Discover the Vivo X300 Pro, a smartphone that redefines mobile photography with its impressive professional-grade accessories, including a ZEISS telephoto lens
Image: Supplied
Unboxing the Vivo X300 Pro felt less like opening a new phone and more like a professional photography kit.
Instead of the usual slim box and charging cable, I was presented by three separate boxes: the handset itself, a Vivo ZEISS 2.35x telephoto lens, and a PGYTECH imaging grip kit complete with a sturdy one-metre strap.
It is impressive and, at first, slightly overwhelming. This is not your average smartphone.
The extras immediately set the tone. The quick-release phone strap is easy to attach and detach, which makes a difference when you’re moving between shooting and everyday use.
The device also comes with two robust covers, one featuring a practical handle and the other doubling as a stand for hands-free viewing. It is clear that the Vivo X300 Pro is meant to be used, not just admired.
Snap on the PGYTECH imaging grip and the X300 Pro transforms visually and physically. It feels like a compact professional camera. The grip is ergonomic and comfortable, especially when the ZEISS telephoto lens is attached. That extra support counterbalances the weight of the lens, making longer shoots far less tiring.
The PGYTECH imaging grip and the X300 Pro transforms the phone visually and physically.
Image: Supplied
The X300 Pro houses four built-in lenses, and even without attaching the additional zoom lens, the image quality is exceptional. Photos are sharp, colours are natural, and there is very little pixelation when zooming in on a subject.
Vivo’s collaboration with ZEISS for producing high-quality images and sharp colours has produced a smartphone that definitely stands out from other similar devices in the same price range (R39,999).
Video performance stands out just as strongly. SmartFocus automatically tracks a moving subject while recording, which is particularly useful for parents filming sport matches or content creators capturing action scenes.
The stabilisation is excellent; footage remains steady without that distracting shake so common in handheld shooting.
Attaching the 2.35x telephoto lens is simple - press the button beside the lens mount and click it into place. The built-in image stabiliser works seamlessly with it, and the exposure wheel allows you to adjust brightness quickly while shooting. It feels intuitive, even if you are not a seasoned photographer.
One of the more surprising features is the built-in multi-clip video editing app. Most smartphones require third-party downloads – often at a cost – to stitch together clips. Here, you can cut, merge and refine footage directly on the device. For content creators and social media enthusiasts, that is a significant advantage.
Navigation within the camera app is simple. Adjusting file size and frames per second (FPS) is straightforward, allowing you to tailor content for different platforms. The selfie setup is equally simple, offering a live view preview and a dedicated front camera alongside the main camera system to ensure flattering results.
The Vivo X300 Pro is not just a smartphone. It is a phone, a professional camera and a lifestyle device rolled into one.
This is not your average smartphone.
Image: Supplied
Yes, the initial unboxing may feel slightly overwhelming, but once you familiarise yourself with the system, it becomes an exciting creative tool.
For anyone serious about mobile photography, or simply wanting a device that turns heads – this is a standout piece of tech that will almost certainly become the envy of friends and family.