Vivo plans to introduce their latest model X200 FE which is the first series of its kind in the company's device line. This device is a bold move by Vivo in offering a flagship-level experience through a compact design targeted at users who prioritize attractive elements and comfort of use.
For this article, I will only focus on the external design aspect first. For those who want to know more in detail about the device's performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, stay tuned for the full review that will be published in the future.
What's in the Box?
The box design still maintains the distinctive identity of the vivo X series. It is rectangular, thin, black, and features a minimalist style that remains exclusive. At first glance, it can be said that this is one of the models in the vivo X series.
As soon as the box is opened, users are immediately shown the X200 FE device. Its latest design features a more boxy feature with noticeable frame lines, thus giving it a modern and stylish appearance.
In the box, users also receive various basic accessories, including a pink protective frame unit that gives an early indication of the device's color, a charging head, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector, and a user manual.
Device Design
When compared to the previous generation, the vivo X200 FE features significant changes through a completely revised camera module design. The camera bump now looks neater and more organized, although it still protrudes slightly from the surface of the device.
Among the most eye-catching aspects is the very cheerful color selection. The body of the device is decorated with a bright pink hue, while the camera module is black. This striking contrast may cause various reactions among users, but it cannot be denied that the design stands out and has its own identity.
Interestingly, this device is very comfortable to hold. The combination of a compact body size with a boxy design gives a clear premium feel. For users who have ever held an iPhone 14, they will definitely feel a similar level of grip comfort. The flat front, back and sides also make it easy to choose the right screen protector, as the entire build is designed flat.
Despite the boxy design, the frame of this device is still equipped with a small curve on the side that increases comfort during daily use. This design ensures that the grip feels comfortable and does not hurt the hand. In fact, office colleagues also share the view that this device offers a very pleasant grip experience.
Device Screen
vivo X200 FE can be considered the closest model to the Pro Mini version that compact device fans have been waiting for for a long time. Although the Pro Mini model has never been officially launched in Malaysia, the appearance of the X200 FE is seen as vivo's strategic move to fill the void.
Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that this is the unofficial successor offered by vivo to local users who want flagship-level performance in a smaller and more stylish design. However, in terms of specifications, there are certainly some significant differences, especially in aspects such as the processing chip, camera quality and additional features included.
The vivo X200 FE screen uses a 6.3-inch AMOLED with a refresh rate of 120Hz. This feature can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visual experience whether for daily use, video streaming, or gaming. The vivo X200 FE display is also enhanced through color calibration by ZEISS which produces more accurate, vivid and comfortable color tones for viewing in various lighting conditions.
The button layout of this device still maintains the industry standard, with the power button and audio adjuster located on the right side, while the left side is left completely empty. At the bottom, there is a USB-C port, speaker, and a slot for a SIM card.
Color Options
Vivo offers four color options that feature their own identity, namely cheerful pink, charming yellow, soft blue and classic black. The unit I used this time was pink, and it turned out to be very striking, especially when exposed to light. It is not just an ordinary pink, but the tone really 'pops' and attracts attention.
However, one small thing I noticed was the black frame around the screen. So, if the body of the device is brightly colored, this contrast is quite noticeable visually. In addition, the writing on the back is now black instead of the iconic gray shade used before.
Camera and Initial Features
The main camera of the vivo X200 FE is equipped with a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto sensor and various interesting features such as Stage Mode, ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, AI Image Studio and Image Expander. However, as usual, the megapixel count is not the main determinant. The final quality of the image depends a lot on the processing capabilities of the camera software.
Interestingly, the camera interface has now been reorganized. The tab for color profiles has been merged under the ‘Filters’ option. At first, I was a little confused but after a few tries, I managed to adapt and rediscover its functionality easily.
Based on initial experience, the resulting images look very sharp and detailed, especially when the lighting is adequate. The colors look vibrant and the dynamic range is also satisfactory. I will continue to test this camera in various conditions including shooting at night and portrait mode. For a full review later, I will share more sample images for reference.
Conclusion
Overall, in terms of external design, the vivo X200 FE is a compact device and very comfortable to hold. It features a unique style that is unique in its class. To learn more about the actual performance, battery life and overall camera capabilities, stay tuned for a full review article in the future.