Vivo X100 Ultra Review India: A Camera Powerhouse with Caveats (June 2024 Update)
The Vivo X100 Ultra has created a buzz in the Indian smartphone market, boasting a monstrous camera system and top-tier specs. But is it the ultimate Android flagship for you? This in-depth Vivo X100 Ultra review India will explore everything you need to know, including its strengths, weaknesses, and how it compares to the competition.
Is the Vivo X100 Ultra camera king?
Let’s address the elephant in the room — the cameras. The X100 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup on the back:
- Main Sensor: 50MP Zeiss-distagon lens with OIS
- Secondary Sensor: 50MP portrait sensor with 2x optical zoom
- Tertiary Sensor: 48MP ultrawide sensor
- Super Telephoto Sensor: 200MP with 10x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom
The camera system is undoubtedly impressive. Photos captured in daylight are phenomenal, brimming with detail, accurate colors, and excellent dynamic range. The portrait mode with the 50MP sensor produces stunning results with natural-looking bokeh effects.
However, some reviewers have noted that the 200MP sensor can be a double-edged sword. While it captures incredible detail in good lighting, low-light performance suffers slightly compared to the 48MP sensor on the X100 Pro. Additionally, the 10x optical zoom, while good, falls short of competitors like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra which offers 12x zoom.
Overall, the Vivo X100 Ultra delivers some of the best smartphone photography, but it may not be the absolute pinnacle.
Does the X100 Ultra have the power to match its cameras?
The X100 Ultra packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. This combination ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and even demanding games (albeit with some heating issues noted during extended gaming sessions).
The phone runs Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, which offers a feature-rich experience but may feel bloated for some users.
Battery life is another strong point, with the 5500mAh battery and 80W fast charging keeping you powered throughout the day.
Who is the Vivo X100 Ultra for?
If you’re a mobile photography enthusiast who prioritizes camera quality above all else, the Vivo X100 Ultra is a strong contender, especially for daylight shots. The phone also caters to power users who demand top-notch performance and a long-lasting battery.
However, if you’re a hardcore gamer seeking the absolute smoothest experience or crave the latest processor, the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phones might be a better fit. Additionally, the hefty price tag might deter some budget-conscious buyers.
Common Questions Answered:
- Is the Vivo X100 Ultra waterproof? Yes, the phone boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
- Does the Vivo X100 Ultra have expandable storage? No, the X100 Ultra does not offer a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
- How much does the Vivo X100 Ultra cost in India? The Vivo X100 Ultra starts at ₹1,29,990 (around $1580) for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant.
The Final Verdict: A Capable Contender, But Not Without Rivals
The Vivo X100 Ultra is a powerful smartphone with a phenomenal camera system. However, its high price tag and a few shortcomings in the camera and performance departments mean it faces stiff competition from other flagships.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to your priorities. If you crave the best possible mobile photography experience and are willing to pay a premium, the Vivo X100 Ultra is a compelling option. But if you value well-rounded performance, the latest processor, or a lower price tag, it might be worth considering alternatives.
Beyond the Cameras and Specs
Design: The X100 Ultra follows the design language of the X100 series, featuring a large curved display and a prominent rear camera module. While some might find the camera bump unwieldy, the phone itself feels sleek and comfortable to hold. It comes in three color options — Black, Silver, and Titanium — offering a more subtle look compared to the flashier options on the Pro variant.
Display: The X100 Ultra boasts a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The display offers excellent viewing angles, vibrant colors, and sharp details. The LTPO technology allows for a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the content, which helps conserve battery life.
Software: The phone runs Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14. Funtouch OS offers a plethora of customization options and features, but some users might find it cluttered compared to stock Android. Vivo promises at least two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the X100 Ultra.
Connectivity: The X100 Ultra supports all the latest connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable for secure unlocking.
Vivo X100 Ultra vs. The Competition
The two main rivals for the X100 Ultra in the Indian market are the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the Oppo Find X7 Ultra. Here’s a quick comparison:
As you can see, all three phones are neck-and-neck in terms of specs. The X100 Ultra boasts a higher resolution main sensor and a massive telephoto sensor, while the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a more versatile telephoto zoom and slightly faster charging. The Oppo Find X7 Ultra falls behind in the Zoom department but compensates with a lower price tag.
Conclusion
The Vivo X100 Ultra is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with a camera system that ranks among the best. It delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks and even demanding applications. However, the hefty price tag, a few limitations in the camera department compared to rivals, and the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phones are factors to consider.
Ultimately, the Vivo X100 Ultra is a compelling option for mobile photography enthusiasts in India who prioritize camera quality above all else. If you value well-rounded performance or a lower price point, exploring alternatives might be a wise decision.
