Vivo X100s : In the highly competitive smartphone market of 2025, manufacturers are constantly pushing boundaries to win over increasingly discerning consumers.

Vivo’s latest offering, the X100s, represents a significant step forward in the company’s strategy to carve out a space in the premium mid-range segment

. Released as a refresh of the successful X100 series, the X100s brings several thoughtful upgrades while maintaining a more accessible price point than its Pro and Ultra siblings.

But does it have what it takes to stand out in a crowded marketplace? After spending considerable time with this device, I’m ready to share my findings on whether the Vivo X100s delivers on its promises.

Design and Build Quality: Elegance Meets Practicality

The Vivo X100s adopts a minimalist design language that immediately sets it apart from its predecessor.

Perhaps the most notable design change is the shift from a curved display to a flat screen—a move that addresses feedback from users who found curved panels prone to accidental touches and difficult to protect with screen protectors.

At just 7.8mm thick and weighing approximately 203g, the X100s strikes an impressive balance between thinness and substance. The phone feels substantial without being cumbersome, and the aluminum alloy frame provides rigidity while maintaining a premium feel.

The back panel features a subtle texture that effectively resists fingerprints—a small but appreciated detail for those who prefer to use their phones without cases.

The camera module retains the circular design language of the X100 series, housed within a slightly raised rectangular island that’s framed with polished metal. This creates a distinctive visual identity that’s becoming increasingly associated with Vivo’s flagship offerings.

Available in multiple colorways including Galaxy Grey, Asteroid Black, and Titanium White, the X100s offers enough variety to suit different tastes without being ostentatious.

Display: Brightness and Clarity Without the Curve

The Vivo X100s features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels (WQHD+). The switch to a flat panel hasn’t compromised the quality of the viewing experience; if anything, it enhances content consumption by eliminating the color distortion sometimes associated with extreme curved edges.

With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the X100s’s display is exceptionally visible even under direct sunlight—a crucial feature for outdoor photography.

The 120Hz LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) refresh rate technology intelligently adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the content being displayed, balancing smoothness with power efficiency.

Color reproduction is excellent, with support for HDR10+ ensuring that compatible content looks vibrant without appearing unnaturally oversaturated.

The display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for photo editing and content creation. The in-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and accurate, providing quick access without compromising screen real estate.

Performance: Power When You Need It

Under the hood, the Vivo X100s is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, a slight upgrade over the standard Dimensity 9300 found in the original X100. Built on a 4nm process, this chip delivers exceptional performance while maintaining reasonable power efficiency.

The CPU configuration includes a powerful Cortex-X4 prime core, three performance cores, and four efficiency cores, enabling smooth multitasking and quick app launches.

The Mali-G720 GPU handles graphically intensive tasks with ease, from demanding games like Genshin Impact to photo and video editing applications.

Available with either 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the X100s provides ample memory for even the most demanding users. The lack of expandable storage is somewhat mitigated by the generous base storage capacity.

Real-world performance is consistently smooth, with no noticeable stuttering or lag even during extended gaming sessions.

The improved cooling system helps maintain performance during intensive tasks, though the phone does warm up slightly under sustained load—a common characteristic of slim, powerful devices.

Camera System: The Standout Feature

Photography is where the Vivo X100s truly shines, continuing the company’s collaboration with legendary optics manufacturer Zeiss. The triple camera system includes:

• A 50MP main camera using the Sony IMX920 sensor with an f/1.57 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS)

• A 50MP ultra-wide camera with Samsung’s S5KJN1 sensor and an f/2.0 aperture

• A 64MP telephoto camera utilizing an Omnivision OV64B sensor with an f/2.6 aperture and OIS, offering 3x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom

The front-facing camera houses a 32MP Samsung S5KGD2 sensor with an f/2.0 aperture for detailed selfies.

What sets this camera system apart isn’t just the hardware specifications but the image processing and software features. The X100s introduces a “Humanistic Street Camera” mode, accessible via a quick swipe up in the camera interface. This specialized mode allows quick adjustments to shutter speed, white balance, and bokeh levels, with the ability to save custom presets for one-tap application in future shooting sessions.

Daytime photos from the main camera exhibit excellent detail, natural colors, and impressive dynamic range. The Zeiss influence is evident in the color science, with images showing a slight but pleasing contrast boost without appearing artificial.

Portrait mode benefits from accurate edge detection and natural-looking background blur, with the option to adjust the effect strength before or after taking the shot.

Low-light performance is commendable, with the night mode producing bright, detailed images without excessive noise reduction that would compromise fine details. The telephoto lens maintains impressive quality up to about 10x zoom, with usable results even at higher magnifications.

Video capabilities include 8K recording at 24fps, 4K at 60fps, and a variety of specialized modes including slow-motion and time-lapse options. Video stabilization is effective without introducing the jelly-like artifacts sometimes seen in overly aggressive systems.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power and Then Some

The Vivo X100s houses a 5100mAh battery, a slight increase from the 5000mAh capacity of the standard X100. In practical terms, this translates to comfortable all-day battery life for moderate to heavy users.

During testing, the phone consistently lasted through full days of usage that included photography, social media browsing, video streaming, and occasional gaming.

More specifically, half an hour of 1080p video playback consumed approximately 4% of the battery, while 30 minutes of web browsing used a similar amount. More intensive activities like gaming consumed around 13% per half hour, which is reasonable given the performance level of the device.

When it comes time to recharge, the included 120W fast charger (despite the phone technically supporting 100W charging) makes quick work of replenishing the battery.

In testing, the X100s charged from empty to 55% in just 10 minutes, with a full charge taking approximately 28-29 minutes. This rapid charging capability effectively mitigates any battery anxiety, as even a brief charging session can provide hours of usage.

Software: Balancing Features and User Experience

The Vivo X100s runs on Android 15 with the company’s OriginOS 6.0 interface in China and FuntouchOS internationally. The software experience is generally clean and intuitive, with thoughtful additions that enhance functionality without overwhelming the user.

Vivo has committed to 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches for the X100s, which, while not industry-leading, provides a reasonable support window for most users.

The AI features integrated throughout the system offer genuinely useful functionality, from intelligent battery management to enhanced photo editing capabilities.

The camera app deserves special mention for its intuitive layout and comprehensive feature set.

Beyond the standard photo and video modes, specialized options like the aforementioned “Humanistic Street Camera” mode, as well as dedicated Zeiss-tuned portrait and landscape modes, provide tools for creative expression without requiring extensive photography knowledge.

Audio and Haptics: Details Matter

The stereo speaker setup on the X100s delivers clear, balanced audio with respectable volume levels. While bass response is somewhat limited by the physical constraints of smartphone speakers, the overall sound quality is more than adequate for casual listening and video consumption.

Support for Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos enhances the experience when using compatible content and headphones.

Haptic feedback is precise and satisfying, adding tactile dimension to typing and system interactions without being obtrusive.

The vibration motor provides distinct feedback patterns for different notifications, making it easier to identify the type of alert without looking at the screen.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The X100s is well-equipped in terms of connectivity options, featuring:

• 5G support across multiple bands

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

• Bluetooth 5.4

• NFC for contactless payments

• Infrared blaster for controlling compatible devices

• USB Type-C port (USB 3.2)

The phone also includes an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind for everyday use in various environments. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is both fast and reliable, working well even with slightly damp fingers—a notable improvement over optical sensors.

Price and Value Proposition

Priced at approximately ₹46,990 in India (around $640 globally), the Vivo X100s positions itself in the competitive premium mid-range segment.

When compared to flagship devices with similar camera capabilities, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (₹1,29,999) or even Vivo’s own X100 Ultra (₹76,990), the X100s offers considerable value for photography enthusiasts who don’t require absolute top-tier performance in every category.

Vivo X100s vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

• Exceptional camera system with versatile shooting modes

• Beautiful, bright flat display

• Powerful performance for all tasks

• Impressive fast charging

• Premium build quality with practical design choices

• Comprehensive connectivity options

What Could Be Improved

• Software update commitment falls behind some competitors

• No wireless charging

• Occasional heating during intensive tasks

• Limited availability in some markets

Should You Buy the Vivo X100s?

The Vivo X100s makes a compelling case for itself, particularly for photography enthusiasts who want flagship-level camera capabilities without the flagship price tag.

The thoughtful refinements to the design, the powerful hardware, and the comprehensive feature set make it a well-rounded device that can handle virtually any task thrown at it.

For users coming from older devices, the X100s represents a significant upgrade in almost every aspect.

Those considering a switch from other brands will appreciate the camera capabilities and fast charging, though the software experience may require some adjustment.

If you prioritize camera quality, display brightness, and fast charging, the Vivo X100s should be high on your consideration list.

However, if wireless charging, extended software support, or absolute top-tier performance are non-negotiable features, you might want to consider alternatives, potentially including the more expensive models in Vivo’s own lineup.

In a market segment where compromises are inevitable, the Vivo X100s makes the right ones for its target audience, focusing on the features that matter most to photography-oriented users while maintaining strong performance across all other aspects of the smartphone experience.

It’s a thoughtfully crafted device that demonstrates Vivo’s growing maturity as a premium smartphone manufacturer.

Vivo X100s Final Verdict

The Vivo X100s successfully balances premium features with a more accessible price point, offering one of the best camera experiences in its class.

While it may not beat every flagship in every category, its thoughtful combination of performance, display quality, and imaging capabilities makes it a standout option for photography enthusiasts and a solid choice for general users seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank.

In a market filled with devices that often prioritize specifications over user experience, the X100s stands out by delivering tangible benefits in the areas that matter most to everyday use.

As smartphone innovation continues to plateau in some areas, devices like the Vivo X100s that focus on meaningful improvements to core features represent the kind of thoughtful evolution that truly enhances the user experience. For photography enthusiasts particularly, this device offers a compelling package that’s hard to overlook at its price point.