Vivo's latest premium offering, the X100 Ultra, has made waves in the Chinese smartphone market, going head-to-head with competitors like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Oppo Find X7 Ultra. While it boasts impressive specs and unique features, there are some key areas where it falls short of its rivals.
Cutting-Edge Hardware
The X100 Ultra doesn't disappoint when it comes to raw power:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
- Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage
- 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 5,500mAh battery with 80W wired and 30W wireless charging
Camera System: Potential Unrealized
On paper, the camera setup is a photographer's dream:
- 50MP Sony LYT-900 1-inch main sensor with gimbal OIS
- 50MP ultra-wide (14mm, 116° FoV)
- 200MP periscope telephoto (3.7x optical, 100x digital zoom)
- 50MP front-facing camera
However, early reports suggest that image processing and overall camera optimization lag behind competitors like the Oppo Find X7 Ultra. Vivo will need to address this through software updates to fully leverage the impressive hardware.
Standout Features
The X100 Ultra does bring some unique selling points to the table:
- IP69 water and dust resistance (superior to the typical IP68 rating)
- Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner
- Zeiss T* coated lenses
Pricing and Availability
Starting at 6,499 Yuan (~$900) for the base model, the X100 Ultra is competitively priced against its rivals. However, its China-exclusive status means global consumers will have to resort to importing, potentially sacrificing warranty and after-sales support.
The Verdict
The Vivo X100 Ultra showcases impressive hardware and some standout features. However, its camera performance and limited availability hold it back from being a clear winner in the ultra-premium smartphone segment. With software improvements and a wider release, the X100 Ultra could become a serious contender in the flagship market.