vivo S30 vs. vivo X100 Ultra: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value

vivo's S30 and X100 Ultra represent distinct approaches to the smartphone market. The S30 aims for a balance of features and affordability, while the X100 Ultra is a no-compromise flagship. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing value and a sleek design, the vivo S30 is a compelling choice. However, the vivo X100 Ultra justifies its higher price with significantly superior performance, a brighter display, and longer battery life, making it the winner for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S30 vivo X100 Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 292024, May 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 29Available. Released 2024, May 28
Body
BuildGlass front (Diamond Shield Glass), plastic frame, glass backGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions160.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm (6.31 x 2.93 x 0.30 in)164.1 x 75.6 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)229 g (8.08 oz)
Display
ProtectionDiamond Shield Glass-
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-720 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-720 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 722Adreno 750
OSAndroid 15, OriginOS 5Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, OriginOS 5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, LED flash, panorama, HDR, 3D LUT import
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.7, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.95", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/0.98", 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, gimbal OIS 200 MP, f/2.7, 85mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3.7x optical zoom, macro 3.4:1 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF50 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video4K, 1080p4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC 55.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging90W wired, PD Reverse wired Bypass charging80W wired, PD, PPS, QC, UFCS 30W wireless Reverse wired Reverse wireless
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6500 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Yellow, PinkTitanium, White, Grey
ModelsV2464AV2366GA, V2366HA
PriceAbout 330 EURAbout 980 EUR

vivo S30

  • Potentially faster wired charging (90W)
  • More affordable price point
  • Sleek and stylish design (assumed based on S-series branding)

  • Significantly less powerful processor
  • Likely inferior camera performance
  • Shorter battery life (estimated)

vivo X100 Ultra

  • Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • Brighter and potentially higher-quality display
  • Longer battery life (12:55h active use)

  • Higher price tag
  • Slightly slower wired charging (80W)
  • Larger and heavier form factor (likely)

Display Comparison

The vivo X100 Ultra boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1801 nits, compared to the S30 (brightness data unavailable). This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the X100 Ultra’s display technology likely benefits from the more powerful GPU for smoother animations and potentially higher refresh rates (spec not provided for either). The S30’s display specs are not available, but given its market positioning, it likely prioritizes cost-effectiveness over peak brightness and advanced features like LTPO.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are not provided for either device beyond the model names. However, given the X100 Ultra’s flagship status, it’s reasonable to expect a more advanced camera system with larger sensors, optical image stabilization (OIS), and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The S30, positioned as a mid-range device, likely features a capable camera but will likely fall short of the X100 Ultra’s image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of detailed camera specs necessitates relying on market segment expectations.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo S30 utilizes the Qualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the X100 Ultra features the flagship SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The 8 Gen 3’s octa-core CPU, with its Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, offers a substantial performance advantage over the S30’s 2.8 GHz Cortex-720. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing and graphically intensive games. The X100 Ultra’s superior GPU will deliver significantly higher frame rates and better graphics fidelity. While both are built on a 4nm process, the 8 Gen 3’s architecture is more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load.

Battery Life

The vivo X100 Ultra demonstrates impressive battery life, achieving an active use score of 12:55h. While the S30’s battery capacity is unknown, the X100 Ultra’s longer runtime suggests a combination of a larger battery and the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Charging speeds differ: the S30 supports 90W wired charging, while the X100 Ultra offers 80W wired, 30W wireless, and reverse charging capabilities. The S30’s 90W charging may offer slightly faster 0-100% times, but the X100 Ultra’s wireless and reverse charging options provide added convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S30 if you need a stylish, capable phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and want to stay within a more reasonable budget. Buy the vivo X100 Ultra if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding games, professional photography, and extended usage, and are willing to pay a premium for a top-tier experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 in the vivo S30 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is a capable chip, Genshin Impact and similar graphically intensive games will likely require reduced graphics settings and may experience occasional frame drops. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not ideal for a consistently high-end experience.
❓ What charging protocols does the vivo X100 Ultra support beyond the listed PD, PPS, QC, and UFCS?
The inclusion of PPS and UFCS alongside PD and QC indicates broad compatibility with various chargers. PPS (Programmable Power Supply) allows for optimized charging profiles, while UFCS (Universal Fast Charging Standard) aims for interoperability across different brands. This ensures the X100 Ultra can leverage fast charging with a wide range of accessories.
❓ Is the 30W wireless charging on the X100 Ultra significantly faster than typical wireless charging?
Yes, 30W wireless charging is considerably faster than the 15W-20W commonly found on many smartphones. It will significantly reduce wireless charging times, bringing it closer to the speed of wired charging, though still slower than the 80W wired option.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, what can we expect from the S30's camera performance?
Based on its mid-range positioning, the S30's camera will likely perform well in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and vibrant photos. However, expect limitations in low-light scenarios, with more noise and less dynamic range compared to the X100 Ultra.