Smartphone buyers have long had to make a choice: either opt for a large device with the best cameras or settle for a compact device with compromises. The industry has conditioned us to believe that top-tier imaging is the domain of plus-sized flagships, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max, often weighing 200 grams or more and exceeding the Rs 70,000 mark. But the Vivo X200 FE challenges that narrative.
Despite its lightweight frame and compact 6.31-inch display, the X200 FE (review) is easily one of the most camera-focused phones in its segment, even outperforming larger and more expensive rivals in some areas. I recently wrote about how the OnePlus 13s made me fall in love with compact phones again. Now, the Vivo X200 FE has made me believe that compact phones can be camera beasts too.
A triple camera setup that’s not just for show
Most compact phones either cut corners on sensors or offer token triple-camera setups where only one lens is truly reliable. When I reviewed the OnePlus 13s, my only real disappointment with an otherwise terrific compact phone was its lack of a versatile camera system. That’s not a problem with the Vivo X200 FE. Here’s what you get:
- A 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor with OIS
- A 50MP Sony IMX886 periscope lens with 3x optical zoom
- An 8MP ultra-wide sensor
- And a 50MP selfie camera with autofocus and a wide 20mm FoV
This is the kind of camera layout you’d expect from a Rs 70,000+ phone, not one that starts at Rs 54,999.
In practice, the main camera delivers stunning shots with excellent dynamic range, vibrant yet natural-looking colours, and great detail retention. Whether you’re shooting in daylight or low light, the output is consistently social media-ready. Take a look at some photos below, shot on the Vivo X200 FE.
The zoom advantage
The inclusion of a periscope lens is what really elevates the X200 FE. You get a clean 3x optical zoom and surprisingly usable results even at 10x digital zoom. Vivo also includes a range of Zeiss portrait focal lengths (23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm), providing portrait enthusiasts with a wealth of options to explore.
Edge detection is excellent, bokeh looks natural, and even skin tones, while not perfect, are among the best in the segment. Against competitors like the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13s, the Vivo X200 FE holds its own or even pulls ahead in particular portrait and zoom scenarios.
Low-light performance is solid, too. While Vivo’s night mode tends to push saturation a bit (with blue-tinted skies being a recurring theme), it captures excellent detail, controls flares well, and generally balances exposures more effectively than its rivals.
Then there’s a suite of AI-powered tools like:
- AI Eraser
- AI Image Expansion
- AI Reflection Remover
- AI Photo Enhance
While these AI features are handy for tweaking and polishing the final image, they were a hit or miss when we reviewed the device.
The only area where we felt the Vivo X200 FE’s camera system fell short was in wide-angle captures, where images lacked detail and clarity. They were still usable with decent colour reproduction, but don’t expect awe-inspiring shots.
Final thoughts
The Vivo X200 FE is proof that you don’t need to go big to get great photos. In a market where compact usually means compromised, Vivo has delivered a device that respects size-conscious users without treating them like second-class customers.
If cameras are a priority and you want something that doesn’t stretch your pockets, in both senses, the X200 FE deserves serious consideration. It might just be the best compact camera phone under Rs 60,000 right now.
