Vivo's latest flagship, the X100 Ultra, has arrived with some impressive camera credentials, but is it enough to justify its late entry into the market? Let's dive in.
Camera System: The Star of the Show
The X100 Ultra's main selling point is undoubtedly its camera system:
- Main camera: 50MP, 1/0.98 sensor with gimbal stabilization
- Ultrawide: 50MP, 14mm with autofocus
- Telephoto: 200MP, 85mm (3.7x optical zoom), f/2.7 aperture, 1/1.4 sensor
The telephoto lens is particularly noteworthy, potentially offering the best zoom capabilities of any smartphone currently available. Its large sensor size and bright aperture allow for impressive macro shots and portraits with natural bokeh.
Performance and Display
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the X100 Ultra offers top-tier Android performance. However, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 on the horizon, its timing may be unfortunate for spec-conscious buyers.
The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness. While impressive, some may find the curved screen design outdated compared to newer flat or equal-bezel options.
Battery and Charging
A 5,500mAh battery powers the device, supporting 80W wired and 30W wireless charging. Interestingly, these charging speeds are slightly lower than some competitors, but the semi-solid state battery technology may offer benefits in cold weather performance.
Software and User Experience
Vivo has introduced some intriguing software features, particularly for photography enthusiasts:
- New Humanistic Street Photography mode with a retro interface
- Multiple color modes: Vivid, Textured, ZEISS Natural, and a hidden black-and-white option
- AI-powered portrait enhancements
Drawbacks and Concerns
- China-exclusive release, limiting global availability
- Late release in the product cycle
- Some UI quirks, like forced exposure adjustment for faces
- Potential issues with wireless charging pad compatibility due to coil placement
Verdict
The Vivo X100 Ultra presents a compelling option for mobile photography enthusiasts, particularly those interested in zoom and macro capabilities. However, its limited availability and potentially short reign as a top-tier device due to upcoming processor releases may give some buyers pause.
For those who prioritize camera performance above all else and have access to the Chinese market, the X100 Ultra could be a strong contender. Others may want to wait and see how it stacks up against the next generation of flagships.
Update: Friday July 05
The Vivo X100 Ultra's 200MP telephoto camera outperforms competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in long-range zoom scenarios. At 20x zoom and beyond, it produces more natural images with better detail and less aggressive sharpening. Even at 100x zoom, the X100 Ultra maintains significantly more detail and clarity. The camera system also offers impressive video capabilities, including 4K/120fps slow-motion on both main and telephoto cameras, Cinematic Portrait mode, and 4K/60fps Dolby Vision recording. While the phone excels in photography, its China-exclusive release limits global availability, and the Origin OS skin may not appeal to all Android users, with some compatibility issues for Google services.