Vivo X100 Ultra underwater photography review: our 2026 test.

To learn how to get the most out of your gear underwater, discover the AquaExposure Training.

1. Introduction

When it comes to underwater photography with a smartphone, many people think it's just a gimmick. But the reality is different. The Vivo X100 Ultra arrives with some serious promises. We're not talking about raw performance on paper here. We're talking about what you can actually do with it, once you're underwater. In natural light, every detail counts. The quality of the optics, color management, and responsiveness are all crucial. This is a device that challenges existing norms. We put it to the test, as always. No frills, just our experience after several dives. Let's see what it has to offer for us, underwater photographers.

2. The Verdict in Summary

The Vivo X100 Ultra is a very good companion for underwater photography in natural light. It stands out for its optics and its ability to capture rich images. The key is to choose the right waterproof housing.

Overall score: 4.5/5

Ideal Profile: The underwater photographer who seeks image quality close to that of expert compact cameras, without being burdened by bulky equipment. You want photos ready to be shared, with the flexibility of RAW format. You are willing to invest in a good housing.

3. Block-by-block analysis

B1 - Optics

The Vivo X100 Ultra shines here. The Zeiss optics are what matter. The images are sharp, and the colors are accurate. In natural light, this is a huge advantage. You get impressive detail, even in deep blues. This is a real difference compared to other smartphones.

To learn more: The Vivo X100 Ultra features a Zeiss lens. Its main sensor is large, which allows it to capture more light and offer better dynamic range.

B2 - RAW

The ability to shoot in RAW format is present. This is a key feature for post-production. You can recover a lot of information from the shadows and highlights. This gives you great freedom to adjust white balance and colorimetry after your dive. The JPEG processing is already very good, but RAW opens up new possibilities.

To learn more: The Vivo X100 Ultra produces RAW files. This allows for non-destructive editing and better detail recovery.

B3 - Storage

Transferring photos is a real issue. With USB 3.2 (10 Gbps), you can quickly empty your memory card. Wi-Fi 7 is also an advantage for wireless transfers. This is great when you have hundreds of photos to manage after a day of diving. You don't waste time waiting.

The Vivo X100 Ultra is equipped with a USB 3.2 port offering data transfer rates of 10 Gbps. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast wireless connections.

B4 - Thermal

Heat management is always a concern underwater. The Vivo X100 Ultra performs well in this regard. It doesn't overheat too quickly, even when recording video. However, a good waterproof housing always helps to dissipate heat. It's a balance to find. We've seen worse, so it's a good performance.

To learn more: The design of the Vivo X100 Ultra incorporates thermal dissipation solutions. The internal temperature remains stable during extended use.

B5 - Battery

Battery life is crucial for a day of diving. The 5500 mAh battery in the Vivo X100 Ultra is generous. You can complete your three dives without worrying about running out of power. Remember to disable unnecessary functions while underwater. This is a good habit to develop to maximize battery life. You won't run out of juice.

For more details: The Vivo X100 Ultra is equipped with a 5500 mAh battery. Its power consumption is optimized for heavy use.

B6 - Autofocus

The autofocus is fast and accurate. This is a key feature for underwater photography. It locks onto subjects well, even when the light is a bit dim. You won't miss your shots due to focusing issues. It's a real comfort to use.

For more information: The autofocus system of the Vivo X100 Ultra uses advanced technologies for fast and accurate subject detection.

B7 - Enclosure

This is the crucial aspect when using the large sensors of the Vivo X100 Ultra. You need a suitable underwater housing. Generic housings will not be sufficient. The Divevolk Platinum is an option to consider. It's an investment, but it's necessary to protect your device and access all its functions. Don't neglect this point.

To learn more: The camera sensors in the Vivo X100 Ultra are large, which imposes specific constraints on the design of waterproof housings. The Divevolk Platinum is an example of a compatible housing.

4. What you need to know before buying.

Housing: As mentioned, the choice of housing is a crucial point. Forget about low-quality universal housings. You need a housing designed for large sensors. The Divevolk Platinum is a top option. Always check the exact compatibility with your specific model. This will ensure the safety of your device and the quality of your photos.

Workflow in the field: The Vivo X100 Ultra is fast. USB 3.2 makes it easy to download photos. Wi-Fi 7 is a plus for quick transfers. Remember to organize your files immediately after diving. It's a good habit to develop. You'll save time for post-production.

Points to consider: The size of the phone may make some cases a bit bulky. Make sure the grip feels comfortable for you. Overheating, although managed, remains a factor to monitor during long video sessions. It's a minor detail, but it matters.

Price: The Vivo X100 Ultra is a high-end device. Its price reflects this. However, for the image quality it offers, it's an investment that can be worthwhile. Especially if you want professional results without bulky equipment.

5. Our Verdict

The Vivo X100 Ultra is a real surprise. It shows that smartphones can compete with dedicated compact cameras for underwater photography in natural light. The Zeiss optics are a major asset. The image quality is excellent, RAW format is available, and the battery life is outstanding. The only real challenge is finding the right waterproof case. But once you overcome this hurdle, you have a powerful tool in your hands. This is a device that I recommend to demanding underwater photographers. It will not disappoint you.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Vivo X100 Ultra good for underwater photography?
• The Vivo X100 Ultra is an excellent choice for underwater photography in natural light. Its Zeiss optics and large sensor offer remarkable image quality. The real issue is finding the right waterproof housing and managing the workflow.
• What waterproof housing is needed for the Vivo X100 Ultra for diving?
• For the Vivo X100 Ultra, a housing like the Divevolk Platinum is necessary. The sensors are very large. Always check compatibility before purchasing. This is the key to a good experience.
• Does the Vivo X100 Ultra shoot in RAW format underwater?
• Yes, the Vivo X100 Ultra takes photos in RAW format. This is important for post-processing. You will have full flexibility to correct colors and exposure after the dive.
• What battery life can be expected for a day of 3 dives with the Vivo X100 Ultra?
• With its 5500 mAh battery, the Vivo X100 Ultra easily lasts a day of 3 dives. Remember to disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth underwater. This is good practice for saving battery power.

7. Learning underwater photography with this device.

You have the Vivo X100 Ultra and want to master underwater photography? That's an excellent starting point. Come discover our specialized training courses. We will teach you how to get the most out of your equipment, whether it's for composition, natural light, or post-production. Visit [Access a specialized course for smartphone and action camera photography](/en/blog/Overheating and condensation on a smartphone in an underwater housing.

Are you hesitating between several devices? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this device with other tested models.