In an era where every smartphone manufacturer tries to outdo its competition by putting increasingly good cameras in its devices, vivo has quietly carved out a niche for itself as the brand that delivers on this front, cutting across budgets. In 2024, expect every smartphone brand to bring out products boasting increasingly impressive camera capabilities, and vivo has fired the first salvo with its latest flagship, the X100 Pro.
The cameras are housed in a circular bump at the back — possibly the largest I’ve seen on a smartphone. The setup is led by a 1-inch 50MP primary sensor with laser auto-focus and optical image stabilisation, a 50MP ‘floating periscope’ telephoto lens that can give you variable focal lengths, from 24mm to 100mm, and a 50MP ultrawide shooter with 119-degree field of view.
The vivo X100 series will be available starting at midnight on Flipkart, the official vivo India e-store, and at partner retail stores. The X100 will be available in two attractive colours, Stargaze Blue and Asteroid Black, and is priced at ₹63,999 for the 12/256 variant.
Launch offers
Online: Up to 10% instant cashback on ICICI and SBI cards, and an additional ₹8,000 upgrade bonus.
Offline: Flat 10% instant discount on HDFC and SBI debit/credit cards and EMI transactions, with an additional exchange bonus of up to ₹8,000.
Design and build quality
The X100 Pro is currently available only in the Asteroid Black colour variant and sports a sleek design with a robust build. Weighing 225 grams and measuring 8.91 mm in thickness, the device feels streamlined and ergonomic, thanks to its rounded design. The fluorite anti-glare glass back panel adds a touch of elegance, albeit making the phone slightly top-heavy due to the larger battery and camera module.
The rear camera module, featuring larger sensors, is noteworthy, and the fluted bezels around it provide a tactile feel reminiscent of DSLR lenses. Despite the protruding camera module, the device maintains a premium look. With an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the X100 Pro ensures durability and reliability.
Display excellence
The phone boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with an 8T LTPO panel from BOE. The 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut support, and an impressive peak brightness of 3000 nits — possibly the highest on a smartphone — contribute to a captivating visual experience. The display’s curvature, slim bezels, and adaptive settings for varying lighting conditions make content consumption truly enjoyable.
Camera mastery
The highlight of the vivo X100 Pro undoubtedly lies in its camera setup. Engineered in collaboration with Zeiss, the main 50MP Sony IMX989 sensor, a 50MP Samsung JN1 50MM wide sensor, and a 50MP Zeiss floating periscope camera deliver outstanding performance across diverse lighting conditions.
The 100mm focal length of the periscope camera enables excellent background separation, creating stunning bokeh without heavy reliance on software manipulation. The camera’s prowess extends to low-light situations, macro photography, and various zoom levels, offering a versatile and high-quality imaging experience. The user-friendly camera app interface and Zeiss portrait features add to the overall creative possibilities.
Performance and software
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, the X100 Pro stands out as one of the fastest Android phones. With 16GB of RAM and an additional 16GB of virtual RAM, the device excels in multitasking and handles demanding applications effortlessly. Running on the Android 14-based Funtouch OS 14, the phone offers a clean UI with customisation options, ensuring a smooth user experience.
While the phone may experience some warmth during extended use, the vapour chamber cooling system effectively manages heat. The substantial promise of four major Android updates enhances the device’s longevity and ensures compatibility with future software releases.
Battery life and charging
Featuring a 5400mAh battery, the X100 Pro offers a day’s worth of comfortable usage, although the high-performance cores of the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 may lead to faster power consumption. The inclusion of a 120W charging brick, supporting 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, came in handy on more than one occasion — the device can reach a full charge in just over half an hour.
In conclusion
The vivo X100 Pro stands as one of the best value-for-money flagship devices in the market. Its exceptional camera capabilities, coupled with a stunning display, rapid charging, and top-notch performance, make it a compelling choice. Going toe-to-toe with more expensive competitors, the X100 Pro emerges as a front-runner, particularly for photography enthusiasts seeking unparalleled imaging experiences. vivo has successfully crafted a smartphone that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a flagship device in 2024.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
