This week, while the spotlight was on the newly introduced iPhone 17e, vivo quietly launched its X300 FE in Russia, without an event or press conference. The result is a mobile phone that, on paper, raises a rather uncomfortable comparison for Cupertino.
Apple boasts of its A19 chip and of having finally incorporated MagSafe – something that has existed on Android for years – but the X300 FE arrives with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 56.31″ LTPO AMOLED screen with adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hz, and a battery of 6,500 mAh with 90W fast charging. The iPhone 17e stays at 4,005 mAh and wireless charging at 15W. The difference in autonomy and charging speed is so great that it doesn't even deserve much discussion.
More mobile for a similar price… if you buy it
The X300 FE's camera system is also more ambitious: 50 MP main (Sony IMX921)50 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and an 8 MP wide angle. The iPhone 17e relies on a single 48 MP rear camera with 2x digital zoom. Vivo clearly wins in photographic versatility, although that 8 MP wide angle in 2026 is beginning to ask for retirement. In longevity, the X300 FE promises Android 16 with five years of updates of the operating system and seven security patches, a commitment that few rivals match in this price range.
That said, there are nuances that should not be ignored. The X300 FE is essentially a rebranded Vivo S50 Pro Mini for global markets, with the only notable change being Bluetooth 6.0. And it leads to decisions that are difficult to justify: the USB 2.0 port is difficult to defend in a phone of this category, and its starting price around 770 dollars in Russia puts it above the iPhone 17e in some markets.
Vivo X300 FE technical data sheet
- Screen: 6.31″ LTPO AMOLED, FHD+, 1-120 Hz adaptive
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (standard) + Adreno 829
- RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X Ultra
- Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB UFS 4.1 (without microSD slot)
- Rear cameras: 50 MP Sony IMX921 (main) + 50 MP Sony IMX882 3x optical zoom + 8 MP wide angle
- Front camera: 50MP
- Battery: 6,500 mAh Si-C, 90W fast charging, 40W wireless charging
- Software: OriginOS 6 based on Android 16; 5 years OS updates, 7 years security patches
- Endurance: IP68 + IP69
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB-C (2.0)
- Dimensions: ~159 x 74mm, ~8mm thickness, ~191g
- Colors: Lunar White, Cool Purple, Graphite Black
- Price: From ~€710 approx. (12/256 GB in Russia; European price to be confirmed)
The real problem: will it hit stores?
The most serious problem, however, is not technical but logistical. The iPhone 17e It is now available for pre-order in more than 70 countries, arriving in stores on March 11. The X300 FE, at the moment, is only listed on third-party websites in Russia. Previous certifications in Indonesia and the Eurasian region aim for global expansionbut vivo has a poor track record when it comes to bringing its best terminals to Europe and America. The
If vivo gets real distribution in Spain and Europe with a competitive price, will have a serious argument. If not, this will remain just another great Chinese phone that most will never be able to easily access.
