Vivo V Flip Review: Latest Compact Foldable Tested

In a world where smartphones seem to grow larger by the year, the allure of a compact, pocketable device that unfolds into a full-fledged screen is undeniable. Enter the Vivo V Flip – Vivo's bold entry into the clamshell foldable arena, launched in late 2024 as a refined evolution of its predecessor, the X Flip. Priced starting around $850 (roughly ₹71,000), this isn't just another foldable; it's a stylish statement piece designed for those who crave portability without sacrificing performance. I've spent the past month putting the V Flip through its paces – from urban commutes to late-night photo sessions – and it's safe to say this little flipper packs a punch. But does it flip the script on the competition like the Galaxy Z Flip6 or Motorola Razr 2024? Let's dive in.

Design and Build: Sleek, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Luxe

First impressions? The V Flip feels like a premium accessory you'd spot in a high-end boutique. At just 7.2mm thick when unfolded and weighing 192g, it's lighter than its 2023 counterpart, thanks to Vivo's upgraded aerospace-grade aluminum hinge and carbon fiber reinforcements. The exterior sports a vegan leather back in three eye-catching finishes: Silk Gold (my personal fave for its pearlescent shimmer), Diamond Black, and Rhombic Purple. It's fingerprint-resistant and grippy – no more slippery disasters mid-commute.

The hinge is a standout: buttery smooth with multi-angle hover support, letting you prop it up at 90 degrees for hands-free video calls or TikTok scrolling. Crease? Barely noticeable, thanks to the 5.5mm water-drop design and ultra-thin glass (UTG). No IP rating yet (a Vivo staple we're hoping changes in future iterations), but it held up fine in a light drizzle during my tests. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button is lightning-fast and intuitive.

In a sea of slab phones, the V Flip's compact folded form (about the size of a wallet) makes it a joy for one-handed use. It's not just functional; it's fun – like carrying a modern take on the flip phones of yore.

Displays: Big Screen Energy in a Tiny Package

Foldables live or die by their screens, and the V Flip delivers dual delights. The inner 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED unfolds to a vibrant 1080 x 2520 resolution canvas with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Peak brightness hits 1,200 nits, making it legible even under harsh sunlight – I streamed Netflix on a beach without squinting. Colors pop with 1 billion shades, and the always-on display is customizable with fun widgets.

But the real game-changer is the cover screen: a landscape-oriented 3.3-inch AMOLED at 422 x 682 pixels (267ppi). It's larger and more versatile than the X Flip's, supporting over 35 apps right out of the box – think full WeChat replies, Instagram scrolling, or even quick camera previews without unfolding. Gestures mirror the main screen (swipe up for home, down for notifications), and it doubles as a "magic mirror" for low-angle selfies. Sure, it's not as expansive as the Razr's, but for quick checks or music controls, it's a productivity booster. No burn-in issues after weeks of use, either.

Performance: Snappy and Sustainable

Under the hood, the V Flip rocks a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (an upgrade from the X Flip's 8+ Gen 1), paired with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. It's a beast for multitasking: I juggled 15 Chrome tabs, edited 4K videos in CapCut, and gamed Genshin Impact at high settings without a stutter. Benchmarks? AnTuTu scores hover around 1.2 million, edging out the Galaxy Z Flip6's 1.1 million.

Running OriginOS 4 (based on Android 14), it's smooth but bloaty – expect some pre-installed apps. Vivo promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, which is solid for the category. Heat management is improved with a larger vapor chamber, keeping things cool during extended sessions. If you're importing (more on that later), sideloading Google services is straightforward.

Camera: Zeiss Magic in a Foldable Form

Cameras on foldables have historically been meh, but Vivo's Zeiss-tuned setup flips that narrative. The rear duo includes a 50MP main sensor (IMX866, f/1.75, OIS, laser AF) and a 12MP ultrawide (106° FOV, autofocus for macro). Daytime shots are sharp with natural colors and excellent dynamic range – shadows lift without blowing out highlights. Low-light performance shines (pun intended), with Night mode auto-kicking in for balanced, noise-free images.

The ultrawide holds its own, capturing expansive landscapes with minimal distortion. Portraits? Chef's kiss – the hover hinge lets you frame shots creatively, and Zeiss bokeh is buttery. Video tops out at 4K@60fps with solid stabilization, though 8K is absent. Selfies via the 32MP inner punch-hole are detailed, but the 16MP cover-screen shooter is better for quick snaps.

Compared to rivals, it outpunches the Razr's setup in consistency but trails the Flip6's versatility. Fun modes like vintage film filters add flair – my Instagram feed thanks me.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Warrior

Here's where the V Flip flexes: a 4,500mAh silicon-carbon battery (up from 4,400mAh) that crushes endurance tests. I clocked 12-14 hours of mixed use (social media, streaming, calls) on a single charge, with 23 hours of video playback in lab sims. Web browsing? 19 hours easy. It's the best in class, outlasting the Flip6 by 20%.

Charging is 45W wired (full in 65 minutes, 53% in 30), but no wireless – a glaring omission in 2025. Reverse charging is handy for earbuds, though.

Software and Extras: Feature-Packed but China-Centric

OriginOS 4 brings atomic cards for the cover screen, AI photo enhancements, and customizable animations. It's playful, with fun lock screen effects, but the lack of global Google integration means extra setup for non-Chinese users. NFC works for payments post-tweak, and 5G/Wi-Fi 7 are future-proof.

Pros and Cons

A Flip Worth Taking, If You Can Get It

The Vivo V Flip earns a solid 8.5/10 – it's a compact powerhouse that nails the foldable fantasy with style, stamina, and shutterbug prowess. It's more practical than playful, outshining the X Flip in battery and screen real estate while holding its own against pricier foes. If you're tired of bulky phones and want a foldable that feels like jewelry, this is it.

The catch? It's primarily China-exclusive, so importing via sites like AliExpress is your best bet (expect $900-1,000 shipped). For global folks, the Galaxy Z Flip6 edges it with better software support, but at a premium. Vivo, bring this beauty worldwide – the world needs more flips like this.