Vivo released its latest X300 series today. The flagship Vivo X300 Ultra debuts globally for the first time, having been reserved exclusively for China previously. It is accompanied by the X300FE, which sits under the Ultra and previously released Pro versions. To quote our online editor Joshua Waller,” Vivo is perhaps one of the most underrated camera brands on the market”. In our reviews, we were thoroughly impressed with image quality, portrait modes and telephoto performance in their predecessors, and it looks like this release won’t be that different either.
Let’s take a look at what’s exactly under the hood in these Zeiss-backed camera phones.
Vivo X300FE cameras at a glance:
- Main: 50MP (23mm) f/1.57 Sony IMX921 sensor, OIS, 1-10× digital zoom
- Ultra-wide: 8MP (15mm) f/2.2 OV 08F10 sensor, 115° FOV
- Telephoto: 50 MP (73mm) f/2.65 Sony IMX882 sensor, up to 100× hyper zoom
- Front: 50 MP (20mm) f/2.0 Samsung JN1 sensor, 92° FOV
Vivo X300 Ultra cameras at a glance:
- Main: 200MP (35mm) 1/1.12″ Sony Lytia 901 sensor
- Telephoto: 200MP (85mm) 1/1.4″ sensor, OIS,
- Ultra-wide: 50MP (14mm) 1/1.28″ Sony Lytia 818 sensor
- Front: 50 MP f/2.45 Sony IMX sensor, AF, 4K
The X300Ultra looks like a real powerhouse, with an impressive telephoto reach, but it can be further extended using the 400mm equivalent Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra or the 200mm equivalent Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2. It also introduces a new multi-spectral colour algorithm engine that creates images with better colour accuracy and tonal rendering. It delivers 4K120p 10-bit Log and multi-focal 4K120p video, while also supporting pro-grade Log recording on all rear cameras as well as 3D LUTs.
While the X300FE shares the same physical footprint as its predecessor, it introduced significant improvements to camera hardware with a brighter aperture main sensor and a new faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor and of course, its compatibility with the Vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2.
You’ll be able to find both devices globally, but with some restrictions. Available in some European countries, as well as select Asian markets, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil, but it won’t be officially coming to the UK or US. That said, you may find them on Amazon, Ebay and some grey-market sites.
At the time of writing, official prices haven’t been confirmed. However, based on the previous X200FE’s €849 (approx. £740) launch price for Europe, we can probably expect a similar ballpark for this release. The flagship Ultra was exclusive for the Chinese market last year, costing CNY 6,499 (approx. £700) the new launch price is still anyone’s guess, but it’s likely to pass the four-figure threshold.
Related reading:
Vivo X200FE review – proof that good things come in small packages
Vivo X300 Pro review – a perfect phone the next iPhone needs to beat
