vivo X Fold3 Pro review
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro is a significant player in the foldable phone market, with impressive build quality and sleek design. Weighing just 236g, this device outshines its competitors in terms of weight distribution and pocket-friendliness. The aluminum body and carbon fiber hinge work seamlessly together to provide a premium feel. The X Fold3 Pro boasts two impressive AMOLED displays, with the inner 8.3-inch screen featuring a 2K+ resolution and supporting 120Hz refresh rates. Both screens are HDR10+, support high refresh rates, and have in-display fingerprint scanners - a first for foldables. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. In our testing, we found no lag or stuttering even during heavy multitasking and gaming. Real-world multitasking was where this device excelled, allowing seamless transitions between smartphone and mini-tablet form factors. Gaming performance was also impressive, handling graphically intensive games with ease. The ZBED camera system is versatile, featuring a 50MP main sensor, OIS, 64MP telephoto lens, and 50MP ultra-wide camera. Low-light performance was commendable, with night mode delivering brightened scenes without excessive noise. Battery life was also impressive, lasting two full days with moderate use. The phone supports 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. While the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is a compelling package that pushes the boundaries of foldable technology, its high price tag ( ₹1H 160,000) may deter some potential buyers.
Build Quality and Design
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro is an impressive addition to the foldable phone market, boasting a build quality that sets it apart from its competitors. At just 11.2mm when folded and 5.2mm when unfolded, this device is not only slim but also surprisingly pocket-friendly. The weight distribution is excellent, making it comfortable to hold even with the protruding camera module. The aluminum body feels premium, while the carbon fiber hinge is a standout feature. With 79 moving pieces, this hinge is not only gapless when closed but also 72% lighter than traditional metal hinges. This innovative design allows for smooth transitions between smartphone and mini tablet form factors. Durability is a concern with foldables, but Vivo has addressed it through its Armor Architecture and SGS drop resistance certification. The IPX8 water-resistant rating provides peace of mind during everyday use, although the hinge lacks dust resistance – a common trade-off in this category. The phone's build quality is further enhanced by its slim body and light weight, making it easy to carry around. The overall design is sleek and modern, with a premium feel that justifies its price point. While some may find the lack of stylus support and certain software features a drawback, the X Fold3 Pro's build quality and design make it a strong contender in the foldable phone market.
Battery Life
One of the most significant advantages of the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is its impressive battery life. The device features a 5,700mAh battery that has proven to be more than sufficient for daily use. I found that it easily lasts two full days with moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, video streaming, and some gaming. Even with intensive use like heavy photography, gaming, or 4K video recording, the battery comfortably lasted a full day. This is a testament to Vivo's efficient power management and the device's ability to balance performance and longevity. The inclusion of a 120W charger is also a welcome addition, allowing users to quickly top up their phone when needed. While it only supports 100W charging, I found that the X Fold3 Pro lived up to Vivo's claim of fully charging in 30-35 minutes on average. Additionally, the device supports 50W wireless charging, providing users with flexibility and convenience. Overall, the battery life of the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is a major selling point, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable foldable smartphone.
Display
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro is a marvel of innovation in the foldable phone market. Its display is one of its most impressive features, boasting two impressive AMOLED screens. The outer 6.53-inch screen is wider than some competitors and feels natural for typical smartphone tasks. However, it's the inner 8.3-inch display that truly shines with a stunning 2K+ resolution. Both screens support 120Hz refresh rates, HDR10+, and BioniC Vision with LTPo technology, allowing for adjustments from 1 Hz to 120 Hz for power efficiency. In practice, both displays proved vibrant and responsive. I found myself comfortably using the larger inner display for extended reading sessions and even watching full-length films. What sets the X Fold3 Pro apart is its inclusion of in-display fingerprint scanners on both screens, a first for foldables. These ultrasonic scanners proved quick and reliable in various lighting conditions and at multiple angles during my testing. The display's performance was seamless, whether I was browsing through apps or watching videos. The 120Hz refresh rate made scrolling and navigation smooth and responsive. Overall, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's display is a true highlight of this device, offering a premium viewing experience that rivals many non-foldable smartphones.
Camera
In the world of foldable smartphones, camera performance is often a concern due to the unique design constraints. However, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro has managed to impress with its versatile and capable camera system. The device features a quad-camera setup on the back, comprising a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The front features two AMOLED displays, each with its own camera - a 16MP shooter in the outer display, and a 16MP snapper in the inner display. During my testing period, I found the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's primary camera to deliver excellent results across various lighting conditions. Details are sharp, and background blur is natural, making it ideal for everyday photography. The 3x optical zoom produces crisp images, even at 10x hybrid zoom, which is commendable given the limitations of foldable designs. Portrait mode has also impressed me, with subject separation creating a natural-looking depth effect. Low-light performance is respectable, thanks to Vivo's night mode feature that brightens scenes without introducing excessive noise. One of the standout features of the X Fold3 Pro is its ability to use either display as the camera viewfinder. The inner display's 8.3-inch screen with 2K+ resolution makes it perfect for framing shots or checking details, especially when using the telephoto lens. While not perfect, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's camera system has certainly exceeded my expectations. With its advanced features and impressive performance, it is a strong contender in the foldable smartphone market. However, like any other device, there are areas where improvement can be made - mainly in terms of software optimization for optimal results. 4/5 Overall, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's camera system has proven to be a highlight of this device. While not perfect, it offers excellent performance and versatility, making it a great option for those looking for a foldable smartphone with impressive camera capabilities.
Price and Value
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro is an impressive foldable smartphone that boasts a slim design, powerful performance, versatile cameras, and exceptional battery life. However, with a price tag of ₹1.60 lakhs in India, it's essential to evaluate whether this device offers sufficient value for its cost. While the phone's build quality, display, and hinge mechanism are top-notch, the premium pricing might make some potential buyers hesitant. The inclusion of features like wireless charging and an in-display fingerprint scanner on both screens is certainly a plus, but these additions may not justify the hefty price difference compared to non-foldable smartphones. Given its specs and performance, it's clear that the Vivo X Fold3 Pro is aimed at a niche market of foldable enthusiasts. However, for those who don't require this unique form factor, there are more affordable options available that offer comparable features. In terms of value, the phone's ₹1.60 lakh price tag might be too steep for some users, considering the competition from non-foldable flagships in the same price range. While the device does offer exceptional battery life and a powerful performance, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether the foldable design is worth the additional cost. Ultimately, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's value proposition hinges on its unique selling points and how much users are willing to pay for them. If you're in the market for a premium foldable smartphone with exceptional features, this device might be worth considering. However, if budget is a concern, there are other options available that offer similar specs at a lower price point.
Performance
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro boasts exceptional performance credentials, making it a compelling choice in the foldable phone market. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, coupled with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, this device is a powerhouse. In my experience, the X Fold3 Pro handled demanding tasks with ease, showing no signs of lag or stuttering even when multitasking heavily or gaming. I found myself effortlessly switching between apps on the inner display while taking notes, checking emails, or participating in video calls - a seamless transition that genuinely proved useful in various scenarios. Gaming performance was equally impressive, with graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and CarX Street handled with minimal frame rate drops. However, extended gaming sessions did raise the device's temperature noticeably. The phone's real-world multitasking capabilities are where it truly excels. I frequently used two apps simultaneously on the inner display, and the seamless transition between smartphone and mini-tablet form factors proved surprisingly useful in various scenarios. While the device handled demanding tasks with ease, it's worth noting that extended gaming sessions or intensive use (like heavy photography or 4K video recording) may still cause some heat buildup. Nonetheless, the Vivo X Fold3 Pro's performance credentials are undoubtedly among the best in its class, making it a strong contender for those seeking a foldable phone.