The Vivo T3 Ultra is making a significant impact as one of the best smartphones in its category, launching at an aggressive price of approximately $384. This device is powered by the formidable Dimensity 9200+ processor, a chipset that was originally designed for flagship devices.
In terms of performance, the Vivo T3 Ultra is a powerhouse, yet it does not compromise on camera quality. It features an impressive camera setup, including the Sony IMX 921 sensor. The device also boasts a stunning 3D curved 1.5K OLED display.
The T3 Ultra offers premium features similar to the Vivo V40 Pro but at a more affordable price. This positions the T-series as a high-performance line in the sub-$400 range. So, the question is: Is the Vivo T3 Ultra truly the best option within the $350 to $400 price range? Let’s explore the review in detail.
Pros
- Flagship-level Dimensity 9200+ performance
- Sharp 1.5K OLED curved display
- Great camera with Sony IMX 921 sensor
- 80W fast charging
- Impressive battery life
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras
Cons
- USB 2.0 port
- Pre-installed bloatware
- No macro mode
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Design & Build
The Vivo T3 Ultra makes a strong first impression right out of the box, giving a premium feel with a comfortable weight. The matte finish on the back provides a smooth texture. However, despite its elegant appearance, the use of a plastic frame might disappoint those who expect metal for added durability.
One unique design touch is the phrase “Professional Portrait” subtly inscribed at the top of the device, highlighting its portrait photography capabilities. The top edge of the phone also houses a secondary microphone and an IR blaster.
At the bottom, you’ll find a SIM card tray that supports two nano SIM cards, a USB Type-C port (unfortunately, USB 2.0), the primary microphone, and a speaker.
The right side of the phone houses the power button and volume rockers, with an ergonomic layout that allows for easy access with one hand. On the left side, the phone is free of buttons or ports.
The device features a glass back and a plastic frame with a curved design that is comfortable to hold. Weighing 192 grams and measuring just 7.58 mm in thickness, it strikes a balance between being slim and lightweight.
The front has an optical fingerprint sensor but lacks a headphone jack, which is common in this price range. On the plus side, the T3 Ultra is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, enhancing its durability.
Available in two color options, Lunar Gray and Frost Green, the matte finish of the Lunar Gray variant adds a premium touch. Overall, the design is impressive for its price.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Display
The Vivo T3 Ultra features a 6.78-inch 120 Hz OLED display with a 3D curved design. If you’re not a fan of curved screens, this might not be ideal, but for those who enjoy the aesthetics, this display offers a 2800 x 1260 resolution (about 1.5K) for sharp visuals.
Interestingly, the default resolution is set to FHD, and you’ll need to manually select 1.5K to enjoy the full resolution. For color tuning, you have three modes: Standard for natural colors (default), Professional for warmer tones, and Bright for cooler hues.
The display supports 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 105% NTSC color saturation, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. It refreshes at 120 Hz, though it’s not LTPO, meaning the refresh rate is fixed. Peak brightness is 4500 Nits for HDR content and 1200 Nits for regular use, which should suffice for most lighting conditions. The HDR support enhances content streaming on platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
The subtle curvature of the display is unlikely to be bothersome, and while the top and bottom bezels may seem uneven due to the curve, the punch-hole cutout aligns well with the status bar for a sleek look. Watching movies and shows on this screen is an enjoyable experience.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Speakers
The Vivo T3 Ultra comes with stereo speakers that offer sufficient loudness for everyday use, but the stereo separation is less pronounced than you might expect. It lacks an option to boost the volume as seen in other models, which could be a downside for users who enjoy that feature. Nonetheless, sound clarity across different frequencies is good.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Software
Running on Funtouch OS 14, the Vivo T3 Ultra promises two years of software updates and three years of security updates, aligning with industry standards. However, the presence of bloatware might be frustrating for some users.
Upon initial setup, you’ll encounter prompts for the V-Appstore, which can be disabled to avoid unnecessary notifications. While most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, the V-Appstore and Browser app cannot be removed.
Funtouch OS 14 comes with various customization options and smooth animations. However, it lacks certain effects like wallpaper blur and zooming animations.
The haptics are average, but useful AI features like AI Eraser and Photo Enhance are present, along with a customizable camera watermark feature.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Biometrics
The Vivo T3 Ultra’s biometrics are reliable.
The optical fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, though the placement might feel a bit low for some users. The 2D face unlock works quickly in good lighting but may struggle in low-light conditions.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Performance
The Vivo T3 Ultra packs the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, paired with up to 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This setup is complemented by a vapor cooling system to manage heat during intense usage.
In benchmarks, the T3 Ultra delivers strong results, with a Geekbench 6 single-core score of 1,730 and a multi-core score of 4,177.
In the Wild Life Extreme Test, it achieved a score of 3,681 with an average FPS of 22.05. These figures demonstrate that the device is built for sustained high performance.
For gaming, titles like Asphalt 9, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings. Even with heavy gaming sessions, the device manages heat well, with only minor temperature increases.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Cameras
The T3 Ultra’s camera system is a standout feature. The 50 MP Sony IMX 921 main camera captures excellent photos, particularly in well-lit conditions.
There are three color modes to choose from: Natural, Textured, and Vivid, offering flexibility in color accuracy and style.
The ultra-wide camera is decent but lacks the clarity found in the main camera, while the front 50 MP selfie camera produces sharp images with good color accuracy. Video performance is also solid, with 4K recording capabilities on both the front and rear cameras.
Vivo T3 Ultra Review: Battery Life and Charging
The T3 Ultra is powered by a 5,500 mAh battery and supports 80W Flash Charge. In moderate use, it can deliver up to seven hours of screen-on time. Heavy use will reduce this to about six hours. The charging speed is impressive, with the device going from 0% to 100% in around 45 minutes with fast charging enabled.
Review Verdict: Should You Buy the Vivo T3 Ultra?
The Vivo T3 Ultra is a strong contender in its price range, offering excellent performance thanks to the Dimensity 9200+ chipset, a great camera system with the Sony IMX 921 sensor, and fast 80W charging. Its smooth performance and high-quality display make it an ideal choice for both gamers and photographers. While there are minor issues like pre-installed bloatware and a lack of a macro camera, the overall experience makes the Vivo T3 Ultra a compelling option in the sub-$400 category.
