Vivo X200 Review: Dependable Performance with No Drama

It’s that time again when folks are hastily checking their shopping and wish lists, trying to find the best gifts both for others and themselves for the year ahead. People are searching not just for the top products but also the best bang for their buck. This includes the latest gadgets like smartphones which will go with their new owners into the next year and beyond.

In this crowded market, there’s no shortage of creativity, whether in aesthetics, features or pricing. Some brands try to emphasize loyalty while others depend on gimmicks and over-the-top designs to grab attention. But not everyone wants a quirky smartphone that becomes less interesting after a few months. In contrast, the Vivo X200 stands out as a familiar presence that is ready to support an old friend, so we give it a try to see if it can indeed provide that confidence and reliability behind its humble exterior.

Designer: Vivo

Aesthetics

If you’ve seen the Vivo X100 that was revealed late last year, you might experience a sense of déjà vu. The Vivo X200 bears a striking resemblance to its forerunner, although there are noticeable improvements that you might not catch at first glance. It doesn’t appear outdated, since there are substantial changes to the design that proves it’s still advancing, albeit marginally.

The edges, for instance, are now flat, aligning with current design trends in the smartphone arena. The 6.67-inch display is flat too, although the bezels do curve downward to the midframe. This feature is also reflected in the fiberglass back where the curve is less pronounced. Thus, the Vivo X200 radiates a modern and chic design that adheres to minimalist aesthetics.

The circular camera bump is still prominent, though that’s becomming more common nowadays. Large as it may be, it provides not just visual symmetry but also a sense of balance that prevents the phone from rocking on surfaces. This symmetry also reflects in the arrangement of the cameras which are positioned in cardinal orientations as opposed to a boxed pattern. Interestingly, one of those black circles isn’t a camera—which is a smart design choice compared to leaving the layout looking odd, both literally and figuratively. The metal Sunburst Ring around the camera remains, along with a knurled texture, giving it an impression of a luxury watch or camera focus ring.

Overall, the Vivo X200 brings a straightforward yet stylish design that showcases the benefits of minimalism. There are hardly any superfluous details, aside from the ZEISS branding centered on the cameras and the triple LED flash located in the corner. Rather than trying to push boundaries with a new and unfamiliar look, it opts to present something more recognizable and reassuring, defying the general trend of redesigning smartphones each year.

Ergonomics

In a way, the Vivo X200 manages to blend the best of both worlds in design. It sports flat edges that many say provide a better grip, but the screen and back are still curved a bit so it doesn’t munch into your hands. That said, some might find the matte glass back surface a bit slippery, despite the company claiming benefits for that artificially crafted texture.

Weighing in at around 197g (6.9 oz) and having a thickness of about 8mm (0.31 in), this phone isn’t the lightest or thinnest among this year’s flagships. It’s not bad either, so you are not really losing out. It strikes a good balance in hand and feels stout enough to give you confidence when holding it. It definitely has a premium vibe that matches its elegant look.

Performance

Unlike some competing smartphone brands, Vivo has decided to partner MediaTek for its X-series flagship devices. This new lineup is equipped with the cutting-edge Dimensity 9400 5G, which promises a noticeable improvement in gaming and AI performance. It comes paired with 16GB of RAM, which can be expanded another 16GB from storage, and it features 512GB of fixed storage. That means the Vivo X200 is a real powerhouse, managing any task you throw at it with ease. Benchmarks suggest it’s comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, although keep in mind this is from last year’s Qualcomm flagship.

Thanks to the solid-state battery technology, Vivo managed to fit in an impressive 5,800mAh battery within such a slim body. With average usage, it can easily go up to two days before requiring a charge, and when it’s time to plug it in, just half an hour is needed to reach 80% charge with its 90W charging speed. Although the battery performance sounds fantastic, Vivo chose not to include wireless charging once more, trailing behind its competition in this modern convenience.

The device’s 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display is both bright and colorful, definitely the star of the Vivo X200’s front face. It has a snappy 120Hz refresh rate that makes games feel responsive and the interface smooth, but it only switches between 60Hz and 120Hz. It sports a 2,160Hz PWD dimming touted to be as eye-friendly as possible on display screens today. There isn’t much else to say about the display, except it looks amazing under bright outdoor conditions.

Contrary to what the design may suggest, the Vivo X200 only features three cameras, each packing a 50MP sensor. This tackles a long-standing issue with smartphone cameras wherein various lenses yield vastly different results. They all use ZEISS T* coated lenses that minimize lens flares and reflections. While they’re not identical sensors, this design simplifies the experience, making transitions between focal lengths feel more natural.

Main, 23mm

Ultra-wide, 15mm

Main, 23mm

Leading the trio is a 50MP Sony IMX921 sensor equipped with an f/1.57 lens and a focal length of 23mm. This wide camera incorporates the usual PDAF and OIS features, resulting in colorful, detailed, and crisp photos in various lighting situations. Joining it is an ultra-wide camera with a 50MP sensor and an f/2.0 aperture lens that covers a 119-degree field of view. With its highly detailed output and minimal distortion, it competes well against smartphone cameras that often struggle in this area.

Main, 2x

Telephoto, 3x

Telephoto, 10x

The last component in this camera lineup is a 50MP Sony IMX882 equipped with a f/2.57 aperture lens with a 70mm equivalent focal length. It can accomplish 3x optical zoom, which is quite impressive in terms of detail retention, and 10x hybrid zoom which, while decent, does show some drop in quality. The camera struggles a bit with indoor lighting on 3x magnification, resulting in some blurry and pixelated areas.

Telephoto, 3x, Indoor lighting

The standout camera, however, is on the front side. With a 32MP sensor, this ultra-wide front camera can shoot in 4K at either 30 or 60fps, which significantly enhances the video quality of a typically overlooked camera. Not only does it ensure you look good on video calls, but it also gives vloggers and influencers a leg up against the competition, assuming their social media platforms support high-quality video.

Sustainability

While the Vivo X200’s design resembles its predecessor, its component makeup is consistent too. In other words, the company hasn’t made any substantial moves towards eco-friendliness in terms of material usage beyond the typical metal or glass associated with most smartphones. Instead, its focus is on durability and longevity.

Boasting an IP68 rating along with an IP69 certification, the Vivo X200 can even be washed with hot water, although that’s not something you are typically advised to do. The device operates on FuntouchOS 15 based on Android 15, with promises of receiving up to four major OS upgrades—so you won’t need to worry about becoming outdated in the next four years. Given how quickly people usually replace their smartphones, these features ensure a long-lasting lifespan for Vivo’s flagship.

Value

There are two distinct ways to grab attention in the chaotic smartphone market. Either you do something so outrageous that it makes heads turn, or you become noted for doing things excellently. The Vivo X200 definitely leans towards the latter, focusing on substance over flash. Not that it lacks style, as its graceful minimalist design promotes familiarity and assurance, rather than the ephemeral novelty that soon fades away.

The Vivo X200 presents a well-rounded device that ticks all the essential boxes without going over the top. The one box it fails to check is availability. Although it’s only just come out in global markets, it’s still not broadly accessible. Its price range from around $700 to $800 makes it a tougher pick compared to more affordable alternatives that offer almost similar functionality.

Verdict

Smartphones have transformed into more than mere tools for communication or productivity; they also reflect who we are. Just as some of us don’t need extravagant designer goods or eye-catching accessories, not everyone wants a smartphone that demands attention. Some individuals prefer a minimalist design that celebrates the merits of good design—covering color, material, finish, and, most importantly, the user experience.

The Vivo X200 is a perfect example of this, showcasing a simple look that hides the power inside. With a balanced and robust feature set leveraged by AI, it is well-equipped to handle the challenges you throw its way. It’s definitely not unattractive, but it’s tailored for those whose tastes go beyond mere flair and fleeting features. Ultimately, it stands as a dependable partner ready to accompany you on your journeys.