Vivo X Fold 3 Pro: A First Look at India’s Newest Foldable Contender
Vivo’s entry into the Indian foldable market with the X Fold 3 Pro signals a shift in the landscape. This isn’t just another foldable; it’s a statement of ambition, designed to challenge the reigning champion, Samsung. With segment-leading hardware and a focus on durability, Vivo aims to disrupt the foldable market, but can it capture the hearts (and wallets) of Indian consumers? Let’s delve into the details of this ambitious device and see if it lives up to its promises.
A Foldable Unlike Any Other: Size Matters
The X Fold 3 Pro distinguishes itself with its largest cover display in the foldable market – 6.53 inches. This isn’t just a bigger screen; it translates to a vast 8.03-inch internal display when unfolded, making it effectively larger than traditional flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Despite its impressive screen size, the device itself is surprisingly compact when folded, thanks to its innovative design. While it is thicker than those aforementioned flagship models at 11.2mm, it boasts a remarkable thinness of 5.2mm when unfolded – thinner than the iPad Pro and a clear win over the OnePlus Open and Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Even more impressive is its weight – at 236 grams, it’s just 3 grams heavier than the titanium-clad Galaxy S24 Ultra, highlighting Vivo’s commitment to achieving a balance between screen size and portability.
Durability and Design Innovation: A New Breed of Foldable
Vivo’s dedication to durability shines through in every aspect of the X Fold 3 Pro’s design. The main folding display employs a UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) with an impact-resistant film, meeting the industry standard for protection. However, Vivo goes beyond the norm with its self-developedArmor glass on the cover display, using a unique microcrystal structure that boasts enhanced drop resistance compared to traditional offerings.
The phone’s rear panel is a testament to Vivo’s ingenuity. Combining UPE (plastic) with glass fiber, it delivers a premium look and feel while contributing to the device’s overall lightness and durability. This innovative material mix ensures that the X Fold 3 Pro can withstand the rigors of everyday use while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
A Hinge Engineered for Longevity: A New Standard for Durability
Vivo’s meticulous approach to hinge design sets the X Fold 3 Pro apart. A unique combination of carbon fiber and aluminum alloy yields a hinge that’s not only incredibly light at 14.8 grams, but also exceptionally compact. The hinge is 5mm thinner than the OnePlus Open’s hinge, making it a significant feather in the X Fold 3 Pro’s cap.
Beyond its compact size, the hinge is designed for longevity, capable of withstanding 100 folds per day for 12 years, according to Vivo’s lab testing. While real-world conditions may differ, this commitment to durability showcases Vivo’s commitment to building a foldable that can withstand the test of time.
More Than Just a Hinge: The Power of Flexibility
The X Fold 3 Pro’s hinge isn’t just a robust component – it’s a testament to the phone’s versatility. Vivo has ingeniously designed it to hold the device at multiple angles, enabling the hovering feature. Like the Galaxy Z Fold 5, this allows for the phone’s camera half to be stabilized, perfect for taking steady low-light photos or capturing light trails.
This hovering feature extends beyond photography, allowing for seamless multi-tasking by displaying a video on the top half of the device while using the bottom half for controls. The X Fold 3 Pro’s versatility shines through in its Desk Calendar AOD screen on the cover display, providing essential information like time, battery status, weather, and date, adding to the device’s functionality and user-friendliness.
Waterproofing to Match the Competition: Pushing the Boundaries
Further reinforcing the X Fold 3 Pro’s durable design is its IPX8 rating. This rating places it on par with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, offering protection against splashes and immersion in water. However, it’s important to remember that, like other IP-rated devices, the X Fold 3 Pro’s water resistance is not covered by warranty. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid exposing the device to any water-related hazards.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for a Bold Device
Vivo’s X Fold 3 Pro is more than just a phone; it’s a statement. With a design that prioritizes both screen size and portability, coupled with a focus on durability and innovative features, it challenges Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market.
While only time will tell if Vivo’s ambitious venture will achieve its desired market share, the X Fold 3 Pro stands as a compelling option for consumers seeking a cutting-edge foldable experience. Its unique design, coupled with its impressive durability, makes it an enticing choice for early adopters, aiming to solidify Vivo’s position as a major player in the ever-evolving foldable landscape.
