News

vivo finally reveals the X100 Pro in China

With a monstrous 5400mAh battery, super-fast LPDDR5T memory, and floating telephoto lens design

Published

November 13, 2023

Vincenz

Usually, vivo updates its smartphones every six (6) months. But that wasn’t the case this 2023.

Although the vivo X90 models were launched globally last February 2023, the series was introduced first to China last November 2022.

And after a year, vivo has finally revealed the X100 and X100 Pro — their newest flagship phones.

Full-Fledged Flagship

The vivo X100 Pro is making its pledge with MediaTek as the full-fledged flagship rocks the latest Dimensity 9300 chipset based on a 4nm (nanometer) process. This promises improved CPU performance of up to 40% and reduced energy consumption by 33%.

Its new Immortalis-G720 GPU also assures 46% performance improvement with 40% reduction in power.

Another first on its class is the new LPDDR5T RAM. It was first introduced by SK hynix last October 2023. In layman’s term, it’s the fastest memory in a smartphone just yet. Paired with a speedy-fast UFS 4.0 storage, the vivo X100 Pro is the dream flagship you might want to consider in your bucketlist.

Again, another first on any phone is the display being able to achieve 3000nits of peak brightness. While technically not the very first one as the iQOO 12 Pro got launched with it first, the X100 Pro still counts.

And while on the topic, flagship display features still remain such as its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED Full HD+ display with 2.5D curved glass, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 20:9 aspect ratio, 2160Hz PWM Dimming, 452ppi Pixel Density, 93% StB (Screen to Body) ratio, support for 1.07 Billion Colors, HDR10+, and 100% DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut.

This being announced in China, it’s expected that the phone runs the latest Origin OS 4 based on Android 14.

Behemoth Battery

For Android flagships, 5000mAh batteries are no big deal. But for an Android flagship, it is a big deal after all.

The vivo X100 Pro packs a 5400mAh battery — a behemoth for any flagship in existence.

And if that’s not enough to satisfy your hunger for power, it supports a faster wired charging via its 100W FlashCharge adapter plus 50W wirelessly. Last year’s X90 Pro+ only supported 80W FlashCharge.

Photography Powerhouse

The X100 Pro continues to be a smartphone meant for photography as it packs a triple 50-megapixel camera setup.

The main (wide) camera has an aperture of f/1.78 and a 1-inch sensor size based on Sony’s IMX989 sensor just like its X90 Pro and Pro+ predecessors.

There’s also the ultra-wide lens with an opening of f/2.0 and a sensor size of 1/2.76-inches.

Lastly, there’s the 32-megapixel f/2.0 front camera for self-portraits.

A newer flagship also means a newer ISP (image signal processing) chip. Thanks to vivo’s in-house V3 chip, it promises better imaging and AI algorithms and also features better energy efficiency.

Twice the ZEISS

To top everything, its 50-megapixel 4.3x telephoto camera now features ZEISS Vario-APO, a new floating lens structural design for long-zoom shooters — which is another first in any smartphone.

Not only it promises excellent chromatic aberration control capabilities but also makes picture quality better with more vivid colors. Of course, there’s the signature ZEISS T* lens coating to make every photo crystal clear.

It wouldn’t be complete without the ZEISS Full Focus Portrait Master. This unlocks the full potential of the X100 Pro’s cameras by incorporating the classic ZEISS lenses through software magic: 24mm Distagon, 50mm Biotar, 85mm Sonnar, and 100mm Planar.

4K Magic

For mobile videographers, the X100 Pro can now shoot 4K footages with a 2.39:1 movie frame. There’s also the cinematic depth of field blur and the ability to edit it post-shooting.

More 4K video features include textured portraits, layered color LUTs, masterful focus transitions and five distinctive Movie style presets with 3DLUT import support, and a super-sensing “Night Vision” capability.

It also shoots 8K just in case you’re that resolution-savvy video shooter.

The base X100

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without announcing a base flagship variant.

To make it short and concise, the non-Pro variant of the vivo X100 still rocks the same chipset albeit with a smaller 5000mAh battery but has a faster 120W FlashCharge support. Wanting a smaller display? Well the X100 packs the same display as its Pro sibling.

It also ditches the 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor in favor of a 50-megapixel super photosensitive VCS bionic main camera at 1/1.49-inches. It might look like a typo but the Pro has an even wider aperture of f/1.57 instead of X100 Pro’s f/1.75.

The telephoto shooter has a larger megapixel count at 64 megapixels but only optically zooms in to 3x and doesn’t feature the new ZEISS APO floating design. Still, it’s a ZEISS Super Long Throw camera and up to 100x digital zoom. Lastly, it has the vivo V2 ISP instead of the latest V3 chip.

Its 50-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera and 32-megapixel selfie camera both remain unchanged.

These compromised features may not be a big deal to users who want to own a flagship Android phone without spending too much.

Pricing and Availability

It looks like vivo offers a very compelling flagship series this 2023 — at least in China.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee

The current base pricing for the vivo X100 Pro just starts at CNY 4999 with the typical 12GB + 256GB configuration.

12GB + 256GB = CNY 4999 (US$ 686 / EUR 642 / GBP 561 / SG$ 932 / PhP 38,311 / INR 57,120)
16GB + 256GB = CNY 5299 (US$ 727 / EUR 680 / GBP 595 / SG$ 988 / PhP 40,610 / INR 60,547)
16GB + 512GB = CNY 5499 (US$ 754 / EUR 706 / GBP 617 / SG$ 1026 / PhP 42,142 / INR 62,833)
16GB LPDDR5T + 1TB = CNY 5999 (US$ 823 / EUR 770 / GBP 674 / SG$ 1119 / PhP 45,974 / INR 68,546)

For reference, the vivo X90 Pro+ was launched for CNY 6499 having the same configuration. With that price, you can buy the maxed-out configuration of the vivo X100 Pro.

Meanwhile, the vivo X100 has five different configurations in mind:

12GB + 256GB = CNY 3999 (US$ 549 / EUR 514 / GBP 449 / SG$ 746 / PhP 30,647 / INR 45,693)
16GB + 256GB = CNY 4299 (US$ 590 / EUR 552 / GBP 483 / SG$ 802 / PhP 32,946 / INR 49,121)
16GB + 512GB = CNY 4599 (US$ 631 / EUR 591 / GBP 516 / SG$ 858 / PhP 35,245 / INR 52,549)
16GB + 1TB = CNY 4999 (US$ 686 / EUR 642 / GBP 561 / SG$ 932 / PhP 38,311 / INR 57,120)
16GB LPDDR5T + 1TB = CNY 5099 (US$ 700 / EUR 655 / GBP 573 / SG$ 951 / PhP 39,077 / INR 48,262)

Both the vivo X100 and X100 Pro are available in four different colorways: Sunset Orange, Star Track Blue, White Moonlight, and Nightfall.

Related Topics:Vivo vivo X100 vivo X100 Pro

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

Published

November 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.