News

vivo unveils the much anticipated X100 Ultra

The brand’s first “Ultra” smartphone

Published

May 13, 2024

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As the saying goes: “Once is enough, twice is too much” — but that doesn’t exist in vivo’s vocabulary.

Just this May 13, 2024, exactly six months after the X100 series‘ November 13 release, the Chinese phone maker announces not just one, but three new flavors to their already superb X100 duo.

X100 Ultra

Fans and naysayers alike all waited for the Ultra variant of the X100 ever since the reveal of the vanilla and Pro models last year.

This not only kills their used-to-be top-of-the-line “Pro+” model (X90 Pro+ to be very specific), it also marks vivo’s first ever Ultra smartphone. They’ve joined forces with the rest of Android smartphone brands pioneered by Samsung, as well as other homegrown brands like Xiaomi, motorola, ZTE, OPPO, and just recently, HUAWEI.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

But what makes the vivo X100 Ultra an “Ultra”? Well, the crème de la crème is its revamped camera hardware.

While it has a similarly-looking eclipse-like camera bump, it has a distinct square-like layout instead of the diamond pattern found on the less-powerful X100 and X100s series.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Ditching the Sony IMX989 is a newer Sony LYT-900 1-inch main sensor, specifically found on the likes of the OPPO Find X7 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

But the game-changer is none other than the new class-leading 200MP f/2.67 periscope telephoto lens based on the new Samsung ISOCELL HP9 1/1.4-inch sensor — the biggest in any smartphone camera just yet.

That’s with 3.7x optical zoom and a focal length that goes as far as 460mm. vivo even flaunts how it can zoom up to 30x while in video recording mode with ample clarity and image quality retention. While on the topic, it’s also worthy to point out that the vivo X100 Ultra is one among the few smartphones that can shoot 4K in 120fps slo-mo.

Another main feat that makes it even more special is its ZEISS APO floating lens design — which already made its debut on the X100 Pro. Speaking of, ZEISS T* coating plus the signature Biotar, Sonnar, Planar, Distagon, and B-speed ZEISS portrait lens mode all still remain as vivo signifies that their partnership is growing stronger than ever.

Finally, there’s the 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens with a 116-degree FoV (Field of View), as well as a 50MP f/2.45 front camera.

To make it more ultra-packed than ever, vivo also debuts their very own BlueImage technology that incorporates not just its new V3+ imaging chip, but also better image processing algorithms in the long run that will solve most smartphone cameras’ dilemma.

More “Ultra” features under the hood are none other than the class-leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 4nm pocessor with Adreno 750 GPU — which is the only X100 model to have it.

Users can opt from either 256/512GB or 1TB storage options (in a speedy UFS 4.0 standard) plus choices between 12 or 16GB of LPDDR5X memory.

The already outstanding 6.78-inch E7 OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2K resolution from the X100 Pro is expected to remain. That’s also with 3000nits peak brightness, pixel density of 517ppi, PWM dimming at 1440Hz, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision support.

Moreover, the X100 Ultra packs an even larger 5500mAh battery — 100mAh more than its Pro counterpart. Albeit, a slightly slower 80W wired FlashCharge and 30W wireless FlashCharge speeds (versus X100 Pro’s 100W + 50W protocol).

Lastly, it’s also the very first smartphone to feature a dual IP69 + IP68 rating. It’s also future-proof with Qualcomm’s aptX Lossless wireless audio technology, support for 5.5G connectivity, as well as two-way satellite communication service in Mainland China.

X100s + X100s Pro

vivo supplies different suffixes for their smartphone line. While their midrange S-line in China (or V globally) has “e”, their budget-friendly Y-line has “t” and “i”, there’s “s” in their flagship X-series.

The “s” branding might mean “super”, “slightly tweaked” or “somewhat improved”, but the new X100s and X100s Pro have truly brought improvements to the table over its predecessors.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

One of the key differences between the base and the Pro variants of the X100s are its form factor.

To put it in simpler terms, the vanilla variant has flat edges and display. Meanwhile, the Pro, like recent “Pro” Android flagships, has slight curves around its display and curved edges for better hand feel.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Still, the display size is similar with a changed tech compared to its Ultra sibling: 6.78-inch 1.5K 8T LTPO display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, 3000 nits of peak brightness, and 2160Hz PWM dimming.

vivo has even managed to make the base X100s even thinner — from the 8.8mm of X100 down to just a merely 7.8mm thin!

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Battery and charging are slightly tweaked as well. The X100s has a 5100mAh battery while its Pro sibling shares the bigger 5400mAh battery like the X100 Pro. Both have 100W wired FlashCharge support but only the X100s Pro supports wireless charging of up to 50W.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

What the two models have in common is having an improved MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ 4nm processor with Immortalis-G720 graphics that promises increased CPU and GPU performance with less energy consumption compared to the last generation.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

As for its camera system, both phones share the same as the X100 — all with the ZEISS goodies. The only difference is that the X100s uses V2 imaging chip while the X100s Pro uses the newer V3 chip like its X100 Pro counterpart.

As expected, all models run OriginOS 4 based on Android 14. The special SLR-like camera UI are all available on the three models as well.

Pricing and Availability

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The vivo X100 Ultra and X100s Pro are available in Titanium, White Moonlight, and Darkness of the Night (Black) colorways.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Meanwhile, the vanilla X100s has unique Deep Space Ash and Blue Cloud offerings aside from the usual Titanium and White Moonlight.

Configuration and respective prices of each model are as follows:

X100s

12+256GB = CNY 3999 (US$ 553 / EUR 515 / GBP 443 / SG$ 750 / PhP 31,745 / INR 46,196)
16+256GB = CNY 4399 (US$ 609 / EUR 567 / GBP 487 / SG$ 826 / PhP 34,921 / INR 50,817)
16+512GB = CNY 4699 (US$ 650 / EUR 605 / GBP 521 / SG$ 882 / PhP 37,302 / INR 54,282)
16+1TB = CNY 5199 (US$ 719 / EUR 670 / GBP 576 / SG$ 977 / PhP 41,272 / INR 60,058)

X100s Pro

12+256GB = CNY 4999 (US$ 691 / EUR 644 / GBP 554 / SG$ 938 / PhP 39,684 / INR 57,748)
16+512GB = CNY 5599 (US$ 775 / EUR 721 / GBP 620 / SG$ 1050 / PhP 44,447 / INR 64,679)
16+1TB = CNY 6199 (US$ 857 / EUR 798 / GBP 687 / SG$ 1163 / PhP 49,211 / INR 71,610)

X100 Ultra

12+256GB = CNY 6499 (US$ 900 / EUR 835 / GBP 718 / SG$ 1218 / PhP 51,687 / INR 75,122)
16+512GB = CNY 7299 (US$ 1010 / EUR 937 / GBP 807 / SG$ 1367 / PhP 58,049 / INR 84,370)
16+1TB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1107 / EUR 1027 / GBP 884 / SG$ 1499 / PhP 63,616 / INR 92,461)

In collaboration with SmallRig, vivo offers an optional SLR-like accessory for the X100 Ultra that costs as little as CNY 399 (US$ 55 / EUR 51 / GBP 44 / SG$ 75 / PhP 3173 / INR 4612).

Pre-orders for vivo’s newest flagship phones start this May 13, 2024. The X100s and X100s Pro go on sale on May 17 (Friday) while the X100 Ultra will be on the 28th (Tuesday).

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Just like any other Chinese phone announcement, there’s no word on global availability. Still, we are hoping vivo would at least bring the X100 Ultra outside China to make way for a very competitive list of “Ultra” smartphones. After all, they’re the official partner of the 2024 UEFA EURO Cup hosted by Germany.

News

TECNO unveils the world’s first 0mm bezel-less phone

Is this the future of smartphones?

Published

July 31, 2026

Vincenz

It seems like the race towards an all-screen smartphone isn’t over just yet.

While most in the tech industry are currently obsessed over Samsung’s latest wide foldable, TECNO announces a more refreshing sight — at least for the regular “slab-type” phone form factor.

Black borders begone

Modern flagship smartphones already have incredibly slim bezels, but there’s still a thin black border separating the active display from the frame. That’s due to the internal circuitry and safety clearances required by current display technology

TECNO proves it’s possible to dissolve that with their Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone. And this is actually the industry’s first smartphone with a true 0mm display bezel.

With this fresh concept, the uprising brand says it has solved that “final millimeter” by redesigning the phone’s internal structure and display packaging. The result is a display with a visible border measuring 0 microns (0mm). This makes the screen appear to stretch all the way to the edges.

Removing the bezel completely isn’t just about aesthetics. The company says such uninterrupted display makes a more immersive experience — whether you’re watching videos, playing games, browsing photos, or simply reading.

Without these visible borders, content appears to flow naturally from edge-to-edge, making the display look as if it’s floating in your hand.

A glimpse at TECNO’s future

As with most concept devices, there’s no word yet on whether this exact design will make it into a commercial smartphone. Still, TECNO says the engineering behind the concept goes beyond the display itself.

The technologies developed for the project (such as improvements related to cameras, touch responsiveness, audio, and AI-driven user interactions) could eventually find their way into the brand’s future flagship devices.

Whether or not a true bezel-free phone becomes reality anytime soon, the concept offers a glimpse at where smartphone design could be heading next. After all, TECNO’s super slim concept last 2025 actually became an actual retail product with the existence of TECNO Slim.

The concept is set to make its public debut on the upcoming ShowStoppers at IFA 2026 this September 3.

Laptops

Apple introduces Apple Upgrade leasing program

Flexible leasing arrives

Published

July 31, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a new leasing program that makes it easier to get an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch through monthly payments. The program also gives customers more flexibility to upgrade to newer devices over time.

Apple Upgrade replaces new enrollments for the iPhone Upgrade Program with a single offering that covers four product categories. Apple partnered with Klarna to power the service.

Customers can lease an iPhone or Apple Watch for one or two years. Mac and iPad leases are available for two or three years.

At the end of the lease, customers have three options. They can upgrade to a newer device, purchase the leased device by paying the remaining balance, or return it with no further obligation.

Monthly payments start at US$17.99 for iPhone and US$24.99 for Mac, depending on the selected model and configuration. Customers must also qualify through Klarna before enrolling.

More than iPhones

Apple Upgrade expands beyond the company’s previous iPhone-only financing program. It brings iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch under one leasing service, making upgrades more consistent across Apple’s hardware lineup.

Customers can manage their lease through Apple, while Klarna handles financing and lease administration. They can also pay off their device early, although additional terms and fees may apply depending on the agreement.

Apple Upgrade is currently available only in the United States. Apple has not announced plans to expand the program to other regions.

News

Is the Pixel 11 copying a feature from Nothing?

A new ad is hinting at something like the Glyph interface.

Published

July 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

August 12 cannot come soon enough. On that date, Google is set to launch the upcoming Pixel 11 series. There isn’t much to indicate that the brand is changing the formula this year. Now, a rampant rumor, now seemingly confirmed by Google’s own ad, is hinting that a popular feature from Nothing is making its way to the Pixel.

Besides the transparent rear, Nothing prides itself with numerous iterations of the Glyph interface, a lighting system that serves as customized notifications for your phone. It’s mostly a novelty, but the feature is a unique take in a smartphone market plagued with too much sameness. It looks like Google wants to take a page from that same notebook.

For a while now, it’s been rumored that Google is adopting a version of the feature for the Pixel 11 series. The so-called Pixel Glow will reportedly add a light-based notification feature. Now, Google itself has seemingly confirmed the rumors.

In a new ad, titled “The Obvious Next Move,” Google is teasing a new feature coming to the flagship series. Though the ad leaves the feature untitled and without a description, it’s clear that it’s a circular glowing thing similar to Nothing’s take. The glowing thing is right on the Pixel’s iconic camera bar, just like Nothing.

But again, Google didn’t name the feature. However, if it helps, the ad says that we already use the Pixel for Gmail, Maps, Search, Calendar, and Docs, so the next evolution is whatever is depicted in this ad. August 12 really cannot come soon enough.