All-in-one.
Most of us are waiting to buy the next smartphone that wants the most out of our money. Primarily, stable system, fast user-interface, vibrant screen and most of all, good quality camera.
If you have a budget of more than Php 20,000, then the Lenovo Vibe X3 can definitely be in your shortlist of choices.
In a span of two weeks, I was able to use the Lenovo Vibe X3. Mostly for taking photos and videos for my travels to be used in my blog. On other occasions, I used it to play games and watch movies.
Here are my takes on using the Lenovo Vibe X3.
PROS
CAMERA
When buying smartphones now, most people check the camera first. With the Lenovo Vibe X3, both cameras performed impressively good. The 21 MP rear camera made it easy for me to shoot almost any scenario. With the “Smart Mode” option, the Lenovo Vibe X3 camera intelligent suggests what type of shot I’d be doing (Food, Landscape, Portrait, Blur Background, Macro, Night Photography), and most of the time, it is right.
The Smart Mode option suggests distance (subject to camera) and angle of the camera on the subject. This can make shooting photos easier, specially for those not into photography.
Plus, the camera app snaps fast. I have experienced delays on other Android-based phones. This is one of my few issues why iPhone still favors the stability app on camera smartphones. But in the case of the Lenovo Vibe X3, I find it ready for action, almost every time. And for someone like me, who uses mostly the camera, I find this very impressive.
The rear camera is capturing images with great clarity, probably due to its Sony IMX230 sensor. The F/2.0 aperture also gives better image even at low light condition. And in case you need more light, it has a dual-tone LED flash.
The rear camera comes with a fast focus system helming me capture photos at almost any circumstances.
The front camera offers quite good camera for selfie. Its 8MP front camera can be at par with other rear cameras of other smartphones.
As for the video recording, the Lenovo Vibe X3 provides clear videos with fast autofocus adjustment of changing subjects. It is set on the center focusing, but you can adjust the focus once you touch the screen.
Since, I blog a lot and depend mostly on photos, I find the Vibe X3 a dependable companion. I cannot stress enough of how I like its camera, producing vibrant photos with balanced contrast. It is great specially on outdoors as it captures the colors of the subject as is.
Here are some of the sample photos in different scenarios like. All photos colors, contrasts or details were not altered. Only the resizing and the watermarking were done on the photos.
At the above photos, you can see that all five photos have vibrant colors amidst the resizing.
Photo number 3 shows a nice bokeh (blurred background) without processing the photo on any photo editors.
The photos still display good detail even against the light (photo number 5).
The first photo is a sample of blurred background using the Smart Cam option on the Vibe X3 app in low light condition.
While the fourth photo shows how fast the camera app can capture during a jump shot.
The three photos above were taken using the front camera. The third one taken indoor at a not so well-lit restaurant.
DISPLAY
The IPS screen has vibrant colors making viewing photos and videos more pleasing than the usual. With its 5.5’ screen offers adequate space for the eyes to appreciate what’s on the screen while at the same time keeping it portable and handy.
The 16M colors, Full HD (1920 x 1080, 401 ppi) IPS Display keep video watching (even the 3D videos) look better with more vibrant colors popping right before your eyes.
And with this screen, playing games look more colorful and lively, making you attune on the games your playing.
CPU Speed
In the two weeks of usage, I tried my best to know what’s the peak of the smartphone usage to make it “choke.” Surprisingly, amidst the multiple open apps (Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Camera, VLC, Marvel, Instagram, Kindle, Chrome) that I alternately use, sometimes simultaneous even, I have not experienced the Lenovo Vibe X3 to hang.
Probably due to the64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor processor, backed-up by its 3GB RAM, the Lenovo Vibe X3 has a better way of handling the apps. I am not sure, if Lenovo have tweaked the Android Lollipop version to suit their hardware.
I just don’t know if the X3 will, at some point, lag on longer usage after months.
FINGERPRINT SENSOR
I have to say that this is a very nice feature that newer higher end phones have. This is one feature I liked on my iPhone 5s and 6. And now, with this on a Vibe X3, it is another way of not missing an iPhone. Though the sensor of the Vibe X3 is at the back, there is a little “getting use to” kind of adjustment.
One good thing of the Lenovo’s fingerprint sensor is that it is fast – faster than the iPhone’s (5s and 6) reaction.
AUDIO and MIC
The sound quality is surprisingly good for its size. With the Dolby Atmos Surround sound technology, the Vibe X3 resonates clear audio good for watching and gaming.
Plus, 3-array Wolfson mic system captures crisp and clear audio good for recording. Probably one I can recommend for Vloggers if they want a quality phone under Php 30,000. A good balance of good video and audio recording, good combo.
VIRTUAL REALITY GEAR
It may look cool, getting into the VR wave, but at the same time disappointing as the technology is still not that supported by many applications on Google Play. But having this as an add-on, makes any user prepared of what’s to come very soon. And with Lenovo, as one of the first companies offering this to come with their Android units, it is easier for more people to adapt at the beginning of the new trend.
SORT-OF CONS
BATTERY
The 3,500 mAh battery is not enough to power the Lenovo Vibe X3 the whole day, specially if you take much photos and videos. Or browsing via mobile data connection. The 5.5” screen, I believe, takes a toll as well on the power consumption.
So, it is wise to always be close to a power outlet or best to be with a powerbank.
VIDEO RECORDING (supports 4k recording*)
#On paper, it says that there is 4k video recording. Upon usage, I did not see any option to take 4k. And checking all the video recordings that I did, only set at 1080.
So, I guess, the video app has to set an easier option in switching modes (HD to UHD). Or I may have overlooked the options.
FRONT CAMERA
I noticed a glitch on the camera app. Specifically when using the front cam. I don’t know if it is due to my small eyes that it cannot detect properly. LOL
But somehow, instead of the “red eye” defect, it shows glare on the eyes and also somehow the “beautification” feature for front cam seems to meddle to much on recomposing the face. It looks like that a layer of make-up has been applied.
Though these glitches are very few of the hundreds of selfies that I have taken using the Vibe X3.
COLOR
Well, as for me, the lack of color selection is not really a big issue. But at least a choice of another shade, darker shade for those wanting something else. Though of course, this can easily be resolved with a casing. :-)
SPECIFICATION
Processor: Premium 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
OS: Android 5.1, Lollipop
GPU: Adreno 418 (up to 600MHz 3D graphics accelerator)
Memory: RAM: 3GB LP DDR3
Internal storage: 32GB eMMC built-in storage
Expandable: Up to 128GB microSD
Dolby Atmos Surround Sound
Wolfson 3-array Microphone System
Camera
Rear: 21MP PDAF with 6piece composite lens allows 4K Ultra HD video recording
Front: 8MP fixed-focus
Display: 5.5″ Full HD (1920X1080) at 401ppi, IPS 178o wide-view display
16M colors with Lenovo Screen 100% NTSC color optimization?1500:1 contrast ratio
Capacitive 10-point multi-touch
Scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display
Dimensions (inches): 3.01” x 0.37″ x 6.06″
Weight : Starting at 0.385lbs (175g)
Rear Cover: Full Aluminum outer frame
Battery: 3500mAh (Li-polymer), embedded
Color: Pearl White
SIM: Dual nano SIM
Data: GPRS, EDGE, HSPA+, LTE
Speed: LTE (4G) 300Mbps (DL) / 50Mbps (UL) CAT6
WLAN: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi hotspot
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1 LE
PRICE
The suggested retail price of the Lenovo Vibe X3 is Php 22,099 in the Philippine stores.
CONCLUSION
I used the Lenovo Vibe X3 for two weeks in my consecutive trips. And as far as my experience with the unit, I find it very reliable. Being able to use many applications which include browsing, Facebook, Instagram, video streaming, gaming and taking video/photo alternately, other apps sometimes simultaneously, it was a breeze.
Plus, I find the camera VERY GOOD in many situations. It was easier shooting photos using the Smart Mode of the Vibe X3 camera app.
While the battery life may be a slight downside, in reality, there are only a few phones which have battery power of more than 3500mAh.
Overall, the Lenovo Vibe X3 is a great choice for people who will be spending on their next phone between 20 to 25 thousand pesos. You can never go wrong with this eye candy powerhouse that can suit your cravings for reliable smartphone, great display and clear-shooting camera.
