A few weeks ago, vivo reached out for an opportunity to review their latest flagship smartphone, the vivo X200.
vivo’s latest device brings a compelling mix of advanced features and refined design to the table. Plus, it carries display and camera color science in collaboration with their long-term partner, ZEISS. As we delve into this review, we’ll explore how vivo has pushed the boundaries of smartphone technology, particularly in the areas of imaging, performance, and user experience.
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Build and Design
The vivo X200 features a design that strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication. Its standout feature is the 6.67-inch contoured micro-curvature display that extends to all four sides of the screen. This “Equal-Depth Quad Curved Eye Protection Display” isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a functional marvel that enhances the overall user experience.
The phone’s ergonomics are outstanding, fitting comfortably in hand despite its large screen size. The rounded curved surface not only looks premium but also reduces accidental touches, a common issue with curved displays. vivo has managed to achieve an ultra-narrow 1.77mm bezel, which contributes to an immersive viewing experience.
One design element that might divide opinion is the camera cutout. While some users who prefer minimalism might find it a bit intrusive (because it is massive), I personally appreciate its aesthetic and functional appeal. It houses a powerful camera system without compromising the overall sleek look of the device. I will talk more about its camera performance later in this article.
The Aurora Green color variant of the X200 exudes a fresh and lively appearance, adding a touch of personality to the otherwise sophisticated design. The exquisite R-corner design eliminates the “cat ears” effect often seen in curved displays, further enhancing the premium look.
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Display
The X200’s display is more than just a pretty face. It’s a ZEISS True Color Display that supports DC-Like Dimming, offering excellent color accuracy and reduced eye strain. This technology ensures that users can enjoy vibrant visuals without compromising on comfort, even during extended use.
Unlike its competitors, vivo’s partnership with ZEISS extends to its display, which is an excellent approach and strategy. For content creators and photographers, it would always be best to accurately display the photo as seen and processed by its camera processor.
It is also worth noting that vivo integrated eye-care features on the display of the vivo X200. It has 2,160 PWM Dimming, Smart Eye Protection Mode 3.0, Anti-Fatigue Brightness Adjustment 2.0 and Night Eye Protection Mode 2.0.
Great work on the display department!
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Hardware and Performance
At the heart of the vivo X200 lies the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, a powerhouse that puts this device in direct competition with other top-tier smartphones. This processor, built on a 3nm process, features a second-generation all-big-core architecture, promising excellent performance across various tasks.
The X200’s performance is indeed at par with its competition, making it one of the best-performing flagship smartphones available. It handles everything from everyday tasks to demanding applications with ease. While it isn’t the fastest on all fronts, its overall performance justifies the price vivo asks.
However, it’s worth noting that this device arrives relatively late in the current processor cycle, with new chipsets promising a 25% performance bump just around the corner.
That said, for the vast majority of users who aren’t chasing benchmark scores, the X200’s performance is more than sufficient. It excels in real-world usage, providing a smooth and responsive experience across all applications.
The device comes equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring swift app launches and seamless multitasking. These high-speed memory and storage solutions contribute significantly to the phone’s snappy performance.
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Benchmark Performance
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Software and AI Features
The vivo X200 runs on Funtouch OS 15, which brings a host of AI-powered features to enhance user experience. The AI implementation on this device is particularly noteworthy, rivaling what Samsung offers on its flagship smartphones.
One of the standout features is AI Live Cutout, which allows users to quickly select and cut out the main subject in an image with a simple long press. This feature is not only fun for creative edits but also practical for work-related tasks like document design.
The AI Erase function is another useful tool, enabling users to remove unwanted elements from photos effortlessly. This can be particularly handy for cleaning up cluttered backgrounds or removing photobombers.
AI Photo Enhance uses artificial intelligence to optimize images, improving clarity, restoring details, and enhancing colors. It’s a powerful tool for users who want to get the most out of their photos without diving into complex editing software.
Perhaps one of the most practical AI features is AI Shadow Removal. This tool can intelligently identify and remove shadows from document photos, making scanned or photographed documents clearer and more readable.
The X200 also includes AI Note Assist, AI Transcript Assist, and AI Global Translation, all of which can significantly boost productivity for business users or students.
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Camera
The camera system on the vivo X200 is undoubtedly one of its strongest suits. It features a VCS True Color Main Camera (50 MP, IMX921, 1/1.56″, f/1.57, 23 mm), a ZEISS Telephoto Camera (50 MP, IMX882, 1/2″, f/2.57, 70 mm), and an Ultra Wide-Angle Camera (50 MP, JN1, 1/2.76″, f/2.0, 15 mm).
This triple camera setup delivers versatile shooting capabilities, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed telephoto shots. The main camera’s large sensor size and wide aperture suggest excellent low-light performance and natural depth of field.
The ZEISS partnership brings additional benefits, including the ZEISS T* Coating, which helps reduce ghosting and lens flare, resulting in clearer and purer images. The camera system also supports ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, offering multiple professional portrait focal lengths (23, 35, 50, 85, 100 mm) to cater to different shooting scenarios.
In terms of performance, the X200’s camera system is one of the best in its class. While its overall performance matches that of competitors like the OPPO Find X8, the color science is what sets it apart. The vivo X200 excels in sharpness, accuracy, and dynamic range, earning major points in these crucial areas.
The camera system also supports 4K 60 fps video recording with Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring that video quality matches the impressive still image capabilities. Features like Telephoto Nightscape and Street Photography Mode further expand the creative possibilities for users.
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Sample Photos
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartphone, and the vivo X200 doesn’t disappoint in this department. It comes equipped with a large 5800 mAh battery, which translates to impressive real-world endurance. In a medium workload test, the X200 managed to last for 16 hours and 22 minutes, which is outstanding by any standard.
This excellent battery life means that most users will comfortably get through a full day of use, and many will likely stretch it into a second day without needing to recharge.
When it does come time to recharge, the X200 supports 90W FlashCharge technology. This fast-charging capability ensures that even with its large battery capacity, the X200 can be quickly topped up when needed.
vivo X200 Review Philippines – Verdict
The vivo X200 is a flagship smartphone that impresses on multiple fronts. Its standout features include the versatile and high-performing camera system, the AI-enhanced software experience, and the excellent battery life. The device also scores high marks for its ergonomic design and powerful performance.
While it may be arriving slightly late in the current processor cycle, the X200’s performance is still top-tier and more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. Its camera capabilities, in particular, make it a compelling option for photography enthusiasts.
The implementation of AI features is another strong point, offering practical tools that enhance both creativity and productivity. Features like AI Shadow Removal and AI Live Cutout provide genuine utility that users will appreciate in day-to-day use.
However, it’s worth noting that the X200 is priced slightly higher than some of its closest competitors. This premium pricing might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers, but it’s justified by the phone’s overall package of features and performance.
The vivo X200 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize camera quality, battery life, and a feature-rich software experience. While it may not be the absolute cutting edge in terms of processing power, it offers a well-rounded package that will satisfy even demanding users. Its combination of stylish design, powerful performance, and innovative features make it a worthy contender in the flagship smartphone market.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
