Is Vivo X300 FE the Best Compact Phone in 2026? Full Review

In 2025, compact smartphones made a strong comeback, and among them, the Vivo X200 FE stood out as one of the most balanced devices in its category. It delivered a rare mix of strong performance, capable cameras, and a truly compact form factor. Now, its successor is ready to take that legacy forward.

Known as the S50 Pro Mini in China, the device has already surfaced on India’s BIS certification platform, confirming its imminent launch. In the Indian market, it will debut as the Vivo X300 FE, positioning itself as the next-generation compact flagship.

Design and In-Hand Feel

The Vivo X300 FE features a clean, symmetrical design with a fully flush rear surface—no camera bumps or uneven protrusions. This not only improves aesthetics but also enhances stability when placed on flat surfaces.

Despite a slightly wider profile compared to its predecessor, the device remains firmly within the compact category. The increase in size is largely due to a much larger battery, yet the phone remains comfortable to hold and easy to use, even for users with smaller hands.

The build uses a glass-metal sandwich structure, offering a premium feel and solid durability. Drop resistance appears reliable, with no immediate signs of fragility during casual handling.

Display: Compact Yet Premium

The front is dominated by a 6.31-inch LTPO display with 1.5K resolution and a dynamic 1–120Hz refresh rate. This adaptive refresh system helps balance smoothness and power efficiency.

Key display highlights include:

• Peak brightness up to 5000 nits
• HDR10+ support
• 10-bit color depth
• Thin, uniform bezels for an excellent screen-to-body ratio

The fingerprint sensor is positioned ergonomically and uses ultrasonic technology, offering fast and reliable unlocking. At 6.31 inches, the display size hits a sweet spot—large enough for media consumption, yet small enough to maintain true one-hand usability.

Performance and Hardware

Powering the Vivo X300 FE is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a top-tier chipset that delivers flagship-grade performance. Benchmark scores exceed 3 million on AnTuTu, placing it among the fastest smartphones currently available.

Configuration options include:

• 12GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM + 256GB UFS 4.1 storage
• 12GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM + 512GB UFS 4.1 storage

Everyday performance is smooth, with excellent app stability and multitasking. Gaming support is strong, with 120fps capability expected for supported titles once the Indian firmware is available.

Thermal management is generally effective, though extended benchmark stress tests can push temperatures to around 48–49°C. Heat dissipates quickly, but sustained heavy usage may result in noticeable warmth.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the most impressive aspects of the Vivo X300 FE is its 6500mAh battery, an unusually large capacity for a compact device.

• Easily delivers 1.5 days of usage
• Can stretch to 2 days with moderate use
• Supports 90W wired charging
• Supports 40W wireless charging

This combination places the Vivo X300 FE well ahead of most compact competitors in battery endurance.

Connectivity, Sensors, and Extras

The phone includes a complete set of modern features:

• Wi-Fi 7
• Full 5G band support (India)
• NFC
• IR blaster
• IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance
• Widevine L1 certification
• LDAC and LHDC 5.0 audio support

All essential sensors are present, and both face unlock and fingerprint recognition perform reliably.

Software Experience

The Chinese variant runs OriginOS 6, based on Android 16. The interface is fluid, feature-rich, and optimized for performance. The Indian version is expected to offer 4–5 years of major Android updates, aligning with flagship standards.

Camera System: A Key Strength

The Vivo X300 FE continues the brand’s strong photography legacy with a versatile camera setup:

Rear Cameras

• 50MP primary sensor
• 50MP 3× telephoto lens
• 8MP ultra-wide camera

Front Camera

• 50MP selfie sensor with an improved field of view

Photography performance is consistently strong, with excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, natural skin tones, and sharp detail. The telephoto lens performs particularly well for portraits and zoom shots.

Video capabilities include 4K at 60fps on the primary, telephoto, and front cameras. Audio recording benefits from multiple microphones, capturing wider and more immersive sound.

The adaptive flash system intelligently adjusts intensity based on focal length, improving low-light results across different shooting modes.

ZEISS Branding and Final Expectations

Unlike its predecessor, the Chinese variant does not currently feature ZEISS branding. However, the Indian version is expected to restore ZEISS optics and filters, which are crucial at this price point.

Pricing and Final Verdict

The previous generation launched at ₹59,999, with effective prices around ₹55,000. The X300 FE is expected to debut around ₹64,999–₹65,000, with offers potentially bringing it closer to ₹60,000.

At this price, the Vivo X300 FE delivers:

• Flagship-level performance
• Exceptional battery life
• Premium compact design
• Strong camera capabilities
• Fast wired and wireless charging

Verdict

If final pricing and ZEISS branding align with expectations, the Vivo X300 FE stands out as one of the most complete compact smartphones of 2026, offering a rare balance of power, portability, and endurance in a flagship package.

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