In recent weeks, there has been much excitement surrounding the vivo X300 Pro. This new smartphone has made its debut in France with a clear mission: to become one of the top contenders of the season. It aims to rival the high-end models currently available, thanks in large part to its remarkable camera capabilities, which truly set it apart in the competitive landscape.
The standout feature of the X300 Pro is its photographic prowess. This device demonstrates that when it comes to clarity, exceptional zoom capabilities, and stunning results, innovation from China remains at the forefront of the market.
As you dive into using the vivo X300 Pro, you’ll quickly realize its impressive camera isn’t just another feature—it’s a game-changer. With a sleek, refreshed design that exudes a premium feel, along with a high-quality display and performance powered by one of the most advanced processors available, it seems poised to succeed in the high-end smartphone arena. But are there drawbacks? Yes, and they might make you reconsider your choice.
The design of the vivo X300 Pro is a highlight of this new generation
Vivo has undertaken a subtle yet noteworthy redesign with the X300 Pro. While only minor aesthetic modifications have been made, the device certainly appears distinct compared to its predecessor. The edges are now completely flat, and the back glass reflects this same quality with a more integrated camera module design.
Although the camera module remains one of the largest in its category, its prominence justifies the inclusion of a top-tier camera setup. That said, this bulkiness can lead to the phone tipping over when placed on flat surfaces. Despite this, the manufacturing quality shines through; it boasts a thinner, narrower, and shorter profile than the X200 Pro while retaining the same screen diagonal. This improvement is particularly appreciated in devices that approach 17.8 centimeters in size and weigh over 220 grams.
The overall quality is visible from every angle. The ring around the camera offers impressive detail and subtlety, ensuring that despite its size, the device doesn’t feel excessively heavy or uncomfortable in daily use. Truly, the craftsmanship behind this model shows a few small design tweaks can result in significant enhancements.
No remarkable changes, but what a camera…
When examining the camera capabilities of the X300 Pro, one can only describe it as extraordinary. It’s worth noting that the company has not introduced any major innovations in this area; the sensors and specifications remain identical to those of the X200 Pro released last year.
Is this a downside? While new features in a flagship model would typically be preferred, the reality is that last year’s model was already at a top-tier level that outperformed many competitors. The introduction of other brands on the market has raised the stakes in terms of zoom capabilities, but the X300 Pro’s overall configuration still holds its weight this year.
The results from its camera are nothing short of spectacular, allowing users to capture incredible images without advanced photography skills. The versatility is impressive, making it a joy to shoot with this device, even if one might wish for a few new features to experiment with.
Nighttime photography is exceptional
When discussing lower-light photography, the X300 Pro is a standout device, likely among the best in the market. It handles bright lights with precision, eliminating any flare or noise, even in complete darkness. The various focal lengths provide immense versatility, ensuring a harmonious blend of colors and superb sensor quality that delivers dynamic range often associated with much larger sensors. Shooting at any time and under any condition becomes synonymous with reliable, powerful results.
Its app further complements the impressive camera. The examples mentioned earlier were shot using the basic modes of the X300 Pro, yet there is a vast range of advanced options available, including ‘Pro’ mode, enabling RAW and superRAW shooting across all sensors.
Does this camera excel in every aspect? Not necessarily. For many high-end mobile cameras, the X300 Pro struggles slightly with color management. While far from being a negative aspect, this is something that can be noticed, particularly for those with a keen eye for photography. The available color modes do not consistently deliver the same strength as other competing models.
The significant challenge with the vivo X300 Pro
Not every product evolution results in a full redesign. Sometimes, an almost perfect device does not require drastic changes. This is a tactic frequently employed by various brands, yet it raises questions about whether a lengthy wait on an upgrade is warranted in competitive markets.
Throughout this assessment, the quality has been emphasized, but thus far, there has been only one major change from the previous generation: the design. Don’t expect a long list of modifications. The challenge with the X300 Pro lies in the fact that it closely mirrors its predecessor, almost exclusively differing in design.
The new model boasts merely four distinctive changes, one of which is decidedly a regression. The remaining components and details are unchanged, making it particularly difficult to justify a new generation’s existence.
Is it amazing? Yes. Is it recommendable? Not necessarily.
The largest factor impacting this decision is indeed the price. The vivo X300 Pro launches at a hefty price of €1,399, marking a €100 increase compared to the X200 Pro when it was released.
When weighing the improvements against the drawbacks, excluding the design aspects, the vivo X300 Pro suffers from a weaker performance than the X200 Pro. While the performance may slightly enhance, it is unlikely anyone would notice without side-by-side comparisons. The aspect that is palpable is the drop in daily battery life. Last year, this was a significant strength, yet the current model’s lesser capacity is disheartening.
This does not equate to the vivo X300 Pro being a bad smartphone; rather, it ranks among the best available today. Still, recommending it proves difficult when the older model, X200 Pro, retails for €1,049—€350 less, delivering a superior experience in many respects.
For photography enthusiasts, the new addition of the Photographer Kit adds a layer of intrigue. This accessory set, featuring the vivo X300 Pro, includes items that elevate the user’s photographic experience, such as a teleconverter extending optical zoom capabilities.
In conclusion, while the appeal of the vivo X300 Pro is evident, especially for those passionate about mobile photography, the price increase, combined with the lack of substantial innovation compared to its predecessor, leads to a difficult recommendation.
