After pairing several previous iterations of the Vivo X series flagships with a telephoto converter lens, the Vivo X300 FE is the brand’s next phone in line to offer super-long-range zoom through a dedicated lens. Set to launch tomorrow, i.e., May 6th, the X300 FE is being pitched as Vivo’s next small flagship that raises the stakes over its predecessor by packing immense camera flexibility, a refined design and build, and improved performance.
While our review will cover every aspect of the Vivo X300 FE in detail, we had an early opportunity to experience its cameras during a trip to Jaipur. We captured the city’s iconic architecture and historic landmarks, making extensive use of the telephoto extender lens along with the variety of camera features and niceties the phone offers.
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Star of the show: 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto lens and Extender
With an aim to offer the aesthetic of images shot at long zoom ranges, i.e. making the background appear closer and smoother, while maintaining excellent edge detection and separation, the Telephoto Extender achieves exactly that. Called the ‘vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2’, the lens bumps up the 50MP IMX882 telephoto’s default 73mm focal length to 200mm, increasing the optical zoom from 3x to around 8.2x. This enables capturing shots from afar while maintaining almost the same detail and clarity as the shots taken without the lens extension.
Another major advantage of the telephoto lens is its ability to compress the background, producing a creamy bokeh that draws the background closer to the subject and delivers a DSLR-like look. Pair this with fast shutter speeds, and I managed to capture some great images of distant animals and flowers. With the lens attached, you can access photo, video, and stage modes to fully utilise its zooming capabilities.
While the ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 is sold separately, it could be a valuable addition for those who enjoy capturing long-range zoom shots while travelling. The accessory weighs 153g, making it lighter than Vivo’s ZEISS 2.35x Telephoto Extender used on the X300.
Immense camera versatility: captures 15mm to over 2000mm shots
The Vivo X300 FE, like its predecessor, packs a versatile camera setup that includes a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary camera, a 50MP Sony IMX882 1/1.95-inch telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, an 8MP ultrawide lens with a 110-degree field of view (FoV), and a 50MP wide selfie camera.
The camera viewfinder offers 0.6x zoom at 15mm with the ultrawide lens, 23mm at 1x, 46mm at 2x, 73mm at 3x, and up to 100x digital zoom. Add the telephoto extender, and you get focal lengths of up to 5400mm. All the lenses on the Vivo X300 FE come with multiple colour profiles, including Vivo’s signature ZEISS and Texture modes, which I found myself using most throughout my trip to Jaipur. You can further play around with the modes by adjusting the brightness, saturation, contrast, and sharpness to your liking.
While the ultrawide lens helps capture wider perspectives, crucial for capturing architectural marvels and historical buildings, the primary camera works reliably, offering sharp, contrasty images in the ZEISS and Texture modes.
AI Creative mode: adds a fun element to images
One of the standout camera features this time around is the ‘Creative mode’. Built right into the camera app, the mode offers around 25 different styles and themes that add a fun flair to your clicks. All you need to do is switch to Creative mode and select a theme, including Sunlight, Glow, Dream, Dune, Underwater, Firework, and more.
After selecting a theme, you’re free to capture images with any lens and focal length. However, you can’t access the Creative mode with the telephoto extender attached.
Street Photography mode: tons of filters and styles to explore
Like most camera-centric Vivo smartphones previously released, the Vivo X300 FE boasts the ‘Humanistic Street Photography’ mode. For those unaware, it’s designed to quickly capture moments of people and scenes in an artistic or film-like way. Upon summoning the Street Photography mode, which can be done by double-tapping the volume down button when the screen is locked, you’re greeted by an entirely different UI that offers a collection of focal lengths and film simulations.
Among all the film filters available, I really enjoyed capturing images with the ‘Positive film’ filter, which adds a dreamy look to the scene, while the B/W filter adds an artistic monochrome look.
Burdenless, portable and handy design
The Vivo X300 FE ditches the vertical, pill-shaped camera layout found on the X200 FE in favour of a horizontal camera island that spans the entire width of the rear panel. Whenever I used the device without the bundled case or telephoto extender casing, the camera bump helped my fingers rest naturally, providing a more comfortable and secure grip.
Following in the footsteps of the Vivo X200 FE, the X300 FE boasts a handy design that weighs just 191g and is fairly sleek at 7.99mm thick. With a metallic sideframe and a matte rear panel finish, the X300 FE feels quite robust to wield, even though most may find it slippery to use without a cover.
While I got to experience the Lilac Purple shade, a bright and fun colour, the handset will also be available in Noir Black, which offers an understated look, and the India-exclusive Urban Olive green colourway.
Running at its core is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, while a large 6,500mAh battery powers the Vivo X300 FE, which is a major plus for a device as compact as the X300 FE. Backed by OriginOS 6, the phone flies through any task, especially when using the camera for extended periods, and it showed no signs of strain or slowdowns, even in hot weather.
Based on this early experience, if you prioritise cameras, especially spending a little extra for the camera kit, and a compact form factor, this phone looks promising. However, wait for the full review for final pricing and performance details before making a decision. The handset is all set to launch in India on May 6th alongside the Vivo X300 Ultra. So if you’ve been eyeing either of these smartphones, stay tuned to 91mobiles for deep coverage on Vivo’s latest flagships.
