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Vivo X-Fold 3 Pro Review

Introduction

Vivo has long been at the forefront of smartphone innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with premium design aesthetics. With the release of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, the company aims to redefine the foldable smartphone experience. The X Fold series, which includes the standard X Fold 3 and the Pro variant, showcases Vivo's ambitions to deliver a flagship device that rivals other major foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is not just a technical marvel but a device designed to cater to a niche market looking for power, versatility, and style all in one package.

In this review, we will delve deep into the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro’s design, performance, display, cameras, battery life, software experience, and overall usability, offering a comprehensive analysis of what it brings to the foldable smartphone space.

Design and Build Quality

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro continues Vivo’s signature design language, and at first glance, it feels incredibly premium. The device is hefty but not overly bulky, offering a sense of sturdiness and quality that complements its high-end pricing. When closed, it’s comparable in size to a traditional large flagship smartphone. However, once unfolded, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro transforms into an expansive tablet-like experience.

The foldable mechanism is smooth, with a refined hinge design that enables it to fold and unfold with ease. Vivo has opted for a more compact, book-style folding mechanism, with a foldable OLED display on the inside. The hinge itself is robust and doesn't feel flimsy, and it’s been reinforced with high-tech materials that contribute to its durability. While not entirely free from creases (a common issue with foldable phones), the crease is less noticeable compared to earlier foldable models.

On the outside, the X Fold 3 Pro features a glass back with a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and it comes with a brushed metal frame that adds to its premium feel. The camera module is raised slightly but fits seamlessly with the overall design, ensuring that the device remains sleek and modern.

Weighing around 300 grams (which is heavier than many typical smartphones), the X Fold 3 Pro is not exactly a lightweight device, but it’s understandable given the foldable nature. In terms of ergonomics, Vivo has done a commendable job in balancing size, weight, and usability. The device is reasonably easy to hold and use single-handedly when folded, though it’s noticeably less convenient than a non-foldable phone.

Dimensions and Build Quality Summary:

- Folded dimensions: 160.9 x 74.5 x 13.4mm

- Unfolded dimensions: 160.9 x 141.7 x 6.2mm

- Weight: 311g

 Display

One of the standout features of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is its displays. It sports a 6.53-inch AMOLED external display and an expansive 8.03-inch foldable AMOLED internal screen. 

External Display:

The external display, when the phone is closed, provides a smooth and vibrant experience. With a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s incredibly fluid for scrolling, watching videos, and interacting with apps. The resolution is sharp enough to give you a crystal-clear image, and the colors are rich and vibrant, making this small screen more than sufficient for everyday tasks. It’s a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is ideal for handling various content types, from texting and social media to quick video streaming.

Internal Display:

The internal display is where the magic happens. When unfolded, the 8.03-inch AMOLED screen gives you a tablet-like experience, which is perfect for multitasking, productivity, and media consumption. Vivo has employed a QHD+ resolution (2208 x 1872 pixels), ensuring that content looks sharp and detailed. The 120Hz refresh rate is also present here, making scrolling, gaming, and animations buttery smooth.

The foldable AMOLED panel supports HDR10+ for improved dynamic range, which is a treat when watching compatible content. The display also has a peak brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor environments. One of the key highlights of the foldable screen is the minimal crease that runs down the center of the display. While it’s still perceptible to the touch, it does not significantly detract from the overall visual experience.

The only drawback here is that the screen is prone to slight bending if not handled properly, but this is common with most foldable devices.

Display Summary:

- External Display: 6.53-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, Full HD+ resolution (2520 x 1080 pixels)

- Internal Display: 8.03-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, QHD+ resolution (2208 x 1872 pixels), HDR10+

- Brightness: 1600 nits peak

 Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a powerhouse. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Pro variant is equipped with the latest and most powerful processor available for Android devices. This chip, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 internal storage, ensures the device handles all tasks with ease—from multitasking and app switching to demanding games and resource-heavy applications.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has proven itself to be a top performer in terms of processing speed, and in everyday usage, the X Fold 3 Pro feels responsive and fluid. Apps open quickly, and system navigation is seamless, thanks to both the powerful chipset and the ample RAM. The  Adreno 740 GPU is also an excellent performer, handling graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video rendering without a hitch. Games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile run smoothly with high frame rates, making the X Fold 3 Pro a viable option for gamers who want a foldable experience.

Cooling and Heat Management:

Vivo has incorporated an advanced cooling system into the X Fold 3 Pro, designed to maintain optimal performance even under heavy load. During extended gaming sessions, the device does get warm but never excessively hot. This cooling system, paired with the device's high-end internals, ensures that the device maintains a stable performance.

Performance Summary:

- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

- GPU: Adreno 740

- RAM:12GB

- Storage:512GB UFS 4.0

- Cooling: Advanced liquid cooling system

Camera System

The camera system on the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is another major selling point of the device, with Vivo focusing on high-end imaging capabilities to match its flagship status.

The rear camera module consists of a quad-camera setup:

- 50MP Main Camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

- 48MP Ultra-Wide Camera

- 12MP Telephoto Lens with 2x optical zoom

- 8MP Periscope Telephoto Lens with 5x optical zoom

- LED Flash

Main Camera:

The 50MP primary camera is equipped with a Sony IMX866 sensor, which offers stunning detail, accurate color reproduction, and excellent low-light performance. The camera produces vibrant images with a good level of sharpness. Dynamic range is excellent, and the sensor does a great job in balancing highlights and shadows.

Ultra-Wide Camera:

The 48MP ultra-wide lens offers great versatility, capturing expansive shots with minimal distortion. While ultra-wide cameras often struggle with edge sharpness, Vivo has managed to maintain impressive image quality across the frame.

Telephoto Lenses:

The 12MP telephoto lens offers up to 2x optical zoom, while the 8MP periscope telephoto lens supports up to 5x optical zoom. The periscope lens delivers impressive zoom clarity, even at longer distances. Portrait shots are crisp, and the bokeh effect is pleasing, with a natural falloff of background blur.

Front Camera:

On the front, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro features a 16MP selfie camera that delivers solid quality for video calls and selfies. While it might not have the same level of detail as the rear cameras, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday needs.

Video Capabilities:

The camera system supports 8K video recording at 30fps, along with 4K at 60fps, which is an impressive feat for a foldable phone. It also has several modes such as Super Steady, Cinematic Video, and Ultra-Wide Video, which further enhance the video recording experience.

Camera Summary:

- Primary Camera: 50MP (Sony IMX866)

- Ultra-Wide Camera: 48MP

- Telephoto Camera: 12MP (2x optical zoom)

- Periscope Camera: 8MP (5x optical zoom)

- Selfie Camera: 16MP

- Video Recording: 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps

Battery Life and Charging

The Vivo X-Fold 3 Pro is equipped with a 4800mAh battery, which is reasonable given the size and capabilities of the device. The battery life is impressive, especially considering the high refresh rate displays and powerful internals. In real-world usage, the device comfortably lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage, which includes gaming, multimedia consumption, and browsing.

Vivo has integrated 80W fast charging into the X Fold 3 Pro, allowing you to charge the device from 0 to 100% in just under an hour. Additionally, there is support for 50W wireless charging, which is a nice touch for those who prefer the convenience of wireless charging.

Battery Summary:

- Battery Capacity: 4800mAh

-Fast Charging: 80W wired charging

Wireless Charging:50W

Software and User Experience

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro runs on Funtouch OS, based on Android 14. Vivo has made several optimizations to make the foldable experience more seamless, including features that take advantage of the larger internal display, such as the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously. Multitasking is enhanced with the ability to have up to three apps open on the large display, and the phone supports an App Continuity feature, allowing apps to seamlessly transition from the external screen to the internal one when unfolded.

Vivo has also added its own suite of features, including a game mode, enhanced security options, and a customizable notification system. While Funtouch OS is still a bit heavy on customization, it provides a smooth and intuitive experience.

Software Summary:

- Operating System: Android 14 with Funtouch OS

- Multitasking Features: App Continuity, split-screen, pop-up apps

Final Thoughts

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is an impressive foldable smartphone that showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and premium craftsmanship. It excels in several key areas, including performance, camera capabilities, and display quality, offering a compelling alternative to other high-end foldables in the market. While it’s not without its drawbacks, such as its hefty weight and the minor crease in the display, these are common to foldable devices and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

For users looking for a foldable device that doesn’t compromise on power, performance, and versatility, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is one of the best options available. It’s not just a flagship phone; it’s a glimpse into the future of mobile technology, where foldable screens could eventually replace traditional smartphones altogether.

Pros:

- High-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip

- Excellent foldable AMOLED displays

- Impressive camera system with versatile zoom

- 80W fast charging and 50W wireless charging

- Premium build quality and design

Cons:

- Heavy and bulky

- Minor crease in the foldable display

- Funtouch OS may not appeal to all users

The Vivo X-Fold 3 Pro sets the standard for future foldable smartphones and is a device that, despite its premium pricing, offers a unique and compelling user experience.

Link to buy it on Amazon: Vivo X-Fold 3 Pro