If there’s one thing I value most in a smartphone, it’s the camera. Capturing moments and chasing beautiful frames has always been my favourite side quest. So when the Vivo X300 landed on my desk, I had a feeling I was in for a good time.
Vivo’s latest flagship, priced just under Rs 1 lakh, enters one of the most demanding segments in the market, a space where users expect everything from top-tier performance to a top-tier camera system and a design that stands out. And at first glance, the X300 certainly tries to deliver, right down to its oddly satisfying velvet-textured glass back.
The Smooth camera bump is very well integrated and features a very polished edge with a brushed finish frame. (Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
To start, the device has sleek edges, and, learning from its predecessor, the camera bezels have been integrated with smooth curved edges, resulting in a neat and clean look. Competing in a highly demanding segment, the device features an eye-catching design, and the velvet-textured back glass is oddly satisfying to touch. The display is crystal clear, boasting a 6.31-inch AMOLED screen with minimal bezels.
After watching numerous music videos and streaming movies on Vivo’s display, I found it to be a visual delight. Even when using it outdoors, the screen’s brightness was decent and comfortable for the eyes, not needing to be held too close (a blessing for those like Indian grandparents who squint at WhatsApp).
Battery
Vivo X300 is equipped with a 6040 mAh battery that can outperform many devices, potentially lasting longer than a Le Mans 24-hour race, while functioning like a Volvo. As someone who relies on a long-lasting battery, I found the X300 met my needs perfectly, especially considering my habit of binge-watching and a little “doom scrolling” (okay, maybe more than a little!). After an evening spent scrolling through endless reels, I discovered that the device had plenty of power left for the next day, which is quite admirable.
The glacier liquid cooling system provides great thermal conductivity keep the device calm under frequent and heavy usage. (Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
The charging speed is also impressive; I once forgot to charge the device before heading out for a weekend stroll. Fortunately, a quick charge before I left meant I didn’t have to worry about battery life—a major relief for any smartphone user nowadays.
Can it handle the heat?
With the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, the Vivo performs smoothly, complemented by the seamless integration of OriginOS 6. The animations and interface are fluid, and the control center appears tidy.
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The Vivo X300 features a glacier cooling system that keeps the device cool during intense usage, like gaming sessions. It never seemed to heat up, which is a significant advantage. To protect my eyes while gaming, I utilised the game eye protection mode, which eliminated any strain. I also enjoyed revisiting classic games like Pac-Man, which ran effortlessly on the device.
With the smooth Integration of OriginOS 6, the Vivo X300 has seamless transition animation. (Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
The device’s speakers deliver balanced sound for both movies and music, producing adequate volume even in crowded environments. Forgetting my earphones during a long metro ride, I watched a few episodes of Batman, unintentionally sharing the Batman’s real identity.
Sounds good, but what about the camera?
Vivo heavily promotes this series as having an exceptional camera, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. Featuring a 200MP Zeiss camera, the device boasts phenomenal clarity and detail. The camera system includes 200MP Ultra-Clear Imaging, a 200MP portrait lens, and a 50MP ZEISS wide-angle front camera. Choosing which camera to use is a delightful challenge, given the many fascinating capabilities on offer. The camera captures every hue and vibrant detail, providing realistic colours.
On the rear end features a velvet-textured black finish and houses all the 200 MP cameras. (Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
Night photography is the hardest to capture due to the low lighting, and Vivo has cracked it open like spinach in Popeye’s case. The telephoto capability is impressive, too; for instance, when attending a recent musical performance, I was able to identify the piano as a ‘Steinway and Sons’ using the 200 MP telephoto lens. During this event, I also tested the Stage and Landscape modes, capturing beautiful moments that I can treasure (pictures to follow below).
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In my opinion, this device is a segment killer thanks to its extraordinary camera capabilities. Its video features are equally impressive, recording in 4K at 120 fps without any choppy frames, ensuring clear, smooth playback.
Stage mode(Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
10X zoom(Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
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20X zoom(Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
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Portrait Mode(Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
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(Image: The Indian Express/ Ajay Hanje)
An offer you can’t refuse?
The Vivo X300 is a well-balanced device packed with features that enhance user experience without feeling overwhelming. While this may seem like a simple description, achieving that simplicity is no easy feat. The X300 has every feature that a flagship is supposed to offer, from a long-lasting battery to 200 MP cameras, making it a compelling choice in the market.
If you are looking to buy a flagship device with a state-of-the-art camera, this Vivo is a great choice. The camera is one of its strong suits, making it a good choice for photographers and people who wish to record or capture every moment. The other alternatives to this device are the Samsung S25, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, OnePlus 15, and iPhone 17.
The Vivo X300 is available in three variants – 12GB + 256GB at Rs 75,999; 12GB + 512GB at Rs 81,999, and 16GB + 512GB at Rs 85,999.
