Vivo X200 FE Review – Compact Flagship Redefined
More Exciting Than Expected
There was a lot of anticipation around the X200 FE, and yet it turned out to be even more exciting than expected. After using it for the past few days, almost every moment with this phone has felt like a “wow” moment. It’s probably the best compact flagship for the price — maybe even the most value-for-money flagship available right now.
In fact, it could easily be called the best camera smartphone in this segment. It has genuinely exceeded expectations. While there are a couple of minor downsides, they’re far from deal-breakers. One is the software — Funtouch OS. It’s not bad, but there’s a hope that Origin OS (used in China) arrives soon, as it offers a much better overall experience.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Inside the box, you get a SIM card tool, a creamy-colored case, documentation, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and a 90W FlashCharge adapter. The design of the phone is stylish yet understated — likely one of the better-looking Vivo phones in recent times.
Sliding the phone out reveals a triple-camera setup, a big camera module off to the side, and a separate sensor on the other end. There’s also the Aura Light below. Despite being compact, the phone houses a massive 6500mAh battery, which is impressive for the size.
The in-hand feel is excellent. Though it’s lightweight, it still packs serious power. It weighs around 189.2 grams — under 190g — which is quite a feat given the large battery. Even with the case on, the phone still feels compact and pocket-friendly.
Durability Test
The phone has a glass-metal sandwich design with a metal frame and Shield Glass at the back, along with Schott Sensation protection at the front. In casual drop tests (around 3.5 feet), the device held up well with no visible damage. It has a premium look and feel, with stereo speakers, a bottom-firing speaker, a microphone, USB Type-C port, and SIM tray below. On the top, there are microphones and an earpiece speaker.
Camera – A Standout Performer
Photos were taken across various lighting conditions — indoors, HDR, low light, portraits, and videos. Each time a photo was clicked, it delivered stunning results, especially in dynamic range and color science. The edge detection and natural bokeh effect were highly impressive, giving a DSLR-like output even in challenging backgrounds.
The primary sensor is the IMX921, paired with a 3X telephoto lens (LYT 600C), and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. On the front, there’s a 50MP selfie shooter. Features include:
- Multi-focal portraits (from 24mm to 100mm)
- Pro mode
- Night mode
- Dual-view video
- Slow-motion
- High-res mode
- Astro mode
- Supermoon mode
- AI modes like Magic Move, Reflection Eraser, AI Expansion, and seasonal portrait styles
The rear cameras support 4K 60fps video recording — even the selfie camera supports 4K 60fps. Only the ultrawide is limited to 1080p. While the global version offers a 50MP ultrawide sensor, the Indian version uses an 8MP sensor — a slight downgrade, but not a deal-breaker.
The Aura Light intelligently adapts color temperature (1800K to 5200K) based on lighting conditions and works across all focal lengths, enhancing low-light portraits. Textured, Natural, and Vivid color modes let you choose the visual style that suits your preference.
In this price range, the camera easily stands out as one of the best — if not the best.
Display – Bright, Immersive, and Compact
The X200 FE features a 6.31-inch 1.5K AMOLED LTPO display with a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 5000 nits. Bezels are extremely slim and uniform, offering a truly immersive viewing experience.
With support for HDR10+ and powerful stereo speakers, the multimedia experience is exceptional for a phone this size. Haptic feedback is excellent too, something not commonly found in compact phones.
Performance – Reliable and Efficient
Powered by the Dimensity 9300+ processor, it delivers strong performance. While it’s not the latest flagship chipset, it’s very capable. AnTuTu scores cross 2 million, and gaming performance is smooth, supporting 90fps in BGMI and close to 60fps in heavy games like Genshin Impact. Thermals are well-managed thanks to the vapor chamber cooling.
The CPU stability score is around 71%, which is solid. LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage (not 4.0) ensure good memory performance. Available in 12GB+256GB and 16GB+512GB variants, the hardware is more than sufficient for everyday and intensive use.
Battery – Unbelievable Endurance in a Compact Body
Despite being compact, the phone features a massive 6500mAh battery, enough to last 1.5 to 2 days for most users. Vivo’s software is known for efficiency, so battery drain is minimal even during moderate use.
It supports 90W fast charging, though wireless charging is not included. The battery uses third-generation silicon anode tech, enabling such a high capacity within a compact form factor.
Software – Clean But Could Be Better
Funtouch OS 15 (based on Android 15) comes pre-installed, with 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches promised. While it’s a clean experience without heavy bloatware, certain system apps can still push notifications. These can be disabled easily.
One important tip is to turn off lock screen magazine in settings — it helps conserve battery life. The default dialer supports call recording and translation, and AI features like Call Assist are available.
Connectivity and Extras
All major 5G bands are supported, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an IR blaster integrated into the camera module. Dual nano SIM support is present, but there’s no eSIM.
Durability is ensured with IP68/IP69 ratings, Schott Sensation glass in front, and Shield Glass at the back. SAR values are within safe limits. The device includes all essential sensors, including an optical in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock — both quick and reliable.
Final Verdict – A Compact Powerhouse
The X200 FE is a compact flagship that delivers in every area — camera, display, battery, and performance. It makes one-handed use easy, feels premium in hand, and doesn’t compromise on features. While Funtouch OS may not be for everyone, the overall experience is impressive. This device will likely push the compact flagship trend even further in the Android space — a trend that deserves more attention.
If you’re looking for a compact, powerful smartphone with top-tier cameras and long-lasting battery, this is one of the best choices out there.