{"id":20239,"date":"2025-11-01T06:43:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T06:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20239"},"modified":"2025-11-01T06:43:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T06:43:10","slug":"vivo-x300-pro-review-an-outstanding-camera-that-happens-to-be-a-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/?p=20239","title":{"rendered":"Vivo X300 Pro Review: An Outstanding Camera That Happens to Be a Phone"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" data-perfmatters-preload=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured.jpg\" alt=\"A man holds a smartphone with an attached camera lens, aiming it toward the viewer. The background is slightly blurred, showing people outdoors. The image features &quot;PetaPixel Reviews&quot; text in the bottom right corner.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"840\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-320x168.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-800x420.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-150x79.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-400x209.jpg 400w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured-550x288.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It only takes a few shots to realize just how different the Vivo X300 Pro is as a mobile photography tool. It is laden with improved performance and output, plus a photography kit made up of a 2.35x telephoto lens extender and grip with built-in physical controls and a 2300mAh battery. It\u2019s stacked. <\/p>\n<p>A phone like this only further illustrates how much consumers in North America have been robbed of real innovation. Rather than settle for stagnant, iterative baby steps like the three dominant brands in this part of the world, Vivo finds ways not only to improve on a superb previous effort but also to throw new, useful tricks into the mix.<\/p>\n<p>The X300 Pro feels like a camera that also happens to be a smartphone. But what\u2019s different this time is that the entire operating system gets an overhaul, and a direct link to Apple devices, making this the most compelling package the company\u2019s ever produced.  <\/p>\n<h2>Vivo X300 Pro Review: Design and Build <\/h2>\n<p>Vivo doesn\u2019t deviate a great deal in the overall design for this phone, borrowing some key traits from the <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/02\/02\/vivo-x200-pro-review-a-telephoto-for-the-ages\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">X200 Pro<\/a>, like the round camera module, matte finish, and 6.78-inch AMOLED screen (2800 x 1260) with thinner bezels this time. Lacking a different take on physical appearance would usually make a phone feel like just another iterative change, but there are overarching changes presenting themselves in various other ways.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back.jpg\" alt=\"A silver Vivo smartphone with a large circular rear camera module is displayed on a clear stand, with blurred &quot;Vivo X300&quot; branding in the blue-lit background.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-back-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>On the one hand, the X300 Pro is a successor to the X200 Ultra, a China-only phone that was easily among the best camera phones produced in 2024. This phone adopts the same mounting ring around the camera module to slot in the adapter ring for the lens extender or a 62mm adapter for any ND filter you want to mount on it (none come with the photography kit).<\/p>\n<p>Vivo\u2019s ongoing relationship with Zeiss means the rear module gets the same T* Coating as before. The body is both IP68 and IP69 dust and water-resistant for added toughness.<\/p>\n<p>Running on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, the X300 Pro global version also only comes in one 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration. Vivo plays it safe with colors, offering black, white, blue, and brown.<\/p>\n<h2>A \u2018Balanced\u2019 Philosophical Approach <\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s where things start to get interesting. Yet again, Vivo chooses to stay away from a Type 1 sensor in favor of a Sony LYT-828 Type 1\/1.28-inch sensor for its 50-megapixel main camera (24mm equivalent) with f\/1.57 aperture, optical image stabilization, phase detection autofocus, and 1.22\u00b5m pixels. A 2x zoom crop factor (48mm equivalent) is also available.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting.jpg\" alt=\"A hand holds a smartphone, capturing a photo of a city skyline at night. The phone screen displays the brightly lit cityscape in focus, while the background appears blurred with colorful lights.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-night-shooting-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>While in Shanghai for the X300 series launch, I spoke with Keshav Chugh, Vivo\u2019s product manager for camera development, to learn why the company would drop a Type One \u2014 often still referred to as one-inch \u2014 sensor (again) that many competitors still market as a premium spec. Apparently, it\u2019s not a cost-cutting move.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe didn\u2019t stop it because we\u2019re saving costs. The price is basically the same, or even more,\u201d he tells <em>PetaPixel<\/em>. <\/p>\n<p>Without knowing any figures, I couldn\u2019t verify whether it costs Vivo the same or not, but in any case, his issue with the Sony IMX989 Type 1 sensor is that it\u2019s both dated and its architecture isn\u2019t stacked, meaning it couldn\u2019t handle the data throughput needed for modern features like 10-bit log, 4Kp120 HDR, Dolby Vision video, or Vivo\u2019s own HDR pipeline.<\/p>\n<p>He reaches for a car analogy: \u201cA one-inch sensor is like a 4.2-liter V8. The new 828 is like a 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo. The V6 might be smaller, but in power-to-weight, efficiency, and fuel consumption, it\u2019s better balanced. That\u2019s the balance we\u2019re making,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-485mm-zoom.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up view of a large spherical tower with a lattice pattern illuminated by red and white lights at night, partially framed by a modern glass building on the left.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-485mm-zoom.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-485mm-zoom-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-485mm-zoom-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-485mm-zoom-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Even so, that \u201cbalance\u201d still has to work with competent software computation. Chugh points to more effective HDR with improved tonality driven by much better noise reduction as a \u201chuge jump\u201d in performance. He even goes so far as to present the X300 Pro as a rejection of the industry\u2019s \u201cobsession with HDR\u2019s perfect exposure look\u201d over the last few years. While he doesn\u2019t mention Apple, Samsung, and Google by name, the implication is obvious to me since all three brands pursue that kind of look in different ways.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-street-level-night.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people stand in front of a brightly lit street food stall at night, examining the menu and ordering food, with a bicycle parked in the foreground.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-street-level-night.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-street-level-night-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-street-level-night-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-street-level-night-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Vivo, he says, seeks to restore natural shadows, deepen contrast, and add a distinctive signature tone. As outstanding as the company\u2019s color science has been over the same timeframe, he considers it \u201ca very long-term project\u201d given that every tonal change requires massive algorithm retuning and extensive testing across thousands of scenes. \u201cYou can\u2019t just change color tones in one year,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<h2>Telephoto Prowess Expands <\/h2>\n<p>This also applies to the 200-megapixel telephoto lens (85mm equivalent), now built around a custom Samsung HPB Type 1\/1.4-inch sensor developed to meet Vivo\u2019s own requirements and algorithms. This kind of deeper hardware\u2013software integration, he adds, lets Vivo process raw image data in ways off-the-shelf sensors simply can\u2019t. HPB is an offshoot of Samsung\u2019s HP9 sensor that proved so versatile in the X200 Pro (and Ultra) and Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Rumor has it Samsung will refuse to use the HP9 in its next Galaxy S26 flagship as well.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm.jpg\" alt=\"A hand holds a smartphone displaying its camera app, focused on a woman in a white dress posing against a blue background. The phone screen shows photo options and portrait mode settings.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-portrait-mode-capture-85mm-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-bubbles.jpg\" alt=\"A young woman in a light, flowing dress smiles while creating large soap bubbles with a purple wand, surrounded by several floating bubbles against a soft, light blue and white background.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1205\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-bubbles.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-bubbles-320x241.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-bubbles-800x603.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-bubbles-1536x1157.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The telephoto is ultimately the star of the show because it offers the most variation and versatility. Zeiss always had a hand in developing the lenses for Vivo\u2019s flagships, but also in helping to miniaturize an apochromatic telephoto lens for the photography kit. This is a sturdy lens made of the same materials typically found in standard Zeiss lenses, giving it a certain heft.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit.jpg\" alt=\"A person holds a smartphone with an attached external camera lens and a grip, enhancing its photography capabilities. The setup is held horizontally, ready for taking photos.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photography-kit-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The APO lens is part of the wider kit that includes a case, mounting ring, and grip. The grip features a physical shutter, an exposure dial, a zoom lever, a video recording button, and a standard tripod thread underneath. There\u2019s also a side button to trigger the built-in battery to top up the phone\u2019s battery. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle.jpg\" alt=\"A person holding a smartphone with an attached external camera lens, pointing it toward the street while standing outdoors in an urban area.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-handheld-low-angle-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Vivo previously introduced this kit with the China-only X200 Ultra, so the new X300 Pro brings it to global users for the first time. When put together, the phone feels like a camera system, aided significantly by the fact that the entire Vivo camera app\u2019s modes and features are available when using the APO lens. The grip even has its own section in the camera settings, letting you switch from single to continuous autofocus, or select burst shooting when holding down the shutter. It\u2019s the kind of granularity and customization you associate more with a real camera, and yet, here it is. The grip\u2019s shutter also focuses with a half-press, mirroring the feel of a mirrorless or DSLR while shooting.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-close-up-stage-800mm.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long brown hair and bangs, wearing a black sweater over a white collared shirt and a headset microphone, is smiling while standing in front of a lit screen and dark background.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1205\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-close-up-stage-800mm.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-close-up-stage-800mm-320x241.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-close-up-stage-800mm-800x603.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-close-up-stage-800mm-1536x1157.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of hands holding a smartphone, taking a photo of a man's face. The phone screen shows the camera app focused on the man's face with glasses, capturing his portrait in a well-lit indoor setting.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-zoom-1600mm-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>By default, the APO lens extends the optical range to a 200mm equivalent, with 400mm, 800mm, and 1,600mm equivalents available as hybrid zoom options. OIS and software-based stabilization also combine to make handheld shots far easier at these varying lengths. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a smartphone with a large circular camera module featuring Zeiss branding, dual camera lenses, and a textured black case, placed on a wooden surface.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-mounting-ring-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Even without the APO lens attached, all of the rear cameras remain accessible through well-crafted cutouts in the lens mount. Plus, the built-in telephoto can focus as close as about 20cm away from a subject, making it a really useful lens to use under varying conditions as a complement to the main one.<\/p>\n<h2>Software Features <\/h2>\n<p>All of this implies AI is involved to some degree, something Vivo sees as a cutting-edge opportunity \u201cwhen done right.\u201d An example of this is the Landscape and Night mode, where tapping the AI button at the top activates a visual setting that adds generative AI effects within the setting. The idea is to complement a photo rather than replace it, so users can change seasons, time of day, add fireworks, turn it into a cel-shaded animation, or other creative effects directly in the camera app. There are no written or verbal prompts, no third-party app, and no payment required. \u201cYou get a full-resolution picture within 30 seconds, and it\u2019s the only camera phone in the world that does it,\u201d says Chugh.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual.jpg\" alt=\"A person holds a smartphone displaying a photo of Shanghai\u2019s Oriental Pearl Tower at sunset, with city lights and a tall building beside it. The phone screen shows various editing and sharing options.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-AI-Visual-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not one for AI trickery in photography, though this particular mode does present interesting results that can be both playful and artistic. But it\u2019s also walking a fine line.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAI as a trend is just going to go up, like with Sora and Nano Banana coming in, but as the product manager for AI, I am also trying to find the right balance between realism and AI. I don\u2019t want it to be 100% imagery \u2014 I still want it to be photography, but enhanced photography,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s uncharted waters because we\u2019re defining the benchmark rather than following one.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_823347\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-823347\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-AI-long-exposure.jpg\" alt=\"A vibrant city skyline at dusk with illuminated skyscrapers, the tallest displaying \u201c2020\u201d on top, glowing lights reflecting on a river, and a dramatic reddish-blue sky with scattered clouds above.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-AI-long-exposure.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-AI-long-exposure-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-AI-long-exposure-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-AI-long-exposure-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-823347\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">AI-Generated Image \u2014 Vivo\u2019s AI Visual setting (in the Landscape and Night mode) generated a dusk setting in this photo, which was originally taken in the darkness of night.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>That\u2019s why Vivo\u2019s AI features are starting to reference real-world metadata, like gyroscope, compass, and elevation data, so that effects like sunsets appear in physically correct directions and lighting. The very idea of missing a sunset in reality only to capture it from a \u201ctoo late\u201d photo is entirely possible with the X300 Pro, but my experience with the device showed mixed results. Shooting skyward at a group of skyscrapers and then using the AI to add fireworks (multiple times), I was dismayed at how much empty space it left in the sky to apply the effect. On the other hand, it shocked me how it turned a night scene of Hong Kong into something that looks like it was captured at dusk.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond AI, Vivo\u2019s software computation has long followed a distinct path, with its own imaging chip processing RAW data first before handing it off to the phone\u2019s CPU. It\u2019s probably the biggest reason why photos on the X300 Pro maintain a distinctive look. Zeiss\u2019 photographic style also differs from the Vivo-engineered Vivid or Texture ones, which has been a standard mix of options going back years now.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-Photoshop-edit-lens-flare.jpg\" alt=\"A modern building with swirling, ribbon-like architecture is illuminated by vibrant blue, purple, and pink lights at night, with colorful reflections shimmering in the water below.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-Photoshop-edit-lens-flare.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-Photoshop-edit-lens-flare-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-Photoshop-edit-lens-flare-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-Photoshop-edit-lens-flare-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This phone also retains the crown for handling exposed light sources, tamping them down, and adding detail to harsh reflections in ways other brands simply don\u2019t. I did, however, discover a weakness: artificial light above a certain wattage, angled a certain way, rips through the lens coating and straight to the sensor, causing lens flare issues. I can\u2019t quantify the exact wattage or brightness, but it\u2019s a unique instance where the light\u2019s distance doesn\u2019t have to be close for this to happen, as I noticed when capturing both the Orbit building in Shanghai and the Victoria Peak Tram in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n<h2>Vivo X300 Pro Review: Image Quality <\/h2>\n<p>Normally, I break down image quality by individual camera, but in this case, I\u2019m lumping it all together because the consistency is readily apparent. I leaned on the telephoto far more than the main camera, simply because it proved so reliable. Vivo\u2019s Street Photography mode is made for this camera array, and especially the APO lens. I had a blast using it in Shanghai and Hong Kong, the latter of which feels like a street photographer\u2019s perfect canvas.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-street-black-and-white.jpg\" alt=\"A man sits at a market stall with his head resting on his arms, appearing to nap. Handbags and purses are displayed on tables around him. The scene is in black and white.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-street-black-and-white.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-street-black-and-white-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-street-black-and-white-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-street-black-and-white-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-low-light-skewer.jpg\" alt=\"A skewer of meat is being grilled over an open flame, with a torch adding direct heat to the meat. The grill bars are visible, and the scene is dramatic with bright orange flames and a dark background.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-low-light-skewer.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-low-light-skewer-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-low-light-skewer-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-low-light-skewer-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>To surpass the X200 Pro is no small feat, given the excellent results I got from that device. Here, the X300 Pro just feels like a big step forward, not only leaving the X200 series behind, but also further humbling the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Google. It\u2019s what I call the difference between snapshots and photos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a plate of glazed meat in a rich, dark sauce, with a blurred green floral centerpiece in the background. The food is presented on a white dish.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-close-up-800mm.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a lit red candle with a bright flame melting the end of a translucent stick, set against a dark background.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-close-up-800mm.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-close-up-800mm-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-close-up-800mm-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-close-up-800mm-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>While it\u2019s obvious that HDR is working, you can also elect to turn off some of the post-processing, leaving most of the workload to Vivo\u2019s imaging chip. If you choose to shoot in RAW, you can take on the processing yourself, though I\u2019m very disappointed that in spite of all the excellent manual controls and settings, there seems to be no way to shoot in RAW at full resolution. You\u2019re left with pixel-binned 12.5-megapixel images instead, or you can go with 50- or 200-megapixel JPEGs through the regular Photo mode when selecting resolution. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure.jpg\" alt=\"A historic, ornate building is illuminated at night as a bus, captured with a long exposure, creates colorful streaks of red, white, and blue light in front of it on a city street.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Despite that, the versatility here invites all sorts of experimentation. I found success using the Floating Clouds and Mysterious Mist settings within the Long Exposure mode as a way to capture moving vehicles at night for a streaky effect that looks different from the Flow of Traffic one.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA.jpg\" alt=\"A Houston Rockets basketball player dribbles the ball while being closely guarded by two Toronto Raptors players on a basketball court during a game.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-2.jpg\" alt=\"Two basketball players in red uniforms defend against a player in a white uniform holding the ball, while photographers and spectators watch from the sidelines of a brightly lit indoor court.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-2-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-action-NBA-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Snapshot is excellent for freezing action and works very well with the photography kit at concerts or sporting events. If you\u2019ve ever struggled to capture your child playing a sport from a distance and freeze them in place, your odds go up exponentially with the X300 Pro. Its 10x hybrid zoom (242mm equivalent) is surprisingly sharp and can deliver a solid result handheld. Put it on a tripod or monopod for extra support and you\u2019re likely to do even better. Arenas and pro sports venues that restrict attendees from bringing in bigger cameras should pose no problem. I had no issues myself.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-traffic.jpg\" alt=\"A city street at night with tall buildings lit by colorful neon lights. Long-exposure photo shows red and white light trails from moving vehicles, emphasizing the urban energy and motion.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-traffic.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-traffic-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-traffic-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-long-exposure-traffic-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>I used the X300 Pro in various places under various conditions, and it never really let me down. The APO lens and grip caught more than a few curious stares, but no matter how I shot or what I was capturing, the results impressed. That included those I met along the way using other devices who not only marveled at the sharpness and quality but were especially taken aback by the results from the telephoto.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-cat.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a tabby cat\u2019s face in profile, showing green eyes, white whiskers, and light brown fur with dark stripes, against a blurred green outdoor background.\" width=\"1205\" height=\"1600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-cat.jpg 1205w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-cat-241x320.jpg 241w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-cat-603x800.jpg 603w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-cat-1157x1536.jpg 1157w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1205px) 100vw, 1205px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-contrast.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional Chinese lanterns with ornate designs and red tassels hang in a row under a wooden roof, softly illuminated and casting a warm glow along a wooden building facade.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-contrast.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-contrast-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-contrast-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-contrast-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also less noise than before, as well as a more realistic contrast between highlights and shadows, which is why you have to make exposure adjustments along the way to compensate. Focusing is fast, and while the grip can introduce a little shutter lag, it becomes more noticeable when shooting faster action. Switching to burst in Snapshot helps shave the timing down.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-main-high-res-edit.jpg\" alt=\"Three modern skyscrapers rise into a foggy night sky, their tops illuminated by lights and partially obscured by mist, with tree branches visible at the bottom of the image.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-823339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-main-high-res-edit.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-main-high-res-edit-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-main-high-res-edit-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-main-high-res-edit-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The 50-megapixel ultra-wide offers less of a boost by using the same Samsung JN1 Type 1\/2.76-inch sensor as the previous two models. Vivo\u2019s improved processing applies here, though, so it at least feels like there\u2019s been a bump in output from that standpoint.<\/p>\n<h3>Video Features <\/h3>\n<p>The newer sensors for the main and telephoto cameras pay dividends in video quality as well, up to the point where 4K at 120fps is a native option. Improved stabilization also helps the cause making handheld clips easier to manage. Altogether, you can record in 8K at 30fps, 4K at 30fps, 60fps, and 120fps, or 1080p at 30fps and 60fps in Video mode. As before, you get Dolby Vision in 4K and 1080p in H.265 format by default, but you also lose it if you use ultra stabilization. Portrait Video emulates a cinematic look with how face detection works, while Pro mode gives you full manual control. For log recording, you have to go to Video mode.<\/p>\n<h2>New OS and Apple Device Integration <\/h2>\n<p>The other element with the X300 series is doing away with the terrible Funtouch overlay and replacing it with Vivo\u2019s more interesting OriginOS 6. Not only is it smoother and more refined but it\u2019s also bringing in full interoperability with Apple\u2019s devices. Now you can take photos with an X300 Pro and transfer them to an iPad or Mac. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software.jpg\" alt=\"A computer screen displays a phone management app with photo thumbnails of basketball games. The sidebar shows options like files, notes, and remote PC, and the main section highlights recent files and import options.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-Office-Kit-software-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Screen mirroring, drag-and-drop transfers, copy and paste \u2014 the integrations are significant. They also apply to Windows PCs, so it\u2019s a notable change that finally expands beyond just Vivo\u2019s China-only variants. You just need to download and install Vivo\u2019s Office Kit app on your computer to make the connection work, and you don\u2019t have to sign in to a Vivo account to share files or mirror your phone screen, either. Sharing with an iPhone requires turning on VivoShare on the X300 Pro in the settings and for the iPhone user to have Vivo\u2019s EasyShare app installed.  <\/p>\n<p>Vivo clearly took inspiration from Apple in designing OriginOS, as evidenced by the quick settings pane and \u201cOrigin Island\u201d that work around the front camera\u2019s cutout.<\/p>\n<h2>The Vivo X300 Pro Is the New Industry Benchmark for Mobile Photography <\/h2>\n<p>I suspect those familiar with Vivo won\u2019t find a lot of this review surprising. The company continues to push hard on the imaging side, which helps spur intense competition among Chinese brands, a juxtaposition that stands out so starkly against the inert malaise we keep seeing from more established brands.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-telephoto-traditional-dress.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in traditional Chinese dress and ornate headpiece holds a decorative pink parasol with tassels. She stands among a crowd, looking at the camera. The scene appears to be at a public event or festival.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-telephoto-traditional-dress.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-telephoto-traditional-dress-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-telephoto-traditional-dress-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-telephoto-traditional-dress-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>The phone itself is already more than capable but when I include the kit in the mix, I see it as the kind of rig that would be perfect for travel, street, or action photography. The X300 Pro stands out not just for taking outstanding photos on a mobile phone, but also for doing so across a variety of situations and settings. The color science and dynamic range remain industry-leading, and when put up against the \u201cBig 3\u201d in North America, Vivo\u2019s flagship simply confirms the kind of gap I\u2019ve been seeing for at least the last four years.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-trays.jpg\" alt=\"An assortment of cooked dishes in metal trays at a food stall, featuring fried foods, vegetables, and various stir-fried meats, all displayed behind a glass counter.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-trays.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-trays-240x320.jpg 240w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-trays-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-food-trays-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It can be awkward to take photos with a grip and an APO lens attached, but it also feels liberating for the inalienable fact that it creates opportunities. Shooting in portrait orientation at ground level for worm\u2019s-eye view is infinitely easier with a grip, while zooming in from afar for crisp results makes the lens feel indispensable. For me, it wasn\u2019t just about having cool gear to work with; it was how I felt utilizing the flexibility such a system afforded me.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-600mm.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of hands exchanging cash at a food stall with fried noodles and various fried snacks in the background. One hand holds money, while the other, wearing a blue glove, receives it near a takeout bag.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" class=\"size-full wp-image-823335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-600mm.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-600mm-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-600mm-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Vivo-X300-Pro-photo-zoom-600mm-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>All that said, there are caveats to consider, one of which is that having this kind of zoom capability in one\u2019s pocket could lead to privacy invasions. From above at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong to street level in Toronto, I could peer through windows into faraway buildings and make out details in a home or office, right down to who was sitting or walking within them. At the same time, capturing wildlife from a distance without hauling a lot of gear also feels like a nice opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>It makes video recording both interesting and unsettling at the same time. You can get quality footage with the APO lens, though I would personally resent someone recording me unsolicitedly from a distance for whatever reason. I know these trade-offs have long existed in photography, but when the pieces all fit in your pockets, the paradigm can shift.<\/p>\n<h3>Are There Alternatives? <\/h3>\n<p>There is, and the best pretty much all come from China as well. The Oppo Find X9 Pro utilizes Oppo\u2019s partnership with Hasselblad to also craft an APO lens to extend the phone\u2019s own telephoto capabilities. The full system differs in design and installation, but given the photography prowess involved, it\u2019s a serious competitor.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/03\/07\/xiaomi-15-ultra-review-an-expensive-treat-for-photographers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Xiaomi 15 Ultra<\/a> has a photography kit with a grip and an easy way to add on 67mm ND filters, but has no similar lens attachment to expand on its telephoto. Xiaomi\u2019s collaboration with Leica contributes to a unique style that helps the phone produce excellent images, save for the biggest weakness, which is blowing out exposed light sources.<\/p>\n<p>The Honor Magic 8 Pro looks to be an interesting option as it comes out soon, though I can\u2019t yet speak to any particular standout points yet. The OnePlus 15 is essentially a clone of the Oppo Find X9 Pro, except OnePlus no longer includes Hasselblad in its software, so the photography experience looks to take a different approach. Having used it a little so far, I can say it\u2019s a very capable shooter, though, like Honor, you have no proprietary grip or lens attachment.<\/p>\n<p>On North American shores, there\u2019s just no comparison. The <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/09\/17\/iphone-17-pro-pro-max-review-for-photographers-a-welcome-focus-on-hardware\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">iPhone 17 Pro\/Pro Max<\/a> remain strong on video quality but otherwise move at a snail\u2019s pace for still images. The telephoto and low-light performance aren\u2019t good enough when comparing them to what Vivo can deliver, nor has Apple paid any real attention to action, long exposure, or street photography in any meaningful way. That being said, it could be interesting to see how the latest iPhone performs when paired with something like <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/10\/29\/sandmarcs-new-270-telephoto-lens-doubles-the-iphone-17-pros-zoom\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Sandmarc\u2019s new telephoto lens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s very much a similar story with <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/01\/29\/samsung-s25-ultra-review-it-smooths-out-the-rough-edges\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Samsung<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/2025\/08\/27\/google-pixel-10-pro-review-for-photographers-the-most-minor-update-yet\/\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\">Google<\/a>, whose flagships are both capable of producing good shots, but you have to work harder to get them. Moreover, while Samsung gives you a lot of tools to work with, Google offers fewer, though I am a fan of the new Camera Coach AI as a way to help people compose better photos. The key is these three brands simply don\u2019t innovate on the camera side at anywhere near the same pace.<\/p>\n<h3>Should You Buy It? <\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely. As of this review, the Vivo X300 Pro is arguably the best phone camera available. Asia, India, Europe, and other markets will find it easier to obtain one, whereas North Americans will have to import it. If you can buy one overseas, you won\u2019t regret it if you want a more serious camera to go with your phone.<\/p>\n<p>The only problem is that it won\u2019t come cheap. In Europe, the phone sells for \u20ac1,400, while the photography kit adds another \u20ac600. That\u2019s expensive, and converted to USD, it gets uncomfortably close to what a good mirrorless camera can cost. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It only takes a few shots to realize just how different the Vivo X300 Pro is as a mobile photography tool. It is laden with improved performance and output, plus a photography kit made up of a 2.35x telephoto lens extender and grip with built-in physical controls and a 2300mAh battery. It\u2019s stacked. A phone [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/assets\/uploads\/2025\/10\/vivo-x300-pro-review-featured.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-20239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=20239"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20239\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/20240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=20239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=20239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=20239"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creatorkitdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=20239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}