vivo X200 Pro (global) review

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-ran the full set of tests, including the benchmarks, plus we reshot some camera samples. The relevant test pages have been updated with the results for the global version and all review conclusions now refer to the global model unless explicitly stated otherwise. We've also reevaluated its competitors in light of recent releases not available at the time of the original review.

Competition

The X200 Pro is a high-end cameraphone that may be sitting a notch below the company's ultimate offering of the same sort but is in many ways better equipped than other makers' absolute best. With that in mind, there's not a lot of debate as to which its competitors are.

In the span of the several months between the initial review of the Chinese version and the time this global one showed up, a few of the X200 Pro's direct competitors (as we perceive them) have already made their way to our test bench. Some 2025 models still remain in limbo though, and it's only the previous-gen versions that are available to purchase.

One of the soon-to-be-replaced models that's widely available, is the Galaxy S24 Ultra. We reckon the vivo beats it comfortably as cameraphone, despite the Galaxy's properly serious camera chops. The X200 Pro also wins the endurance race with the displays on, and its panel can actually go brighter than the Galaxy's. The vivo’s IP69 rating is a nice perk if you'd like to take your phone with you in the spa, and the vivo is also a lot more pocketable than the boxy Galaxy. What Samsung will give you is an S Pen, One UI, DeX - productivity stuff, on top of a great camera.

Another international option is the Honor Magic6 Pro, and it's the only non-vivo with a telephoto camera of remotely similar caliber as the X200 Pro's. The thing is, though, the vivo makes better use of its telephoto at both native and extended zoom levels, and we're not necessarily liking the Honor's other cameras better than their vivo counterparts. In fact, the vivo has a small lead on the Magic in most areas, but the Honor is an overall great phone that could be the better option given the right monetary advantage.

Also sort of an outgoing model, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is more or less readily available. Even if it may be due for replacement in the coming months (though who's to say when and if a 15 Ultra will go global), it remains a strong contender if you're shopping right now. Its two smaller-sensor telephotos can probably match the vivo's one large one for versatility, near and far, and the 14 Ultra's vari-aperture one-inch main camera could be an advantage over the X200 Pro's primary unit. The Xiaomi can't compete for battery life, though.

The recently-global OnePlus 13 is a potential option too, and one that will save you some money. The OP fares better in the battery department (both endurance and charging), but the vivo is the superior cameraphone.

The Oppo X8 Pro, on the other hand, is about as good as the X200 Pro for picturetaking, and it's more or less a tie in pretty much everything else major. With price being roughly similar too, this one comes down to details like the optical vs. ultrasonic fingerprint reader or choosing between Color OS and Funtouch OS. Oh, maybe you have a soft spot for the Oppo's additional camera button for what that’s worth.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra • Xiaomi 14 Ultra • OnePlus 13 • Oppo Find X8 Pro

Verdict

The X200 Pro had big shoes to fill for us - it was meant to be the X100 Ultra we couldn't have in Western markets. For the most part, it delivers, but vivo does appear to have made sure to leave enough room to breathe for the next Ultra.

It was the X100 Ultra camera setup we were after, only in a global firmware phone, and the new Pro doesn't quite get us there. The main camera is great, just not quite as great as we know they can make them, the ultrawide is average, and the selfie camera isn't Ultra-grade either.

But really, it was the X100 Ultra's telephoto that we've dubbed 'transformative' on more than one occasion, and the X200 Pro is bringing that to the world. Sure, it's apparently somewhat differently packaged, but we don't find the ever so slightly longer minimum focusing distance that big of a deal. Yes, we do like this camera. Immensely.

The X200 Pro brings a few other Ultra bits and the IP69 rating sounds like a nice bonus on top of the usual submersion-grade protection. The improved battery tech means the X200 Pro can last more than most without weighing more than them. The thoroughly excellent display is higher than most in the nits chart too, and the chipset is plenty powerful, if not quite Elite-grade.

All things considered, we're fine accepting the vivo X200 Pro's smallish imperfections, and we fully appreciate its virtues, of which it has plenty. That said... Is there a next-gen global Ultra on the way, maybe?

Pros

• IP69 in addition to the regular IP68.
• One of the brightest displays we've tested, excellent overall.
• Class-leading battery life.
• Spectacular telephoto camera, particularly great at night and at close range.

Cons

• Charging speed is only average.
• So-so ultrawide camera, main camera is a bit of a downgrade, the selfies could have been better.