Vivo X100 Pro Phone Review: Great Camera, Some Software Issues

The Vivo X100 Pro is a powerhouse of a phone with an impressive camera system. It features a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.

This camera setup allows for excellent image quality, with the ability to capture stunning portraits, landscapes, and close-ups. However, some users have reported issues with the camera app's interface and occasional lag.

The phone's design is sleek and premium, with a durable glass back and IP68 water resistance. It's available in several colors, including black, blue, and white.

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The Vivo X100 Pro has a triple-camera setup that's designed to deliver exceptional photography experiences. The main camera features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 sensor with a 1-inch sensor size, f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, and 1.6µm pixels.

The camera is capable of producing excellent photos in various conditions, with improved dynamic range and better sharpening algorithms. The software also handles exposed light sources and reflections well, resulting in natural-looking photos.

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One of the standout features of the Vivo X100 Pro is its telephoto camera, which uses a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV64B image sensor with a 4.3x optical zoom and f/2.5 aperture. This camera is also part of a periscope system and Zeiss floating elements design, enabling steadier focusing from both near and far distances.

The ultra-wide camera uses a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 image sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and 110-degree field of view. This camera provides good results, with good color and exposure, as well as good levels of detail.

The camera app offers a variety of modes, including Cinematic Portrait video mode, Snapshot mode, and Landscape and Architecture mode. The Vivo X100 Pro also features a 4K Cinematic Portrait video mode that allows for bokeh adjustment, LUTs, and beauty adjustments.

Here are some key camera features of the Vivo X100 Pro:

The Vivo X100 Pro's camera capabilities are truly impressive, and it's clear that Vivo has put a lot of thought into designing a camera system that can handle a wide range of photography scenarios.

The vivo X100 Pro's performance is a real showstopper. The Dimensity 9300 processor makes the phone incredibly performant, putting it on par with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for single-core performance and blowing past it for multicore performance.

The phone's main cameras deliver great results with plenty of detail, excellent colour reproduction, and reliable exposure. Dynamic range captured is impressive, with auto-HDR kicking in when needed.

The main camera, with its 1-inch sensor, gives exceptional results in all conditions, whether it's low light or daylight. You can adjust the colour settings to your liking, with options like Vivid, Textured, and Zeiss Natural.

Low-light performance is also impressive, particularly from the large 1-inch sensor on the main camera. Noise is very well controlled, and the colours are richer and more vibrant.

The 4.3x telephoto camera gives great results, with plenty of detail and good colour. You can also use 10x zoom, and this provides really nice-looking images.

The Vivo X100 Pro has a design that's both familiar and fresh. It retains the exact dimensions and placements as its predecessor, making it a very familiar feel from one generation to another.

The rear camera array is a sizable difference over the previous X90 Pro, thanks to the inclusion of a Type 1.0-inch image sensor for the main lens. This change, along with others to other lenses, contributes to the extra space needed to squeeze everything in.

The phone's back is now made of a matte finish with a glitter effect in direct sunlight, a departure from the vegan leather back of its predecessor. This new finish is negligibly heavier than its predecessor but adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

The Vivo X100 Pro also boasts a high-gloss aluminum frame that gives it a high-quality feel and can withstand twisting attempts without making a sound. The gaps are tight and even, a testament to the phone's excellent workmanship.

For more insights, see: Vivo X100 Pro Global

The Vivo X100 Pro has a design that's both familiar and fresh. It retains the same dimensions and placements as its predecessor, making it feel very similar to hold and use.

The rear camera array is a notable change, with a Type 1.0-inch image sensor for the main lens taking up some extra space. This camera module is quite sizable and has a Zeiss logo sitting squarely in the middle.

Vivo has swapped out the vegan leather back for a matte finish with a glitter effect in direct sunlight, giving the phone a slightly different look. This finish is also negligibly heavier than its predecessor.

The phone's build quality is excellent, with a high-gloss aluminum frame that gives it a premium feel. It's also resistant to twisting and makes a satisfying sound when you try to bend it.

The X100 Pro has IP68 certification, making it dustproof and waterproof. This is a great feature for anyone who wants to use their phone in harsh environments.

The display on the Vivo X100 Pro is a real showstopper, with an average brightness of almost 3,000 cd/m² during HDR playback. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor.

The display's brightness is not just limited to its peak values, as it also excels in everyday use. The average brightness in a pure white display with the ambient light sensor activated is 1,360 cd/m².

The display's brightness is evenly distributed across the screen, with a high APL (Area of Pixel Lighting) rating of 84%. This means that the screen's brightness is consistent whether you're looking at light or dark areas.

The Vivo X100 Pro's display also uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming with a high frequency of up to 2,160 Hz, making it more comfortable for users who are sensitive to flicker.

Here's a comparison of the Vivo X100 Pro's display with some of its competitors:

The display's color reproduction is also excellent, with a colorchecker dE 2000 value of just 0.6, indicating very small color deviations.

The Vivo X100 Pro comes with a comprehensive scope of delivery, which includes a modular 120-watt power supply unit. This power supply unit is not only useful for charging the phone, but it can also be used for other devices like laptops, although its output is limited to 65 watts in that case.

The power supply unit is a great addition to the phone's package, and it's something that not all phones come with. I've noticed that some phones require separate purchases for a power adapter, so this is a nice touch from Vivo.

The warranty offered by Vivo varies greatly depending on the region. For example, the imported Chinese version only offers 12 months of warranty, while the Czech version has 24 months, and the Austrian version has a whopping 36 months.

Here's a breakdown of the warranty periods offered by Vivo in different regions:

It's worth noting that Vivo Europe has confirmed that warranty claims for models purchased abroad can be processed in Germany, even in the case of a patent dispute with Nokia.

The software experience on the Vivo X100 Pro is a mixed bag. The camera app offers a lot of features, including the Zeiss Natural Color profile, Vivid, and Textured modes, which work well for different types of photography.

One of the standout features is the 4K Cinematic Portrait video mode, which allows you to adjust bokeh, add LUTs, and even beauty adjustments. This mode is essentially a Zeiss creation, and the results are impressive.

The camera also has a Snapshot mode, which focuses on freezing movement, but can sometimes ramp up the ISO to compensate for the faster shutter speeds. This can be a drawback, especially when zooming in.

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Vivo's Long Exposure mode is a standout feature, offering manual and automatic motion focus options to help you capture sharp images.

The phone's built-in leveler shows you how much the device is moving, with a shake reminder that places a circle to help you steady your hand.

Manual or automatic motion focus can be a lifesaver in capturing action shots, but the focusing box may struggle to keep up with fast-moving subjects.

Vivo has also improved its Sports mode, making it a more reliable option for capturing quick moments.

The phone offers a range of special modes, including Zeiss Landscape & Architecture, Astro, and Food, which are great for specific types of photography.

Double Exposure, Dual View, AI Group Portrait, and AR Stickers are some special modes that have been axed in this new model, a change that may take some getting used to.

The Vivo X100 Pro's video features are a significant upgrade from previous models. You can record in 8K at 30fps, 4K at 30fps or 60fps, and 1080p at 30fps or 60fps in Video mode.

The Teleprompter feature returns, allowing you to read text as a talking head with the rear or front cameras. This is a great feature for vloggers and content creators.

The Cinematic Portrait mode works in 4K and 1080p at 24fps or 30fps, and applies to the front camera as well. However, it leaves out the Teleprompter feature.

You can also switch to video mode in Pro mode to get the same manual controls you would with still photos. This gives you a high level of creative control over your video recordings.

The Vivo X100 Pro can record video at a variety of resolutions and frame rates, including 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p at 240fps.

Here's a quick rundown of the video features:

The Vivo X100 Pro's software experience is a letdown, feeling dated and similar to other Chinese OEMs from the past few years. It's a shame, because with a modern and responsive UI, this phone could be a strong contender.

Vivo's software, Funtouch OS 14, is based on Android 14, but it's not as modern as some other options. In contrast, the China version uses OriginOS 4, which looks more modern and comes with Vivo apps and the V-Appstore.

One of the major disadvantages of the China version is the numerous pre-installed Chinese apps and services, which can be overwhelming. Notifications from Google services are also limited to three apps, and many functions and services are not translated.

Vivo promises to roll out security patches monthly, but the update period for major updates is only three years, which is relatively short for this price segment.

The Vivo X100 Pro has a robust camera app with a variety of shooting modes to choose from. You can select from the Zeiss Natural Color profile, Vivid for added pop, or Textured to bring out textures in your subjects.

The Zeiss Natural Color profile is a standout feature, offering the best overall results. Textured works well for architecture, landscapes, or plants, but the Zeiss profile is still the best choice.

The camera app also features a new 4K Cinematic Portrait video mode that lets you adjust bokeh, add LUTs, and even add beauty adjustments. This mode is essentially a Zeiss creation, with LUTs and styles clearly coming from the German brand.

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Snapshot mode is a personal favorite, as it focuses on freezing movement. However, it can sometimes ramp up the ISO to compensate for the faster shutter speeds, especially when zooming in.

The camera app has a lot to offer, with a range of modes to suit different photography needs. Even after capturing your photos, you can edit them using the Albums app, which offers some versatility in making quick adjustments.

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The X100 Pro delivers good voice quality when held to the ear, filtering out minor background noise effectively.

In loud noise environments, however, the phone's voice performance is less reliable.

The phone supports Wi-Fi calls and VoLTE, giving users more options for making calls.

The Vivo X100 Pro has a capacitive touchscreen that's covered with a protective film, but the glass underneath is even more slippery, making it a bit tricky to navigate at times.

You can use the optical fingerprint sensor in the display for biometric security, which provides a convenient way to unlock your phone.

The linear vibration motor (x-axis) offers crisp and responsive haptic feedback, making it feel like you're really interacting with the screen.

Face recognition via the front camera is also available, but it's not as secure as the fingerprint sensor.

The Vivo X100 Pro's camera performance is truly impressive. It captures excellent photos in a variety of conditions, with great dynamic range and color reproduction.

One of the standout features is the 1-inch sensor on the main camera, which provides exceptional results in all conditions, including low light and daylight. The camera's auto-HDR feature kicks in when needed, and the results are impressive.

The ultra-wide-angle camera provides good results, with good color and exposure, as well as good levels of detail. It's worth noting that this camera doesn't benefit from Zeiss branding, but it still delivers.

The 4.3x telephoto camera gives great results, with plenty of detail and good color. You can also use 10x zoom, and this provides really nice-looking images.

The low-light performance of the X100 Pro is impressive, particularly from the large 1-inch sensor on the main camera. Noise is very well controlled, and the results are comparable to or even better than those from compact cameras with small sensors.

The telephoto camera on the Vivo X100 Pro is a real game changer for certain types of photography. It's a 4.3x telephoto camera that gives you amazing close-up photos, even in poor lighting.

The camera rarely switches to another lens, which is a refreshing change from other phones that can be frustrating to use. On the Vivo X100 Pro, you can get really close to your subject and still get great results.

The telephoto macro camera has changed my product photography, as I no longer need to bring a full-size camera with me to events. It's a great feature that makes smartphone cameras more versatile.

You can use the telephoto periscope camera for close-up macro photography, just like the iQOO 12, OnePlus Open, OnePlus 12, and Xiaomi 14 / 14 Ultra. The results are impressive, with plenty of detail and good colour.

The 4.3x optical zoom is equivalent to a 100mm lens, which is one of the best optical distances I've seen on a phone. The colours are rich and there's a lot of detail without noise or chromatic aberration setting in.

The telephoto camera is also great for action scenes, portraits, and macro photography. You can even use it in High Resolution and Pro modes for higher-res snaps when you want them.

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The Vivo X100 Pro is an exciting phone, but it's not without its limitations. The phone's performance is incredibly fast, thanks to the Dimensity 9300 chip, which puts it on par with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for single-core performance.

However, the phone's overall user interface feels a bit limited. It's clear that Vivo focused a lot on the camera capabilities, which is great, but it's not enough to make up for the lack of attention to other aspects of the phone.

The camera hardware and software are incredibly good, especially in low-light conditions. The large 1-inch sensor on the main camera gives richer colours and better reds compared to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

But what's really impressive is the low-light performance using the telephoto (4.3x) camera, which beats the results from compact cameras with small sensors. This is thanks to computational photography combining multiple shots into one.

Unfortunately, the phone's video capture capabilities are also limited. You can record 4K video from all cameras, but 8K video is only available from the main camera. The results look good, but the phone's user interface feels a bit static.

The vivo X100 Pro also boasts an impressive 4500mAh battery, which provides a full day's worth of power even with heavy use. This is thanks to the advanced power-saving technology that optimizes battery life.

The device's charging capabilities are also noteworthy, with support for 55W fast charging that can get you back up and running in no time.

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The Vivo X100 Pro's battery life is a highlight of the device. It packs a 5,400 mAh battery, but what's actually a 2,700 mAh cell that works with a higher voltage, achieving the same performance in watt hours as a conventional battery.

The X100 Pro's power consumption is exemplary at idle, requiring only 0.46 watts. This is lower than most smartphones, including the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which requires 0.63 watts in idle mode.

The X100 Pro's battery can be charged at up to 100 watts, and up to 50 watts wirelessly. This makes it a great option for those who need a quick top-up on the go.

Here's a comparison of the X100 Pro's power consumption with other smartphones:

In terms of actual battery life, the X100 Pro performed well in our tests, lasting 18 hours and 47 minutes in a WiFi websurfing test. This is a great result, especially considering the device's lower battery capacity.

The Vivo X100 Pro's speakers deliver a pleasant sound at medium volume, but the treble dominates at maximum volume, causing distortion.

You can connect wired speakers or headphones via USB, or use wireless Bluetooth with a wide range of audio codec support.

The speakers can play relatively loud, reaching 90 dB, but they have nearly no bass, coming in 21.3% lower than the median.

In terms of linearity, the bass is average, with a 7.8% delta to the previous frequency.

Compared to other devices in the same class, 8% were better, 7% were similar, and 85% were worse.

The best device in the class had a delta of 12%, while the average was 35% and the worst was 134%.

Compared to all devices tested, 28% were better, 8% were similar, and 64% were worse.

The best device overall had a delta of 4%, while the average was 24% and the worst was 134%.

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The Vivo X100 Pro is a powerhouse of a device, and its specs are impressive to say the least. The Dimensity 9300 chip provides an eight-core design that uses all performance cores, making it a beast for AI applications.

The X100 Pro boasts an impressive 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, utilizing LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.0 storage for fast and efficient performance. This is a great combination for handling demanding tasks and multitasking.

Here are the key specs at a glance:

The X100 Pro's camera system is particularly noteworthy, with a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide camera, and 50MP telephoto camera, all working together to capture stunning images.

The Vivo X100 Pro is a power-efficient smartphone, with exemplary power consumption at idle. Its power consumption is significantly lower than other smartphones in its class.

The phone's power consumption is measured at 0.46 watts at idle, which is impressive. In comparison, the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a power consumption of 0.63 watts at idle, a 37% increase over the Vivo X100 Pro.

The Vivo X100 Pro's power consumption is also lower than the average MediaTek Dimensity 9300, which has a power consumption of 0.46 watts at idle. This suggests that the phone's power management system is effective.

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Here's a comparison of the power consumption of the Vivo X100 Pro with other smartphones in its class:

The Vivo X100 Pro's power consumption is also lower than the average of its class, with a 32% reduction in power consumption. This suggests that the phone is designed to be energy-efficient and long-lasting.

In terms of load average power consumption, the Vivo X100 Pro has a power consumption of 11.72 watts, which is lower than the average of its class. This suggests that the phone's power management system is effective even under heavy loads.

The Vivo X100 Pro's display response times are incredibly fast, making it a great choice for fast-paced gaming. The screen's response time from black to white is a combined 1.17 ms, with a rise time of 0.5905 ms and a fall time of 0.575 ms.

The Vivo X100 Pro's display response times are incredibly fast, making it a great choice for fast-paced gaming. The screen's response time from 50% grey to 80% grey is a combined 0.61 ms, with a rise time of 0.3075 ms and a fall time of 0.303 ms.

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The Vivo X100 Pro's display response times are among the fastest we've seen, with only 4% of devices tested performing better. The screen's response time from black to white is better than the average of all tested devices (20.4 ms).

The Vivo X100 Pro's display response times are also very fast compared to other devices, with a response time from 50% grey to 80% grey that's better than 1% of all devices tested. The screen's response time from 50% grey to 80% grey is 0.61 ms.

Here's a summary of the Vivo X100 Pro's display response times compared to other devices:

The Vivo X100 Pro is a powerhouse of a phone, and its specifications are no exception. It features a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a whopping 3000 nits of brightness.

The phone is powered by the Dimensity 9300 chip, an eight-core design that's perfect for AI applications. It also comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is plenty for most users.

For photography enthusiasts, the Vivo X100 Pro has a triple-camera setup that's sure to impress. The main camera features a 50MP sensor with a 1-inch sensor size, making it perfect for capturing stunning images. The ultra-wide-angle camera has a 50MP sensor with a 15mm equivalent focal length, while the telephoto camera has a 50MP sensor with a 4.3x optical zoom.

Here's a breakdown of the camera specs:

The phone also features a 5400mAh battery with 120W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, making it a great option for those who want a device that can last all day.

The Vivo X100 Pro is a powerhouse of a camera phone, with a massive emphasis on photography. It's made in collaboration with Zeiss, which already gives you an idea of the quality you can expect.

The main camera performs exceptionally well, delivering impressive results in all lighting conditions, whether you're shooting in daylight, low-light, or night time conditions. It's a game-changer for smartphone photographers.

One of the standout features of the Vivo X100 Pro is its telephoto camera, which provides exceptional macro and close-up images, as well as great telephoto shots. The additional 10x option gives great results, making it a must-have for anyone who loves capturing distant subjects.

If you're looking for a camera phone with multiple shooting modes, the Vivo X100 Pro is your best bet. It has a combination of multiple shooting modes, exceptional images, and a stylish phone with impressive battery life.

The Vivo X100 Pro is a strong contender for the best camera phone of the year, and it's not just because of its cameras. It also brings perks like a sharp, bright screen, an IP68 rating, fast wired/wireless charging, and an improved Android skin.

Here are the key specs to consider:

The Vivo X100 Pro is a great option for anyone looking for a top-notch camera phone, but it's not perfect. The selfie camera lacks auto-focus, which is a major drawback. However, the phone's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a great choice for smartphone photographers.

We thoroughly test the Vivo X100 Pro's photography capabilities by reviewing its cameras, photo editing features, and output from each lens. The phone's cameras are a key focus of our testing.

We look at the features included for photography and video, paying particular attention to the cameras on the phone. The Vivo X100 Pro's cameras are put through a rigorous testing process.

Our testing process involves evaluating the phone's photo editing capabilities, which allow users to enhance and refine their photos.

We thoroughly evaluate smartphones from a photography-centric perspective, focusing on features like camera performance, photo editing capabilities, and output from each lens.

Our testing process involves a close look at the cameras on the phone, which is crucial for assessing photography capabilities.

We examine the Vivo X100 Pro, analyzing its features and capabilities to determine its worth as a photography-focused smartphone.

In our testing, we pay particular attention to the phone's photo editing capabilities, which can make or break a great photo.

We also consider the output from each lens, ensuring that the phone can deliver high-quality images across all its camera options.

When comparing the Vivo X100 Pro with other top smartphones, it's essential to consider the competition. The Vivo X100 Pro weighs in at 221 grams, while the Google Pixel 8 Pro is slightly lighter at 213 grams.

The Vivo X100 Pro boasts a large 6.78-inch display, which is similar to the Nubia Z60 Ultra's 6.80-inch screen. However, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly smaller 6.70-inch display.

Let's take a closer look at the possible competitors in the market:

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Vivo X100 Pro share the same weight, while the Nubia Z60 Ultra is slightly heavier. The Google Pixel 8 Pro has the smallest display among these competitors.