Vivo X200 Ultra Review: A Camera Powerhouse with a Bold Design

The Vivo X200 Ultra isn’t just another camera phone—it’s a statement. With an enormous camera bump that’s impossible to ignore, this device redefines smartphone photography. Instead of settling for compromises, Vivo pushes boundaries with an industry-leading ultra-wide camera and an unconventional 35mm main lens.
But is this daring design worth it? And why won’t it launch in Western markets? Let’s dive in.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Key Takeaways
What We Like:
- Best-in-class ultra-wide camera.
- Outstanding telephoto performance.
- Innovative 35mm main lens.
- Exceptional battery life.
What We Don’t Like:
- Massive, impractical camera bump.
- Top-heavy, unbalanced design.
- Limited global availability.
Design & Display: Bold but Bulky
The Vivo X200 Ultra is defined by its gigantic camera module—so large that it’s actually thicker than the Galaxy S25 Edge. This makes the phone top-heavy, increasing the risk of accidental drops.
Despite this, the phone feels premium, featuring:
- Flat edges.
- 6.8-inch AMOLED display (slightly curved edges).
- Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor (fast & reliable).
Display Performance
Metric | Vivo X200 Ultra | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Max Brightness | 2526 nits | 2373 nits |
Color Accuracy | Excellent (ΔE 1.67) | Good (ΔE 2.84) |
While brightness is impressive, minimum brightness could be dimmer for nighttime use.
Camera: Breaking the Mold
1. The 35mm Main Camera – A Game Changer?
Most flagships use a 24mm lens, but Vivo opts for a 35mm main camera—ideal for street photography and portraits. However, landscapes require the ultra-wide lens, which is unusually powerful for a smartphone.
2. Ultra-Wide Camera: No Compromises
- 14mm (ultra-wide) & 28mm (cropped) modes.
- Same sensor size as the main camera (1/1.3″).
- Exceptional low-light performance.
3. Telephoto & Portraits
- 3.7x optical zoom (85mm equivalent).
- Stunning macro capabilities.
- Natural bokeh & precise edge detection.
Video: The Weak Spot
The 35mm lens struggles for video, forcing users to rely on the ultra-wide (resulting in noisier footage). Competitors like the Galaxy S25 Ultra handle video better.
Performance & Battery: Flagship Power
Benchmarks (Snapdragon 8 Elite)
Test | Vivo X200 Ultra | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Geekbench 6 | 3107 (Single) | 3137 (Single) |
3DMark Extreme | 6772 (High) | 6208 (High) |
- 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking.
- GPU performance beats the Galaxy under sustained load.
Battery Life: Class-Leading
Usage | Vivo X200 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
---|---|---|
Web Browsing | 22 hours | ~21 hours |
YouTube | 13h 41m | 10h 30m |
With a 6,000mAh battery, it outlasts rivals. 90W wired & 40W wireless charging add convenience.
Software: Origin OS Stands Out
- Intuitive drag-and-drop file management.
- 4 years of OS updates (less than Samsung’s 7).
Should You Buy It?
Buy If:
- You prioritize camera innovation.
- You want the best battery life in a flagship.
- You can import it (no global release).
Avoid If:
- You dislike bulky designs.
- You need wide-angle video.
- You prefer long-term software support.
Final Verdict
The Vivo X200 Ultra is a camera beast with a polarizing design. While not for everyone, it’s a dream for photography enthusiasts.