I tried the Vivo X200 FE for a week; here’s why it may be 2025’s best compact phone

By | July 15, 2025
Design of best compact Android phone Vivo X200 FE

In an era where smartphones are getting bulkier, heavier, and increasingly indistinguishable, the Vivo X200 FE arrives like a breath of fresh air. After a full week of using this compact powerhouse, I can confidently say it’s one of the best compact phones 2025 has to offer — and possibly the best in its class. While not perfect, it strikes a rare balance between portability and performance, making it a standout choice for users who prioritize a small form factor without sacrificing flagship features.

Let’s dive into what makes this phone so compelling.

Sleek, Compact, and Premium Design

Right out of the box, the Vivo X200 FE impresses with its sleek and minimalistic design. Weighing just 165 grams and with a thickness of under 7mm, the phone feels featherlight in the hand — a rarity in today’s market where most flagships tip the scale well above 200 grams. The matte glass back gives it a premium texture, and the curved edges add to the comfortable grip, especially for one-handed use.

For those with smaller hands or anyone tired of using two hands for basic operations, the X200 FE is a dream come true.

Display That Punches Above Its Size

Despite its compact size, the 6.1-inch AMOLED display is vibrant, sharp, and responsive. With a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, the screen handles everything from YouTube to gaming with ease. The bezels are razor-thin, giving it an immersive edge without increasing the footprint.

Colors are accurate and blacks are deep — expected from Vivo, which has long focused on offering stellar displays. Whether you’re binge-watching a show or casually browsing Instagram, the experience remains crisp and satisfying.

Performance That Keeps Up

Under the hood, the X200 FE is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300e, a slight variation from the X200 Pro’s main chipset, but still a performance beast. Paired with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps like Lightroom and video editors effortlessly.

In my week of use, I didn’t experience a single stutter or crash. From Call of Duty: Mobile to heavy multitasking with 20+ Chrome tabs open, the device held its ground.

Benchmark scores may not top the charts compared to some ultra-premium phones, but in real-world use, the X200 FE feels buttery smooth.

Camera: Small Size, Big Shots

The camera setup on the X200 FE pleasantly surprised me. It comes with a 50MP primary sensor (with OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 32MP selfie shooter — all tuned with Vivo’s signature color science.

Photos taken in daylight are sharp with excellent dynamic range, and night shots show great detail with minimal noise. Portrait mode deserves special mention, producing clean edge detection and creamy background blur.

Video recording maxes out at 4K 60fps, and the stabilization is decent for casual vlogging or social media content creation. The front camera also impresses, handling skin tones and HDR quite well in various lighting conditions.

Battery Life and Charging

Despite the small size, the 4,300mAh battery performs admirably. Thanks to optimization from FunTouch OS and the energy-efficient chipset, I consistently got 5-6 hours of screen-on time. For most users, that translates to a full day of use without reaching for the charger.

Charging is equally efficient, with 44W fast charging topping up the battery from 0 to 70% in around 30 minutes. There’s no wireless charging, which may be a miss for some, but it’s a fair trade-off for the slim design.

Software Experience: FunTouch OS Polished

Running on FunTouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the Vivo X200 FE brings a refined software experience. Vivo has made notable strides in reducing bloatware and improving the UI’s smoothness. Features like split-screen multitasking, customizable gestures, and app cloning work flawlessly.

Updates are promised for 3 years of major Android updates and 4 years of security patches, aligning it with competitors like Samsung and OnePlus in terms of longevity.

What Could Be Better?

No phone is perfect, and the X200 FE does have a few limitations:

  • No IP68 rating: While splash-resistant, it lacks full water and dust resistance certification.
  • No telephoto lens: Zooming relies on digital cropping, which affects quality beyond 2x zoom.
  • No headphone jack: Not unexpected in 2025, but still a loss for audiophiles.

These compromises may matter to some, but in the grand scheme of things, they’re minor when weighed against everything else the phone offers.

Verdict: Compact, Capable, and Seriously Impressive

After a week with the Vivo X200 FE, I’m convinced it sets a new standard for compact Android phones. It combines elegance, speed, and practicality without stretching your pockets — literally or figuratively. For users who’ve grown tired of oversized slabs, the X200 FE delivers the flagship experience in a compact shell.

With a competitive price tag expected to be around ₹49,999 (~$600), it offers immense value, especially if you prioritize comfort and portability.

TL;DR

  • Pros: Compact & lightweight design, beautiful AMOLED display, excellent cameras, solid performance, clean software.
  • Cons: No IP rating, no telephoto lens, no wireless charging.
  • Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Final Thoughts

If 2025 is the year you downsize without downgrading, the Vivo X200 FE deserves a top spot on your shortlist. In a market dominated by oversized phones, this compact flagship reminds us that sometimes, less truly is more.