Vivo has finally entered the Indian foldable smartphone market with its highly anticipated X Fold3 Pro. This cutting-edge device aims to challenge established competitors like Samsung’s Z Fold series and the OnePlus Open. With its innovative design, powerful performance, and advanced camera system, the X Fold3 Pro is poised to make a significant impact in the premium smartphone segment.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of Vivo’s first foldable offering in India.
Key Takeaways:
- The X Fold3 Pro boasts an impressively balanced design, weighing just 236 grams
- It features a durable carbon fiber hinge rated for 12 years of use
- The device offers excellent display quality on both cover and main screens
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it delivers top-tier performance
- The camera system, co-engineered with ZEISS, produces stunning results
- A large 5,700mAh battery and 120W fast charging ensure long-lasting usage
Vivo X Fold3 Pro Review – Design and Build
Vivo has managed to create a foldable device that feels remarkably well-balanced in hand. The X Fold3 Pro weighs just 236 grams, which is impressively light for a foldable smartphone. This weight is evenly distributed, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The device is available in a sleek Black color option with a matte finish that not only provides a premium look but also offers excellent grip while resisting fingerprints and scratches.
One of the standout features of the X Fold3 Pro is its innovative hinge mechanism. Vivo has employed a carbon fiber ultra-durable hinge that claims to withstand up to 100 folds and unfolds per day for 12 years. This robust design instills confidence in the device’s longevity. The hinge allows for flexible use between 60° and 120°, enabling various usage scenarios and enhancing the overall user experience.
Durability is further reinforced with Armor glass protection on both the front and back of the device. Additionally, the X Fold3 Pro boasts an IPX8 rating for water resistance, providing peace of mind for users concerned about accidental water exposure.
Displays
The X Fold3 Pro features two impressive AMOLED displays that cater to different usage scenarios. The cover display measures 6.53 inches with a resolution of 2,748 x 1,172 pixels and a 21:9 aspect ratio. It offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The LTPO 8T technology ensures efficient power consumption while maintaining excellent visual quality.
When unfolded, users are greeted by a larger 8.03-inch main display with a resolution of 2,480 x 2,200 pixels. This screen also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness. Both displays support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring stunning visuals across various content types.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the main display is its nearly imperceptible crease. While a slight depression can be felt, it becomes virtually invisible during use, addressing a common concern among foldable device users. This achievement sets the X Fold3 Pro apart from many of its competitors.
Performance
At the heart of the X Fold3 Pro lies the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This cutting-edge chipset, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensures top-tier performance across all tasks. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or running demanding applications, the X Fold3 Pro handles everything with ease.
The device runs on Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14, which offers a range of features optimized for the foldable form factor. Multitasking is a breeze, with the ability to run multiple apps side-by-side or in floating windows. Vivo has also integrated Gemini Pro AI capabilities, enhancing various aspects of the user experience, such as note-taking and voice recording.
It’s worth noting that while the performance is exceptional, some users have reported heating issues during prolonged intensive use or charging. This appears to be more noticeable in warmer environments, so it’s something to keep in mind depending on your usage patterns and location.
Camera System
The camera system on the X Fold3 Pro is a standout feature, developed in partnership with renowned optics company ZEISS. The rear camera array consists of:
- 50MP main camera with OIS
- 50MP ultrawide camera
- 64MP telephoto camera with OIS (3x optical zoom)
This versatile setup allows for impressive photography in a wide range of scenarios. The main camera produces vibrant, detailed images with natural color tones. The OIS helps in capturing sharp images, even in challenging lighting conditions or when shooting moving subjects.
The ultrawide lens captures expansive scenes with good detail, although some edge distortion may be noticeable. The telephoto camera is particularly impressive, offering high-quality results at 3x optical zoom and maintaining good image quality up to 10x hybrid zoom.
Portrait mode is another area where the X Fold3 Pro excels, offering various focal length options (23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 80mm, and 100mm) and ZEISS bokeh effects. This level of control allows users to achieve professional-looking portrait shots with ease.
For selfie enthusiasts, the X Fold3 Pro features two 32MP front-facing cameras – one on the cover display and another on the main folding display. Both produce high-quality self-portraits with natural skin tones and good detail.
Battery and Charging
One of the most impressive aspects of the X Fold3 Pro is its battery capacity. Vivo has managed to fit a large 5,700mAh battery into the device, addressing a common concern with foldable smartphones. This substantial battery allows for more than a day of use for most users, even with heavy usage patterns.
When it comes time to recharge, the X Fold3 Pro supports blazing-fast 120W wired charging. This technology can fully charge the device in approximately 40-45 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime. For added convenience, the phone also supports wireless charging, although at a slower rate.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent weight distribution and ergonomics
- Durable hinge mechanism
- High-quality displays with minimal crease visibility
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Versatile and capable camera system
- Large battery capacity with fast charging
Cons:
- Potential heating issues during intensive use
- Limited color options
- Only 3 years of promised software updates
Conclusion
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro represents a significant leap forward in the foldable smartphone market. It successfully addresses many of the concerns associated with earlier foldable devices, such as durability, display quality, and battery life. The combination of a sleek design, powerful performance, and an impressive camera system makes it a compelling option for tech enthusiasts and power users alike.
While the device does come with a premium price tag of ₹1,59,999, it offers a comprehensive package that competes favorably with established players in the foldable segment. The X Fold3 Pro’s ability to deliver a seamless experience in both folded and unfolded states, coupled with its standout features, makes it a worthy contender for those looking to invest in a cutting-edge foldable smartphone.
As Vivo’s first foldable offering in India, the X Fold3 Pro sets a high bar and demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in the mobile space. While there is room for improvement in areas such as thermal management and software support longevity, the X Fold3 Pro undoubtedly represents a significant step forward in the evolution of foldable devices.
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