Exclusive: Vivo’s New “FE” Flagship is a Familiar Face—Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing

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The Vivo X300 FE is basically a rebadged S50 Pro mini. Pictured: a promo picture showing the thickness of the phone.

In a move that has caught the tech world slightly off guard, Vivo has quietly introduced a new model to its "FE" (Fan Edition) lineup. But if you’re an avid follower of the Chinese smartphone market, the Vivo X300 FE might just give you a serious case of déjà vu.

Silently listed on Vivo’s Russian website and already appearing with local retailers, the X300 FE isn't an entirely ground-up build. Instead, it marks the international debut of a device many have been clamoring for: the Vivo S50 Pro mini.

For those unfamiliar, the S50 Pro mini launched exclusively in China back in December 2025, winning praise for its pocket-friendly dimensions and flagship-tier specifications. Now, it appears Vivo is testing the waters for this compact powerhouse in global markets, with Russia being the first to receive the rebadged variant. And honestly? We’re thrilled to see it.

Same Phone, New Name, Zero Compromises

If you were hoping for a spec bump with the rebrand, you’ll be disappointed—but in the best way possible. Vivo has wisely chosen to leave a winning formula untouched. The X300 FE retains the same core hardware that made its Chinese sibling a hit.

At its heart beats the non-Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. While the "Elite" versions often boast slightly higher clocks, this Gen 5 is no slouch, offering flagship-level performance that can handle anything from intensive gaming to AI-driven photography with ease. It’s paired with a hefty 12GB of RAM and storage options going up to 512GB, ensuring it’s future-proof for years to come.

A Photographer’s Dream Kit

Perhaps the most compelling reason to get excited about the X300 FE is its camera array. In an era where some manufacturers are stripping back features, Vivo is doubling down.

The rear of the device is dominated by a striking camera plateau that, stylistically, echoes the clean lines of the iPhone Air. But it’s what’s inside that counts:

  • A 50MP primary sensor for stunning detail in any light.
  • A 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom—a rarity in this form factor and a huge win for portrait and zoom photography.
  • An 8MP ultrawide sensor for expansive landscape shots.
  • Around front, selfie lovers are treated to another 50MP camera, guaranteeing crystal-clear video calls and social media content.

The "Mini" That Packs a Punch

True to its "Pro mini" heritage, the Vivo X300 FE features a beautifully compact 6.31-inch AMOLED display. It’s a screen that punches well above its weight class, boasting FHD+ resolution, a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and a staggering 5,000-nit peak brightness. This makes it not only perfect for one-handed use but also exceptionally legible under direct sunlight.

Powering this compact dynamo is a surprisingly massive 6,500mAh Silicon-Carbon (Si/C) battery. This chemistry allows for a higher density, meaning you get marathon battery life without the bulk. When you do need to top up, the X300 FE supports 90W wired fast charging. For those who prefer a wireless setup, 40W wireless charging is also on board. If you need a powerful charger to go with it, you can check out options like the 4-port Lenovo 100W charger, currently available for $44.99 on Amazon, perfect for powering multiple devices at once.

Pricing and Availability

You can see the official device details and specifications directly on Vivo’s Russian product page for the X300 FE. The phone is launching in three distinct colorways, though Vivo has yet to list it on its official storefront.

However, eagle-eyed Russian retailers have already jumped the gun. The base model is currently listed for RUB 60,124, which translates to approximately $772 USD.

While this is a Russian launch for now, the industry grapevine, via sources like GSMArena, strongly suggests this is just the beginning. The rebranding from "S50 Pro mini" to the more globally recognized "X300 FE" hints at a wider rollout strategy.

For fans of compact flagships that refuse to compromise on camera quality or battery life, the Vivo X300 FE is shaping up to be one of the most compelling devices of the year. Keep your eyes peeled—it might be coming to a market near you sooner than you think.


The three color options of Vivo X300 FE

The rear cameras of the phone

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