• Vivo X100 Ultra

    Vivo X100 Ultra Review: A Closer Look at the Top-Tier Camera Phone

    simon Assela Posted on

    The Vivo X100 Ultra stands as the pinnacle of Vivo’s X series, showcasing the most advanced camera technology the brand has to offer. However, it comes with a caveat—it’s exclusively available in China. This restriction raises a significant question for potential buyers worldwide: is the X100 Ultra’s camera prowess compelling enough to warrant importing the device? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the features and performance of the Vivo X100 Ultra to determine if it’s worth the extra effort.

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    Design and Build Quality

    The Vivo X100 Ultra is undeniably a flagship device, exuding an aura of sophistication and premium quality from the moment you lay eyes on it. The design immediately draws attention with its massive circular camera island, accentuated by a textured ring that adds a touch of elegance. The back of the phone is crafted from glass, featuring a smooth satin finish that transitions seamlessly into an aluminum frame with flat sides and a concave top and bottom. This design choice not only enhances the phone’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a solid and comfortable grip.

    In terms of durability, the X100 Ultra boasts an impressive IP69 rating, meaning it can withstand high-pressure water jets and high temperatures. This level of waterproofing is a step above most competitors, ensuring the device can handle more extreme conditions without compromising its integrity.

    Display Quality

    The display on the X100 Ultra is nothing short of spectacular. It features a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED screen with a high resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 120Hz. This combination results in exceptional sharpness, boasting a pixel density of 517 PPI. The high resolution and refresh rate ensure smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or simply browsing.

    The display also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts that enhance any visual content. The brightness levels are impressive, reaching up to 560 nits with manual adjustment and a staggering 1,800 nits in auto mode under bright light. This ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, making the X100 Ultra’s display one of the best in its class.

    Audio Performance

    Audio quality is often overlooked in smartphones, but Vivo has paid attention to this aspect in the X100 Ultra. The device features a pair of stereo speakers, with a grill located at the top of the frame. These speakers deliver a good rating for loudness, producing sound with decent low-end and clear mids. Whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or playing games, the audio experience is satisfying, with enough volume and clarity to immerse you in your content.

    Security and Storage Options

    Security is handled by an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanner, which is both fast and responsive. This technology ensures quick and secure access to your device, adding an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind.

    When it comes to storage, the X100 Ultra offers multiple options to suit different needs. You can choose between 256GB, 512GB, or even a massive 1TB of internal storage. However, it’s worth noting that the storage is not expandable via microSD, so it’s essential to choose a model that meets your long-term storage requirements.

    Software: Android 14 with OriginOS 4

    The X100 Ultra runs on Vivo’s proprietary software, OriginOS 4, layered on top of Android 14. OriginOS 4 brings a unique user experience tailored for the Chinese market, with a variety of pre-installed apps and services. While these can be removed if you’re using the phone outside of China, the software might still feel different from stock Android or other custom skins like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI.

    One notable feature is the inclusion of an IR blaster, allowing you to use the X100 Ultra as a remote control for various devices. This adds a layer of versatility that can be particularly handy in everyday situations.

    Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

    At the heart of the X100 Ultra is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the latest and most powerful processor in the Snapdragon lineup. In benchmarks, the X100 Ultra delivers flagship-grade performance, holding its own against other top-tier smartphones. The user interface is smooth and responsive, and gaming performance is top-notch, with no noticeable lag or stuttering.

    However, thermal management could be an area of concern. During prolonged use or intense gaming sessions, the device tends to get quite warm, making it uncomfortable to hold. Despite this, the X100 Ultra maintains high performance levels, ensuring a fluid experience even under heavy loads.

    Battery Life and Charging Speed

    The X100 Ultra is equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery, providing a solid balance between capacity and weight. In our tests, the phone achieved an impressive active use score of about 13 hours, making it a reliable companion for a full day of heavy use. When it comes to charging, the X100 Ultra supports 80W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes, and a full charge takes approximately 48 minutes. Additionally, the device supports wireless charging, adding another layer of convenience.

    Camera Performance

    Now, let’s delve into the highlight of the Vivo X100 Ultra—the cameras. The device features a 50MP main camera with a 1-inch type sensor, a unique 200MP telephoto camera with 3.7x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Each of these cameras brings something special to the table, making the X100 Ultra a versatile photography tool.

    Main Camera

    The main camera produces outstanding photos in various lighting conditions. Daylight shots exhibit excellent detail and natural sharpness, with wide dynamic range and pleasing color reproduction. The colors are well-saturated, and the white balance is dependable, ensuring that your photos look vibrant and true to life.

    In low light, the main camera continues to impress. Photos retain a high level of detail, with well-preserved highlights and boosted shadows that add depth to the images. The dynamic range remains wide, and the colors are vibrant, making nighttime photography a delight. The main camera can also record videos in up to 8K resolution, though 4K is more practical for most users. Video quality is excellent, with great detail, balanced sharpening, accurate colors, and wide dynamic range. Electronic stabilization is effective, though some competing phones offer slightly smoother results.

    Telephoto Camera

    The telephoto camera is where the X100 Ultra truly stands out. With a 200MP sensor and 3.7x optical zoom, this camera captures incredibly detailed and noise-free photos. The dynamic range and color reproduction are top-notch, making it a fantastic tool for capturing distant subjects with clarity. Portraits taken with the telephoto camera are particularly impressive, with beautifully rendered out-of-focus backgrounds and excellent subject separation.

    One of the unique features of the telephoto camera is its close focusing capability, allowing for stunning macro shots. The shallow depth of field creates a natural bokeh effect, enhancing the visual appeal of close-up photos. Even in low light, the telephoto camera performs admirably, capturing sharp and well-exposed shots with good detail across both shadows and highlights.

    Ultrawide Camera

    The ultrawide camera on the X100 Ultra also delivers strong performance, though it falls slightly behind the other cameras in terms of sharpness. Daylight photos have excellent dynamic range and pleasing colors, but the detail level is not as high as some competitors. In low light, the ultrawide camera struggles a bit more, with photos showing heavy sharpening and a lack of fine detail. However, exposures are generally well-balanced, and colors remain accurate.

    Selfie Camera

    The selfie camera on the X100 Ultra is a significant upgrade over the X100 Pro. It captures vibrant and detailed selfies with lifelike skin tones and excellent color reproduction. The dynamic range is wide, ensuring that both highlights and shadows are well-represented in your selfies. However, some users might find the sharpening to be a bit too heavy, which can give the images an overly processed look.

     

    Pros and Cons of the Vivo X100 Ultra

    Pros:

    1. Exceptional Camera Performance:
      • Main Camera: The 50MP main camera delivers outstanding detail, natural sharpness, and vibrant colors in both daylight and low light conditions.
      • Telephoto Camera: Unique 200MP telephoto camera with 3.7x optical zoom provides superb detail, noise-free images, and impressive macro capabilities.
      • Selfie Camera: Upgraded selfie camera captures vibrant and detailed photos with lifelike skin tones and excellent dynamic range.
    2. Premium Display:
      • High Resolution and Refresh Rate: 6.78-inch LTPO OLED screen with 1440p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and immersive visuals.
      • HDR10+ and Dolby Vision Support: Delivers vibrant colors and deep contrasts for an enhanced viewing experience.
      • High Brightness Levels: Maximum brightness of 1,800 nits in auto mode ensures excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
    3. Sophisticated Design and Build Quality:
      • Premium Materials: Glass back with satin finish and aluminum frame provide a solid and comfortable grip.
      • IP69 Rating: Superior waterproofing capability, able to withstand high-pressure water jets and high temperatures.
    4. High-End Performance:
      • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful chipset ensures smooth performance and top-tier gaming experience.
      • Thermal Management: Maintains high performance levels even under prolonged use, though it can get warm.
    5. Long Battery Life and Fast Charging:
      • 5,500 mAh Battery: Provides up to 13 hours of active use.
      • 80W Fast Charging: Charges the battery from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes, with a full charge taking approximately 48 minutes.
      • Wireless Charging Support: Adds an extra layer of convenience.
    6. Additional Features:
      • Ultrasonic Under-Display Fingerprint Scanner: Fast and responsive for secure unlocking.
      • IR Blaster: Allows the phone to be used as a remote control for various devices.
      • Ample Storage Options: Available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of internal storage.

    Cons:

    1. Limited Availability:
      • China-Exclusive: Only available in China, making it difficult for international buyers to acquire and support.
    1. Thermal Management:
      • Gets Warm: Can become quite warm during prolonged use or intense gaming sessions, affecting comfort.
    1. Software Experience:
      • China-Specific Features: Comes with pre-installed China-specific apps and services, which may need to be removed for international use.
      • Different User Interface: OriginOS 4 is different from stock Android and other custom skins, which might require an adjustment period.
    1. Non-Expandable Storage:
      • No microSD Slot: Storage options are not expandable, so you must choose the right model for your needs from the start.
    1. Ultrawide Camera Performance:
      • Lower Sharpness: Ultrawide photos are not as sharp as those from the main and telephoto cameras.
      • Low Light Struggles: Ultrawide camera struggles in low light, with heavy sharpening and less detail.

     

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    Reasons to Buy the Vivo X100 Ultra

    1. Top-Tier Camera Capabilities:
      • If you’re a photography enthusiast or a professional looking for a smartphone with exceptional camera performance, the Vivo X100 Ultra is a compelling choice. Its unique 200MP telephoto camera, superb main camera, and upgraded selfie camera set it apart from competitors.
    2. Premium Display Quality:
      • For those who prioritize a high-quality viewing experience, the X100 Ultra’s 6.78-inch LTPO OLED screen with 1440p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision offers one of the best displays available on a smartphone.
    3. Durability and Design:
      • The IP69 rating, premium build quality, and sophisticated design make the X100 Ultra a durable and aesthetically pleasing device that can withstand harsh conditions.
    4. High-End Performance:
      • Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the X100 Ultra ensures top-tier performance for demanding applications and games, making it an excellent choice for power users.
    5. Long Battery Life and Fast Charging:
      • With a large 5,500 mAh battery and 80W fast charging, the X100 Ultra provides long-lasting battery life and quick recharging, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day.
    6. Advanced Features:
      • The inclusion of an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, and multiple high-storage options make the X100 Ultra a versatile and feature-rich smartphone.
    7. Flagship Experience:
      • If you’re looking for a flagship experience with the latest technology and top-class hardware, the Vivo X100 Ultra delivers on all fronts, making it a worthy investment for those seeking the best.

     

     

    Conclusion

    The Vivo X100 Ultra is a true flagship phone that excels in almost every area, particularly in camera performance. The main camera and telephoto camera are among the best you can find on any smartphone, providing superb photo and video quality in a wide range of conditions. The ultrawide camera, while not as impressive, still holds its own and delivers good results.

    In terms of design, build quality, display, and audio performance, the X100 Ultra stands out as a premium device. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensures top-tier performance, though thermal management could be improved. The battery life is excellent, and the fast charging capabilities are convenient.

    However, the exclusivity of the X100 Ultra to the Chinese market poses a significant challenge for international buyers. While the phone offers a similar experience to the globally available Vivo X100 Pro, the differences are not substantial enough to justify the potential hassle and risks associated with importing the device. For most users, the Vivo X100 Pro or other high-end alternatives like the Honor Magic 6 Pro might be more practical choices.

    In conclusion, the Vivo X100 Ultra is a remarkable flagship phone with top-class camera hardware and a host of premium features. If you’re willing to go through the effort of importing it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best camera phones on the market. However, for those looking for a more accessible option, the Vivo X100 Pro provides a very similar experience without the complications of a grey import.

     

     

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    simon Assela
    Simon is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the FCB. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or reading political news.
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