The smartphone market in 2025 often feels like a game of incremental updates, where new models offer only slight improvements over their predecessors. However, every once in a while, a device emerges that genuinely pushes boundaries and resets expectations. vivo's latest flagship, the X300 Pro, aims to be that disruptor, primarily through its revolutionary mobile photography capabilities. But in the fiercely competitive ultra-premium space dominated by Apple and Samsung, and under constant pressure from Google, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi, does the X300 Pro have what it takes to carve out a significant niche? We used the device extensively for two weeks to find out.
A Masterclass in Design and Display
vivo has consistently pursued an elegant design philosophy, and the X300 Pro is a stunning continuation of that legacy. The phone features a sleek glass front and back, seamlessly framed by a polished aluminium chassis that radiates premium sophistication. With a thickness just under 8mm and a weight of 226 grams, it feels substantial in hand, yet it cleverly avoids being unwieldy due to its ideal weight distribution, which prevents any top-heavy sensation.
The most eye-catching element is the oversized circular camera module on the rear. Although this year's camera bump is notably smaller than the previous model's, it still protrudes significantly. The symmetrical design and intricate detailing, however, give it a unique and purposeful character. A thoughtful touch is the engraving on the sidewall of the camera chassis, mimicking the texture of a classic camera lens. Importantly, the phone lies flat on a surface without wobbling. The device also boasts dual IP68 and IP69 certifications for superior dust and water resistance, ensuring its durability matches its beauty.
Dominating the front is a spectacular 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a dynamic 1–120Hz refresh rate, offering both sharpness and incredible fluidity. With support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, colours pop and contrasts are deep, making streaming content a genuine pleasure. vivo claims a peak local brightness of 4,500 nits, and in real-world use, the screen remains perfectly legible even under harsh sunlight. The colour tuning leans towards accuracy rather than oversaturation, though users can easily switch to a more vivid profile.
Uncompromising Performance and Stellar Battery Life
Powering the vivo X300 Pro is the formidable MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage (a 1TB variant is available in China). This top-tier hardware delivers blistering performance for everything from intensive gaming to heavy multitasking, all while managing heat exceptionally well. It's a consistently smooth everyday companion that avoids the throttling issues plaguing some competitors.
The battery system is where vivo makes another leap. Embracing advanced Silicon-Carbon technology, the X300 Pro packs a massive 6,510mAh battery—510mAh larger than its predecessor—designed to easily last two days on a single charge. When you need to power up, 90W wired fast charging can take the phone from 0 to 100% in under an hour, with a quick 20-minute boost providing 50% charge. The device also supports 40W wireless charging (up from 30W) and reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Photography: The Undisputed Headline Act
The camera system, co-engineered with ZEISS, is the undisputed star of the show. The rear setup comprises a primary 50-megapixel sensor, a revolutionary 200-megapixel telephoto camera with up to 20x zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. For selfies, there's a 50-megapixel front camera with a 92-degree field of view.
Performance is exceptional across all lenses. The main sensor captures stunning detail with natural colours and superb dynamic range. Low-light photography is particularly impressive, thanks to a large sensor and advanced noise reduction. The telephoto lens delivers sharp, usable images even at high zoom levels, while the ultra-wide maintains consistency with minimal distortion. vivo has also significantly enhanced video capabilities this year, offering rock-solid stabilisation and creative cinematic modes. It is arguably the most compelling smartphone camera system available today.
For photography enthusiasts, vivo offers an optional Telephoto Extender Kit, co-developed with ZEISS, for an additional ₹18,999. This add-on optical zoom kit upgrades the 85mm telephoto lens to a 200mm equivalent, requiring attachment to a dedicated case that includes a kickstand and strap eyelets. It's a serious tool that edges closer to the dream of a true DSLR replacement.
Software: A New Era with OriginOS 6
With the X300 series, vivo has globally launched OriginOS 6, replacing the older Funtouch OS. Built on Android 16, it introduces a cleaner, more dynamic interface with fluid animations, translucent layers, and adaptive widgets. The experience feels noticeably smoother and more polished.
New features like Origin Island (a persistent interactive hub), notification stacking, and Flip Cards for the lock screen enhance multitasking. Cross-device integration is robust, supporting clipboard sync and file sharing with Windows PCs and even Apple devices. Critically, vivo promises five major OS updates and seven years of security patches for the X300 series, a strong commitment for Android buyers.
The Premium Pricing Paradox and Verdict
The vivo X300 Pro is positioned squarely in the ultra-premium segment with a price tag of ₹109,999. At this level, it battles not just on specs but also against entrenched brand loyalty and ecosystem strength. However, the device justifies its cost by delivering a complete 2025 flagship experience, led by its class-leading camera. For those seeking a slightly more affordable option, the standard vivo X300 starts at ₹75,999 and offers substantial upgrades in a more compact form.
In conclusion, the vivo X300 Pro is a phenomenal smartphone that excels in photography, performance, and battery life. It doesn't just compete with the established giants; it often surpasses them in key areas. For anyone, especially those considering a switch from Apple or Samsung, the X300 Pro is a surprising and highly compelling contender for the title of best smartphone of 2025.
