While Vivo at all times delivered telephones with nice cameras, 2024 has been a breakout yr for the model, with its units persistently delivering excellent images and movies. The X100 Pro set the groundwork in the beginning of the yr, that includes upgraded cameras and an even bigger battery. Vivo adopted that up with the mid-range V30 and V30 Pro, after which got here the marquee launch of the yr with the introduction of the X Fold3 Pro.
Along the way in which, Vivo additionally launched the X100 Ultra, however in contrast to the remainder of the fashions, it did not make its method exterior China. While Xiaomi and OPPO do that on a typical foundation, Vivo has been in keeping with bringing its complete portfolio to international markets, and I used to be significantly eager on the X100 Ultra, because it was positioned as Vivo’s final digital camera cellphone of 2024.
The Find X7 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra have been actually nice this yr, and I’m glad to say that the X100 Ultra follows similarly. If something, Vivo’s Chinese-exclusive Origin OS software program is best than what we normally get on the model’s international fashions, and whereas it wasn’t essentially the most simple to make use of out of the field, it turned simpler as soon as I had the Play Store put in.
Vivo is not ready round both; it launched the V40 and V40 Pro to tackle the likes of the Xiaomi 14T Pro, and the X200 collection has made its debut in China and must be accessible globally someday early subsequent week. But the X100 Ultra continues to be my go-to alternative, and if I can solely choose one gadget as the very best total in 2024, then it will be this one — so it is a disgrace, actually, which you could’t really purchase it.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Pricing and availability
Vivo unveiled the X100 Ultra at an occasion in China on May 13, and the cellphone went on sale within the nation beginning May 28. The gadget prices 7,099 RMB ($996) for the model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and it is usually accessible in 12GB/256GB editions and a 16GB/1TB mannequin, which is what I’m utilizing.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Design
Vivo has a definite design language, and whereas the X100 Ultra shares similarities to the X100 Pro, it does just a few issues in another way. The digital camera design on the again is far more distinctive; the X100 Ultra has an excellent bigger island, and the groove that encircles it has better definition, making it stand out.
I’m utilizing the white coloration variant, and it seems to be elegant in its personal proper — regardless that it does not have the Find X7 Ultra’s flamboyant leather-based designs. The silver-accented digital camera island together with the black across the particular person modules create sufficient distinction to tell apart the design, and whereas it is without doubt one of the largest digital camera modules on a cellphone at the moment, there are not any points with usability.
As the island extends to cowl many of the width on the again, it primarily props up the gadget at a refined angle when it is on a pill, so you do not get any wobble. The X100 Ultra can also be somewhat thicker across the sides than the X100 Pro, and this makes a sizeable distinction in usability. Vivo fortunately is not getting on the pattern of boxy sides, and the X100 Ultra has easy curves and rounded edges, and the matte aluminum mid-fame feels nice to carry and use.
The glass again is protected by Vivo’s customized answer (as an alternative of Gorilla Glass), and whereas the X100 Ultra has a satin texture on the again, the white coloration possibility does a superb job hiding smudges, and whereas it is without doubt one of the heaviest telephones round at 229g, you do not discover the heft — it has glorious weight distribution.
Cumulatively, the X100 Ultra has gotten over 4 months of use, all with out a case. After a dozen tumbles — some from practically six toes — the gadget remains to be pristine, and that ought to function a testomony to Vivo’s construct high quality. While the model bundles a silicone case within the field, I did not really feel the necessity to use it, and given the long-term sturdiness, I do not suppose you want one with this cellphone — I am unable to say the identical of the Pixel 9 Pro XL or iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The X100 Ultra has IP68 ingress safety, and the gadget has no points on this space. While the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra have points with condensation entering into the digital camera island, I did not discover these issues on some other manufacturers. Overall, the X100 Ultra has the most effective designs of 2024, and it has confirmed sturdiness.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Display
Vivo did not change the panel, and the X100 Ultra makes use of the identical 6.78-inch LTPO OLED because the X100 Pro. The key distinction is that you just get elevated decision — 3200 x 1440 — however in any other case, it has the identical 120Hz dynamic refresh, 1440Hz PWM dimming, and 3000-nit most brightness.
In real-world use, the X100 Ultra will get extremely vibrant; the truth is, solely the Pixel 9 Pro XL will get brighter than the gadget in auto mode. There are completely no points on this space, and the panel outshines its rivals with ease. It has Dolby Vision integration as effectively, and it does an amazing job with HDR content material usually.
Colors are predictably vivid, and the refined curves across the sides make it that rather more immersive. I did not have any issues whereas streaming content material or enjoying video games, and in case you want a vibrant OLED panel that will get vibrant and is very customizable, the X100 Ultra is a straightforward suggestion. Vivo did a superb job with the built-in sound as effectively, and it will get as loud because the Xiaomi 14 Ultra — no small feat.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Hardware
While Vivo went with Dimensity 9300 within the X100 collection, the X100 Ultra makes use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The variant I’m utilizing has 16GB of RAM and 1TB storage, and it’s among the many quickest units I used this yr. It is fluid in common use, the interface is optimized to make the most of the {hardware}, and there are not any slowdowns.
It holds up unbelievable effectively at gaming as effectively, and there are not any points in demanding titles. The solely drawback is that it will get hotter than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and the X100 Pro; I measured 44 levels in the back of the unit after prolonged gaming periods, and that is on the upper finish of the size.
| Category | Xiaomi 14T Pro | Vivo X100 Ultra | Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCMark Work 3.0 (Overall) | 15337 | 14899 | 13028 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 (Web Browsing) | 17137 | 11497 | 10322 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 (Video Editing) | 6589 | 6278 | 7606 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 (Writing) | 16989 | 22368 | 15582 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 (Photo Editing) | 26225 | 32759 | 19293 |
| Geekbench 6 (single-core) | 16879 | 2174 | 1895 |
| Geekbench 6 (multi-core) | 6831 | 6375 | 4111 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme (rating) | NA | 4677 | 2483 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme (FPS) | NA | 28.01 | 14.865 |
| 3DMark Solar Bay (rating) | NA | 8278 | NA |
| 3DMark Solar Bay (FPS) | NA | 31.475 | NA |
In 3DMark’s Solar Bay stress take a look at, the gadget went as much as 57 levels, and I needed to set it apart because it turned too scorching. The stability rating of 71% is common, but it surely’s clear that Vivo did not set any aggressive thermal limits on the gadget — as evidenced by the overheating.
I did not see any issues in different areas; the X100 Ultra delivered a powerful mobile and Wi-Fi sign, Bluetooth connectivity was rock-solid, and also you get the total suite of AptX codecs. I dislike ultrasonic fingerprint sensors as they are typically gradual and never as straightforward to make use of because the optical modules, however Vivo does an amazing job with these modules, and that is no totally different on the X100 Ultra, with the gadget utilizing Goodix’s newest answer. The recognition space is suitably massive, and it’s quick to authenticate.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Battery
The X100 Ultra is not the fastest-charging cellphone I used this yr by any margin, but it surely has unbelievable battery life, and similar to the Honor Magic 6 Pro and Magic V3, it makes use of a silicon-carbon battery that will increase density whereas guaranteeing the gadget is not cumbersome. The result’s that you just get a 5500mAh battery, and the cellphone lasts a day and a half between fees.
I normally get higher battery life when utilizing telephones with Chinese skins; they’ve extra aggressive reminiscence administration, and the identical is true of the X100 Ultra as effectively. As there is no international model of the cellphone, it comes with Vivo’s China-only software program, and the battery lasts longer than the Find X7 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and the X100 Pro.
Charging takes simply over 50 minutes through the bundled 80W charger, and whereas that is slower than what you get on the likes of the OnePlus 12, it’s a lot better than the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Cameras
The essential cause to think about the X100 Ultra is the cameras; Vivo already did an amazing job with the digital camera package deal on the X100 Pro, however the X100 Ultra takes issues to an entire new stage. The cellphone makes use of the identical 50MP Sony Lytia LYT-900 essential digital camera with the large 1/0.98-inch module and 1.6um pixels, and it will get Vivo’s gimbal-based OIS.
It’s joined by a 50MP Sony Lytia LYT-600 f/2.2 wide-angle with a modest 116-degree FoV, and the star of the present is the 200MP Samsung HP9 telephoto, which makes use of a 1/1.4-inch lens, goes as much as 3.7x optical zoom, and has OIS. You get a 50MP digital camera on the entrance, and it has autofocus and the power to shoot 4K60 video. In truth, all 4 cameras can shoot 4K60 video, and also you even get the power to take action at 10x zoom.
Vivo has Dolby Vision video at 4K60 as effectively with the rear cameras, and the gadget does a wonderful job on this space. You get good stabilization even at a excessive zoom stage, and in case you do not want HDR video, you’ll be able to go as much as 4K120 and 8K30 on this gadget. Similar to Xiaomi with its Leica partnership, Vivo has a long-standing collaboration with Zeiss, and the X100 Ultra makes use of three types — Vivid, Textured, and Natural. The Natural model provides vignetting and creates moody pictures, so I went with the Vivid possibility.
The Lytia LYT-900 module is a identified amount by this level, and it delivers excellent images in any situation. The X100 Ultra delivers the identical caliber of pictures because the X100 Pro in daylight conditions, with nice coloration rendition and white steadiness. Because of the change to Qualcomm, you get minute variations in picture high quality, and I favor the pictures taken with the X100 Ultra over the Pro mannequin.
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The essential digital camera takes the very best low-light pictures of any gadget, with glorious element retrieval and minimal noise. Like the X100 Pro, the Ultra tends to ship overly-bright pictures with vibrant colours, and whereas not essentially correct, the resultant pictures look nice when shared on social media. The wide-angle lens does an amazing job on this space as effectively, and whereas I do not take as many wide-angle pictures, I take advantage of this mode quite a bit with movies, and it’s higher than different telephones I used this yr.
But it is the telephoto lens that is been a revelation. It takes fabulous images at as much as 3.7x zoom, and also you get usable pictures at 10x — if something, it does a greater job than the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S24 Ultra on this regard. Where it really shines is with portrait pictures; the X100 Ultra takes the very best portrait pictures of any cellphone, and what’s significantly nice is that it does so throughout numerous focal lengths.
I believed the Find X7 Ultra could be unchallenged on this class, however the X100 Ultra persistently delivers higher portrait pictures, and it’s in a league of its personal — no different flagship has the identical consistency or element. You additionally get terrific macro pictures, and whereas I do not take many macros, it was enjoyable to make use of the mode to shoot images of artisan keys on my keyboards.
After taking 1000’s of images and tons of of movies, I can confidently say that the X100 Ultra is the very best digital camera I used this yr. It does a greater job than the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Only the Find X7 Ultra comes near the gadget, and it is annoying that two of the very best digital camera telephones of 2024 are restricted to China.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Software
I used dozens of telephones with Vivo’s Funtouch OS over time, however the X100 Ultra comes with the model’s Android 14-based OriginOS as an alternative, which it makes use of solely in China. There’s numerous variations between the 2, and if something, I feel I favor the OriginOS interface. It seems to be cleaner, and has an exhaustive feature-set.
The UI has higher fluidity than Funtouch OS, and also you get an amazing stage of customizability. The notification pane is break up right into a Control Center and notification part, and there is no approach to change to a unified pane. The overview menu means that you can stack horizontally or vertically — just like MIUI — and the app grid is one way or the other wider.
Like different Chinese-only units, you do not get Google Play Services out of the field, however that may be simply addressed. Vivo has its personal app retailer, and you’ll set up the Play Store from there and go into the cellphone’s settings to allow primary Google providers. Doing so enables you to check in to the Play Store (you may get a server subject in any other case), after which you’ll be able to simply set up apps similar to some other gadget.
While there aren’t many points with OriginOS as an entire, notifications proceed to be an issue. I suppose this has one thing to do with the requisite Google hooks not being current, however all telephones I take advantage of with Chinese skins have points with notification administration. I simply do not get most notifications, and I’ve to manually go into an app to see no matter notifications I missed.
The X100 Ultra can also be constrained on this space, and whereas it is not as limiting because the Find X7 Ultra, I had loads of cases the place video calls and even common calls — when utilizing Google’s Phone dialer — would set off a notification. It obtained to a degree the place I needed to change to the bundled Vivo dialer so I would not miss cellphone calls, however WhatsApp calls had been at all times a difficulty.
That mentioned, altering background reminiscence settings to unrestricted made a distinction on this regard, and there was solely the occasional video name that went awry. Other than that, utilizing the cellphone is just like the worldwide construct.
Vivo rolled out software program updates persistently to the X100 Ultra (I counted 4 updates), and the gadget will choose up 4 Android OS updates together with six years of safety patches. While that is not as a lot as what Google and Samsung present, it’s satisfactory.
Vivo X100 Ultra: The options
The normal X100 Pro is fairly nice in its personal proper, and I like to recommend getting this as an alternative of the X100 Ultra; it has terrific cameras, and takes nice images and movies in difficult conditions. The design is almost similar, and also you get highly effective {hardware} with a long-lasting battery. I used the X100 Pro alongside the X100 Ultra, and whereas the latter finally wins out on the digital camera entrance, the software program trouble makes the X100 Pro the higher alternative globally.
The cellphone that comes closest to the X100 Ultra is its BBK sibling, the Find X7 Ultra, with that gadget additionally that includes a shocking design and excellent cameras. Annoyingly, that gadget can also be restricted to China, and you’ll’t purchase it exterior the nation.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra can also be good, and whereas its cameras are superb, there are inconsistencies with the resultant images and movies that is making me rethink my suggestion. This hasn’t been a difficulty in earlier years, however the 14 Ultra simply does not have the identical consistency as different units on this class.
Vivo X100 Ultra: Should you purchase it?
You can buy this if:
- You want the cellphone with the very best cameras
- You need the very best {hardware} presently accessible
- You want glorious battery life and dependable charging
- You desire a vibrant OLED that is among the many brightest round
You should not purchase this if:
- You need hassle-free software program
- You want a cellphone with Google providers pre-installed
If I needed to choose only one gadget as the very best cellphone of 2024, it will be the X100 Ultra — Vivo did a improbable job total. The cellphone has an amazing design, one of many brightest OLED panels accessible at the moment, and top-notch {hardware}. Battery life is among the many better of any cellphone round, and 80W charging is dependable.
Where the X100 Ultra has an edge over different flagships is the cameras. The essential digital camera is similar to what you get on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Find X7 Ultra, and the X100 Pro, however the resultant pictures are marginally higher because of Vivo’s tuning efforts. The portrait digital camera is the very best round, and there is not one other cellphone at the moment that matches the X100 Ultra on this regard.
While that is nice, the most important limitation with the X100 Ultra is that it is not accessible globally. Vivo wants to alter its technique in 2025 and produce the Ultra mannequin to international markets — it is too good to be offered in only one nation.
