Covering back-to-back events at SMX Convention Center this past weekend can be exciting, chaotic, and physically draining. Whether it’s the colorful fandom energy of HoYoFEST or the busy show floors of PGDX, there’s always a lot to capture and a limited window to do it. Normally, I’d bring a DSLR, backup phone, charger, and maybe even a tripod. But this time, I wanted to travel light. So I put the vivo X200 FE to the test as my one and only phone during event days.
To my surprise, the X200 FE didn’t just survive the packed halls and long hours. It surprisingly made my job easier. It’s the first compact flagship in vivo’s X series, and it shows how a small device can still deliver top-class imaging, performance, and battery life. Here’s how it kept up with me while covering full-day conventions.
Fits in the pocket, performs like a flagship
The moment I stepped into SMX, I knew I had made the right choice. The vivo X200 FE was barely noticeable in my pocket. It weighs only 186 grams and has a 6.31-inch flat screen that makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use in tight spaces. The matte finish also helped with grip, which came in handy while walking around the venue and shooting photos with one hand.
It held up well to the demands of the day. The display was bright enough to review shots under event lights, and I didn’t have to squint while checking messages or schedules outdoors. With peak brightness hitting 5000 nits and blue light filtering certified, the screen stayed clear and didn’t strain my eyes.
Despite its compact size, the phone felt solid. The IP69 rating and military-grade certification meant I didn’t worry about spills, sudden rain, or being bumped around in crowds. When the HoYoFEST queue stretched around SMX and people were shoulder to shoulder, I didn’t feel nervous pulling the phone out for quick snaps or updates.
A ZEISS telephoto shooter that doesn’t miss
The vivo X200 FE features a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera and another 50MP ZEISS Main Camera. It’s a rare combo in a compact phone, and it made a huge difference during stage performances and panel sessions. I used the Stage Mode extensively, especially during HoYoFEST, where fans performed skits and dances under challenging lighting conditions. From about 8 to 10 meters away, I still captured clear facial details at 3x and 10x zoom.
Outside the stage, I also took portraits of cosplayers during both HoYoFEST and PGDX. The results were impressive. Skin tones came out natural, and the details on their makeup and costumes stayed sharp even when zoomed in.
With portrait mode on, there was excellent separation between the subject and the background, giving the shots a clean and professional look without much effort. Colors stayed true to life even under mixed lighting, and I didn’t need to edit most of the photos afterward.
AI tools helped polish my shots, too. One image had an annoying glare, but AI Reflection Erase cleaned it up. I also used Magic Move to rearrange elements in one photo that felt off. These tools saved me time from needing extra apps or going back for retakes.
Long-day heavyweight with its 6500mAh BlueVolt battery
Covering events means long screen time, camera use, and a constant connection to Wi-Fi or 5G. The X200 FE handled all that with no problem. The 6500 mAh BlueVolt battery powered through the entire day at HoYoFEST from morning setup to late-night wrap. I still had about 25 percent left even after heavy photo use and some video edits.
I didn’t even need a power bank. For PGDX, I topped up the phone just before heading out. The 90W FlashCharge filled up the battery in under an hour. During a quick lunch break, I got enough charge to keep me going until the end of the day. This was one of the biggest reliefs, since event days don’t leave much time for long breaks or finding outlets.
On the software side, it felt responsive throughout. The Dimensity 9300+ chipset combined with FunTouch OS 15 handled app switching, multitasking, and even some video rendering with ease. I used the AI assistant a few times to screen calls and check translations in booths featuring international guests. These may seem like small touches, but they added value to my workflow.
It’s small, yet so powerful
I didn’t expect a compact phone to hold up during two busy weekends of event coverage, but the vivo X200 FE proved it could. It slipped into my pocket, kept up with my pace, and delivered photos I was proud to share. No bag, no extra gear, and no need to recharge every few hours. For someone who needs a light yet capable device in fast-moving situations, this phone gets the job done.
The vivo X200 FE is now available in stores, both offline and online for PHP 44,999.
