Looking for a compact flagship smartphone that doesn’t compromise on power or features? The vivo X300 might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. Launching at €1,049 for the 12GB/256GB variant and €1,099 for the 16GB/512GB model, it enters a market with surprisingly few competitors in the compact category. But here’s where it gets interesting: vivo didn’t just rely on the lack of rivals—they’ve crafted a device that stands tall as one of the best phones available today. But is it worth the premium price tag? Let’s dive in.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re eyeing the X300, you might also want to check out the Samsung Galaxy S25, a smaller and lighter contender priced at around €700. While it offers similar performance, its screen and cameras fall short of the X300’s premium quality, and its battery life leaves something to be desired. But is the S25’s lower price enough to make it a better deal?
For those prioritizing camera prowess and compactness, the Xiaomi 15 at €800 is a strong alternative. It matches the X300 in size, build, screen, and performance, and its rear cameras deliver equally impressive photos and videos. However, the X300 pulls ahead with a superior selfie camera—a feature that’s become increasingly important in today’s selfie-centric world. But does the Xiaomi 15’s lower price make it the smarter choice?
Another compact flagship to consider is the Google Pixel 10 Pro, priced at €1,000. On paper, its screen and camera sensors look promising, but in our review, it failed to live up to the hype. While it’s a solid pick for Android purists, the X300 outshines it with more powerful hardware and better camera capabilities. But is the Pixel’s focus on a pure Android experience enough to sway you?
Our Verdict: A Compact Powerhouse
The vivo X300 is a standout device in nearly every aspect—size, design, battery life, screen quality, and camera performance. And let’s not forget the massive upgrade to OriginOS, which now rivals the latest Android offerings. Its smooth design, super bright OLED display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, and exceptional battery life left us thoroughly impressed.
As part of vivo’s photography flagship series, the X300 delivers outstanding photo and video quality across its four cameras, especially in daylight. While low-light photos remain impressive, low-light videos are somewhat average—our only minor gripe. But is this enough to overshadow its other strengths?
We were pleasantly surprised by the improvements to OriginOS, which now includes seamless iOS and macOS integration. Whether inspired by iOS 26 or not, it’s a welcome addition that enhances the user experience. But does this make it too similar to iPhones, or is it a unique blend of the best of both worlds?
In a market with few compact flagships and even fewer compact camera phones, the X300 shines brightly. It’s a perfect fit for anyone seeking a powerful, pocket-friendly device with top-tier photography capabilities. But with its premium price, is it a must-buy, or just a nice-to-have?
Pros:
– Compact and lightweight design with IP68/IP69 water resistance.
– Stunning OLED display with high resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support.
– Exceptional battery life with fast charging.
– Class-leading performance for seamless multitasking and gaming.
– Outstanding camera system with consistently great photo quality, day and night.
– Top-notch selfie camera for flawless self-portraits.
– Impressive daylight videos with outstanding stabilization.
– Refined OriginOS with 5 major updates promised.
– Compatibility with vivo’s telephoto extender for added versatility.
Cons:
– Average speaker quality that falls short of expectations.
– Low-light videos could have been better optimized.
– Prone to overheating and heavy throttling under intense use.
– Lower battery capacity in the European version.
Final Thoughts: A Controversial Question
The vivo X300 is undeniably a powerhouse, but its premium price raises a thought-provoking question: In a market flooded with larger, more affordable flagships, is the compact form factor worth the extra cost? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you value portability over price, or would you opt for a larger device with similar specs at a lower cost?