Vivo X300 FE review: The unexpected compact flagship that impressed me surprisingly.

      Vivo X300 FE

       MSRP $999.00

      

      

       “The precision hero of flagship phones.”

      

      

      

      

       Pros

      

       Compact design

      

       Excellent cameras

      

       Long battery life

      

      

      

      

       Cons

      

       Weaker ultrawide lens

      

       USB 2.0 standard

      

       Higher price point

      

      

      

      Why Hawkeye?

      Hawkeye was never the most powerful Avenger, nor did he sport the flashiest costume or extraordinary abilities. Yet, he consistently demonstrated his value through accuracy, dependability, and execution of the basics exceptionally well. The Vivo X300 FE embodies this same principle. It doesn't strive for outrageous features or promotional tricks; rather, it excels in the essentials with an impressive display, reliable performance, great cameras, and remarkable battery life. Although it may not dominate the headlines, when it comes to performance, it’s the flagship that delivers.

      I’ve reviewed countless “Lite,” “SE,” and “FE” models over the years. Frequently, they turn out to be flagship devices with fewer specifications—slimmer cameras, a slightly diminished processor, and a few cutbacks to achieve a lower price. So, I approached the Vivo X300 FE with my usual skepticism. Fortunately, it changed my mind.

      Instead of positioning itself as the cheapest member of the X300 family, the FE stands out as the most sensible choice. It features a compact 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display that strikes a perfect equilibrium between usability and immersion. I could easily navigate it one-handed without feeling cramped while watching videos, editing images, or browsing social media.

      Before diving into other aspects, the design deserves attention. Rather than the familiar circular camera island that Vivo is known for, this phone adopts a horizontally arranged camera bar, reminiscent of Google’s latest Pixel devices. It’s a striking change that lends the phone a sleeker and more unique identity.

      At around $1,100 in global markets, the Vivo X300 FE is not exactly cheap, and those in the US will need to import it since it isn't officially available there. However, after spending time with it, I am inclined to recommend this model from the X300 series to most people. It makes a few smart trade-offs, gets nearly everything right, and demonstrates that a compact flagship can be genuinely satisfying.

      Oh, and it would have been quite a compromise – and thus, the Vivo X300 FE review is here!

      Quick take

      The Vivo X300 FE demonstrates that a flagship doesn't have to be oversized or exorbitantly priced to feel premium. It blends a compact, user-friendly design with a stellar 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display, consistent Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 performance, refined OriginOS 6 software, and an impressive 6,500mAh battery that easily lasts for an entire day.

      The cameras stand out, particularly the remarkable 50MP main and 50MP 3x telephoto sensors, while the 8MP ultrawide presents itself as one evident compromise. Rapid 90W wired and 40W wireless charging enhances the overall package. While it’s priced at roughly $1,100, it provides a flagship experience without relying on excessive size or gimmicky specifications. If you're on the lookout for a compact Android flagship that excels in the essentials, the Vivo X300 FE is one of my top recommendations this year.

      Vivo X300 FE Specifications

      SpecificationVivo X300 FEDimensions150.8 x 71.8 x 8.2 mmWeight190gDisplay6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Screen Resolution2640 x 1216 (1.5K), ~461ppiChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (3nm)RAM12GB LPDDR5XStorage256GB / 512GB UFS 4.1OSAndroid 16 based OriginOS 6 (5 years of OS updates)Rear Cameras50MP main (OIS) / 50MP 3x telephoto (OIS) / 8MP ultrawideFront Camera50MP autofocusBattery & Charging6,500mAh / 90W wired / 40W wireless / Reverse wired & wireless charging

      

      Design and build quality

      Quick take: I stopped noticing the phone, and that’s the highest praise.

      If there's one area where Vivo has excelled consistently in recent years, it’s in industrial design. The Vivo X300 FE continues this trend but in a manner I honestly didn't expect. While most flagship phones seem eager to display their camera hardware prominently, the X300 FE opts for a more understated style. The large circular camera island seen in the other X300 models is absent here. Instead, it features a neatly organized horizontal camera element that not only looks neater but also addresses one of my biggest pet peeves.