vivo X200 Pro (global) review

GSMArena Team, 08 January 2025.

4.5

Update, 08 Jan 2025: We received a global version of the phone (as opposed to the China-specific one we had previously) and we re-shot some of the scenes, side by side on both phones, to compare and analyze if the two perform to the same high standard. For the original set of samples shot on the Chinese version at the time of the initial review, as well as an overview of the camera hardware, check the previous page.

Daylight photo comparison

The camera hardware is the same on both versions, but during press meetings we were told that the global variant has different processing tuning. We certainly didn't expect night-and-day type of differences, of course, but we did have both phones available at the same time so it was a good opportunity to verify those claims with some side-by-side shooting.

Starting on the main camera at its native focal length, we wouldn't say there are noticeable differences in practice that separate the two versions - certainly there are no trends to speak of. We're getting the same expressive colors and wide dynamic range with essentially no difference in exposure either. Detail is also largely identical though the two phones may have picked slightly different focusing points in one scene or the other. We wouldn't say there's a meaningful difference in people shots either - one area where you'd think there might be regional specifics. Great stuff overall, regardless of version.

Daylight samples, main camera (1x): Global • Chinese

We wouldn't say that zooming in to 2x changes a lot - the two phones still appear to be capturing more or less identical images in most cases. That said, the global one had the occasional misstep, where it wasn't quite as sharp as in other scenes. That reminded us of the X200 Pro's 2x output at the time of the original review which left us somewhat unenthusiastic - as best as we can sum it up now, the Chinese version is doing great at this point, while the global one needs minor finishing touches.

Daylight samples, main camera (2x): Global • Chinese

With the above in mind, you'll probably not be surprised to learn that the 3.7x zoom camera output is also, from a practical perspective, the same between the two versions. That's great news, because it means we can finally have that awesome camera on a phone running a global software build.

Daylight samples, telephoto camera (3.7x): Global • Chinese

The Chinese version just might be able to get slightly sharper results at 10x, though the global variant is doing pretty well itself.

Daylight samples, telephoto camera (10x): Global • Chinese

Daylight samples, ultrawide camera (0.6x): Global • Chinese

Low-light photo comparison

The parity between the photos from the two versions continues in the dark, with the main camera capturing the same excellent shots on both. Sure, the X100 Pro/Ultra's fancier main camera might still be that little bit better, but you won't be left wanting with a X200 Pro either.

Low-light samples, main camera (1x): Global • Chinese

2x zoom shots at night are in the alright category - so same as the Chinese version, once again.

Low-light samples, main camera (2x): Global • Chinese

Zooming in further, at 3.7x the telephoto camera delivers excellent shots with great detail, wide dynamic range and accurate colors - same on both phones, as expected.

Low-light samples, telephoto camera (3.7x): Global • Chinese

As was the case during the day, we got slightly better detail at 10x in the dark from our Chinese review unit when compared to the Global one. Neither variant produces wow-level results though, and at the same time the global one is decent enough so that the difference isn't a dealbreaker.

Low-light samples, telephoto camera (10x): Global • Chinese

The battle of the ultrawides isn't really a battle either - the images are the same from the two phones. That means you won't be getting class-leading detail from the X200 Pro, but you can count on a great rendition from a global point of view.

Low-light samples, ultrawide camera (0.6x): Global • Chinese

Video comparison

Video recording differences are minimal between the two versions, with only a small disparity at the extreme zoom end - the Chinese version is slightly better at 10x than the global one. That means excellent dynamic range and color rendition across the board from all cameras, with more of a good to very good detail level.

Daylight video framegrabs, main camera (1x): Global • Chinese

Daylight video framegrabs, main camera (2x): Global • Chinese

Daylight video framegrabs, telephoto camera (3.7x): Global • Chinese

Daylight video framegrabs, telephoto camera (10x): Global • Chinese

Daylight video framegrabs, ultrawide camera (0.6x): Global • Chinese

You can expect particularly great results from the telephoto at night - some of the best we've seen. The main camera is a very good performer in the dark, and the ultrawide does a fair job.

Low-light video framegrabs, main camera (1x): Global • Chinese