Vivo V50 Review: A Stylish Mid-Premium Smartphone with Impressive Features

The Vivo V50 is an intriguing addition to the mid-premium smartphone market, an area that has seen increased competition from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Poco, all striving to excel in features and performance. The Vivo V50 is a direct descendant of the V40 series, offering significant improvements that are undoubtedly appealing.

This smartphone boasts an elegant quad-curved display, an impressive battery, and enhanced AI-driven software functionalities. However, the question arises: does it justify its price? An in-depth exploration of the device was undertaken to uncover the answer.

Design and Build: Quad-Curved Display Done Right

The Vivo V50 exudes a premium feel, attributed to its sleek and rounded design. This model is available in three finishes: Titanium Grey, Starry Night, and Rose Red. The Starry Night variant features a distinctive deep blue starry finish. Unlike earlier models, the camera module design has been improved, with its keyhole shape blending seamlessly due to a matte finish. Additionally, the Aura ring light has been enlarged, providing superior illumination for photography and videography.

Vivo’s attention to ergonomics has been commendable this time around. The satin-like rear panel offers a pleasant grip, while the chrome-finished polycarbonate frame effectively reduces weight. Weighing in at 199 grams, the phone maintains a well-balanced design that doesn’t feel cumbersome.

A standout feature is its micro quad-curved display, introducing a slight immersive quality without compromising the content’s visibility. The design has been executed flawlessly, dodging the common issue of unintentional touches associated with curved screens. The harmonious design of the curved display, mid-frame, and back panel brings to mind the smooth lines of older iPhones.

The IP68 and IP69 ratings ensure strong protection against dust and water; however, it is essential to note that water damage is not included in the warranty policy.

Display: Looks Great, Works Great

The display on the Vivo V50 captivates with its minimal bezels and striking 4500-nit peak brightness, ensuring excellent readability in outdoor conditions. Nonetheless, occasional reflections can arise due to the curved edges when exposed to bright light.

The screen’s compatibility with HDR10 content enhances the viewing experience, with colours appearing lifelike across different lighting scenarios. However, a downgrade is observed when compared to the previous Vivo V40, as the resolution has decreased from 2800 × 1260 pixels to 2392 × 1080 pixels. This is not a substantial issue in day-to-day operations, though it does slightly affect sharpness.

Software: AI Features That Are a Hit or Miss

Operating System: Funtouch OS 15 (based on Android 15)
Software Updates: 3 years of OS updates, 4 years of security updates

Funtouch OS 15 introduces an array of AI-driven tools, though their effectiveness in real-world scenarios is variable. The AI Erase feature, aimed at image editing, struggled with object removal and didn’t yield clean outcomes. On a more positive note, the AI Call Translator performed admirably for Hindi and Marathi speakers, provided fluency was maintained.

The customisation aspect remains strong, offering a wide selection of theme and icon personalisation options. The user interface appears smoother and generally more stable compared to prior models, despite minor lag issues that were addressed through updates.

Performance: Gets the Job Done, But Lags Behind Competitors

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
RAM: 12GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 256GB UFS 2.2

Although upgraded to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, the Vivo V50’s performance may leave it behind competitors who offer Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 models at comparable prices.

Basic tasks such as web browsing, social media usage, and app navigation run smoothly, while gaming experiences can vary. For instance, Call of Duty Mobile faced difficulties maintaining consistent frame rates, whereas Asphalt Legends: Unite functioned well at maximum settings.

Benchmark scores support these observations:

• Vivo V50 (Snapdragon 7 Gen 3) – AnTuTu v10: 820,958
• Realme GT 6 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3) – AnTuTu v10: 1,405,190
• Poco F6 (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3) – AnTuTu v10: 1,457,491

Clearly, for those prioritising gaming performance or exceptional processing power, alternative options within this price range might be preferable.

Audio output is satisfactory, although the stereo speakers are somewhat lacking in bass. The haptic feedback also falls short, making the tactile experience less refined when compared to rivals.

Cameras

Primary Camera: 50MP (f/1.8) with OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera: 50MP (f/2.0)
Front Camera: 50MP (f/2.0)

The primary 50MP sensor is capable of producing respectable photographs in daylight, showcasing accurate colour reproduction and a good dynamic range.

The 50MP ultra-wide sensor offers mixed results. While most images appear acceptable, they can sometimes exhibit distortion, purple fringing, and overzealous noise reduction, resulting in flat textures. Nighttime photography may lose detail in shadowed areas; however, noise seems controlled, although the final images often lack intricate details.

The ultra-wide lens also serves as a macro lens for close-up captures. While these images are functional, they tend to be over-sharpened and lack a natural aesthetic.

Portrait mode excels with natural background blurring, though edge detection can be inconsistent. The improved Aura ring light shines in the realm of selfies, enabling well-lit captures even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Video capabilities are adequate with options for 1080p and 4K at 30fps. Stabilisation is effective, although video performance in low-light settings suffers from noticeable grain and overblown highlights.

Battery: The Real MVP

Capacity: 6000mAh
Wired Charging: 90W
Wireless Charging: Not available

The battery longevity of the Vivo V50 stands out as one of its most admirable features. With typical usage, the device comfortably lasts over a day and a half. Even power users engaging in gaming, streaming videos, and multitasking can expect a full day of usage on a single charge.

The charging speed is also noteworthy. With 90W wired charging, the phone can go from nearly empty to fully charged in around 45 minutes, making it an excellent choice for users with busy lifestyles.

The Vivo V50 strikes a balance with its design, battery performance, and selfie capabilities, appealing particularly to those who value aesthetics and longevity over sheer power. The quad-curved display and IP69 certification contribute to its premium feel, while AI software features add intriguing tools.