The premium smartphone segment in India has just witnessed a major clash. Vivo has officially launched its highly anticipated Vivo X300 series in the country this week, setting the stage for a direct showdown with the recently released OnePlus 15. Both devices are positioned as powerhouses for tech enthusiasts, promising top-tier performance, advanced photography, and cutting-edge features, but they take distinctly different approaches to achieve that goal.
Display and Design: Compact Power vs Immersive Canvas
Right from the outset, the two phones cater to different preferences. The Vivo X300 opts for a more compact and manageable form factor. It features a 6.31-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 1216x2640 pixel resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Its dimensions of 150.57x71.92x7.95mm and a weight of 190 grams make it notably easier to handle with one hand.
In contrast, the OnePlus 15 goes big on screen real estate with a larger 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel. This display boasts a higher peak refresh rate of 165Hz, which can dynamically drop to 1Hz to save battery. With a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and a 20:9 aspect ratio, it is engineered for an immersive experience in gaming and video playback, though it comes at the cost of a heavier build, weighing around 215 grams.
Performance and Camera: MediaTek vs Qualcomm, Megapixels vs Versatility
Under the hood lies the core differentiator. The Vivo X300 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, built on an advanced 3nm process. It is coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. Vivo has also included its proprietary Pro Imaging VS1 and V3+ chips to boost photography performance. The device runs on OriginOS 6, based on Android 16.
The OnePlus 15 counters with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, also fabricated on a 3nm node. It pairs with the Adreno 840 GPU, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM, and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. A sophisticated 3D vapour chamber and 360 Cryo-Velocity Cooling system aim to keep thermals in check during heavy usage. It operates on OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16.
The camera systems further highlight their divergent philosophies. The Vivo X300 leans heavily into sheer resolution with a Zeiss-engineered triple rear setup led by a massive 200-megapixel main sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). It is supported by a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. A 50-megapixel front camera handles selfies.
The OnePlus 15 employs a triple 50-megapixel rear array, focusing on sensor quality and video capabilities. It uses a Sony IMX906 primary sensor, a Samsung JN5 telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, and an OV50D ultrawide lens. This setup can record 8K video at 30fps, a step above the Vivo's 4K limit. The front camera is a 32-megapixel shooter.
Battery, Pricing, and Final Verdict
Battery and charging speeds see another clear split. The Vivo X300 packs a 6,040mAh battery with support for 90W wired and 40W wireless charging. The OnePlus 15 raises the bar with a significantly larger 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, claiming a full charge in roughly 39 minutes.
Both phones offer 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 6, NFC, and GPS. The Vivo has an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, while the OnePlus claims a more comprehensive IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K rating.
When it comes to price in India, the Vivo X300 starts at Rs. 75,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, with the 16GB + 512GB model priced at Rs. 85,999. Pre-bookings are open now, with sales commencing on 10 December.
The OnePlus 15 is slightly more affordable, starting at Rs. 72,999 for the 12GB + 256GB version and Rs. 79,999 for the top 16GB + 512GB configuration. It is available for purchase through the company's online store and Amazon.
In conclusion, the choice boils down to user priority. The Vivo X300 stands out with its superior camera resolution on paper, Zeiss collaboration, and a more compact, ergonomic design. The OnePlus 15 fights back with a larger, faster display, more advanced video recording capabilities, a substantially bigger battery, and faster charging, making it a strong contender for multimedia power users and gamers.
