Vivo has introduced two new smartphones in India this week—the X200 FE and the X Fold5. Both launches have sparked excitement, not just among customers but for us too. The X200 FE marks Vivo's first attempt at a compact device that still brings together all the features fans love.
On the other hand, this isn’t Vivo's first venture into the foldable segment. Last year, the company launched the X Fold3 Pro. This time around, they've streamlined the name and unveiled the X Fold5.
At the event, we had a conversation with Vikas Tagra, who leads product management for the X-series at Vivo India. Our discussion covered the brand's future direction, how Indian users are responding to foldable phones, and the company's efforts to make premium features more accessible to a wider audience. He shared many interesting perspectives. Here's what we found out.
Vivo's Big Leap Into the Future
Vivo has consistently raised the bar in smartphone photography. But as technology evolves, we were curious to know whether photography remains the brand's top priority or if a new focus is emerging. To get a clearer picture, Vikas shared insights into the company's future direction and gave us a glimpse of the innovations users can look forward to in the coming months.
He mentioned that, “At Vivo, we believe that every product launch represents our next big leap. Today, we're introducing two new devices to our portfolio. The X200 FE is the world's most compact smartphone in its category, featuring a 6.31-inch display. It is the smallest ever on a Vivo X series phone. This device is designed for Gen Z users who are always on the move and prefer a more compact form factor.”
Vikas also shared that every product launch is seen as a major step forward for Vivo, and that mindset clearly reflects in their work. The brand has consistently focused on introducing innovative products while maintaining its strong reputation in smartphone photography. The X200 FE, in particular, is a charming device that feels surprisingly compact when held. There’s a lot more to uncover about it, and we'll be sharing all the details soon in our full review.
He further added, “On the other hand, the Vivo X Fold5 is our latest foldable flagship. It is aimed at high-end, business-focused, affluent users. With every launch, our goal is to provide meaningful choices that cater to different lifestyles and preferences, allowing consumers to pick what suits them best.
Foldables are all about getting more done, and the X Fold5 embraces that purpose with tools like Origin Workbench. With the launch of the X200 FE and X Fold5 in India, Vivo has introduced options that speak to a wide spectrum of users. Whether it’s compact convenience or premium versatility, the brand is clearly focused on meeting diverse needs through its expanding lineup.
Vivo's Premium Strategy Finds Festive Fit
With the festive season approaching, we were curious to know how Vivo is tracking shifts in consumer interest, especially in the premium space where foldables and feature-rich FE models are making their mark.
To this, Vikas replied, “Okay, so we firmly believe in first understanding our consumers before designing our products.”
Listening to what consumers want has always been a strong foundation for meaningful product design, and Vivo seems to understand that well. Vikas shared how the team focused on bringing top-tier cameras, reliable performance, and solid battery life into a compact package with the X200 FE.
The brand is clearly aware that many buyers are searching for flagship-level features without paying premium prices. We noticed a similar trend with the X Fold5, which arrives at a lower cost than the X Fold3 Pro while delivering equal or even better value. By building devices that combine premium features with thoughtful pricing, Vivo appears to be aligning its strategy perfectly with the festive mood and consumer expectations.
Does the X Fold5 Build Upon the X Fold3 Pro's Strong Foundation?
We found the Vivo X Fold3 Pro to be one of the most well-rounded foldables we’ve tested, especially when it comes to design, weight, and day-to-day usability. So we asked Vikas how the new X Fold5 takes things further and what kind of new value it brings to users in India. Here's what he shared with us.
I would say that for us, it's not just about delivering a hardware product. Our goal was to offer a holistic experience to the consumer. This is a top-tier device in our lineup
He further goes on to explain, “From the very first unboxing to using it five years down the line, we wanted the experience to feel seamless. That's why we've refined and reinvented the aspects that truly matter to users. When it comes to slimness, we've made it even thinner than the previous generation. In terms of weight, it’s noticeably lighter. On the imaging front, we've introduced features like AI-powered Four Season Portrait mode. Even the telephoto performance has been significantly improved. While that may take a little more time in processing, what really counts is the final output. Consumers today aren't too concerned with megapixel numbers or sensor names. What matters to them is the result. So with this device, we've aimed to strike the right balance between hardware and software to create a truly refined foldable experience.”
Vikas made a valid point, and we couldn't agree more. The Vivo X Fold5, as we've already discussed, brings plenty of value to the table, even without carrying the ‘Pro' label. When it comes to what really matters, most consumers aren’t interested in technical jargon like megapixel numbers or sensor names. They care about what they see. If the photos look great, the experience feels smooth, and the phone delivers on expectations, that's what wins them over. Vivo seems to understand this well. Instead of focusing on specifications alone, the X Fold5 aims to deliver results that speak for themselves. And in the end, that’s exactly what most everyday users are looking for.
Why Vivo Built the X200 FE This Way
With the Vivo X200 FE, the brand aims to make premium features more accessible to a wider range of users. Curious about the inspiration behind its development, we quizzed Vikas Tagra to learn which consumer insights and market demands influenced its creation. We were especially interested in how the phone fits into a market like India, where festive seasons often shape buying decisions. Here's what he shared with us.
Our starting point is always the consumer. So when we were conceptualising the X200 FE, we focused on every aspect, from its design and colours to performance and camera features, with the aim of delivering a flagship-level experience. Even though it’s compact in size, our positioning reflects that it is “Pro Packed” and “Zeiss Image Pro Packed.” It may appear small on the outside, but it’s equipped with powerful features on the inside.
He even listed down the features of the phones, such as the 6.31-inch form factor, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 50MP primary camera that uses one of our flagship sensors, the Sony IMX921. He added, “We wanted to ensure that consumers enjoy a seamless and satisfying photography experience. Since most users prefer a simple point-and-shoot approach, our goal was to deliver professional-level results using top-tier sensors paired with Zeiss optics. Finally, we paid close attention to battery life to make sure the overall experience is complete.”
The X200 FE feels like a thoughtfully crafted device that strikes the right balance across design, performance, and camera capabilities. Vivo has done a solid job with its India launch. While Vikas didn't confirm whether a festive discount is on the cards through platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, it wouldn't be surprising if some offers do show up. That said, even without any seasonal deals, the Rs 54,999 price tag feels well justified for what this smartphone delivers.
No Pink Vivo X200 FE for the Indian Market?
The pink version of the Vivo X200 FE caught our eye when it launched internationally. So, we couldn't help but wonder why that colour option hasn't made its way to Indian shelves yet. Vikas helped clear that up for us.
We follow a ‘less is more’ philosophy. Launching an additional colour does not always guarantee higher demand or volume. Our goal is to offer meaningful choices.
Elaborating on it further, he said, “There are two types of consumers we are targeting with the X200 FE. The first is Gen Z, who prefer bold and vibrant colours. For them, we have introduced Amber Yellow and Frost Blue. Then there are users who lean toward classic and timeless shades like black or grey. Luxe Grey is designed for that audience. That said, if there is strong demand for the pink variant from Indian consumers, we will definitely consider it. But to begin with, these are the three options we want our users to choose from.”
We were hoping to see the Pink colour variant of the Vivo X200 FE in India, but as it turns out, Indian consumers tend to lean either towards bold, standout shades or prefer safe, classic colours. Pink, while eye-catching, doesn't enjoy widespread appeal in this market. So for now, Vivo has chosen to hold it back.
