vivo X300 Pro review

Introduction

Subtle tweaks to an already great camera system, an updated design, latest-gen chipset, more battery - a more or less predictable list of changes is what you'll find in the vivo X300 Pro, compared to the 2024 model. Or is it less battery? Wait, what?

You see, the X300 Pro packs a 6,510mAh battery - a sensible upgrade over the previous generation's 6,000mAh capacity. Unless you're in the EU, where the new phone's capacity is limited to just 5,440mAh. Now, technically, that might still be an upgrade, considering that some countries got a 5,200mAh X200 Pro last year, but either way, we want the big battery.

We're not getting it here in Europe though, but we are getting a superbly capable camera system with an improved main unit, a refined telephoto, and a more versatile selfie shooter. On top of that, the X300 Pro gets support for the telephoto extender we saw on last year's Ultra - the thing's not cheap, but it could be worth it.

The more trivial upgrades include the Dimensity 9500 chipset - the Pro model remains on the Mediatek branch, while the Snapdragon is reserved for the Ultras. There's also another episode in the move away from curves and the X300 Pro is now entirely flat - front and back (well, minus the camera bump).

One development that definitely pleased us is the fact there will be no more FuntouchOS - vivo's OriginOS Android overlay will now come preinstalled not only on Chinese versions of the company's phones, but also on the global models like this one.

vivo X300 Pro specs at a glance:

• Body: 161.2x75.5x8.0mm, 226g; Glass front (Armor Glass), aluminum alloy frame, glass back; IP68/IP69 dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.78" LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, 4500 nits (peak), 1260x2800px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 452ppi; Ultra HDR image support.
• Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 9500 (3 nm): Octa-core (1x4.21 GHz C1-Ultra & 3x3.5 GHz C1-Premium & 4x2.7 GHz C1-Pro); Arm G1-Ultra.
• Memory: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; Dual UFS 4.1.
• OS/Software: Android 16, up to 5 major Android upgrades, OriginOS 6.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.6, 24mm, 1/1.28", 1.22µm, PDAF, OIS; Telephoto: 200 MP, f/2.7, 85mm, 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, macro 2.7:1; Ultra wide angle: 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF.
• Front camera: 50 MP, f/2.0, 20mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, 4K@120fps 10-bit Log, Dolby Vision HDR; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 5,440mAh (EU, as tested), 6,510mAh (RoW); 90W wired, 40W wireless, Reverse wireless, Reverse wired.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.4, aptX HD, LHDC 5; NFC; Infrared port.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; Satellite connectivity support (optional, market/region dependent).

vivo X300 Pro unboxing

The X300 Pro arrives in the usual box vivo uses for its high-end phones, a squarish off-black thick cardboard package. A protective case is included, color-matched to the phone. A USB-A-to-C cable is also found inside, but there's no charger in the box. Some early bird bundles do add a FlashCharge adapter, but that's not standard treatment.

Speaking of bundles, in some markets you could score a deal on the Telephoto Extender Kit - normally an eye-watering €600 extra purchase. Maybe a trip to vivo's Spanish store is in order. Or you could get a gray-market import from one of the online stores that sell vivo gear from China.