Vivo X300 FE review: Compact, capable and camera-focused

Rating- 3.5/5For years, smartphone buyers looking for a compact flagship have had very few choices. Most premium phones have become larger, heavier, and often difficult to use with one hand. With the Vivo X300 FE, Vivo is attempting to change that. Priced at Rs 79,999, the phone combines flagship-level hardware with a relatively compact design, aiming to appeal to users who want top-tier performance without carrying around an oversized device.The X300 FE sits in an interesting position in Vivo's lineup. While the company's X-series devices are known for their camera-focused approach and premium features, the FE model is designed to bring much of that experience in a slightly more accessible package. On paper, it ticks almost every flagship box—a powerful processor, Zeiss-tuned cameras, a bright display, fast charging, and a premium build.But does the Vivo X300 FE justify its Rs 79,999 price tag, especially when buyers have options from Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus in a similar range? Here's our review. One of the first things we noticed about the Vivo X300 FE is how refreshing it feels in a market full of oversized smartphones. At a time when most premium devices seem to be getting bigger and heavier every year, Vivo has managed to deliver a phone that feels compact without feeling compromised.The X300 FE fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use for long periods. Whether we were replying to messages during a commute, scrolling through social media before bed, or taking quick photos while walking around, the phone never felt cumbersome. More importantly, it is one of those rare devices that can be used confidently with one hand. Vivo has gone with a clean, understated design. The camera module does not dominate the rear panel the way it does on many flagship phones today. The horizontal camera arrangement looks neat and also helps keep the phone stable when placed on a desk. It may seem like a small detail, but after weeks of use, we appreciated not having the device wobble every time we tapped on the screen.The combination of a matte glass back and metal frame gives the phone a premium feel. The finish does a good job of resisting fingerprints, helping the device look clean even after extended use. Build quality is excellent, and the IP68 and IP69 ratings add an extra layer of confidence against dust and water exposure. At around 190 grams, the X300 FE isn't the lightest phone in its class, but the weight distribution is balanced enough that it never feels tiring. We did find the smooth finish slightly slippery, especially when using the device without a case, so most users will probably want to keep the bundled case attached.On the front sits a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display, and it is easily one of the highlights of the phone. The panel is sharp, vibrant and bright enough to remain comfortable outdoors even under harsh sunlight. Colors look rich without appearing oversaturated, while blacks are deep and inky as expected from a premium OLED panel.The 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday interactions feel fluid. Scrolling through websites, navigating the interface and switching between apps all feel fast and responsive. The adaptive refresh rate also helps conserve battery life when the higher refresh rate isn't needed. The slim bezels around the display enhance the viewing experience by making the screen feel larger than its size suggests.The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner deserves a mention as well. Throughout our testing, it remained consistently fast and reliable, unlocking the phone almost instantly.Vivo X300 FE may be positioned below the company's Ultra models, but throughout our review period, the phone delivered a consistently smooth and responsive experience. Whether we were juggling multiple apps, editing photos, streaming videos, or spending hours browsing social media, the experience was fluid.What stood out most was not raw speed, but how refined the overall experience felt. Apps opened quickly, animations remained fluid, and there were no noticeable slowdowns even when we pushed the phone with heavy multitasking. Moving between demanding applications felt effortless, and the device handled everything we threw at it without breaking a sweat.Even during extended gaming sessions, the phone remained comfortable to hold and never became uncomfortably hot. More importantly, we did not encounter any significant frame drops or performance hiccups during everyday use.Software is another area where Vivo has made meaningful progress. The X300 FE runs OriginOS 6, which feels considerably more modern and polished than Vivo's previous global software experiences. The interface is visually cleaner, animations are smoother, and there is a greater sense of attention to detail throughout the operating system.In daily use, these refinements make a noticeable difference. Opening the control centre, switching between apps, pulling down notifications, or navigating through menus feels fluid and natural. The software simply gets out of the way and lets you focus on what you are doing.There are plenty of useful AI-powered tools as well, though thankfully Vivo has avoided making them the centrepiece of the experience. Features such as AI writing assistance, live transcription, translation tools, Circle to Search, AI-powered photo editing, and document summarisation can be genuinely useful when needed. We found ourselves occasionally using the image editing tools and translation features, but the good thing is that these additions feel optional rather than intrusive.Another welcome addition is the improved ecosystem support. Features such as PC connectivity, file sharing, app cloning and Private Space add practical value for users who rely on their smartphones for both work and personal use.Vivo is also promising five years of software support, which adds confidence for buyers planning to keep the phone for the long term.Vivo has built a reputation for delivering reliable cameras, and the X300 FE largely continues that tradition. While the hardware may not be dramatically different from its predecessor, the overall camera experience remains one of the phone's strongest points.In daylight, the primary camera consistently captures vibrant and detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. Colors are slightly punchy, especially greens and blues, but the results are pleasing and social media-ready. We particularly liked how the camera handled people shots, producing natural skin tones and sharp facial details without looking overly processed.The real star of the setup, however, is the 3x telephoto camera. Whether we were shooting distant buildings, street scenes, or portraits, it delivered some of the most impressive results in this price segment. Images are sharp, detailed, and packed with contrast, while the ZEISS-tuned portrait modes continue to be among the best available on an Android smartphone. The 85mm portrait option, in particular, creates a professional-looking separation between the subject and the background. However, the ultrawide camera is the weakest link in the setup. It lacks the detail and flexibility offered by the main and telephoto cameras.Low-light performance is another highlight. The main camera captures bright, detailed images with controlled noise, while the telephoto camera remains surprisingly capable even after sunset. Night portraits also come out looking sharp and well-balanced, something many rivals still struggle with.Selfie lovers will have very little to complain about. The 50MP front camera produces detailed photos with excellent skin tones and reliable autofocus, making it one of the better selfie cameras in this segment.Vivo X300 FE packs a large 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, and it shows in everyday use. Throughout our testing, the phone comfortably lasted a full day, even on days filled with photography, social media, navigation, video streaming, and gaming. Most users should have no trouble ending the day with battery to spare.Charging is equally impressive. The bundled 90W FlashCharge adapter means you spend very little time connected to a wall socket. A quick top-up before heading out is often enough to keep the phone running for hours.Vivo also includes support for 40W wireless charging, which remains a rarity in this segment, along with reverse charging options for accessories. Verdict Vivo X300 FE gets a lot right. It delivers flagship-grade performance, a compact and premium design, excellent battery life, fast wired and wireless charging, and a camera system that performs well in most situations. The telephoto camera is particularly impressive, while the main camera remains reliable across lighting conditions. Add to that a bright AMOLED display, polished software experience, and five years of software support, and you have a phone that feels thoroughly premium.That said, the Rs 79,999 price tag places it in highly competitive territory. Buyers can find strong alternatives from competitors, each with their own strengths. Still, if you are looking for a compact Android flagship that does not compromise on performance, battery life, or camera quality, the Vivo X300 FE is one of the most well-rounded options currently available. It may not be the most powerful or the most feature-packed flagship on the market, but it strikes an excellent balance between usability, performance, and portability.