Vivo X Fold 3 Pro Quick Review: The Best Foldable of 2024?

Foldables have always been a thrilling segment in the smartphone market. Each new release brings us closer to the perfect foldable device. Vivo has thrown its hat into the ring with the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and it seems like they have checked all the right boxes. In this detailed unboxing and quick review, we will delve into everything that makes the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro potentially the best foldable phone of 2024. From design to performance, and camera capabilities to battery life, let’s uncover why this phone is creating such a buzz.

Unboxing the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro

The excitement begins right from the moment you get your hands on the box. The packaging of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is sleek and premium, setting the tone for what’s inside. When you open the black box with silver text, you’re immediately greeted with the device itself. Here’s a detailed look at what’s inside the box:

• USB Type-C to Type-C Charging Cable: Ensures fast and efficient data transfer and charging.
• 120W Charger: Although the phone supports 100W charging, the 120W charger included ensures future-proofing and faster charging for other compatible devices.
• 50W Wireless Charging Capability: A significant upgrade, enabling fast wireless charging.
• Documentation and X-Care for Service and Warranty: Provides all necessary information and coverage for potential issues.
• SIM Card Tool: Essential for installing or changing SIM cards.

The unboxing experience is seamless and exciting, setting the stage for what is to come.

Design and Build Quality

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro impresses right out of the box with its incredibly thin and light form factor for a foldable phone. The attention to detail in the design and build quality is evident. Here’s a breakdown of its design features:

• Weight: At 245g, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro feels lighter than many traditional smartphones, which typically weigh more despite having smaller screens and batteries. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
• Materials: The phone uses a glass fibre back, aluminum alloy frame, and carbon fibre hinge. These materials not only contribute to a sleek and modern look but also enhance durability and resilience against drops and impacts.
• Thickness: When unfolded, the device is just 5.2mm thick, which is remarkably thin for a foldable phone. This contributes to its premium feel and ease of use.

The use of high-quality materials like glass fibre and carbon fibre not only reduces weight but also adds to the durability. The armoured glass provides excellent protection, making the device robust enough to handle drops and daily wear and tear. The hinge mechanism, a critical component in foldable phones, is smooth and sturdy, promising longevity and reliability.

Display Quality

One of the standout features of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is its display. The phone boasts two impressive screens that are perfect for multimedia consumption and productivity:

• Outer Display: This 6.53-inch screen features a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The high brightness level of 4500 nits ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The outer display is perfect for quick tasks and notifications, providing a high-quality experience without needing to unfold the device.
• Inner Display: The 8.03-inch inner display offers a 2K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. This makes it one of the brightest and most vibrant displays available on any smartphone, let alone a foldable one. The large screen is ideal for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking. The display’s 2160Hz PWM dimming ensures that your eyes remain comfortable during prolonged usage, especially in low light conditions.

The bezels on both displays are impressively thin, providing an immersive viewing experience. The inner display’s nearly square aspect ratio makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from productivity tools to entertainment. The screen is protected by a screen guard, adding an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a powerhouse. It features the latest technology to ensure top-notch performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks and gaming. Here are the key performance specifications:

• Processor: The phone is powered by the latest 8th Gen 3 SoC, providing top-tier performance for all types of tasks. Whether you are multitasking, gaming, or using intensive applications, this processor handles everything with ease.
• RAM: With 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the device ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance. You can switch between apps without any lag, and the large memory capacity allows for intensive applications to run smoothly.
• Storage: The 512GB UFS 4.0 storage provides ample space for all your files, apps, and media. The UFS 4.0 standard ensures fast read and write speeds, enhancing the overall performance and user experience.
• Battery: The 5700mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage. Despite the large displays and powerful internals, the battery life is impressive, providing all-day usage on a single charge.

In terms of performance, the device scores over 2 million on Antutu, indicating that it’s more than capable of handling intensive tasks and gaming. We tested Genshin Impact for 40 minutes and maintained a steady 59.6 FPS, showcasing the device’s excellent gaming capabilities. The device also ran the StabilityCPU test with 81% stability, indicating consistent performance even under heavy load.

Camera Capabilities

Foldable phones often compromise on camera quality, but not the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. This device features a robust camera setup that rivals many flagship non-foldable phones. Here’s an in-depth look at its camera capabilities:

• Rear Cameras: The phone features a 50MP main sensor, a 64MP periscope lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. This versatile setup allows for high-quality photos in various conditions, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups.
• Front Cameras: Dual 32MP sensors, one on the outer display and one on the inner display, ensure high-quality selfies and video calls regardless of whether the phone is folded or unfolded.

The camera system, developed in partnership with Zeiss, includes features like vivid, textured, and natural color modes. The periscope lens offers telemacro capabilities, allowing you to take detailed close-up shots. The device also supports 8K video recording and 4K portrait videos, making it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts. The partnership with Zeiss ensures superior optics and color science, enhancing the overall photo and video quality.

Battery Life and Charging

A large battery is crucial for a foldable device, and Vivo doesn’t disappoint. Here are the key battery and charging features:

• Battery Capacity: The 5700mAh battery ensures that the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro can last through a full day of heavy use. Whether you are using the large inner display for media consumption or the outer display for quick tasks, the battery life is impressive.
• Charging: The phone supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The 120W charger included in the box ensures fast charging for compatible devices, while the 50W wireless charging capability allows for convenient, cable-free recharging.

Despite its large display and powerful performance, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro offers impressive battery life. You can expect around 7-8 hours of screen-on time, even with heavy usage. The thermal management is also noteworthy, keeping the device cool during intensive tasks. When we first got the phone, we expected it to heat up quickly, but it remained surprisingly cool, even during extended gaming sessions. The heat distribution is well-managed, with temperatures staying within acceptable limits.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is packed with features to ensure a seamless user experience. Here’s a detailed look at its connectivity and additional features:

• Connectivity: The phone supports Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast and stable internet connections. With 17 5G bands, you are covered for 5G connectivity in most regions. Additional features include VoNR, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring comprehensive connectivity options.
• Operating System: The device runs on Funtouch OS based on Android 14. This OS is optimized for the larger screens of the X Fold 3 Pro, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. The phone is guaranteed 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security updates, ensuring it remains up-to-date and secure.
• Sensors: The phone includes dual ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, one on the front screen and one on the inner display. This ensures quick and secure unlocking. The device is also IPX8 certified for water resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and splashes.

The inclusion of advanced connectivity options ensures that you stay connected and productive, whether you’re at home or on the go. The device also supports a variety of sensors and features, making it a versatile tool for both work and play.

User Experience and Software

Vivo’s Funtouch OS, based on Android 14, is optimized for the larger screen of the X Fold 3 Pro. Here are some of the software highlights:

• Customizable Interface: The OS allows for extensive customization, catering to personal preferences. You can personalize the home screen, icons, and overall look and feel of the device to suit your style.
• Multitasking: Supports split-screen functionality, enabling you to run two apps simultaneously with ease. This is particularly useful for productivity tasks, allowing you to have multiple apps open and interact with them simultaneously.
• AI Features: Includes translation, note assist, and voice recording capabilities. These features leverage AI to enhance usability and provide additional functionality.

While the Funtouch OS is subjective and might not appeal to everyone, those familiar with Vivo’s software will appreciate its optimization for foldable devices. The lack of bloatware and pre-installed third-party apps is a welcome change, contributing to a smoother user experience. The software is designed to take full advantage of the foldable form factor, with features like Flex Mode and multitasking enhancements.

Pricing and Availability

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is positioned as a premium device, with pricing expected to be in the range of ₹140,000 to ₹150,000. This price point places it in direct competition with other high-end foldable phones on the market. However, given its comprehensive feature set and performance capabilities, it offers good value for money.

The price reflects the advanced technology and premium materials used in the device. It is designed for users who are looking for the best in foldable technology and are willing to invest in a high-end device. The availability is expected to be widespread, with Vivo likely to launch the device in major markets globally. Pre-orders will likely come with attractive offers and bundles, making it an even more enticing proposition.

Conclusion

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro sets a new benchmark for foldable phones in 2024. With its sleek design, powerful performance, impressive display, and advanced camera system, it stands out as a top contender in the premium segment. Whether you’re a professional looking for a versatile device for multitasking and productivity or a tech enthusiast wanting the latest and greatest, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro has something to offer.

Key Takeaways:

• Design: Ultra-thin and lightweight, premium materials.
• Display: Bright, vibrant, high-resolution screens.
• Performance: Top-tier specs with excellent gaming and multitasking capabilities.
• Camera: Advanced camera system with Zeiss optics, 8K video recording.
• Battery: Long-lasting battery with fast wired and wireless charging.
• Software: Customizable and optimized Funtouch OS.

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is a testament to how far foldable technology has come and hints at an exciting future for this category of smartphones. Stay tuned for our detailed 30-day review where we will dive deeper into the long-term performance and usability of this impressive device.

Detailed Specifications

By addressing the needs and expectations of modern smartphone users, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro emerges as a strong contender in the foldable market. It combines cutting-edge technology with practical features, making it a device worth considering for anyone looking to invest in a premium foldable phone.

For further updates and a comprehensive review after extensive use, keep an eye on our blog. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy folding!