The Unboxing Experience: A Premium Presentation
Lifting the lid off the Vivo X100 Pro’s packaging feels distinctly ceremonial. The outer sleeve, adorned with a striking celestial-inspired pattern referencing the device’s Zeiss-branded camera system, slides away to reveal a sturdy, two-tiered white box. The first layer cradles the device itself, immediately commanding attention. Beneath it, a second compartment houses the accessories with satisfying precision. Vivo includes a robust 120W FlashCharge power adapter—a significant inclusion in an era where many flagships omit chargers—along with a high-quality USB-C to C cable, a soft-translucent protective case, a SIM ejector tool, and the obligatory paperwork. The case is a thoughtful, immediate-use addition, with precise cutouts and a slight lip to protect the display. The entire presentation feels meticulously curated, signaling that what lies within is a premium flagship product, not just another smartphone.
In-Hand Feel & Design Aesthetics
Removing the Vivo X100 Pro from its protective film is a revelation. The review unit in the ‘Starry Blue’ finish exhibits a breathtaking photochromatic effect. Under most light, it presents a sophisticated, deep blue with a subtle shimmer, but tilt it under direct light, and a galaxy of silver particles emerges, swirling across the glass back. It’s a design that actively engages with its environment. The large, circular camera module—dubbed the ‘Sunset Eclipse Design’—is prominent but integrated with a flowing, asymmetric polish on the metal chassis. It doesn’t rock on a flat surface, a small but appreciated detail.
The device feels substantial (221g) and reassuringly solid, thanks to its IP68-rated build. The curved edges of the 6.78-inch display blend seamlessly into the polished aluminum frame, making for exceptionally smooth hand-feel transitions. The button placement is ergonomic, with a distinctive textured power button for easy tactile identification. This is a phone that announces its flagship status through meticulous material choice and dynamic, eye-catching design.
Display: A Visual Powerhouse
Powering on the Vivo X100 Pro unveils its centerpiece: a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO display. The first boot is a visual treat. The colors are vibrant and punchy out of the box, with deep, inky blacks that make content appear to float on the glass. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, sunlight visibility is exceptional; text and images remain perfectly legible under harsh outdoor conditions. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate is flawlessly smooth, making system animations, scrolling, and gameplay feel fluid and immediate. Vivo’s software allows fine-tuning of color temperature and style, catering to both saturation lovers and sRGB purists.
The display is also a sonic canvas, driven by a stereo speaker setup. The audio is clear, with a decent soundstage and noticeable lack of distortion at high volumes. While it doesn’t replace dedicated speakers, it’s more than capable for media consumption, offering a rich, immersive companion to the brilliant visual experience.
Performance & Software: Blazing Speed Meets Funtouch OS
Driven by the cutting-edge MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5T RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Vivo X100 Pro is an absolute performance brute. Initial setup is blisteringly fast, with apps installing in parallel almost instantaneously. Navigating the interface is a lesson in latency-free speed. Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14, overlays the experience. The first impression of the software is one of feature richness and customizability. There are abundant options for always-on display styles, animation speeds, and gesture controls.
The UI is generally clean, though it comes with some pre-installed apps that may not be to everyone’s taste. However, the sheer fluidity of the experience overshadows minor quibbles. Intensive tasks like loading complex websites, switching between multiple demanding apps, or previewing 4K video footage result in zero stutter or lag. The in-display fingerprint sensor is lightning-fast and accurate. This performance profile, combined with the efficient chipset, suggests a device built not just for today, but for sustained performance demands.
Camera: First Glances Through a Zeiss Lens
The camera array is the X100 Pro’s raison d’être. The triple-camera system, developed in partnership with Zeiss, consists of a 1-inch 50MP main sensor (IMX989), a 50MP ultra-wide, and a standout 50MP telephoto with an APO super-telephoto lens, offering a true 4.3x optical zoom (equivalent to 100mm). The camera app launches quickly, and the shooting experience is snappy.
A quick point-and-shoot in daylight with the main sensor produces images with startling clarity, dynamic range, and natural color science—a shift from Vivo’s previously more saturated style. The Zeiss Natural Color profile provides a pleasing, realistic alternative. The bokeh and subject separation in portrait mode are exquisite, with complex edges like hair handled impressively well. The telephoto lens is a revelation; the 4.3x zoom provides a uniquely compressed perspective perfect for portraits and details, while the lossless digital zoom extending to 10x remains incredibly usable. Low-light snaps show promise, with the large sensor pulling in significant light, though a full assessment requires more controlled testing. The ultra-wide offers solid consistency with the main shooter. The mere hardware specs and initial output inspire confidence that this is among the most versatile camera systems available.
Battery & Charging: The Promise of All-Day Power
The Vivo X100 Pro is equipped with a 5,400mAh battery, a sizable cell that promises endurance. In early, mixed usage involving setup, app downloads, photography, and video streaming over WiFi and 5G, the device easily navigated a full day with a substantial buffer remaining. The software shows intelligent background management. The true star, however, is the included 120W FlashCharge. Plugging in the provided charger results in a charging speed that feels almost fictional. The battery percentage visibly climbs within minutes, offering peace of mind that a short plug-in session can deliver hours of usage. It effectively eliminates range anxiety and redefines charging behavior.
Initial Verdict & Lingering Questions
The first 24 hours with the Vivo X100 Pro leave a powerful impression of a top-tier contender. It excels in core flagship pillars: stunning design and build, a world-class display, benchmark-topping performance, and a uniquely compelling camera system centered on that exceptional telephoto lens. The blistering 120W charging is a practical game-changer. The Funtouch OS software, while feature-packed, presents the only point of adaptation, particularly for those accustomed to stock Android or other overlays. Questions for longer-term testing remain: How does the battery life hold up under sustained mobile network strain? Does the camera consistency extend across all lighting scenarios? How does the Dimensity 9300 handle prolonged intensive gaming sessions? However, as a first impression, the Vivo X100 Pro doesn’t just meet flagship expectations—it actively exceeds them in key, tangible areas, presenting a compelling and distinctive alternative in the high-end smartphone arena.