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Vivo‘s X-series has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone photography. Last year, the company’s X90 line, especially the X90 Pro Plus impressed with its innovative camera system. Building on this success, Vivo introduced the X100 series this year.

While the Pro Plus was last year’s flagship, Vivo decided to take it up a notch with the introduction of the Ultra model in 2024, the Vivo X100 Ultra.

Vivo X100 Ultra vs Vivo X90 Pro Plus

With this in mind, we wanted to compare last year’s flagship with this year’s. So here’s a deep dive into their specs, features, and, of course, camera capabilities.

1. Display and Display

Both phones have near-identical 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1440 x 3200 resolution. However, the X100 Ultra edges out the X90 Pro Plus with a slightly higher peak brightness of 3000 nits compared to 1800 nits.

In terms of everyday use, the difference in brightness might be negligible. But for those who prioritize using their phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the X100 Ultra might offer a slightly better viewing experience.

Design-wise, there’s not much difference between the two. Both sport a sizable circular camera island on the back and a punch-hole cutout on the front. Additionally, both are IP-rated for protection against dust and water. However, the X100 Ultra boasts a superior IP69 rating, while the X90 Pro Plus has an IP68 rating. Here’s a breakdown of the difference:

  • IP68: It signifies that the phone can withstand dust ingress and is protected against continuous immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes.
  • IP69: It is a more rigorous rating, indicating the phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. This level of protection is beneficial for users who work in harsh environments or those who frequently expose their phones to water streams.

2. Performance

The X100 Ultra is powered by the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, whereas the X90 Pro Plus features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While the newer chip offers some performance improvements, real-world usage between the two might be difficult to distinguish for most users. 

Both processors are top-of-the-line and will handle demanding tasks with ease. Memory options include up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for the X90 Pro whereas the X100 Ultra comes in up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. They boot on Origin OS 4 based on Android 14.

3. Camera

The camera systems are where these phones see the biggest differences. The X100 Ultra takes a more specialized approach with a triple-lens setup:

  • 50MP main sensor with gimbal OIS
  • 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.7x optical zoom
  • 50MP ultrawide sensor

The X90 Pro Plus opts for a quad-lens setup with more versatility:

  • 50.3MP main sensor
  • 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom
  • 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom
  • 48MP ultrawide sensor

The X100 Ultra boasts a massive 200MP periscope telephoto lens that should offer superior zoom capabilities. However, the megapixel count isn’t everything, and image quality will depend on factors like image processing, and software. 

The X90 Pro Plus offers a dedicated 2x optical zoom lens, which some users might find more practical than relying solely on digital zoom.

For casual photographers, the X90 Pro Plus might offer more well-rounded camera functionality. But for those who prioritize extreme zoom capabilities, the X100 Ultra could be the better choice.

4. Battery

The X100 Ultra packs a larger 5500mAh battery compared to the X90 Pro Plus’s 4700mAh battery. While both support fast wired charging, the X90 Pro Plus has a slight edge with its 100W charging compared to the X100 Ultra’s 80W. However, the larger battery of the X100 Ultra might lead to longer battery life.

5. Other Features

Both phones offer similar features like an under-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, and no expandable storage. The X100 Ultra differentiates itself with support for emergency SOS via satellite feature, but that’s only available on the 1TB model. 

6. Verdict

The Vivo X100 Ultra is the clear winner for those seeking the absolute best in terms of performance, camera zoom capabilities, battery life, and cutting-edge features. However, this likely comes at a premium price.

The Vivo X90 Pro Plus remains a compelling choice, offering excellent overall performance, a versatile quad-camera system, and fast charging at a potentially more attractive price point.

Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize zoom photography, the latest processor, and a feature-packed experience, the X100 Ultra is the way to go. If you value a strong all-rounder at a potentially better value, the X90 Pro Plus is a solid option.

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