As I’m starting this in-depth write-up, the vivo X300 Pro is already just around the corner.

There’s even the vivo X200 Ultra for those who want the best-in-class for mobile photography (as well as videography). Not to mention, it has the exclusive photography kit that I wanted badly ever since it was released.

So, where does the vivo X200 Pro sit? And how well did it manage past the usual 2-week review deadline?

Without beating around the bush, here’s my long-term vivo X200 Pro review, 200+ days (or more than 6.5 months) after.

20,000+ snaps

Let’s start with my review with the pièce de résistance of the vivo X200 Pro: its power-packed camera system.

If you’re still unaware, it packs a 200MP f/2.67 ZEISS APO periscope telephoto camera based on a large 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL HP9 sensor. It’s capable of shooting 3.7x optically zoomed shots.

It’s then paired by a large 1/1.28-inch Sony LYT-818 main sensor along a Samsung JN1-powered 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide shooter.

But I’m not here to boast solely about hardware. A review shouldn’t be called a review without showing how capable it really is in the real world.

I will avoid doing an in-depth camera walkthrough here as I already did it with the vivo X200 back then (they have the same camera software, just different hardware).

I’ll just let these samples speak for themselves. After all, I’m confident they can all stand out without me saying anything.

📍 Barcelona 🇪🇸

📍Taichung 🇹🇼

📍Tamsui 🇹🇼

📍Taipei 🇹🇼

📍Singapore 🇸🇬

I’ve also brought it with me to some delectable sights in my home country as well.

📍Far North 🇵🇭

 

📍Down South 🇵🇭

*All shots were taken straight out of the vivo X200 Pro (mostly in ZEISS Natural color mode) without any additional post-processing nor color-grading.

Hefty ZEISS for Pro-traits

But more than just city sights and nature, it’s a real Pro when it comes to Portraits — especially with ZEISS in the scene.

I’ve used it mainly to keep mementos of my high school friend’s much-awaited wedding ceremony.

Heck, it was even used by my colleague, Rodneil, on two star-studded K-Pop concerts he’s been to during the course of this long-term review.

🥵 LE SSERAFIM ‘EASY CRAZY HOT’ Tour

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rodneil Quiteles (@rodneil)

💋 KISS of LIFE ‘Kiss Road’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rodneil Quiteles (@rodneil)

My other friend also took it with her during 🐿️ j-hope’s ‘Hope On The Stage’ stop in Bangkok.

If the abundance of snaps and clips I’ve provided aren’t enough to satisfy you, I honestly don’t know what type of phone will entice you.

20 K-Dramas binged

The vivo X200 Pro packs a large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen. Paired alongside several display standards and certifications, viewing content is undoubtedly pleasurable.

When it’s dark, it can go dimmer than other conventional displays. In return, it doesn’t make my eyes sore whenever I use it during the night.

On days where the sunlight is harsh, its ability to max out at 4500 nits truly saves the day.

Realistically, I’ve enjoyed using it the best when I need to catch up on the K-Dramas I’ve missed while I’m on the move.

And as coincidental as it looks, I’ve watched exactly 20 titles on this phone’s marvelous display.

1. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
2. Beyond The Bar
3. Law and the City
4. Trigger
5. S Line
6. Friendly Rivalry
7. Bitch x Rich S02
8. Bitch x Rich S01
9. Squid Game S03
10. Good Boy
11. One: High School Heroes
12. Our Unwritten Seoul
13. Tastefully Yours
14. Weak Hero Class 2
15. Resident Playbook
16. When Life Gives You Tangerines
17. Melo Movie
18. Love in the Big City
19. Study Group
20. When The Stars Gossip

As I wanted to stay updated with the latest K-scene, K-Pop music videos weren’t missed as well.

All the visuals they provide are truly a feast for my eyes.

2000+ songs streamed

While I always say I’m not the biggest audiophile, being able to hear and discern the difference between a good and bad sound output is still one of my special skills as a multimedia creative and tech nerd.

The stereo speakers of the vivo X200 Pro aren’t just loud, they’re oozing with power with well-defined highs, mids, and lows altogether.

Audiovisual supremacy reigns in vivo X200 Pro — as any “Pro” flagship Android smartphone should.

And with support for LDAC codec alongside wireless Hi-Res Lossless playback through a proper audio device (like the pro-grade QCY earbuds I have), listening to the latest and greatest songs in my playlist was as good as how it did when being played through loudspeakers.

And here’s some of the tracks I’ve been playing that some of you might want to check out. Of course, those 2000+ songs accounted for also include releases way back in the yesteryears.

20+ hours of playtime

As expected in any flagship device, the vivo X200 Pro runs MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 SoC based on a 3nm process.

Although the follow-up Dimensity 9500 was already announced the moment I’m writing this, last year’s flagship chipset can still perform more than enough for day-to-day tasks.

Given that multitasking is a breeze as it has 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, it can keep up with hardcore games as well.

Admittedly, I’m not as hardcore as others who play games every single day.

Still, I was able to play the usual graphics-intensive titles I play whenever I have free time — around 20+ hours per two weeks.

Be it the very demanding Zenless Zone Zero…

my current racing fave, Racing Master…

and even as simple as the CoDM (Call of Duty: Mobile)…

all of them were able to run through at least an hour of gameplay without frame drops and excessive heating.

200+ charging cycles in

The vivo X200 Pro managed to take 234 cycles after more than 200 days of use.

Technically, the vivo X200 Pro packs a massive battery inside. But it’s not just by numbers as its lengthy battery life is one of the reasons why I made the vivo X200 Pro my main driver.

Although we’re now getting spoiled by Chinese brands with smartphone batteries already exceeding the 7000mAh mark, the 6000mAh Si/C battery of the X200 Pro is still an incredible feat and an already far reach.

Usage-wise, I would consider myself a borderline moderate to heavy user.

I juggle between using the cameras, listening to music, consuming videos for hours, doom scrolling on social media and obsessing over finishing my game goals for an hour or two.

Whenever I’m outside, the battery drain comes mostly from its 5G data connection (and serves as the Wi-Fi 6 hotspot for all my devices).

If I’m already in a pinch, its bundled vivo 90W FlashCharge adapter saves me from that unwanted battery anxiety.

	1st Attempt	2nd Attempt
START TIME (From 0%)	5:15PM	2:31AM
3 minutes	4%	1%
5 minutes	12%	4%
10 minutes	20%	17%
15 minutes	29%	20%
20 minutes	42%	31%
30 minutes	56%	44%
40 minutes	74%	79%
45 minutes	85%	86%
50 minutes	90%	91%
END TIME	6:11PM 56 minutes	3:26AM 55 minutes

But, if you don’t want to bring that bulky charger with you, any high-watt USB-C charger should work as the vivo X200 Pro supports USB-C PD (Power Delivery) with PPS (Programmable Power Supply).

It’s often forgotten by many Chinese brands with proprietary fast charging out of the box.

In my case, I used the UGREEN Uno 100W USB-C GaN charger:

	1st Attempt	2nd Attempt
START TIME (From 0%)	12:51AM	3:30PM
3 minutes	1%	1%
5 minutes	6%	5%
10 minutes	11%	11%
15 minutes	17%	18%
20 minutes	23%	26%
30 minutes	41%	40%
40 minutes	50%	55%
45 minutes	61%	63%
50 minutes	71%	74%
1 hour	80%	84%
1 hour 10 minutes	92%	94%
1 hour 15 minutes	100%	100%
END TIME	2:07AM 1 hour 15 minutes	5:16PM 1 hour 19 minutes

If you don’t mind sacrificing the additional charging time, your one-stop USB-C charger should serve its purpose.

20+ drops on the floor

…and the vivo X200 Pro still managed to bear it all.

While it’s kind of misleading that I have the “Titanium Gray” colorway, its frame is actually made from aluminum.

Holding it also felt nice. Its on the taller-yet-not-too-wide side of slabs — a perfect complement for my big hands.

And even if it possesses that gargantuan camera bump, my pointer finger rests well below it.

That said, the same form factor makes it easier to slip from my hand (or even slide off the table) numerous times. Whether it’s my room’s tiles, a wooden vinyl in a hotel, or the concrete flooring outside a mall, it managed to held up very well.

Armor Glass up its front and a glass fiber material on its back? They’ve proven worthy to be durable even after more than six months of daily usage.

I’ve even managed to test out its dual IP68/IP69 rating when I snapped photos of my friends in the sea featured above. The fact that it’s still alive means its water and dust resistance durability was effective — just don’t go overboard it as it’s not covered by the warranty.

Two minor drawbacks

1. Like it’s magnetic 🧲

Even if I’ve said the vivo X200 Pro was able to withstand all those unintended drops, it doesn’t mean its free from attracting dust.

Its fiberglass back has nothing to do with this. Rather, that large circular void at its back is the culprit behind all the dust magnet mess. It even catches some of my cats’ fur.

Fortunately, it’s still shatter-free. On the other hand, it has managed to get some scratches along its glass camera housing as well as some parts of that aluminum frame.

So, either you get a full protective case or just let it be — like me who wants the camera part exposed for everyone’s eyes to see.

2. Funtouch OS isn’t fun at all

While vivo’s Funtouch isn’t the OS I despise the most (that goes to Xiaomi’s HyperOS), I can also say this is not my favorite.

Don’t get me wrong, I love how speedy and snappy the latest version of Funtouch OS is. However, it bums me that Funtouch OS isn’t even on the level of OriginOS found on their China-exclusive phones.

They still haven’t adapted to the separate control center and notifications panel that’s been used by its Chinese counterparts.

Customization options are also lacking compared to Android skins of other brands.

This is where I can truly say Funtouch OS never felt fun at it just felt like it’s an after-thought — instead of actually focusing on making it as smoother, seamless, and more capable as its Chinese cousin.

Is the vivo X200 Pro your GadgetMatch?

During the start of 2025, most reviewers have been hyping either the OnePlus 13 or Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra. I get the sentiment. USA, UK, and some parts of Europe don’t get the vivo X200 Pro at all.

But, if you live in a region where these three exist, the vivo X200 Pro is a no-brainer choice.

It’s both a Swipe Right and a Super Swipe for the overall value it offers — even more than what others have been raving about with its closest contenders.

Not only do you get a fully capable and THE BETTER camera system with a monstrous periscope zoom, you get the best in pretty much all aspects you want in a modern-day smartphone: premium design, durable build quality, captivating display, powerful speakers, snappy performance, consistently speedy charging, and a long-lasting battery.

I said it in the beginning and I’ll say it again, the vivo X300 Pro is coming this October 2025 — and I would be lying if I don’t say I wanted to have it as soon as it gets released.

However, much like how the X200 Pro got announced for international markets several months after China, X300 Pro’s global version isn’t coming any time soon until early 2026. That’s if vivo won’t change its future product roadmap.

This just means you can buy the vivo X200 Pro now at a slashed price than what it was initially offered during the start of 2025.

Thus, it’s also safe to say that this is still one of 2025’s best and most underrated flagship smartphones out there.

The vivo X200 Pro rightfully deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

SEE ALSO: Galaxy S25 Ultra vs vivo X200 Pro: Camera Shootout

To me, the original foldable is the Lenovo Yoga. Sure, a laptop technically folds, but a true foldable can shift between different form factors. That’s what the Yoga series can do. Now, ten generations later, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition is back, guns blazing and ready to take on the world again.

How many ways can you use the Yoga?

As always, the biggest draw of the Yoga 7i is its flexibility. This isn’t just any normal laptop. With its flexible hinge, you can fold it into a tent or into a tablet. All three modes are usable in their own way, of course.

Ten years ago, I never found a genuine way to use the other modes. I always asked myself, “Why would I ever use the other modes if the laptop mode is good enough?” Now, using all three modes just feels natural. It might be that I’m at an age that appreciates clearer division of tasks, but it could also be Lenovo’s better designs. And I’m leaning towards the latter.

Each mode feels like there’s a reason why it should exist. Instead of just a quirky design choice, both tent and tablet modes have worthy uses.

More power underneath

Despite how light the Yoga 7i is, it’s packing much more power underneath its chassis. It has an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

This looks like overkill. If you’re using this notebook purely for work, this is definitely too much. But for the package that it’s coming with, it feels like a bonus. Yes, it can handle all your daily work needs but also so much more.

Midway through testing, I was invited to showcase more of what the processor can do. At the time, my approach to the Yoga 7i was as an all-arounder, rather than as a premium or a gaming notebook. It felt pointless to force the notebook into a gaming-sized cubbyhole. Boy, was I wrong.

This thing can handle games. Obviously, it won’t be enough to play modern titles that need beefy graphics. The integrated graphics chip is impressive, though. Silksong was a no-brainer; the hardware worked even only on battery power. Overwatch 2 also worked, but I had to tone down some settings to get a smoother frame rate. Finally, if I forced it with lower settings, the notebook could even play a bit of Forza Horizon 5.

This performance was more than I expected from this lithe notebook. Going back to our quandary in the previous section, this is where the Yoga 7i’s tent mode shines: as an entertainment hub after a long day’s work.

OLED is finally here

Speaking of being an entertainment hub, the Yoga 7i just sparkles with its 14-inch WUXGA OLED screen. Once again, the notebook’s unassuming looks doesn’t betray the beasts lurking underneath.

Recently, I’ve gotten so enamored with displays that support True Black 500. The Yoga 7i is brilliant at showcasing deep blacks and vibrant colors. Playing the dark levels of Silksong, the contrast melds almost seamlessly with the black bezels. It’s easy to forget that you’re staring at a screen. Besides gaming, the notebook feels perfect for watching movies.

Similarly, the touchscreen was smooth and responsive. However, if you’re particular about smudges, fiddling around with the touchscreen display can leave fingerprints. The package does come with a stylus, though. The Lenovo Pen works well enough for using the device without fingers.

It’s a confusing layout

Anyone who’s used a laptop and a tablet before will know that the both of them have different layouts. The former, of course, has a keyboard and a power button right above it. Meanwhile, the latter has its power button on the side.

The Yoga 7i has a unique layout. Rather than the traditional placement for a notebook, Lenovo’s latest convertible laptop has its power button on the side, much like a tablet. This throws me off so much. Normally, when you carry a laptop while it’s in use, you grasp it by its sides. If that’s also where the power button is, there will be times when you’ll accidentally press the button by mistake. This was a big point of frustration because it felt like I had to relearn the simple act of picking up a laptop.

Additionally, it’s still unnatural for me to have a full keyboard behind a tablet. The Yoga 7i features novel ways to use a convertible notebook. But the price is coping with tiny irregularities foreign to how you normally use a notebook or a tablet.

A powerful enough battery

The Yoga 7i has a 70Whr battery. This seems pretty standard for a notebook. However, because it’s not a beefy machine, you can squeeze out more hours than with a normal laptop.

In my experience, it can handle a full 8-hour workday with ease. If I had to force it, the battery can last even longer. It wasn’t until the 12-hour mark before I felt too anxious to keep going on pure battery power.

It’s easy to charge, though. The notebook uses a USB-C port for power delivery. The charging brick is also conveniently small. If you’re familiar with it, it’s the same brick you’ll find with the Legion Go. It’s as small as a smartphone brick. Coupled with how light the notebook already is, it’s a breeze to carry the entire package for working outside.

Is the Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition your GadgetMatch?

Ten generations in, I’m still constantly impressed with the Yoga series. At first, I thought that it was a quirky addition to the laptop market. Now, because of all the improvements that can pack powerful hardware in a small package, I’m even more impressed.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is a distillation of the past ten generations of the series. On its own, it is already a capable notebook for everyday tasks. Coupled with its flexibility, the 2-in-1 convertible is a head turner and a unique piece for your digital ecosystem.

Plus, it’s affordable! It costs only PhP 81,995.

With all of that said, the Yoga 7i Aura Edition gets a Super Swipe. Though my tastes lean more toward premium and gaming devices, the notebook impresses with great hardware and an affordable price.

I came into Digimon Story Time Stranger already excited. Trailers and previews gave me flashes of a Digimon game I once played during a summer at my relatives’ house. I spent every waking moment of those two weeks trying to beat it — though I never did.

I don’t even remember which Digimon World title it was, but I was hooked. My aunt used to call me out for playing before I’d even had breakfast. That memory stayed with me, and this new entry in the franchise instantly felt like a chance to relive it.

I’ve had less time than I’d like with the game since getting the review code, so think of this more as a review-in-progress. But I’ve played enough to know it’s worth talking about.

Time travel and the inferno

The story sends your protagonist eight years into the past. Your role is to unravel the events that led to the “Shinjuku Inferno,” a catastrophe that left the world in ruins.

Not rolling credits yet actually helps here since it keeps things spoiler-free. What I can say is that there’s enough happening in the early hours to keep you intrigued. Things ramp up gradually. The mystery of what caused the Inferno pushes you along, and the more you progress, the more you want to connect the dots.

The characters I’ve encountered so far didn’t immediately latch on to me. I couldn’t fully identify with or feel invested in them. That does dampen how eager I am to move forward with their arcs, but it doesn’t take away from the pull of the central mystery. The looming Inferno itself is strong enough to keep you curious.

The joy of collecting

The monster-collecting gameplay loop is the real hook here — it’s addicting and built for completionists.

You begin by picking your first Digimon partner. From there, the system opens up. Every time you battle a Digimon, you add to your scan percentage of that species. At 100% you can convert it into a new companion, but waiting until you’ve scanned 200% guarantees you’ll get the Digimon at its max possible stats.

Digivolution is the next big mechanic. Each Digimon has multiple evolution paths that depend on its stats and level. For example, a Koromon can evolve into Agumon, Guilmon, Dracomon, and more. This branching evolution system encourages experimentation. You can also go backward through de-Digivolution, which not only helps with strategic flexibility but also lets you work toward completing your full Digimon compendium.

If your roster starts to get crowded, you can fuse duplicates to enhance another Digimon or break them down into digital currency. It’s another loop that feeds back into progression.

With over 450 Digimon available, there’s more than enough here for players who love collecting, refining, and tweaking their party until it’s perfect. The loop is layered and rewarding — not just about “catching them all,” but about shaping the collection into something uniquely yours.

Strategy meets nostalgia

Combat in Digimon Story Time Stranger doesn’t try to be revolutionary, but it’s polished and layered enough to feel engaging. If you’ve played JRPGs from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, this will feel instantly familiar.

Dungeons are where you’ll encounter hostile Digimon. By pressing R2 (on PS5), you can attack first to gain the upper hand. If your party completely overpowers the enemy, you’ll defeat them instantly. Otherwise, you’ll be pulled into the turn-based battle arena.

The backbone of combat is the type triangle: Data beats Vaccine, Vaccine beats Virus, Virus beats Data. On top of that, elemental affinities add another wrinkle to keep you on your toes.

Your bond level with your Digimon plays a big role too. The closer you are to them, the more likely they are to perform quick follow-up attacks. These little assists can swing momentum in your favor and give combat a more dynamic flow.

There are also quality-of-life touches that stand out. You can swap party members mid-battle without losing a turn, which makes tactical adjustments painless. And with a flick of the right analog stick, you can speed up combat animations — a small feature that makes grinding far more bearable.

The system feels like a culmination of mechanics you might have seen in Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei. It’s not redefining the genre, but it knows what works and sharpens it in smart ways.

A Saturday morning cartoon come to life

What struck me most about Time Stranger is that it feels like playing a Saturday morning cartoon. From the colors to the tone to the music, the whole package captures that vibe.

The anime-inspired visuals are sharp and bright, with Digimon designs that pop. I also had a personal chuckle at the protagonist customization options — the red-haired male and short-haired female were exactly how I might’ve designed them myself.

The soundtrack deserves mention too. It changes with each location, sometimes even from room to room in the same house. Every track is thoughtfully matched to the scene and the mood.

There’s also optional DLC music. The pricing feels a little steep, but seeing Butter-fly from Digimon Adventure included was almost enough to convince me. It’s one of my all-time favorite anime songs, and hearing it in the game would push the nostalgia factor even higher.

Is Digimon Story Time Stranger your GameMatch?

Playing Digimon Story Time Stranger has felt like reliving that summer memory — the excitement of discovery, the satisfaction of raising Digimon, and the pull of wanting to see what comes next.

It isn’t trying to reinvent anything, and that’s part of its charm. Instead, it offers a polished, nostalgia-driven JRPG that rewards the time you sink into it. The story pulls you in even without a standout cast. The monster-collecting systems are rich and addictive. The combat strikes a balance between old-school comfort and modern convenience.

For me, it became a welcome contrast. I had just come from another game’s bloody revenge quest, yet I felt just as thrilled hopping into this time-traveling, monster-collecting adventure. One scratched my itch for grit. The other gave me wonder and comfort.

If you ever spent a summer glued to a Digimon game, this will take you back instantly. And if you’re new to the franchise, there’s more than enough depth here to keep you invested.

Verdict: It’s a Swipe Right.