Vivo V Series Review: The Latest Selfie Smartphone Tested
Design and Build: Sleek and Stylish
The Vivo V50 sports a refined design that feels premium despite its mid-range positioning. With a slim profile and a weight of under 200g, it’s surprisingly light for a phone packing a massive 6,000mAh battery. The matte glass back, available in eye-catching colors like Rose Red and Starry Night, resists fingerprints and adds a touch of elegance. The flat 6.77-inch AMOLED display, protected by Diamond Shield Glass, offers a vibrant 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and visuals. The curved glass edges give it a flagship-like feel, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. Additionally, the IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance ensures durability, a rare feature in this price segment.
Camera Performance: A Selfie Powerhouse
The Vivo V Series has always been synonymous with exceptional front-facing cameras, and the V50 doesn’t disappoint. Its 50MP autofocus selfie camera delivers sharp, detailed shots with vibrant colors, even in low-light conditions, thanks to the improved Aura Light flash that adjusts color temperature for natural tones. The collaboration with Zeiss ensures top-notch image processing, with modes like Vivid, Textured, and Zeiss Natural allowing users to customize their photo style. The Portrait mode, with options for 23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm focal lengths, creates stunning depth-of-field effects, making selfies look professional-grade.
On the rear, the V50 features a triple-camera setup: a 50MP main camera with an OmniVision OV50e sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP portrait sensor. These cameras, all Zeiss-tuned, produce balanced images with excellent dynamic range and minimal noise, even in challenging lighting. The main camera excels in daylight and low-light scenarios, while the ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes without significant distortion. The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens is offset by the ability to achieve good-quality 2-4x zoom shots. The V50’s macro mode, particularly the super macro option, delivers impressive close-up shots, making it one of the best mid-range phones for macro photography.
Video recording is equally impressive, with support for 4K at 30/60fps across all lenses and ultra-stabilization for smooth footage. The AI-powered features, like AI Eraser for removing unwanted objects and AI Photo Enhancer for restoring old photos, add practical value to the photography experience.
Performance and Software: Smooth and Reliable
Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, the Vivo V50 handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming with ease. Available in configurations up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, it offers smooth multitasking and ample space for media. In performance tests, the V50 maintained about 70% of its peak performance under stress, which is commendable for a mid-range device. The phone runs Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, providing a clean and intuitive interface, though it comes with some pre-installed bloatware that can be uninstalled. Vivo promises three major OS updates, ensuring longevity.
AI features like AI Transcript Assist and AI Screen Translation are included, but they require further refinement to be truly reliable. Still, they show Vivo’s commitment to integrating modern tech trends. The phone’s performance is buttery smooth, with no noticeable lag during regular use, making it a joy for casual users and content creators alike.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power
The V50’s 6,000mAh battery is a standout feature, offering up to two days of regular use, including browsing, streaming, and photography. The 90W fast charging support ensures the phone goes from 0 to 100% in under 40 minutes, and the included 90W charger in the box is a nice touch. The battery’s longevity and fast charging make it ideal for users who are constantly on the go.
The Selfie Smartphone Legacy
The Vivo V Series has a storied history of prioritizing selfie quality, dating back to models like the V23 Pro with its dual-selfie camera setup and innovative features like color-changing back panels. The V50 builds on this legacy by combining a high-resolution autofocus selfie camera with Zeiss optics and smart software enhancements. Compared to competitors like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ or Poco X7 Pro, the V50’s camera system, particularly for selfies and portraits, stands out for its consistency and quality. However, its availability is initially limited to Asian and Middle Eastern markets, which may hinder its global reach.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional 50MP autofocus selfie camera with Zeiss tuning
- Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Massive 6,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging
- IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance
- Versatile rear camera system with excellent macro capabilities
Cons:
- No dedicated telephoto lens
- Limited global availability
- Some AI features need refinement
- Minor bloatware in Funtouch OS
Verdict
The Vivo V50 is a stellar addition to the V Series, delivering on its promise as a selfie-focused smartphone while offering a well-rounded experience. Its camera system, bolstered by Zeiss optics, sets a high standard for mid-range devices, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts. The sleek design, vibrant display, and impressive battery life further enhance its appeal. While it faces stiff competition from brands like Redmi and Poco, the V50’s focus on photography and selfies gives it a unique edge. If you’re in a market where the V50 is available and love capturing stunning selfies or portraits, this phone is worth hunting down.
For more details on pricing and availability, check Vivo’s official website at vivo.com
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