Reviews

Sony Xperia XZ review

Published

November 7, 2016

Monch Lopez

At Berlin’s IFA 2016 trade show in Germany, Sony announced the Xperia XZ, its latest signature phone that, according to the company, offers the very best technologies it has to offer.

At $699 unlocked, the XZ isn’t cheap — it’s right up there with the biggest names in the industry. That said, one has to wonder whether it’s actually worth the premium, or if there are other choices on the market that could be an even better fit.

The Xperia XZ supports dual SIMs and up to 64GB of expandable storage depending on the market.

Did Sony do better than Samsung this year, better than Apple? In a word, no. The Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7 remain our top choices for smartphone of the year. (Maybe Google’s Pixel will have something to say about that?)

Which is important to note because Sony badly needs a superphone to turn around its slumping mobile business. Sales are down 40 percent year-on-year for the second quarter of 2016, and Sony has reduced forecasts for the midrange segment and downsized operations in “unprofitable regions.”

Unfortunately for the Japanese electronics giant, the XZ isn’t the savior it had hoped for. But it is a solid effort.

Familiar, but improved in the right ways

Sony hasn’t always been a fan of drastic cosmetic changes, and it shows on the Xperia XZ. If you’ve seen the Xperia Z5 or Z5 Premium from the previous year, you’ve essentially seen the XZ.

Water-resistant, not waterproof.

A thick plastic frame bonds two blocky, rectangular panels; all the physical buttons are on the right edge, exactly where you expect them to be; the SIM and microSD cards go into the left side of the phone; the top and bottom edges remain flat; there are two stereo speakers on the front — smaller, this time around, but just as nice-sounding. The XZ, like Sony’s recent smartphone efforts, likewise isn’t afraid of water. Just don’t dunk it in the pool or in a glass of water because it isn’t waterproof.

[irp posts=”7010″ name=”Sony Xperia XZ launched in PH: hands-on and gallery”]

The slippery glass back of the Z5, however, was jettisoned for the latest installment. The rear now consists of two metal parts, with the lower section painted in a darker finish. It is made of what Sony calls “alkaleido metal,” which makes it more lustrous and, in Sony’s mind at least, more visually appealing than plain Jane metal. The material also, however, makes fingerprints and smudges easier to see under the right light and angles.

This is Sony at its finest when it adopts a minimalist and unbending approach to designing the next smartphone superstar.

Subtle but welcome refinements are what separates the current Sony flagship from its predecessors. With the exception of the awkwardly positioned volume rocker, every tweak to the formula enhances the phone’s beauty, its handling, or both. The glass on the front gently spills toward the sides, and so does the metal back cover, creating a symmetrical look that compliments the overall aesthetic perfectly. The sides are contoured to make things look neater and one-handed operation, less troublesome.

This is Sony at its finest when it adopts a minimalist and unbending approach to designing the next smartphone superstar. And although some people may not like what they see, particularly the big chin below the screen that serves no purpose other than to make the front look symmetrical, we happen to like the look and feel of the Xperia XZ. A lot, to be honest. It’s a breath of fresh air in an industry full of Apple and Samsung copycats, and it’s plenty comfortable to use for anyone with smallish hands.

Loaded optics

The XZ sports a rear-facing camera with more bells and whistles than any Sony smartphone camera that preceded it. We’re talking a 23-megapixel sensor; a wide-angle lens with f/2.0 aperture; an RGB sensor for better color fidelity; advanced optical image stabilization to steady shots and footage; and laser autofocus to improve focus accuracy and speed. Throw in 4K video recording, augmented-reality effects, plus several other software tricks, and you’ve got a solid camera package, right?

Well, yes and no. On one hand, it’s fun to play around with some of the phone’s shooting modes; on the other hand, we’re not convinced its 23-megapixel camera is the best on the market. It’s not even the second-best, or even the third-best. Nor is it the fastest, which, for all its purported dazzle, is rather disappointing. Focusing, as we found out, is slow, even unreliable at times, and many of our night shots showed a purple haze, something we weren’t able to replicate with the Galaxy S7 and the iPhone 7.

The XZ is one of those phones that seems like it was specifically designed to render an HD video or a high-quality mobile game.

The XZ has a loaded 23-megapixel rear camera.

Good, not exceptional

An unassuming home button along the right-hand side does double duty as a fingerprint reader (in non-U.S. markets, unfortunately), which we found to be surprisingly quick and accurate, despite what its size and shape may indicate. Being located on the side of the XZ rather than on the front or on the back means users can easily unlock the device no matter which way it faces. By design or accident, its location favors righties, as their thumb naturally lands on the sensor when they pick up the handset or take it out of their pocket.

Its screen is as good as it gets for an LCD panel.

The 5.2-inch LCD display is 1080p, the bare minimum for a flagship device. But don’t let that mislead you. In typical Sony fashion, the screen is top-notch and is easily one of the best out there. Color accuracy and contrast levels are excellent; black are inky, allowing for plenty of depth to an image or video; viewing angles are absolutely super, with zero color shift even at extreme angles.

[irp posts=”4430″ name=”IFA 2016: Sony Xperia X Compact hands-on”]

So, what does all this translate to in terms of daily use? Viewing pleasure, that’s what this is all about. The XZ is one of those phones that seems like it was specifically designed to render an HD video or a high-quality mobile game. Had it been a tad bigger, its screen, a lot sharper (at Quad HD), it would’ve served as a compelling counter to Samsung’s “AMOLED is better than LCD” movement.

Specs-wise, the XZ sees a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 under the exterior, coupled with 3GB of memory and up to 64GB of onboard storage. For its asking price, one might expect more RAM or more storage, of which none are present here. That shouldn’t bother anyone too much, because this phone will run everything you throw at it smoothly. In the few weeks we’ve used it, our test unit never ran out of RAM, nor had issues with keeping multiple apps alive in the background.

There’s better value to be found in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Apple iPhone 7.

Battery life can be summed up in one word: average. It doesn’t have the same longevity as older Sony models and devices in the Xperia Compact range, but the XZ can cover a a full day of active use. A more judicial usage involving less time connected to an LTE network and more time on Sony’s Stamina (read: battery-saving) mode should push 2,900mAh battery to a day and a half, albeit obviously at the expense of a few functions.

Fast charging is supported, but you’ll need to purchase a compatible Type-C charger to utilize the feature. Sony will happily sell you one if you’re unsure of which charger to buy.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

If you don’t mind paying iPhone money for a premium phone that can get wet, Sony’s Xperia XZ is a decent pick. But there’s better value to be found in the Samsung Galaxy S7, which has a sharper and more vibrant display and a camera that doesn’t back down from difficult situations. If you’re a fan of iOS, or if you already own an Apple device or two, though, you’ll be better off with the iPhone 7. Either phone can withstand water splashes and spills, too.

A closer look at the hardware.

The back is made of lustrous metal.

[irp posts=”4954″ name=”Apple iPhone 7 loses to Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in DxOMark camera test”]

Reviews

TECNO Slim review: Smexy, Antifragile Slab

Being super slim doesn’t mean it’s super fragile

Published

October 8, 2025

Vincenz

It seems like phone brands are unstoppable at this point.

Everybody’s eyes are focused on the latest iPhone Air — and it’s just one among the many super slim smartphones we should expect in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

Although Samsung first teased and introduced the Galaxy S25 Edge as 2025’s first super slim smartphone ready for the masses, TECNO isn’t far off from the spotlight.

Just like the Korean electronics giant, the Chinese uprising brand also showed off their sexy slim slab (dubbed as the “SPARK Slim”) during this year’s MWC. Unlike Samsung’s take though, TECNO was just a concept — or so we thought.

Six months in, a consumer-ready product goes straight to my hands.

Here’s what it feels like using the TECNO Slim for more than a month after unboxing it over 13,000 ft.

EASY unboxing

ICYMI, here’s my bare minimum unboxing above the clouds.

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As seen above, you get the usual charger and cable combo plus phone case out of the box.

However, the TECNO Slim has a bundled screen protector that the CAMON 40 phones lack.

CRAZY slim

At just 5.93mm, the TECNO Slim (specifically the SPARK Slim) is currently the world’s slimmest curved smartphone. There’s also the India-exclusive POVA Slim 5G which is a bit thicker at 5.95mm.

If we make the title less specific, the slimmest smartphone crown still goes to Apple’s iPhone Air (5.64mm) followed by the Galaxy S25 Edge (5.8mm).

But, compared to more conventional smartphones, that crazy thinness is as clear as day and night. More so when you pit it against the brand’s PHANTOM V Fold2 and CAMON 40 Premier handsets.

Putting it in my pockets is no different. It felt so light, sometimes I wonder if it’s really there — or if it already got lost somewhere down the road.

And now that we’re on the topic of pockets, I have to admit, I dropped this phone numerous times.

Full disclosure: I ain’t JerryRigEverything as I never intend to drop review devices I handle. However, the TECNO Slim is just so damn slender, it won’t stop slipping away.

Its back isn’t made from anything grand. I do commend how premium-looking the build quality is, despite the choice of materials.

That said, it’s not TECNO just boasting about its military-grade tests. Out in the real world, the review unit I have barely had some scuffs and scratches despite those unwanted drops.

Even if it’s not the most premium-made smartphone out there, the TECNO Slim is durable enough that it can withstand impacts against hard tiles and even concrete floors.

It’s also a relief that it still has an IP64 rating — which helps in keeping out dust and some water splashes in case you’re stuck in such scenarios.

And even without applying its bundled tempered glass out of the box, the front part of the TECNO Slim is surprisingly still scratch-free despite only having a mid Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.

But hey, that’s better than having no protection at all 👀

HOT audiovisuals

Having an impossibly thin and light form factor also means I get to hold the phone for sustained periods.

Ever since I got this phone, I can’t let go of it especially when consuming content.

There are numerous time I got tired of holding the main smartphone I’m using (*coughs* the vivo X200 Pro). That’s when I swiftly switch to the TECNO Slim.

From that moment, I can already tell how immaculate it was to have a super lightweight phone — especially one-handed.

TECNO didn’t spare its display though. That 6.78-inch display features an 3D AMOLED panel with a buttery smooth 144Hz refresh rate.

Display resolution wasn’t left behind as well at 1.5K (precisely 2720 x 1224).

An optical under-display fingerprint scanner was equipped as well.

The iPhone Air must be kicking the air right now as a budget smartphone like this features a stereo speaker.

Although in most occasions, you have to amp up the volume between 80 to 100 percent just so you can have a fully-immersive experience.

Overall, the sound isn’t too shabby. Just enough for your multimedia needs.

I’m glad it supports both Dolby Atmos and LDAC just so I can take great advantage of Apple’s Music high-fidelity formats.

SMART for the most part

This is where things get glaringly different.

Unlike its iPhone and Galaxy counterparts, an entry-level SoC is baked into TECNO Slim’s system to (obviously) cut costs.

To be specific, it runs MediaTek’s Helio G200 chipset. It’s relatively new as the previous CAMON 40 4G as well as the SPARK 40 Pro and Pro+ all run Helio G100.

And let me tell you, I immediately felt the performance improvements on basic tasks and multitasking.

The Helio G99 and G100 phones I’ve reviewed are testaments to how laggy they are once you fire up the devices.

But, if you’re considering this for gaming, you might want to save up some more money for a midrange Dimensity chipset found on the POVA and 5G CAMON line.

I’m not saying it cannot run the games you want to play.

You just have to consider its graphic settings limitations — especially on the more demanding ones.

My prime example would be Racing Master. Higher-end chipsets can fully display all the intricate details of the car.

Helio G200, on the other hand, is limited to just the lowest graphic setting just so it can run the game.

That means blotchy cars and race tracks that somewhat felt like you’re playing it in a SEGA arcade machine.

BTW, the TECNO Slim runs HiOS 15 based on Android 15.

That means you get the goodness of both TECNO AI as well as Google’s Gemini and Circle To Search.

Great for endurance streak

Having a Helio chipset isn’t a total downgrade. In my experience, it helps preserve the battery of the TECNO Slim.

Without considering heavy gaming, its 5160mAh battery can last for prolonged use.

When used moderately, it holds up before the day ends with around 10 percent to spare.

But, for the lightweight tasks and background idle, it’s able to hold on for days before actually dying.

And, with TECNO Slim’s bundled 45W charger out of the box, you get these results:

From 0%	START TIME: 9:24PM
3 minutes	5%
5 minutes	9%
10 minutes	18%
15 minutes	25%
20 minutes	33%
30 minutes	45%
45 minutes	71%
50 minutes	80%
1 hour	94%
1 hour 5 minutes	99%
*100%*	1 hour, 6 minutes END TIME: 10:30PM

UNFORGIVEN drawbacks

A first-generation product is never flawless, and the TECNO Slim isn’t any different.

With chipset talk already mentioned a while ago, you’d know by now how the SPARK Slim model I have does not have 5G support.

Sure, there’s the 5G-capable POVA Slim variant but, I’m betting it will be hog more battery with its more data-demanding chipset.

However, for most users (at least where I live), 4G data speeds are still quite acceptable — especially in areas where there’s no 5G coverage yet.

For me though, the lack of ultra-wide lens is its biggest drawback.

Don’t be fooled by its dual circular cutout as it only possesses a single 50MP main shooter.

I wouldn’t dive deeper onto it as I already made a separate camera walkthrough during my Shanghai trip way back in August.

There were times when I wanted to get a bigger picture of the scenery I wanted to take. But, the lack of ultra-wide lens power hindered me from doing so.

Backing out and just taking a far-away 1x shot neither works as I’m stopped by the obstacles behind me.

Safe to say, the TECNO Slim can take decent shots for everyday use. That’s either 1x or even through 2x in-sensor zoom.

And, you have to be very still for those blurry-free mementos. Not unless it’s the type of ~𝓪𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓬~ you wanted to share.

Baymax-coded

While most phone brands have been struggling to bring out catchier designs on the drawing table, TECNO Slim begs to differ.

Most will just say this is a gimmick. Personally, I find this “gimmick” a part of its overall unique aesthetic that makes it stand out from the rest of the crowd.

With its “Mood Light” feature, those Baymax-like rear camera cutout serves as a light alert.

Be that for your upcoming notifications, playing music, or a continuous show-off just so people can see you got a quirky phone with you.

The only thing I wish it could do is to be a ring light for softer light fills when trying to take rear-cam selfies.

But, then again, how can you take Gen-Z selfies without an ultra-wide camera at its back?

Is the TECNO Slim Your BudgetMatch?

You’d be hard pressed to know that the TECNO (SPARK) Slim is only priced at PhP 9,499. If you do the math, that price tag is just below the US$ 200 / EUR 150 / GBP 130 / SG$ 230 mark.

It’s crystal clear that TECNO wanted budget-conscious consumers to have a taste of what smartphones in the future will look like.

It’s an easy Swipe Right if you wanted to taste it without slashing holes in your pockets — literally and figuratively.

The Helio G200 is surprisingly snappy compared to past generations. Moreover, it has a superb display and audio paired with crazily impossible thinness, unparalleled durability, and more than sufficient endurance.

It’s just the matter if you can bear with its compromises: the absence of 5G alongside the lack of ultra-wide shooter at its back.

For some, we can live by it. At the end of the day, that irresistible price mostly goes to admiring TECNO’s engineering masterpiece over rocking the “superior” hardware for an entry-level class device.

While flagships pack all the punch, it’s still an understatement how being able to hold slim and lightweight phones are as heavenly as it looks.

With my flagship daily drivers that are obviously heavier, being able to experience the TECNO Slim is a breath of fresh air.

If you’re a FEARNOT like I am, you may have noticed how 95 percent of my headings revolve around LE SSERAFIM’s songs.

Going on a full circle moment, the group’s very first intro track “The World Is My Oyster” is very comparable to TECNO themselves. They were able to produce this type of smartphone because they believe they have the utmost ability to act upon on that wish.

Together with the brand’s “Stop At Nothing” ethos, it proves that one cannot stop innovating as long as they keep pushing beyond the limits.

Reviews

The Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro is a midrange wearable in premium packaging

It’s worth the price.

Published

October 8, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

I’m now at an age when it’s harder for me to accept unfamiliar design choices. After years of defining the sound profile I like, I’ve been oddly avoiding the newer form factors for wearable earbuds. The new Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro is my first ever attempt at looking deep into the current crop of unique earbuds, and it might be enough to convince me to explore further.

Open ear with a twist

Personally, I prefer in-ear earbuds or over-ear headphones. Open earbuds are usually a no-go for me because they feel too loose. Traditionally, these earbuds just sit on your ear, so any sudden force can dislodge them.

As the name says, the OpenWear Stereo Pro offer an open-ear format. However, instead of sitting simply on your ear, the earbuds have an arc that hang over your ear. There’s also a counterweight at the other end for added security.

Surprisingly, Xiaomi’s new wearables are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I wouldn’t say that it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, though. Upon wearing them for the first time, you can definitely feel something odd. However, these are the closest you can get to a pair of earbuds that can truly make you forget that you were wearing them.

I’ve tried wearing them for an hour, and they felt perfectly fine. These are one of the most comfortable options you can take on a long daily commute.

A compact case

Adding to the design is the slimmer charging case. Instead of the usual pill-shaped form, the OpenWear Stereo Pro has a case shaped like a compact.

It looks much more elegant than the usual. Plus, the shape helps it blend in when it’s in my pocket. Regular, pill-shaped cases often bulge out inside a pocket. With this case, it doesn’t look like I have a lump on my leg.

Fast Pair and a smooth app

As with a lot of earbuds these days, the OpenWear Stereo Pro comes with Android’s Fast Pair. Immediately after you open the case for the first time, the earbuds will prompt users to connect on all nearby devices. Yes, it’s annoying in public with other devices in the vicinity, but it’s really smooth in private.

Plus, Xiaomi has the Xiaomi Earbuds app. Likewise, the earbuds connect seamlessly to the app, allowing for a lot of customization in terms of how you want the sound to come out.

One of the best sound profiles for open ear

As we leave the “OpenWear” portion of the earbuds’ name behind, it’s time to look at the “Stereo Pro” portion.

Compared to other open earbuds I’ve tried, the OpenWear Stereo Pro has one of the best profiles I’ve heard. The soundstage is fairly decent. It’s not mind-blowing, but you can clearly hear the definition.

Usually, I lean towards treble as a preference. These earbuds handle the tinny end of the audio spectrum well. Instruments are well-defined when I listen to heavy metal or electronic.

Mids are likewise great. The vocals in rock songs can rise above the instruments. Podcasts are also well reproduced.

However, the earbuds do falter when it comes to bass. Since the wearable is small, reproducing the bass accurately comes with difficulty. Though the earbuds have range, they lack depth. Unless you love ear-thumping music, the lack of bass shouldn’t be an issue. The sound is still great anyway.

Also of note, the earbuds’ stock profile is terrible. If you simply connect your phone to the earbuds using the usual Bluetooth settings, you won’t maximize the wearable’s capabilities. The default profile out of the box sounds nothing like what Xiaomi should be able to do. You’ll need to take a minute to set it up using the Xiaomi Earbuds app and switch the profile to the superior Harman settings.

All day listening

Xiaomi says that the earbuds can last up to eight hours on a single charge. On a practical note, these are not the earbuds you’d use for eight hours straight, despite how comfortable they are. They’re definitely more suitable for commutes.

However, if you do need to, the earbuds are durable enough to last a workday of just listening to music. If you limit use to just commutes, a single charge should last you several days.

Now, if you also take into account that the case can hold up to 45 hours of charge, the OpenWear Stereo Pro should last extraordinarily long.

Is the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro your GadgetMatch?

At PhP 7,699, the OpenWear Stereo Pro places itself firmly as a midrange earbuds option. However, for its audio quality and its elegant design, this feels like a steal.

Personally, there are other (more expensive) options I’d go for, but that’s purely based on subjective opinion because of auditory preferences. However, if you’re in the market for somewhere around this price range, Xiaomi’s latest wearable is a worthy option. For that, it gets a Super Swipe.

Reviews

vivo X200 Pro review: 200+ Days After

6.5 months with vivo’s mighty underrated flagship

Published

October 4, 2025

Vincenz

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 🇹🇼

Shot by @vincenzlee in PRO Mode

📍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 in MNL [250802]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rodneil Quiteles (@rodneil)

💋 KISS of LIFE ‘KISS ROAD’ MNL [250404]

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’ [250510] 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.

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.