In 2025, the compact flagship smartphone segment is positioning itself for a resurgence, with several manufacturers adapting to this trend. Vivo stands out as a frontrunner, having recently unveiled its compact offering, the Vivo X200 FE, in the X200 series. The base model in India is available at a price of Rs. 54,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage option, while the highest configuration, boasting 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, is priced at Rs. 59,999.
The Vivo X200 FE is designed with a premium compact aesthetic, featuring a vibrant display, Zeiss optics, and respectable battery longevity, making it an appealing alternative for users who appreciate compact devices without sacrificing performance. After getting hands-on experience with the device, here’s an overview of its key features.
Vivo X200 FE Design: Compact and Premium
- Dimensions – 150.83 x 71.76 x 7.99mm
- Weight – 186g
- Available Colours – Luxe Grey, Frost Blue, Amber Yellow
The recent trend of neglecting compact smartphones has often frustrated users who prefer smaller devices. However, with the introduction of the X200 FE, there’s hope that this trend may be shifting. Many individuals like myself find compact phones preferable due to their ease of use and portability.
The smartphone comes in Luxe Grey, Frost Blue, and Amber Yellow options.
The X200 FE’s design is both compact and user-friendly. The slightly curved metal edges enhance grip, making it comfortable to hold. I received the Amber Yellow variant for review, giving it a distinctive and premium look.
On the back, a unique vertical camera island holds two sensors, with a third sensor adjacent, contributing to its eye-catching design. The velvety texture of the rear panel, crafted from metallic sand AG material, complements its aesthetics beautifully, and the Zeiss branding adds a touch of elegance.
The front features a 6.31-inch display with minimal bezels, complete with a fingerprint sensor positioned at the bottom. Although I would have preferred the sensor placed higher, the compact design makes it manageable. However, I did find the volume buttons a bit high, necessitating some stretching to reach them.
The phone features an IP68 and IP69 rating, ensuring durability.
Importantly, the device has an IP68 and IP69 rating, along with reinforced Gorilla Glass and SGS Triple Protection certification, enhancing its durability. Vivo claims the smartphone can withstand 12 hours of rain, though local weather conditions made it impossible to verify this claim during my review.
Additionally, the rear of the device features an IR Emitter that allows users to control non-smart appliances. Stereo speakers are integrated into the device, with the earpiece serving as the second speaker, contributing to a solid, no-frills design that feels comfortable in use.
Vivo X200 FE Display: Vibrant and Colourful
- Display – 6.31-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display
- Refresh Rate – 120Hz adaptive screen refresh rate
- Other Features – 2160Hz PWM Dimming, HDR10+, 460ppi, 5,000nits peak brightness
The Vivo X200 FE impresses with its display capabilities. It features a 6.31-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1216x 2640 pixels, 10-bit color depth, a 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits. However, its distinguishing feature lies in Vivo’s optimization rather than just the specifications.
As an LTPO OLED panel, it adjusts its refresh rate dynamically between 1Hz and 120Hz. Users can choose between Auto Switch, High (120Hz), and Standard (up to 60Hz) modes for optimal performance, resulting in smooth scrolling while browsing or watching high frame rate videos.
The Vivo X200 FE showcases a compact 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display.
In terms of color accuracy, the Vivo X200 FE excels. The OLED display produces sharp and vivid colors, with three selectable modes: Standard, Professional, and Bright. Personally, I preferred the Professional mode for its true-to-life color representation. Watching ‘Our Planet’ on Netflix revealed excellent dynamic range and vibrant colors. The black levels were impressive with minimal bleed in dark scenes, and HDR10+ certification ensures compatibility with HDR content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
The 5,000 nits peak brightness allows for easy usage both indoors and outdoors, and textual clarity remains sharp under bright conditions. Furthermore, the display includes 2160Hz PWM dimming, which can be enhanced up to 4320Hz in developer mode, alongside SGS Certification for Low Blue Light, facilitating prolonged use without strain.
Vivo X200 FE Software: Reduced Bloat
- Software – FuntouchOS 15
- Version – Android 15
- Updates Promised – 4 Years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches
The device operates on FuntouchOS 15, which is built on Android 15. Vivo promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches for the smartphone.
While the newest version of FuntouchOS is generally in line with previous iterations, it has seen a reduction in bloatware. Although some pre-installed apps remain, the overall amount is less than in prior models. Users can still encounter the Vivo App Store, Browser, Contacts, and the iManager for application management, though enhancements to streamline the experience are welcome.
The smartphone promises four years of software updates and five years of security patches.
The user interface incorporates useful features, including a split-screen/pop-up window mode for multitasking. The X200 FE also boasts several AI functions, such as Google’s Circle Search, the Gemini AI assistant, and Google Lens for screen translation, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, features like live call translation, AI summaries, AI transcripts, and AI photo enhancements are included, making interaction with the smartphone intuitive and engaging.
A standout feature enables NFC technology to mimic physical access cards, allowing users to scan and copy RFID cards for added convenience.
Vivo X200 FE Performance: Gets the Job Done
- Processor – MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
- Memory – Up to 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage – Up to 512GB UFS 3.1
Powering the Vivo X200 FE is the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, with configurations available up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Although this processor is from the previous year, it competently manages demanding tasks without issue.
| Benchmark | Vivo X200 FE | OnePlus 13s | Apple iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 | 1885574 | 24,49,859 | 13,86,440 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 14,956 | 14,491 | NA |
| Geekbench 6 Single Core | 2143 | 2,874 | 3,229 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi Core | 6976 | 8,741 | 7,888 |
| 3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | NA |
| 3DM Slingshot | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | NA |
| 3DM Wild Life | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life Unlimited | 14684 | 23,593 | 13,146 |
| GFXBench T-Rex | 120 | 60 | 59 |
| GFXBench Manhattan 3.1 | 120 | 60 | 59 |
| GFXBench Car Chase | 99 | 60 | 59 |
Throughout daily tasks, the device performs exceptionally fluidly and rapidly, with apps launching instantaneously and the system remaining responsive, even under demanding scenarios. Users can effortlessly scroll through social media or enjoy music without any lag.
On the gaming front, the Vivo X200 FE runs popular titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile efficiently, maintaining up to 90fps during extended gameplay sessions without significant frame drops. The touch response is notably good, and its thermal performance is adequate, aided by a large vapor chamber cooling system.
Vivo X200 FE Cameras: Impressive
- Rear – 50-megapixel primary sensor with f/1.88 aperture + 50-megapixel telephoto sensor + 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens
- Front – 50-megapixel sensor with f/2.0 aperture
Compact phones often compromise on camera capabilities to maintain their size; however, the Vivo X200 FE excels in this area, offering a notable camera experience.
The Vivo X200 FE features a triple-camera system despite its compact design.
The device maintains the same primary sensor as its counterpart in the X200 series, opting for an M-style prism for the telephoto sensor while sacrificing some zoom capability compared to the regular version.
Sample images captured during daylight with the primary sensor of the Vivo X200 FE. (Tap to Expand)
The camera capabilities are commendable at this price point, with the 50-megapixel primary sensor delivering vibrant and sharp images in daylight. The dynamic range is well-executed, and while colors tend to be slightly saturated, they remain visually appealing. The sensor captures fine details with minimal noise, even at close zoom levels.
Telephoto sensor photos taken during the day with the Vivo X200 FE. (Tap to Expand)
The telephoto camera stands out, providing clear and natural colors, making it perfect for portrait photography. Even at higher zoom levels of 6x or 10x, images maintain their color fidelity and detail, though slight sharpness loss may be noted.
Portraits captured using the telephoto lens of the Vivo X200 FE.
The device also offers various ZEISS bokeh styles, such as Biotar and Sonnar, enhancing the separation between subjects and backgrounds while maintaining natural color tones.
Wide-angle sensor images captured during the day with the Vivo X200 FE. (Tap to Expand)
The wide-angle lens falls short compared to its counterparts. It effectively minimizes barrel distortion, but the resulting images are not sufficiently sharp and the colors appear somewhat muted.
Low-light camera samples taken with the primary sensor of the Vivo X200 FE. (Tap to Expand)
In low-light conditions, the primary sensor holds its own, delivering images rich in detail. Exposure and tonal contrast are well-managed with vibrant colors throughout.
Low-light camera samples taken with the telephoto lens of the Vivo X200 FE. (Tap to expand)
The telephoto camera also shines in low-light settings, maintaining excellent dynamic range and color accuracy.
Low-light camera samples taken with the ultra-wide-angle lens. (Tap to Expand)
However, the low-light performance of the ultra-wide sensor is underwhelming; images lack sharpness while the dynamic range is merely acceptable.
Selfie camera samples captured with the Vivo X200 FE. (Tap to Expand)
The front-facing camera performs well, capturing accurate skin tones and providing effective subject separation in selfies and portraits. Various filters and modes enhance the user experience, with a Street Photography Mode allowing more creative control over photography settings.
For video recording, the Vivo X200 FE excels, supporting video at up to 4K 60fps, complemented by OIS and EIS. The recordings display vibrant colors with effective stabilization and a competent dynamic range. The front camera also supports 4K video recording at 60fps, an unusual feature for smartphones in this price range, and performs well in terms of dynamic range.
Vivo X200 FE Battery: Surprisingly Good
- Battery Capacity – 6,500mAh
- Wired Charging – 90W
- Charger – 90W (Included in Box)
The Vivo X200 FE impresses with its 6,500mAh battery, achieved while keeping the weight to just 186 grams, thanks to 3rd-generation Silicon Anode technology and a C-FRACK structure that enhances density without safety concerns.
The smartphone boasts a 6,500mAh battery and includes a 90W fast charger in the box.
This extensive battery life is evident in daily use. In the PCMark Work 3.0 battery test, it achieved an impressive 19 hours and 3 minutes. In an HD video loop test, the device performed exceedingly well, lasting 20 hours and 36 minutes, further emphasizing its capability relative to its compact size.
This means users can expect approximately a full day of usage under heavy conditions, one and a half days with moderate usage, and up to two days with light use. The charging capability is equally impressive, taking only around 58 minutes to reach a full charge.
Vivo X200 FE Verdict
In summary, the Vivo X200 FE revitalizes the compact flagship genre by providing a blend of high-quality features without compromising size. Its elegant compact design, colored options, and vibrant display stand out, alongside an impressive battery duration.
The Vivo X200 FE is positioned well within a competitive price range.
A noteworthy feature is its camera system. The ZEISS-branded optics enable versatile performance across various situations, especially with the outstanding telephoto lens that enhances portrait photography with impressive bokeh effects.
Despite its strengths, the Vivo X200 FE isn’t without flaws, such as pre-installed bloatware and a lackluster wide-angle camera and reliance on last year’s processor. Nevertheless, for those seeking a compact smartphone option priced below Rs 60,000, the Vivo X200 FE is a compelling choice.
In terms of competition, it will face challenges from devices like the OnePlus 13s, Apple iPhone 16e, and Google Pixel 9A, all priced similarly and offering robust feature sets.
