Vivo X300 Pro Review: A Camera Powerhouse with Battery Concerns

Vivo launched the X300 Pro and X300 in Shanghai and invited us to experience the new devices firsthand. This opportunity sets the stage for a hands-on review that moves beyond the spec sheet and dives into real-world performance. From the first moments with the device, it was clear that Vivo aims to set a new standard for flagship camera phones.

Vivo has built a reputation for crafting standout camera phones, and my experiences with both the globally available X100 Pro and the X200 Pro proved just how capable their devices can be. Impressive zoom features, tasteful color science, and reliable performance in all kinds of lighting made those models favorites of mine. My anticipation for the X300 Pro was high, especially with Vivo positioning this brand-new series for a global audience and promising new levels of innovation.

Designer: Vivo

There is even more for photographers and enthusiasts to look forward to with this release. The coveted photographer kit, a bundle of specialized accessories including a telephoto extender (more on this later), was previously exclusive to the X200 Ultra. Now, it is available for both the X300 Pro and the X300, although the kit for the X300 remains limited to China. We put the X300 Pro through its paces and found that almost every aspect impressed. However, the battery left room for improvement. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the X300 Pro a compelling, though not flawless, flagship experience.

Aesthetics

While many competitors are shifting design languages for their new flagship phones, Vivo has taken a different approach by refining its established aesthetic. The X300 Pro keeps the signature large round camera module, but the ring encircling it is now much narrower and more discreet than before. With the frosted glass back panel in the muted brown variant I have on hand, the phone exudes a sense of quiet sophistication.

The prominent camera module sits at the top center, with the LED flash positioned just to its upper right. The ring surrounding the cameras features fine lines reminiscent of a classic focus ring, and a delicate, shiny copper accent at its base. These subtle details combine to give the device a premium, thoughtfully crafted feel. The camera module houses a triple camera setup along with a dummy placement, all arranged symmetrically with the Zeiss logo at the center, adding to the balanced look.

Vivo offers four color options: white, black, brown, and blue. Each color is soft and nuanced, with a frosted glass finish that adds a touch of elegance to every variant. The cohesive design across the color palette ensures the X300 Pro looks refined no matter which shade you choose. Every detail, from the texture to the camera ring, contributes to a unified and premium impression.

Ergonomics

Despite its premium look and large display, the Vivo X300 Pro manages to feel well-balanced in the hand. Measuring 161.98 millimeters tall, 75.48 millimeters wide, and just 7.99 millimeters thick, it strikes a satisfying balance between presence and comfort. The weight is substantial at 226 grams, giving the phone a solid, reassuring feel without tipping into unwieldy territory.

Both the screen and the aluminum alloy frame are completely flat, creating a modern, minimalist profile that feels crisp and purposeful. The flat edges of the frame give your grip a sense of stability, while the frosted glass back remains smooth and resists fingerprints. Thoughtfully rounded corners soften the look and prevent discomfort during long periods of use, making it easy to enjoy photography or media without distraction.

Button placement is mostly intuitive and easy to reach, although the new customizable Shortcut Button sits high on the left side, which makes it difficult to access comfortably with one hand. On the other hand, the fingerprint scanner is positioned at about one-third up from the bottom of the screen, making unlocking and using the phone smooth and natural. The phone’s overall construction and proportions make it a pleasure to hold, blending substantial build quality with practical everyday usability.

Performance

Camera performance

The Vivo X300 Pro is a true all-rounder, but its camera system easily steals the spotlight. On the back, you will find a main camera with a 24mm equivalent focal length and Sony’s latest 1/1.28-inch LYT-828 sensor, paired with an f/1.57 aperture and gimbal-grade stabilization. Zoom enthusiasts will appreciate the 85mm equivalent 200MP telephoto camera, which uses a large, customized 1/1.4-inch Samsung HPB sensor paired with a Zeiss APO lens and an f/2.67 aperture. The 50MP ultra-wide camera completes the rear setup, featuring a 1/2.76-inch JN1 sensor and an f/2.0 aperture. The front-facing camera uses the same JN1 sensor, so selfies and video calls maintain a high level of detail and color consistency.

However, the impressive hardware is only part of the story. The addition of Vivo’s V3+ imaging chips and Zeiss’s signature tuning brings extra depth and character to every photo, making images from the X300 Pro uniquely vibrant and balanced. The results you get from the X300 Pro camera system are nothing short of remarkable, whether you’re shooting in bright daylight, capturing intricate macros, or zooming in on distant subjects. Even low-light scenes come alive with clarity and rich detail.

All cameras produce images with consistent, true-to-life color and excellent dynamic range. Shadows and highlights remain balanced, delivering deep blacks, well-preserved highlights, and realistic tones. Zoom capabilities are especially impressive, with the 200MP telephoto camera capturing distant subjects with precision and confidence. Whether you are photographing architectural details from across the street or wildlife at a distance, the telephoto lens keeps images sharp and vibrant. 

Photographer Kit

For those ready to take mobile photography further, the photographer kit is a thoughtful collection of accessories designed for maximum creative flexibility. The kit includes a PGYTECH phone case with a built-in kickstand, an external grip with a 2300mAh battery, a lens attachment, a 2.35x telephoto extender, a 52mm filter adapter ring, and a convenient strap. Every piece feels purpose-built to turn the X300 Pro into a genuine tool for serious creators.

After attaching the telephoto extender, you simply tap a small icon on the camera UI to switch into telephoto extender mode. Vivo has mentioned that this step will become even more seamless in the future, thanks to embedded NFC for automatic detection. The images captured with the telephoto extender are excellent across a range of lighting conditions, showing off the power of the camera system. Occasionally, at higher magnifications, you might notice that skin appears more processed, giving it an oil paint-like texture, but this is only an issue when zooming in very close. Overall, the kit delivers new creative opportunities and strengthens the X300 Pro’s appeal to anyone passionate about mobile photography.

Creative shooting modes and features

There is so much you can do with the X300 Pro’s camera system. If you have plenty of light and do not mind larger file sizes, the 50MP mode on the main camera and 200MP mode for the telephoto deliver incredibly sharp, detailed photos. In low-light or backlit situations, the flash stands out, especially for portraits, illuminating faces naturally and preserving skin tones without washing out the details.

Vivo continues to offer a rich variety of creative styles like Zeiss, Vivid, and Texture, and has expanded the options on the X300 Pro’s camera UI. New choices such as B&W, Classic Negative, Positive Film, Clear Blue, and more are now available right at your fingertips. According to Keshav Chug, a product manager at Vivo, applying these styles in-camera creates better results than using filters after the shot. You will also find a combined Landscape and Night mode, with long exposure now tucked into this feature. AI visual effects let you change your scene to different times of day, regions like snow town or desert, seasons, or even add creative touches such as fireworks.

Among all these creative options, I still find myself drawn to the “Humanistic” mode, which has been a favorite on previous Vivo devices. Designed for street photography, this mode captures candid moments with stylistic color and atmosphere, giving ordinary scenes a documentary feel. With so many tools and effects, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. Even after a week of use, I still feel like I am discovering new features. The good news is that even if you are just starting, the X300 Pro makes it easy to capture great images right out of the box.

Video performance

The video performance of the X300 Pro is just as impressive as its photography features. The phone supports up to 8K video recording at 30 FPS with the main camera, while all cameras can record up to 4K at 60 FPS. For those seeking more creative control, the main and telephoto cameras offer Log recording up to 4K at 120 FPS, and the ultra-wide camera supports Log at up to 4K 60 FPS. Transitions between cameras while filming are smooth and seamless, making it easy to switch perspectives in real time, though Log recording is limited to a single camera during capture.

Vivo’s stabilization system, with gimbal-grade hardware in the main camera, keeps handheld video steady and visually appealing, even when you are on the move. The Zeiss partnership brings excellent color science and dynamic range to video, so your clips look natural and vibrant straight from the camera. Audio quality is also impressive, with clear, balanced sound thanks to intelligent noise reduction and multiple microphones.

Everyday experience and software

Inside the X300 Pro, you will find the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. This flagship processor is built on an advanced 3nm process, delivering fast, efficient performance for everything from gaming to multitasking. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM, the phone handles demanding apps and smooth transitions with ease, so you can work, play, and create without any slowdowns.

Running the show is OriginOS 6, layered over Android 16. In the past, Vivo’s global devices used Funtouch OS while OriginOS was reserved for the Chinese market. With the X300 Pro, Vivo has unified the user experience, so everyone now gets OriginOS 6, no matter where they are.

The interface feels modern and intuitive, featuring a design that is clearly inspired by iOS with its smooth visuals and organized layout. There are thoughtful touches and plenty of options for customization, allowing you to make the phone feel truly your own. Vivo promises up to four years of major Android upgrades, so the X300 Pro is ready to stay current and secure over time. Smart features throughout the system make daily tasks easier and let you personalize your experience to match your style.

Display Experience

Vivo equips the X300 Pro with a 6.78-inch, completely flat LTPO AMOLED screen. Its sharp 1260 by 2800 pixel resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate deliver smooth visuals in every scenario. Even in bright sunlight, the screen’s peak brightness of up to 4500 nits ensures everything stays clear and vivid.

Whether you are watching movies, editing photos, or scrolling through your social feeds, colors appear vibrant and details remain crisp. Support for HDR10+ and advanced color technology adds depth and realism to every image. This display makes daily tasks and entertainment feel immersive from the moment you turn it on.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery capacity depends on the region. The Chinese version of the X300 Pro features a 6,510mAh battery, while the global version comes with a 5,440mAh battery. Both versions should, in theory, provide enough power for a full day’s use. However, in my testing with heavy camera usage, the X300 Pro struggled to last even half a day.

It is important to note that the software on my device was not the final production version. There is hope that Vivo will improve battery efficiency before the official release, which is especially important for anyone who enjoys long shooting sessions. Reliable battery life will be crucial for creative users who rely on their phone throughout the day.

When it is time to recharge, the X300 Pro supports 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. These fast-charging options make it easy to get back to your day without long waits. While quick charging helps offset battery drain, consistent all-day endurance will be essential for the X300 Pro to truly stand out among power users and photographers.

Sustainability/Repairability

While Vivo’s primary focus is clearly on innovation and camera technology, sustainability does not seem to be at the forefront of the X300 Pro’s design philosophy. The phone is built to last, boasting both IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. This level of protection means the X300 Pro can handle accidental spills, splashes, and even brief submersion, adding durability that helps extend its lifespan in everyday use.

On the software side, Vivo offers four years of major OS updates and four years of security updates for the X300 Pro. This level of support goes a long way toward keeping your device current and protected, though it does fall behind some competitors that now offer even longer update cycles. For users who tend to keep their phones for several years, this is an important consideration. Even so, the combination of sturdy construction and a reasonable update policy makes the X300 Pro a strong choice for anyone seeking a device built to endure regular use over time.

Value

Vivo officially announced the global launch of the X300 Pro, alongside the X300, on October 30. In China, the X300 Pro starts at 5,299 yuan (about $740 USD) for a 12GB/256GB configuration.  (about $820 USD), while the 16GB/1TB satellite communication bundled with the photographer kit costs 8,299 yuan (about $1,170 USD). This aggressive pricing makes the X300 Pro especially attractive in its home market, considering its advanced camera system, vibrant display, and premium build.

Pricing for regions outside China has yet to be revealed. Since brands often use more aggressive pricing strategies domestically, it is likely that the X300 Pro and its accessories will cost more in other markets. Even so, the strong set of features and creative tools make this phone a compelling option for anyone who values top-tier photography and everyday reliability in a flagship.

Verdict

Vivo’s X300 Pro feels purpose-built for anyone who values creativity and design. Thanks to the collaboration with Zeiss, the camera system truly stands out, offering a suite of features and color science that make every shot feel intentional and polished. Using this phone feels a bit like carrying a professional toolkit in your pocket, ready for anything from spontaneous street scenes to carefully composed portraits.

Of course, there are trade-offs to keep in mind. Battery life under heavy camera use could be better, and while software support is solid, it does not quite match the leaders in the field. Still, for those who want their phone to be as creative as they are, the X300 Pro delivers a uniquely flexible and inspiring experience.

The post Vivo X300 Pro Review: A Camera Powerhouse with Battery Concerns first appeared on Yanko Design.