Imagine transforming your smartphone into a professional-grade compact camera with just a snap-on lens. Sounds like a photographer's dream, right? Well, the Vivo X300 Pro is here to make that dream a reality. With its detachable telephoto lens and impressive camera specs, it’s positioning itself as a serious contender for the title of 2025’s best camera phone. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this just a gimmick, or does it truly redefine mobile photography? Let’s dive in.
Andrew Lanxon, Editor at Large and Lead Photographer for Europe, has put the Vivo X300 Pro to the test. When he’s not exploring the latest tech, you’ll find him behind his own camera, drumming up a storm, or savoring his homemade culinary creations—sometimes all at once. With expertise spanning smartphones, photography, iOS, Android, gaming, and outdoor pursuits, Andrew’s credentials are impressive. He’s even been shortlisted for the British Photography Awards 2022 and commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022. So, when he says this phone is worth your attention, it’s time to listen.
The Vivo X300 Pro boasts a triple rear camera setup, headlined by a 200-megapixel sensor. But what really sets it apart are its accessories, like the detachable telephoto lens and a camera grip that not only enhances stability but also extends battery life. This grip is a game-changer, giving the phone a secure, camera-like feel—something the Oppo Find X9 Pro, its sibling under the same parent company, lacks. And this is the part most people miss: the grip even includes a handy shutter button, turning your phone into a legitimate compact camera alternative, much like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s setup.
Other specs? A 50-megapixel main camera, 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, and a beefy 6,500-mAh battery. While Vivo hasn’t announced UK pricing yet, it’s expected to hover around £1,099 (roughly $1,460), similar to the Oppo Find X9 Pro. Unfortunately, Vivo has no plans to sell it in the US—a bold move that’s sure to spark debate.
Now, let’s talk photo samples. Andrew’s early test shots are stunning. Take this image of Danner boots on a rainy Scottish street: the colors are vibrant, and the 50-megapixel sensor delivers pin-sharp details. Or this mouthwatering shot of baked goods, where the warmth and fine icing details are captured flawlessly—though Andrew admits he had to resist tasting them for his diet’s sake. Even a festive scene with elves in North Face coats looks crisp and lively, though the HDR effect is slightly noticeable.
The 3.5x zoom holds up decently, though sharpening and noise reduction are more apparent. But slap on that telephoto lens, and you’re in a different league. A close-up of a nutcracker’s face fills the frame impressively, though software processing is evident. At 10x zoom, details are visible but not readable—until you realize the telephoto lens can make even tiny text crystal clear. But here’s the question: Who really needs this level of zoom on a phone? Is it overkill, or a game-changer for wildlife or sports photographers?
Switching to the ultrawide lens, the expanded frame is impressive, though exposure and edge detail take a hit. Yet, it’s still a solid shot. The natural bokeh in telephoto shots, like the lantern against a softly blurred wall, is another highlight. But how does it stack up against rivals like the iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, or even the Oppo Find X9 Pro? That’s the million-dollar question.
What do you think? Is the Vivo X300 Pro’s detachable lens a revolutionary feature or just a fancy add-on? Would you pay premium prices for this level of versatility? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m eager to hear your take!
