The foldable smartphone market has seen significant advancements in recent years, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. Vivo, a brand known for its cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, has made a notable entry with the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. This device is not just a smartphone but a convergence of a phone, tablet, and camera into one sleek package. In this review, we will explore whether the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro lives up to its claim as the ultimate foldable device.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is its design. The phone features a premium look with a glossy finish that feels smooth to the touch. When folded, it fits comfortably in the hand, with the weight evenly distributed to prevent any awkward handling. The hinge mechanism, often the most critical component of any foldable phone, is sturdy and well-engineered. Vivo has utilized a new hinge technology that promises up to 200,000 folds without any issues, ensuring durability over time.
When unfolded, the device transforms into a large 8.03-inch tablet, offering a seamless transition from phone to tablet mode. The ultra-thin bezels add to the immersive experience, making it ideal for media consumption, multitasking, or gaming. The device’s foldable nature doesn’t compromise its build quality, as it feels solid and well-built in both modes.
Display
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro boasts two displays: a 6.53-inch AMOLED cover display and an 8.03-inch foldable AMOLED main display. Both screens offer stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making the viewing experience nothing short of spectacular. The main display has a resolution of 2200 x 2480 pixels, providing crisp and sharp images, whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web.
The 120Hz refresh rate on both screens ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, contributing to a more responsive and enjoyable user experience. The cover display is practical for quick tasks like checking notifications or responding to messages, while the larger screen is perfect for more immersive activities. Vivo has also added an anti-reflective coating, reducing glare and making it easier to use the device outdoors in bright conditions.
Performance
Under the hood, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. This combination ensures top-tier performance, handling everything from basic tasks to heavy multitasking and gaming with ease. The device runs on Vivo’s custom OriginOS, based on Android 13, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience.
Gaming on the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a joy, thanks to the large screen and powerful processor. Games load quickly, and there’s no noticeable lag or stuttering, even with graphics-intensive titles. The device also stays relatively cool during prolonged gaming sessions, thanks to an efficient cooling system.
Camera
The camera setup on the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is where the device truly shines. It features a versatile quad-camera system on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide sensor, a 12MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP periscope telephoto sensor with 5x optical zoom. On the front, there’s a 16MP selfie camera.
The main camera delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors, good dynamic range, and sharp details, even in challenging lighting conditions. The ultra-wide sensor captures expansive landscapes with minimal distortion, while the telephoto lenses provide flexibility for capturing distant subjects. The 8MP periscope telephoto sensor is particularly impressive, offering clear and detailed shots even at 5x zoom.
Night photography is another area where the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro excels. Thanks to the advanced Night Mode and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), low-light photos are sharp and well-exposed with minimal noise. The device also supports 8K video recording, making it a powerhouse for content creators who need high-resolution footage.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for any smartphone, and the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It is equipped with a 4600mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The device supports 66W fast charging, allowing you to charge it from 0 to 100% in under an hour. Additionally, it also supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, adding to its versatility.
Power management is efficient, with the device intelligently switching between the cover display and main display to conserve battery life when necessary. The large battery and efficient chipset ensure that the device can handle intensive tasks without draining too quickly, making it a reliable companion for daily use.
Software and Features
Vivo’s OriginOS is designed to take full advantage of the foldable form factor. The user interface is intuitive, with features like split-screen multitasking, floating windows, and app continuity, allowing you to switch seamlessly between the cover and main displays. The device also supports a range of gestures and shortcuts that make navigation easier, especially in tablet mode.
The software experience is further enhanced by the inclusion of Vivo’s AI-driven features, which optimize performance, camera quality, and battery life based on your usage patterns. The device also comes with a robust security suite, including an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, ensuring your data remains secure.
Multitasking and Productivity
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a multitasking powerhouse. The large main display makes it easy to run multiple apps simultaneously, with split-screen and floating window options that allow you to manage different tasks efficiently. Whether you’re browsing the web while watching a video or editing a document while taking notes, the device handles it all without breaking a sweat.
The device also supports stylus input, making it a great option for professionals who need to take notes or create drawings on the go. The stylus is responsive and accurate, with low latency, providing a natural writing experience. Combined with the large screen, it turns the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro into a portable digital notepad, perfect for productivity tasks.
Connectivity and Extras
In terms of connectivity, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is well-equipped with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. These features ensure fast and reliable connections, whether you’re browsing the internet, streaming content, or connecting to other devices. The device also features dual SIM support, making it convenient for users who need to manage two numbers.
Vivo has also paid attention to audio quality, with stereo speakers that deliver rich and immersive sound. The speakers are loud and clear, making them ideal for watching movies or listening to music without the need for external speakers.
Verdict
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a testament to how far foldable technology has come. It’s not just a smartphone; it’s a versatile device that combines the best aspects of a phone, tablet, and camera into one sleek package. With its stunning display, powerful performance, versatile camera system, and excellent battery life, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a strong contender for anyone looking to invest in a foldable device.
While the price may be on the higher side, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro justifies the cost with its premium features and build quality. Whether you’re a power user, a content creator, or someone who simply wants the latest in mobile technology, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
Final Thoughts
As foldable technology continues to evolve, devices like the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro are setting new standards for what we can expect from our smartphones. It’s not just about the novelty of a foldable screen; it’s about offering a comprehensive experience that enhances productivity, creativity, and entertainment. Vivo has succeeded in creating a device that not only meets but exceeds expectations, making the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro a worthy investment for the future.