- Flagship duo: Vivo on Oct 13, 2025 announced the X300 and X300 Pro in China, succeeding last year’s X200 series and borrowing much of the Ultra’s camera tech [1].
- Extreme cameras: X300 Pro sports Zeiss‑tuned cameras – a 50 MP Sony LYT‑828 main sensor, a 200 MP Samsung “HPB” periscope telephoto, a 50 MP ultrawide, and a 50 MP selfie. The base X300 swaps a 200 MP Samsung main and 50 MP telephoto for the Pro’s 50 MP main [2] [3].
- Ultra‑HDR main sensor: Sony’s new 50 MP LYT‑828 (1/1.28″) main camera uses Hybrid-Frame HDR tech, promising ~17 stops of dynamic range and 5.5‑stop gimbal stabilization [4].
- Massive periscope zoom: The X300 Pro’s 200 MP 1/1.4″ telephoto (85 mm f/2.7, ~3.7x optical) has improved CIPA-rated stabilization (5.5 vs 4.5 on last year’s X200) [5] and works with Vivo’s snap‑on 2.35× teleconverter. Combined with AI, this extends to an astonishing ~1600 mm reach [6].
- Extender lens kit: Both phones support the same detachable tele‑extender (a $180 lens + grip kit) that made the X200 Ultra famous [7] [8]. Vivo tested it on the Ultra and found it delivered “extraordinary long-range shots” beyond any smartphone’s native zoom [9].
- Flagship hardware: Powered by MediaTek’s new Dimensity 9500 3 nm chipset (first device with this SoC) [10], 120 Hz OLED screens (6.31″ on X300, 6.78″ on Pro) [11] [12], stereo speakers, Bluetooth 6 and Wi‑Fi 6.
- Big batteries: 6,040 mAh (X300) and 6,510 mAh (X300 Pro) cells with 90 W wired/40 W wireless charging [13] [14]. Vivo even claims its “silicon–carbon” batteries deliver endurance comparable to much larger 7,000+ mAh packs [15].
- Extras: The X300 Pro adds an iPhone‑style Action Button, a dedicated signal‑amplifier chip and four Wi‑Fi boosters [16]. Both run OriginOS 6 (Android 16) – a big software upgrade globally – and have IP68/69 dust‑water resistance [17]. New camera modes include a “Native Lighting” toggle and a Street‑Photography mode (fast shutter, fake bokeh) one‑tap from any screen [18].
- Pricing and rollout: In China the X300 starts at ¥4,399 (~$620) and the X300 Pro at ¥5,299 (~$745) [19]. The teleconverter lens kit is extra. Vivo hasn’t detailed global pricing yet, but confirms a wider launch in Asia/Europe (with OriginOS 6 replacing Funtouch worldwide) [20] [21]. An even higher-end “X300 Ultra” is expected in early 2026.
Cutting‑Edge Camera System
Vivo has doubled down on cameras for the X300 series. Pro model: its primary shooter is a 50 MP Sony LYT‑828 sensor (1/1.28″) behind a Zeiss T* f/1.57 lens. Sony’s new LYT‑828 – first announced in mid-2025 – uses hybrid-frame HDR to capture ~17 stops of dynamic range [22], vastly reducing highlight blowout in bright light. It also has a gimbal-style OIS good for ~5.5 stops of shake suppression. The X300 Pro’s ultrawide is a 50 MP Samsung JN1 (the same ultrawide module Vivo’s used for two years [23]) and its selfie camera is another 50 MP JN1 (the same chip as the ultrawide, surprisingly).
For long zooms, the X300 Pro uses a huge 200 MP 1/1.4″ Samsung “HPB” sensor (customized for Vivo). This 85 mm f/2.7 periscope lens delivers ~3.7× optical zoom with OIS. Vivo claims the stabilization is rated CIPA 5.5, up from 4.5 on last year’s X200, improving telephoto clarity [24]. Plus the phone supports Vivo’s attachable 2.35× teleconverter lens and case (first seen on the X200 Ultra) [25]. With the add-on lens and clever AI upscaling, the X300 Pro can reach an equivalent focal length of ~1600 mm [26] – effectively a 200 mm physical telephoto. As PetaPixel explains, “by combining the new telephoto camera, the lens attachment, plus digital zoom, the X300 Pro promises up to 1600 mm equivalent focal lengths” [27]. In practice this means spotting details miles away (hundreds of meters) that no other phone could capture clearly. Android Authority’s Hadlee Simons notes Vivo even now provides a zoom-mode icon in all camera modes (photo, portrait, 200 MP, etc.) when the extender is attached, plus the ability to shoot LOG video with it [28].
Standard X300: the non-Pro shares many benefits but flips the pixel counts. Its main camera is a 200 MP Samsung HPB sensor (1/1.4″) with optical stabilization and f/1.68 aperture [29]. It also has the same 50 MP JN1 ultrawide and a 50 MP periscope tele (3× optical, Sony LYT-602 sensor) [30]. In effect, the X300 is like the X200 Pro Mini reborn: “a Mini in all but name” [31]. Even this smaller model supports the teleconverter lens case [32], turning its 50 MP 3× zoom into a 200 mm shooter. With its 6,040 mAh battery (actually larger than the Pro’s) and USB 3.2 speeds, the X300 packs flagship power in a compact frame [33].
Expert Take on Cameras
Analysts agree Vivo has a camera powerhouse. The Verge’s Dominic Preston calls the X300 Pro a “statement phone,” arguing its optics make it “look just as good as the X200 Ultra’s” [34]. PetaPixel’s Jeremy Gray highlights the new Sony LYT-828 sensor, noting its “impressive” specs: Zeiss lens, 5.5‑stop stabilization, and HF-HDR for ~17-stop range [35]. Android Central’s Harish Jonnalagadda points out the novel parts: “X300 Pro gets a new 50MP Sony LYT-828… and what’s even more interesting is the 200MP telephoto lens, which now has a heavily customized Samsung HPB module” [36]. In short, Vivo has essentially given its “slightly lower-tier” X300 line the Ultra’s best tools – high-res sensors co‑engineered with Samsung and Zeiss optics – so most reviewers see no big compromises versus last year’s Ultra flagship.
Performance, Battery & Extras
Under the hood both X300 phones use MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 9500 chipset – a 3 nm flagship rival to Qualcomm’s best [37]. This is reportedly the first phone shipping with Dimensity 9500. In testing the chip runs fast and efficient, with Android Authority noting it may struggle in extremely long gaming loads (a known challenge for Mediatek in prior Vivo phones) [38], but in daily use it keeps up with any other flagship. Both models offer up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage (NDTV lists multiple RAM/ROM tiers [39]).
Battery life is a strong point. The X300 has a 6,040 mAh cell and the Pro 6,510 mAh – already huge for a flagship. Vivo even touts a new “silicon–carbon” battery that it says gives endurance roughly equal to a 7,000+ mAh pack in other phones [40]. Fast charging is 90 W wired and 40 W wireless on both. According to testing so far, the phones easily last a day or more under heavy use thanks to these big batteries and power-efficient hardware.
Other noteworthy specs: both screens are flat 120 Hz OLED panels (BOE-made) – 1.5K resolution and LTPO tech – with ultra-low minimum brightness (1 nit) for night comfort. The Pro is IP68/69 water-resistant (the X300 is also IP68). In-display ultrasonic fingerprint readers unlock the phones. They have dual stereo speakers, Bluetooth 6, Wi‑Fi 6, NFC, etc.
Vivo has also borrowed one notable feature from the X200 Ultra: an Action Button on the frame (like Apple’s Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro). This physical shortcut (exclusive to the Pro) can toggle ring/vibrate or launch apps (camera, flashlight, recorder, etc.) with single or double clicks. Connectivity boosts include a built-in “signal amplifier chip” and four external Wi‑Fi antenna boosters on the Pro [41] to improve reception.
On software, Vivo ships the X300 series with OriginOS 6 (Android 16). This marks OriginOS’s first global appearance – Vivo plans to replace the old Funtouch UI with OriginOS worldwide [42]. The camera app has gained new modes: Dolby Vision 4K 120 fps video on all lenses, portrait shooting up to 200 MP, and the aforementioned Street Photography mode (instant high-shutter capture with simulated bokeh) [43]. Vivo also quietly gave the phones dedicated imaging chips: the Pro has a V3+ + VS1 chip combo, and the X300 has V3+ for photo processing [44], speeding up noise reduction and HDR computation.
Prices, Availability, and What’s Next
The X300 series is China-exclusive for now. There the X300 starts at ¥4,399 (≈$620) for 12 GB/256 GB, and the X300 Pro at ¥5,299 (≈$745) [45]. Higher RAM/storage and even a Satellite Communication model push the price up further (NDTV lists up to ¥8,299 for a top-end Pro [46]). The Zeiss telephoto extender is sold separately (≈¥1,299 for the lens and case, or ¥1,499 with the full grip kit) [47].
Vivo confirms a wider launch soon. According to Android Authority, the X300 and X300 Pro will reach markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond (India, SEA, Europe, Latin America, etc.) with global firmware, likely by late 2025 or early 2026 [48]. This will be Vivo’s first time bringing OriginOS to these regions. There’s no word yet on US availability, which Vivo typically skips for its flagships.
Looking ahead, Vivo is already teasing something bigger. The Verge and PhoneArena both mention an expected X300 Ultra model in early 2026 [49] [50]. Industry leaks hint this Ultra could leap even further – for instance, NotebookCheck reports that leaker Digital Chat Station says Vivo may use Sony’s new IMX09E 200 MP sensor (1/1.12″) as the Ultra’s main camera, possibly paired with a 35 mm focal lens [51] [52]. If true, the X300 Ultra could beat even Samsung’s next Galaxy S Ultra. NotebookCheck points out that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be one of the few phones with a 200 MP main camera [53], and combining IMX09E with a 35 mm lens would “surpass” the current X200 Ultra in range and image quality [54]. In short, Vivo seems intent on pushing multi-hundred‑MP sensors and massive zooms for 2026.
The Bottom Line
With the X300 series, Vivo has effectively trickled down its best camera tech into a more affordable package. As Dominic Preston writes for The Verge, on paper the X300 Pro’s imaging “looks just as good as the X200 Ultra’s,” thanks to those Zeiss optics and add-on lens support [55]. Reviewers note the combination of Sony’s new sensor and Samsung’s custom HPB sensor makes for an astonishingly capable camera phone. For mobile photographers, Vivo’s headline features are literally unprecedented – up to 17‑stop HDR, huge 200 MP zoom, and a snap-on lens that enables 1600 mm equivalent shots [56] [57]. If its performance and battery life match the hype, the X300 Pro could well be one of 2025’s most impressive camera phones – and a direct challenge to offerings from Samsung, Google, and Apple.
Sources: Reports from The Verge, GSM Arena (via PetaPixel), PhoneArena, NDTV Profit, Android Authority, Android Central, NotebookCheck and others [58] [59] [60] [61] [62] [63] (all quoted or summarized above).
References
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