In the fiercely competitive flagship smartphone arena, the Vivo X100 Ultra is one device that aims to push the boundaries—especially in photography, display, and performance. Launched in May 2024, this premium handset is packed with cutting-edge hardware, Zeiss optics, and advanced imaging software. Let’s dive into what makes it special, its strengths and potential drawbacks, specs, pricing, and whether it’s worth your attention.
Vivo X100 Ultra Specifications & Key Highlights
- Massive Telephoto Power: The X100 Ultra features a 200 MP periscope telephoto camera (Samsung ISOCELL HP9) with APO certification, Zeiss T* coating, and 3.7× optical zoom, enabling strong zoom capability and telephoto macro modes.
- Large Main Sensor & Ultra-Wide: It includes a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor as its primary wide sensor (≈50 MP), with gimbal stabilization. The ultra-wide is also 50 MP.
- Display: A curved 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 2K resolution (1440 × 3200), 1-120 Hz refresh rate, and up to ~3000 nits peak brightness.
- Processor & Memory: Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, paired with up to 16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage in top trims.
- Battery & Charging: 5,500 mAh battery. Supports fast wired charging (80W) and wireless charging (~50W).
- Software and Build: Comes with Android 14 (OriginOS 4) out of the box. The design is premium—materials like titanium in some variants, Zeiss optics, and water/dust resistance with both IP68 and IP69 ratings.
Vivo X100 Ultra Specification Overview
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED, 2K (1440×3200), 120 Hz refresh rate, up to ~3000 nits peak brightness |
| Main Camera | 50 MP Sony LYT-900, gimbal stabilization, f/1.75-f/1.8 aperture approx. |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 50 MP, wide field of view, f/2.2 or similar |
| Telephoto Camera | 200 MP Samsung HP9 periscope, ~3.7× optical zoom, APO, OIS, strong stabilization. |
| Front Camera | 50 MP, good for high-res selfies and video. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) |
| RAM / Storage Options | 12/256 GB, 16/512 GB, up to 1 TB |
| Battery | 5500 mAh, 80W wired, ~50W wireless charging |
| Durability | IP68 & IP69 ratings (dust, water resistance) |
What It’s Excellent At
- Photography & Zoom: The telephoto module with a 200 MP HP9 sensor stands out. The device has strong stabilization, good optical zoom, and macro telephoto modes. This makes it one of the leaders in zoom capabilities among current flagships.
- Display Quality: Bright, high refresh rate, with LTPO technology, allows better power efficiency when lower refresh rates are sufficient. Great for media consumption, gaming, and general UX.
- Performance: The combination of the latest flagship SoC, ample RAM, high-speed storage (UFS 4.0), and polished software gives smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Build & Premium Feel: Titanium options, Zeiss optics, IP ratings, quality materials—these all contribute to a premium hand feel.
Potential Weaknesses / Considerations
- Size & Weight: With such a large camera module, big screen, and premium materials, the phone is on the heavier and bulkier side. It can be less comfortable for one-handed use.
- Battery Life Under Heavy Use: While the battery is large, heavy usage—especially with high brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate, or intense camera use—can drain quickly
- Processing / Over-Sharpening: Some reviewers have noted that images (especially after digital zoom or crops) can show over-sharpening or noise in very low light. Advanced camera users may miss more manual control over noise/sharpness.
- Front Camera & Skin Tone Processing: A few users report that front camera (selfie) outputs are sometimes smoothed/over-processed, especially under certain modes (night/beauty / AI modes), which reduce detail or makes faces look less natural.
Vivo X100 Ultra Price & Availability
- In China, the Vivo X100 Ultra starts at CNY 6,499 (~Rs 74,500) for the base 12 GB + 256 GB model. Higher-end variants (16 GB + 512 GB, and up to 1 TB) cost more.
- Colour options include Titanium, Space Grey, and Bai Yueguang (a reflective “glossy” finish).
- As of now, it is more widely available in China; availability in other regions depends on import or official launches. Consider warranty and service support.
Who Should Buy Vivo X100 Ultra (And Who Shouldn’t)
Also read: Premium looks at a budget price
Great For:
- Mobile photography enthusiasts who demand high zoom performance and excellent image quality.
- Users who spend time capturing night shots, portraits want strong optical modules rather than relying only on digital zoom.
- People who appreciate premium materials, design, and strong performance in a flagship device.
Maybe Skip If:
- You prefer lightweight, compact phones—this is more on the large side in dimensions and weight.
- Battery life is a priority under mixed usage without compromises (i.e., using max display settings, high refresh rate, constant camera usage).
- You dislike aggressive post-processing (beauty/AI modes) or want very neutral RAW output for editing.