In our review, the compact Vivo X300 impresses with its excellent main camera, offering powerful hardware in a compact form factor. In Europe, the X300 has been launched with a price tag of €1,049 (RRP). Considering the recommended retail prices of competing devices such as the Galaxy S25 or Xiaomi 15, this is certainly reasonable, but the Vivo phone is still not exactly cheap.

Hence, a direct import from China could be worthwhile for many users, as prices are significantly lower compared to the global model. The Chinese model also offers a much wider range of storage options. At Trading Shenzhen, prices start at around €700/$800. 

Unlike imported devices from Xiaomi, such as the Xiaomi 17 or 17 Pro, the X300 comes with a multi-language package (even on the Chinese model) ex works. This means that English, among others, is available as a system language. In addition, there are no significant restrictions on LTE and 5G frequencies, meaning that the Vivo smartphone should be compatible with mobile networks in most countries worldwide.

However, the Chinese model also comes with disadvantages that should be considered when importing. For example, there are no official update promises for the Chinese market. There are also limitations on warranty when importing, as the local laws of the buyer’s location will not apply in the event of defects or damage. TradingSchenzen, for example, offers its own warranty policy, which can be read in full here. Whether an importer is trustworthy and fulfills its obligations to customers can be checked via sites such as Trustpilot.

Further restrictions when importing include the lack of compatibility with smartwatches based on Wear OS (use in Europe is virtually impossible), and eSIMs cannot be used either.

I have always been very passionately interested in mobile technologies, especially smartphones. Being a tech enthusiast means the half-life of my devices isn’t exactly long, and being the latest hardware is not enough to suffice as the manufacturer and operating system play a minor role – the most important aspect for me is that the device is state-of-the-art. After posting for Mobi Test I joined Notebookcheck in 2016, where I have been pursuing my enthusiasm for technology by reviewing the latest smartphone, tablet, and accessory trends.

Translator: Jacob Fisher – Translator – 2709 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

Growing up in regional Australia, I first became acquainted with computers in my early teens after a broken leg from a football (soccer) match temporarily condemned me to a predominately indoor lifestyle. Soon afterwards I was building my own systems. Now I live in Germany, having moved here in 2014, where I study philosophy and anthropology. I am particularly fascinated by how computer technology has fundamentally and dramatically reshaped human culture, and how it continues to do so.