The software program options that Vivo has dropped at the digital camera app are top-tier, particularly if you happen to’re into taking pictures movies.

The function I’m most enthusiastic about is the power to use totally different filters to your movies whereas recording at as much as 4K/60fps. These filters are all customisable, identical to in picture mode, and you may regulate the way in which they give the impression of being with an Apple-style tone/color pad, or particular person sliders. Most opponents solely can help you apply video filters at 1080p or under, and I’ve by no means seen any with this a lot customisation.

There’s additionally a brand new cinematic mode that emulates the look of function movies. These choices aren’t as customisable, however they give the impression of being completely gorgeous, particularly the “Movie Model” preset. It really works at 4K, and applies a widescreen crop with cinematic movement blur, movie grain, and spotlight blooming.

Vivo is catering to skilled workflows as nicely. It has an excellent Log profile with a collection of attractive LUTs to select from, and now helps APV, identical to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely.

Irrespective of the lighting circumstances or topic selection, the Vivo X300 Extremely is definitely the most effective smartphones for picture and video seize. The Oppo Discover X9 Extremely is a sizzling contender within the picture division, and beats it at super-long-range zoom, but it surely doesn’t come near matching Vivo’s flexibility for video taking pictures.

Battery Life & Charging

• 6400mAh battery (in Europe)
• 100W wired charging
• 40W wi-fi charging

The Vivo X300 Extremely is a kind of awkward telephones that has a special capability relying on the place you purchase it.

If you happen to’re in Europe (like me), then you definately get the brief finish of the stick, with a 6400mAh capability. In the meantime, the remainder of the world will get a 6600mAh battery.  Nonetheless, it’s a reasonably sizable cell, particularly when put next with mainstream rivals like Samsung and Apple.

the Vivo by no means did not get me to the tip of the day, and sometimes lasted via a second morning

In brief, the battery life could be very, excellent. The issue is, I moved into this cellphone instantly after utilizing the Oppo Discover X9 Extremely (which has an enormous 7050mAh battery), and that lasts noticeably longer. Crucially, although, the Vivo by no means did not get me to the tip of the day, and sometimes lasted via a second morning earlier than I wanted to stay it on cost.

It additionally costs in a short time. It helps as much as 100W speeds with a wire, and 40W wirelessly. A speedy wall adapter comes included within the field (unusually) so you can begin having fun with the highest speeds straight away – as long as you keep in mind to activate quick charging within the settings menu.

half-hour on the charger took me from useless to over 50% charged, and the remaining capability was stuffed up inside the hour.

Software program & Apps

• OriginOS 6, primarily based on Android 16
• Cross-compatible with Apple gadgets
• New Personal House operate

The X300 Extremely, like all new Vivo releases, runs the worldwide model of OriginOS 6. I’m very glad to see the again of FunTouch OS (Vivo’s earlier world software program) because the newer system is way more aesthetically pleasing, and its clean, snappy animations make this highly effective cellphone really feel even faster.

As we’ve seen from most Chinese language producers previously yr, there are some Apple-influenced choices with the styling. Vivo has its personal model of the Dynamic Island (Origin Island), some UI parts have a Liquid Glass-like impact, and lock screens help depth results in addition to stretched-out clocks.

They is probably not essentially the most authentic selections, however they give the impression of being good and carry out nicely. Plus, with Vivo’s intensive customisation choices, if there’s one thing you don’t like, you possibly can in all probability change it in just a few faucets.

if there’s one thing you don’t like, you possibly can in all probability change it in just a few faucets

Vivo appears to have spent much more time on the digital camera app than the remainder of the OS, as most modifications with this replace are minor. Nevertheless, there are some things that stand out as notably helpful.

First is the improved cross-compatibility with Apple gadgets. Utilizing Vivo’s Workplace Package software program, you possibly can seamlessly switch to and from Macs and iPads, plus, Vivo is supporting Google’s newest Fast Share and AirDrop cross-compatibility – so sharing with iPhones is a breeze, too.

If you wish to use AirPods, the X300 Extremely gives a greater expertise than most Android gadgets. It could actually show connection standing and real-time battery degree within the Origin Island, and it even helps Spatial Audio playback.

There’s additionally a brand new Personal House function, which lets you have a separate password-protected house display screen, full with remoted apps and information which are inaccessible out of your regular OS. If you happen to’ve acquired overbearing members of the family, otherwise you’re some form of undercover agent, it may very well be simply what you want.

For the worldwide launch, Vivo guarantees 5 years of OS upgrades and seven years of safety patches. It’s a good providing, but it surely’s a step behind the likes of Google, Samsung, and Apple. For what it’s value, although, Vivo is healthier than most at delivering well timed and impactful updates – so count on to be handled nicely for these 5 years.

Value & Availability

Whereas the X300 Extremely has been launched globally for the primary time, Vivo doesn’t function in as many European international locations as its opponents. Sadly, the UK is excluded from the record at current, however you possibly can nab the X300 Extremely in Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Most European shops solely appear to be stocking the highest mannequin, with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. As such, it has a lofty price ticket, and can set you again €1,999 (about £1,730). Images Package pricing varies from area to area, however in Germany, it may be bought together with the 1TB cellphone for €2,667.

These costs might sound ludicrous, however whenever you issue within the storage capability, it’s not as loopy as you assume. It’s virtually the very same value because the 1TB Galaxy S26 Extremely, for instance, and the cameras are in a very totally different league. For the correct particular person, it’ll be completely value it.

Try our present record of the most effective telephones and finest digital camera telephones.

Do you have to purchase the Vivo X300 Extremely?

It’s generally arduous to determine the goal market of a flagship smartphone, however the Vivo X300 Extremely makes it apparent. If you happen to care about cameras above all else, and your perfect smartphone is a pocket-sized DSLR, then that is the machine for you.

The cameras are simply among the many finest I’ve ever examined, and that’s very true for video seize, the place Vivo offers you an unrivalled suite of choices. Plus, the remainder of the cellphone is nice, too. It’s a strong performer that’s nice for gaming, the display screen and audio system are stable, the battery life is nice, and the charging is speedy.

After all, it’s not the one camera-focused hyper flagship available on the market, and the closest competitor is the Oppo Discover X9 Extremely. It has an additional digital camera, an even bigger battery, and higher world availability. I usually most well-liked photographs from the Oppo (in Grasp Mode), however Vivo has a transparent benefit with its video taking pictures choices, and that pretty 35mm primary digital camera. There are arguments to be made for both machine relying in your preferences and desires.

The downsides to the X300 Extremely are fairly plain to see. There’s the big digital camera bump as a part of a plain design, which I discover fairly charming, but it surely’ll undoubtedly be off-putting to some. And there are additionally availability points, that are an even bigger hurdle, particularly within the UK. If you happen to’re on the lookout for the most effective digital camera cellphone available on the market, although, the Vivo X300 Extremely can’t be ignored; it’s really distinctive. 

Specs

• OriginOS 6, primarily based on Android 16
• 6.82-inch, 1440 x 3168, OLED, 120Hz
• Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB / 512GB /1TB storage
• Cameras:
• 200Mp primary sensor
• 50Mp ultrawide
• 200Mp 3.7x telephoto
• 50Mp selfie digital camera
• As much as 8K30 / 4K120 rear video
• Stereo audio system
• Twin-SIM
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
• Bluetooth 5.2
• 6400mAh battery
• 100W wired charging
• 40W wi-fi charging
• 163 x 76.8 x 8.2 mm
• IP69 licensed
• 232g
• Colors: Black, Silver, Inexperienced