Hi, I’m Raj, and in this article, I’m sharing my first impressions of the Vivo S50 Pro Mini, a smartphone that has recently launched in China and is expected to arrive in global markets as the Vivo X300 FE. This device represents Vivo’s attempt to fill a gap in the market that many manufacturers have abandoned: the compact flagship segment.

This phone specifically targets users who want a premium smartphone experience without the bulk and weight that typically comes with modern flagships. It focuses on delivering strong performance, impressive camera capabilities, and a thoughtfully designed compact form factor that doesn’t compromise on features.

Vivo X300 FE Design and Build Quality

The Vivo S50 Pro Mini embraces a modern horizontal camera bar design philosophy that we’ve seen gaining popularity across the industry. This aesthetic is similar to what Google has adopted with its Pixel lineup, what Apple has incorporated into recent iPhone generations, and what Honor showcased in its 500 series devices. This design language is clearly becoming the new standard for premium smartphones in 2025.

Key design elements include:

• Glass back panel with aluminum frame construction
• Compact 6.31-inch form factor for comfortable one-handed use
• Horizontal camera bar design following industry trends
• Balanced weight distribution
• Premium tactile feel with tight build tolerances

The build quality feels reassuring, with no creaking or flexing when applying pressure. Thanks to its compact screen size, the device is genuinely comfortable for one-handed use—a feature that has become increasingly rare as smartphones continue to grow larger year after year. The curved edges make it sit comfortably in the palm, making this phone ideal for users who miss the manageable size of older flagship devices.

Vivo X300 FE Performance and Chip-Set

Under the hood, the Vivo S50 Pro/ Vivo X300 FE. This ensures the phone can handle any task you throw at it, from everyday productivity to demanding applications and gaming.

Benchmark results:

These numbers confirm that this is a true flagship-level processor capable of competing with the best smartphones on the market. However, during extended stress tests and heavy usage scenarios, the phone does exhibit some thermal behavior. It gets noticeably warm, particularly around the camera module area.

This appears to be primarily a software optimization issue rather than a fundamental hardware limitation. The thermal throttling seems more aggressive than necessary, which suggests that Vivo’s current software build is prioritizing temperature management over sustained peak performance. This is something that should improve with future software updates as Vivo fine-tunes the thermal profiles and power management algorithms.

Vivo X300 FE Display Experience

The display is one of the standout features of this device. The 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED panel features a sharp 1.5K resolution, making text crisp and images vibrant.

Display specifications:

• 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED panel
• 1.5K resolution for sharp visuals
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• HDR support for compatible content
• Ultra-slim bezels maximizing screen-to-body ratio
• Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for enhanced security
• Fast and accurate face unlock

The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate adjusts dynamically based on content, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations while preserving battery life when high refresh rates aren’t necessary. Outdoor visibility is strong, with the panel getting bright enough to remain readable even in direct sunlight.

Unlike optical sensors, the ultrasonic fingerprint technology works better with wet or dirty fingers and provides an added layer of security. Face unlock is also available and works swiftly, giving users multiple Biometric options for unlocking their device seamlessly.

Vivo X300 FE Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is surprisingly strong for such a compact device. The 6500mAh battery is significantly larger than what you’d typically find in phones of this size, providing excellent endurance for a full day of heavy use.

Battery and charging features:

• 6500mAh battery capacity
• 90W fast charging support
• Full charge in approximately 30-35 minutes
• Excellent all-day battery life despite compact size
• USB-Type A to USB-Type C cable included (feels dated for 2025)

This capacity rivals many larger flagship devices, which is impressive engineering considering the space constraints of a compact form factor. The 90W fast charging capability helps minimize downtime and ensures you’re rarely tethered to a wall outlet for long periods. However, the included USB-A to USB-C cable feels somewhat dated for a premium device launching in 2025.

Vivo X300 FE Gaming Performance

For mobile gaming enthusiasts, the S50 Pro Mini delivers solid performance across popular titles. Games like PUBG Mobile run smoothly at 60fps with high graphics settings, experiencing only minor frame drops during extended gaming sessions lasting over 30 minutes.

Gaming highlights:

• PUBG Mobile runs at 60fps with high settings
• Minor frame drops only during extended sessions
• Phone gets warm but remains comfortable to hold
• 120Hz display benefits compatible games
• Clear audio with decent stereo separation

The display’s 120Hz refresh rate benefits compatible games, providing smoother motion and better responsiveness. While hardcore mobile gamers might prefer larger screens and more aggressive cooling solutions, the S50 Pro Mini handles casual to moderate gaming with confidence.

Vivo X300 FE Camera System

The camera setup represents one of the phone’s most significant strengths. The triple rear camera array comprises a 50MP main sensor utilising Sony’s IMX921 with optical image stabilisation, a 50MP telephoto periscope camera featuring the Sony IMX882 sensor, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera.

Complete camera specifications:

• 50MP main camera (Sony IMX921 with OIS)
• 50MP telephoto periscope (Sony IMX882)
• 8MP ultra-wide camera
• 50MP front camera for selfies and video calls

Image quality from the main camera is excellent, with accurate colors, strong dynamic range, and impressive detail retention. The telephoto lens provides genuine optical zoom capabilities, delivering sharp results up to 10x magnification in good lighting conditions. Even digital zoom beyond 10x produces usable images when light is abundant.

Low-light photography is another area where this camera system shines. Night mode processing is fast and effective, reducing noise while maintaining detail. The OIS on the main camera helps with longer exposure times, resulting in clearer handheld shots in challenging lighting conditions.

Vivo X300 FE Video Recording

Video capabilities are comprehensive, supporting 4K resolution at 60fps on both the rear and front cameras. This makes the phone excellent for vlogging, content creation, and capturing important moments with professional-looking quality.

Video features:

• 4K 60fps recording on rear and front cameras
• Ultra-stabilization mode at 1080p resolution
• Stable exposure handling during recording
• Consistent color science across scenarios
• Gimbal-like smoothness for action shots

The exposure handling during video recording is stable, avoiding jarring brightness shifts when moving between differently lit areas. Color science remains consistent across different shooting scenarios, which is crucial for maintaining a professional look in your videos.

Vivo X300 FE Pricing and Global Availability

In China, the Vivo S50 Pro Mini starts at 3699 CNY, which translates to approximately $510 USD at current exchange rates. For global markets where it’s expected to launch as the Vivo X300 FE, pricing will likely land in the $650-700 USD range, depending on regional factors and import duties.

Pricing breakdown:

• China launch price: 3699 CNY (~$510 USD)
• Expected global pricing: $650-700 USD
• Main competitors: OnePlus 15R, Vivo X300

At this anticipated price point, the phone will face stiff competition from established players like the OnePlus 15R and even Vivo’s own X300 series. The success of this device globally will largely depend on how aggressively Vivo prices it and what promotional offers accompany the launch.

Final Thoughts for Vivo X300 FE

The Vivo S50 Pro Mini, expected to arrive globally as the Vivo X300 FE, presents a compelling package for users seeking a compact flagship experience.

• Premium compact design with excellent ergonomics
• Flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 performance
• Excellent camera system with versatile zoom capabilities
• Impressive 6500mAh battery in compact form factor
• Strong video recording capabilities

Areas for improvement:

• Thermal optimization during heavy loads
• Global pricing competitiveness
• More modern USB-Type-C to USB-Type-C cable inclusion

If Vivo addresses the performance stability through software updates and maintains aggressive pricing, this could easily become one of the best compact flagship options available in 2025. For users tired of oversized smartphones but unwilling to compromise on features or performance, the S50 Pro Mini deserves serious consideration.