The Vivo X300 Ultra is a smartphone that redefines mobile photography, offering a camera system that rivals entry-level DSLRs. Priced at Rs 1,60,000 for the phone alone, and around Rs 1,95,997 with the photography kit, it targets enthusiasts who demand the best. The kit includes the Vivo Zeiss Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra (400mm equivalent, Rs 27,999) and the Vivo Imaging Grip Kit (Rs 11,999). After extensive testing, here is a detailed breakdown.
Camera Performance
The X300 Ultra is built around its camera system, developed with ZEISS. It features a 200 MP primary sensor (f/1.9, 35mm), a 50 MP ultra-wide (f/2.0, 14mm, 116 degrees), and a 200 MP telephoto (f/2.7, 85mm, 3.7x optical zoom). The consistency across focal lengths is remarkable, with seamless transitions and accurate colour science.
Portrait Photography
Portraits are the phone's forte. The 35mm focal length produces natural, film-like images with warm skin tones and fine details like hair and fabric texture. Portrait mode delivers clean subject separation and artistic background blur, though group shots may show slight inconsistency in depth of field.
Zoom Performance
The Zeiss Telephoto Extender Kit pushes zoom capabilities beyond any other smartphone. The 200 MP telephoto with 3.7x optical zoom preserves detail at long distances. AI texture reconstruction helps reduce noise, though extreme zoom may cause over-sharpening. Using the extender requires steady hands or a tripod, but results compete with dedicated cameras.
Ultra-Wide Camera
The ultra-wide camera is a significant upgrade, delivering sharper images with better detail retention and natural rendering.
Low Light
Low-light performance is the Achilles' heel. AI processing can overcorrect, brightening scenes excessively and losing ambient lighting essence. While face detail is lifted, the artistic shadow effect is diminished.
Everyday Photos
Day-to-day performance is excellent: accurate exposure, vivid colours, and wide dynamic range. Autofocus hiccups are rare and not deal-breaking.
Video Performance
Video stabilisation is strong, with consistent colour handling. Low-light video is the weakest link, but overall video quality is good.
Design
The design is bold, with a large rear camera module making the phone top-heavy. The kit includes a shoulder strap for easy carrying. The Eclipse Black variant has a smooth finish, and the phone is IP68/IP69 rated for dust and water resistance.
Display
The 6.82-inch 2K display offers 144Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, and 100% P3 coverage. Bezels are slim, and the screen performs well in sunlight.
Performance
Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the phone is fast with seamless multitasking. Gaming is strong with good thermal management. It runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6, and Vivo promises five years of OS updates and seven years of security patches.
Battery and Charging
The 6,600mAh battery offers all-day endurance with mixed use. Heavy photography drains it faster, but 100W FlashCharge refills from 20% to full in about 30 minutes.
Verdict
The Vivo X300 Ultra is the best camera phone available, with class-leading lens consistency and colour science. The Telephoto Extender Kit pushes the boundaries of smartphone photography. However, the high price and low-light limitations mean it is ideal only for those who prioritise camera performance above all else. It comes close to replacing a DSLR but is not quite there yet.
