In case you didn’t know yet, vivo has just launched its newest addition to the X series in the Philippines, a more compact version of the X300 Ultra, the vivo X300 FE.
Despite the significant price gap compared to the vivo X300 Ultra, the question is, is the vivo X300 FE actually worth it?
Read on to find out.
Let’s get straight into the camera capabilities of the vivo X300 FE.
On paper, the vivo X300 FE is a capable camera phone. It features a 50MP ZEISS main camera with OIS, a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
Looking at the sample shots below, the vivo X300 FE delivers good image quality in real life. Photos of murals and architectural structures show plenty of detail, and HDR performance is generally reliable.
I also tested the camera in a slightly more challenging situation. In the photos below, a koi fish was constantly moving, and a bird was continuously jumping. Despite the motion, the vivo X300 FE was still able to capture decent shots with good detail.
For indoor photography, the vivo X300 FE handles mixed lighting reasonably well. Photos remain bright and balanced without blowing out highlights.
Portrait performance is also solid. The camera does a good job of preserving details in both bright and shadowed areas.
I personally think that adding the vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 can make a noticeable difference in zoom flexibility.
It’s an optional lens accessory that attaches to the phone and adds a 200mm equivalent focal length for longer zoom shots. This can help when capturing distant subjects such as stage performances, especially when combined with AI Stage Mode, compared to standard digital zoom.
The vivo X300 FE also comes with a feature called AI Creative Camera, which offers several filters that change the look of photos.
I tried some of the available filters, and they can be useful if you want a different look from the standard output. The Dream filter adds a soft, slightly glowing effect, while Sunlight increases brightness and vibrancy.
The Mist filter creates a fog-like effect similar to how Baguio shots look. There’s also an Underwater filter that adds an underwater style.
Lastly, let’s talk about the vivo X300 FE’s 4K 60fps video recording capabilities.
After reviewing the footage, the video quality is already good for casual vlogging and social media content. It offers decent detail and clarity in most lighting conditions.
There were instances where footage taken under bright sunlight appeared slightly washed out, though this was not consistent across all recordings. In most situations, the camera produced balanced exposure and usable results.
Yes, the design language of the vivo X300 FE leans toward a horizontal camera bar layout similar to iPhone Air. This is obviously different from the circular or vertical modules seen in previous vivo models.
On the front, it boasts a 6.31-inch flat AMOLED display with a 2640 × 1216 resolution and up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel can reach up to 5,000 nits peak brightness, making it usable even under strong outdoor light.
During use, scrolling, browsing, and light gaming felt smooth. The flat display also avoids accidental touches along the edges.
Out of the box, the vivo X300 FE runs OriginOS 6. vivo also states that the device will receive up to five years of software updates and seven years of maintenance support.
As mentioned from our previous review of the vivo V70 FE, Flip Cards are included, which add animated effects when tilting the phone on the lock screen. It is mainly a visual customization feature.
Battery Life Extender is also available. It helps extend basic functionality when battery levels are low, which can be useful in emergency or low-power situations.
Another feature is cross-device file transfer between vivo phones and iPhones. By placing the devices near each other through NFC, the system prompts file-sharing options.
Under the hood, the vivo X300 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. While not the top-tier flagship chip currently, it is still capable of handling most daily tasks and gaming needs.
In day-to-day use, performance feels smooth and responsive. Apps open quickly and multitasking is stable.
Gaming performance is also good, with consistent frame rates in most titles. The device maintains relatively controlled temperatures during longer sessions, although this may come with slightly reduced peak performance compared to higher-end chips now.
The vivo X300 FE is equipped with a 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery with 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless FlashCharge.
During a video playback test involving two movies, the device started at 78% battery at 1:18 PM. After the first movie ended at 3:04 PM, the battery had dropped slightly to 77%. The second movie began immediately after and finished at 5:36 PM, with the battery level ending at 65%.
Keep in mind that the larger drop during the second movie may be linked to higher brightness levels, HDR playback, or more demanding video scenes.
The vivo X300 FE also comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. This provides protection against dust, water immersion, and high-pressure water jets, making it suitable for outdoor use and unpredictable weather conditions.
The vivo X300 FE is a well-rounded compact phone with a strong camera system, solid battery life, and good everyday performance.
The cameras are generally reliable, especially in daylight and portraits, with good detail and HDR handling. Performance is stable for daily tasks and gaming. Battery life is a clear strength too. Overall, it’s a balanced and compact all-rounder.
As for its availability, the vivo X300 FE is priced at PHP54,999. Get it in vivo stores nationwide or online via the vivo e-store and Shopee.
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