Vivo X300 Pro Review: Better than iPhone 17 Pro

Vivo X300 Pro Review: The best camera phone you can buy in 2025

  • Vivo X300 Pro features industry-leading 200MP ZEISS telephoto camera with unmatched zoom clarity
  • DSLR-like photography with optional telephoto extender support
  • Natural image processing without aggressive AI tuning
  • Large, bright LTPO AMOLED display with Dolby Vision
  • Reliable all-day battery with fast wired and wireless charging
  • Strong performance with efficient thermal control

Smartphone camera upgrades often feel incremental, but the Vivo X300 Pro manages to stand out. Priced at ₹1,09,999 in India, it sits firmly in flagship territory and stays true to the X series’ photography-first DNA. Instead of leaning on flashy gimmicks or aggressive AI, Vivo focuses on optical excellence, powerful sensors, and natural image output. Positioned against rivals like the iPhone 17 Pro and Oppo Find X9 Pro, the X300 Pro confidently holds its ground. After extensive use, it becomes clear that photography is its core strength, with camera performance that, in many situations, even surpasses Apple’s best offerings, making it one of 2025’s most compelling camera-centric flagships.

Design that serves the camera, not trends

The Vivo X300 Pro continues with a familiar design language. The large circular camera module dominates the rear. It looks intentional and functional, not decorative. ZEISS branding and T* coating markings reinforce its camera-first identity.

At 226 grams, the phone feels heavy. The weight leans toward the top because of the camera hardware. Long one-handed use can feel tiring. That said, the grip remains secure, and the matte back resists fingerprints well.

The aluminium frame feels solid. Buttons offer good feedback. The customisable shortcut key adds convenience, especially for quick camera access. IP68 and IP69 ratings offer confidence, though this is not a phone for underwater adventures.

Display quality that complements photography

The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers an immersive viewing experience. Bezels stay minimal, making the screen feel expansive. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling smooth and responsive.

Brightness peaks at 4,500 nits, which helps under harsh sunlight. Colour reproduction looks accurate rather than oversaturated. Dolby Vision support improves streaming quality. The display scales down to 1Hz during static scenes, saving power quietly.

This is not the most eye-catching display on paper. However, it remains practical, balanced, and easy on the eyes.

Performance that stays out of the way

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 powers the Vivo X300 Pro. Built on a 3nm process, it delivers smooth performance across daily tasks. Apps open quickly. Multitasking remains fluid.

Camera-heavy workloads push the hardware harder, especially 200MP RAW shots. Even then, heating stays controlled. The phone never becomes uncomfortable. The 16GB LPDDR5X RAM helps maintain consistency during prolonged usage.

OriginOS 6 offers improved customisation and cleaner transitions. Some preinstalled apps remain, which may annoy purists. Still, overall stability feels reliable and refined.

Camera system that changes expectations

This is where the Vivo X300 Pro truly separates itself. The camera system feels purpose-built rather than marketing-driven. The 50MP Sony LYT-828 main sensor delivers consistent results in almost every situation. Images retain natural colours and realistic contrast.

Vivo avoids heavy AI processing by default. Photos look closer to what the human eye sees. Stabilisation remains excellent, even while shooting on the move.

The ultrawide camera handles edge distortion well. It complements the main sensor without noticeable quality drops.

The real story, however, is the 200MP 3.5x telephoto lens. This sensor redefines mobile zoom photography. Details remain intact even after heavy cropping. Portraits show excellent edge detection and natural skin tones.

Macro shots at close range remain sharp. Wildlife and distant subjects appear stable, thanks to strong optical stabilisation. With the optional telephoto extender, the phone reaches up to 1600mm focal length. This setup feels closer to mirrorless photography than smartphone imaging.

Low-light performance remains impressive. Noise stays controlled, and textures remain intact. The selfie camera also delivers accurate colours without artificial smoothing.

Compared to the iPhone 17 Pro, Vivo offers more flexibility and optical depth. Apple still excels in video consistency, but Vivo leads clearly in photography range.

Battery life that supports creative use

The 6,510mAh battery supports long photography sessions. Even with heavy camera use, the phone lasts a full day comfortably. Normal usage can stretch close to two days.

90W wired charging refuels the phone in under an hour. Wireless charging at 40W adds convenience. Thermal control during charging remains stable.

Final verdict: Who should buy the Vivo X300 Pro

The Vivo X300 Pro is not for everyone. It is for users who value photography above all else. If camera performance drives your buying decision, this phone stands unmatched in 2025.

At ₹1,09,999, it competes directly with the iPhone 17 Pro. Yet, in still photography, Vivo clearly pulls ahead. The X300 Pro feels like a serious tool, not just a smartphone with good cameras.

For photography enthusiasts, this is the flagship to beat.

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