The Vivo X200 Pro has finally reached a level where it can rival a DSLR in every aspect—without needing accessories. This phone comes with a large sensor and Zeiss telephoto lens, offering professional-grade quality that sets it apart.
Testing the Video Performance
The first thing that stood out was the video quality at 1x zoom. Given its big sensor, high-quality footage at this level was expected. However, the real test came with the 85mm telephoto lens, which has the ability to make any subject look impressive.
The 10x zoom capability is extraordinary. Shooting at 230mm focal length often results in shaky footage, but this phone manages to keep it stable. To push the sensor beyond its software limitations, switching to Pro Mode was essential. This mode provides manual controls for both photos and videos, something even phones priced around ₹1 lakh lack.
Exploring Pro Mode and 10-Bit Color
One of the standout features is the 10-bit Log mode, allowing for professional-level color grading. Shooting under a dull blue sky in a complex location, the footage still looked stunning—simply by adjusting the shutter speed and white balance. This level of control is rare in smartphones.
The portrait video mode offers a range of effects, including:
- Anamorphic bokeh
- Color LUTs
- Intensity control for film grain and vignette effects
After testing all presets, the HK Night mode stood out as a personal favorite, adding cinematic depth to shots.
Low-Light Performance and Cinematic Shots
To truly test its limits, the phone was used in extreme low-light conditions. Even in near darkness, the telephoto shots resembled high-end pro cameras, maintaining clarity with minimal grain. The built-in features like grid levels, metering, and shake reminders further enhanced control.
Mobile photography has evolved, but the Vivo X200 Pro takes things to another level. Every photo, regardless of lighting or exposure, comes out processed to perfection. Even fast-moving portrait shots maintain their depth and sharpness. However, at focal lengths beyond 85mm in low light, some degradation in image quality is noticeable.
Pushing Expectations Even Further
The street photography mode makes capturing moments effortless with a quick-access volume button shortcut. However, 4K 120fps slow-motion recording was missing, which was a slight letdown.
With expectations set so high, it was important to find some drawbacks—and a few did emerge:
- Autofocus in Low Light – While it works flawlessly in normal conditions, portrait video autofocus struggles in low-light situations, causing ghost shifting effects.
- Zoom Limitations – While 10x zoom is great in daylight, low-light zoom shots suffer due to lack of in-camera processing.
- Bulk and Handling – The large camera module makes the phone front-heavy, making it uncomfortable to hold for long periods. Fingerprints on the lenses can also be an issue.
Final Thoughts: A Phone Built for Extremes
The Vivo X200 Pro is designed for those who want cinematic-level photography and videography on a smartphone. It excels in color processing, zoom capabilities, and manual controls, making it one of the most powerful camera phones available.
Despite some autofocus quirks and handling challenges, it delivers a professional photography experience straight from a phone. If you’re spending around ₹1 lakh, choosing the best option matters—and this device proves to be a true contender for the top spot.
