Vivo X200 FE to launch in UAE on July 23: Is it worth Dh2,599?

In a market dominated by phones getting bigger, Vivo throws a curveball. The X200 FE, dropping July 23 in the UAE, is a compact flagship that tries to defy the trend. With a Dimensity 9300+ processor, Zeiss-backed camera system, and a stunning display, all wrapped into a sleek, one-hand-friendly design, this is Vivo’s attempt to deliver the power of its X-series flagships in a smaller footprint.

But in 2025, is compact still compelling? Let’s unpack the device.

What's in the box?

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Vivo X200 FE handset, 90W FlashCharge adapter, USB-C charging cable, a protective case, a pre-applied screen protector, SIM ejector tool, and the quick start guide.

Design & Display

First impressions matter, and the X200 FE gets it right with its polished, minimalistic aesthetic and lightweight build. At just 150.8 mm tall and 186 grams, it’s light and surprisingly ergonomic. The Black Luxe finish (also available in Yellow Glow) offers a sophisticated look without being flashy.

The front features a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which is as sharp as it is smooth with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. And with sharp brightness, outdoor visibility is excellent, even under the harsh UAE sun.

If you miss the days of truly compact phones but don’t want to compromise on screen quality, this hits the sweet spot.

Performance

The X200 FE is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+, a flagship-class chipset that trades efficiency cores for a full-core performance architecture. Paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the device handles everything from multitasking to mobile gaming without breaking a sweat — at least at first.

That said, prolonged gaming or 4K video rendering does cause the phone to warm up, not uncomfortably, but enough to notice. Vivo's internal cooling system helps manage this, but thermals are still a point to watch.

However, those who prefer the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, will ideally pick other smartphones like OnePlus 13s 5g or iQOO 13 5g that are in a similar price range.

Cameras

The X200 FE’s camera setup is impressive on paper and mostly delivers in real-world use.

• 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor

• 50MP ZEISS super telephoto camera with up to 100x zoom

• 8MP ultra-wide lens

• 50MP front-facing selfie camera

Photos have that familiar Vivo vibrancy, punchy colours and crisp details, especially in daylight. The Zeiss optics do make a difference in low light, with good control over flares and decent exposure stacking. The periscope lens captures surprisingly detailed shots at 3x and 5x zoom, although zoomed-in shots beyond that see a quality drop.

A personal favourite in the phone, an upgraded Aura Light system. This isn’t just a gimmick — the ring light around the rear camera offers temperature and brightness controls, allowing for soft, flattering lighting that mimics natural studio setups. In a world of harsh LED flashes, this is a game-changer for skin tones and nighttime portraits.

Both the front and rear cameras benefit from this, with the studio-grade dual Aura lighting helping elevate selfies and vlogs. On the front, Vivo adds a unique twist: a dual-LED flash, currently exclusive to the X200 FE, that ensures even low-light selfies are sharp and well-lit without blinding brightness.

Video capture peaks at 4K 60fps, with gyro-EIS and HDR delivering sharp, steady footage. The selfie camera deserves a shoutout too — it’s fast to focus and flattering without over-smoothing.

The cameras here make for a strong all-rounder for casual shooters and mobile videographers, though not quite in iPhone territory for low light.

Battery Life & Charging

Vivo has crammed a 6,500 mAh battery into this compact frame, an impressive engineering feat. In real-world use, it easily delivers a full day and a half with medium to heavy use, making it one of the best battery performers in this size class.

Charging is equally impressive: 90W FlashCharge gets you from 0 to 100% in less than an hour. However, there's no wireless charging.

Software and AI

Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, the software is packed with AI-driven features, from Live Text and AI Call Assist to Smart Eye Protection Mode and Circle to Search. There’s a lot to play with, but the UI still feels a bit bloated compared to the clean aesthetics of One UI.

Availability and pricing in the UAE

The Vivo X200 FE will be available in the UAE starting July 23 in a 12GB + 512GB variant with 12GB of Extended RAM, priced at Dh2,599.

Is the Vivo X200 FE worth Dh2,599?

The Vivo X200 FE gets a lot right. It’s a rare compact flagship in 2025 that doesn’t feel compromised. For UAE users who value a bright, sharp display that beats the desert glare, strong performance, versatile and high-res cameras, and long battery life and fast charging, it’s a compelling option, especially if you’re tired of larger phones.

However, for Dh2,599, it enters the ring with similar offerings from names like OnePlus, all of which offer their own strengths, especially in software polish and brand trust.

So, should you buy the Vivo X200 FE? If you're looking for a phone that fits in your pocket without skimping on power or camera quality, yes. It is a sleeper hit in the making. But if you lean on software smoothness, wireless charging, or brand loyalty, you might want to wait and compare.

Husain Rizvi

husain@khaleejtimes.com

Husain Rizvi is a Senior Features Writer who covers entertainment and lifestyle stories and has a profound interest in tech (games) and sports. When he’s not working, you can find him at the gym, or finishing a boss fight in a video game.