Category: Mobiles

  • Vivo V29

    The Vivo V29 launched in India in October 2023 with a focus on design, portraits and durability. It brought an IP68 rating to the V-series for the first time in this price range, along with a curved 1.5K AMOLED display and a slim, colourful body. Competitors included the Samsung Galaxy A54, Oppo Reno 10 and Nothing Phone (2).

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED panel offers a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and looks excellent. The Snapdragon 778G was an older chip by then, but it remained efficient and handled most games well. The phone's thin profile and light weight made it comfortable to carry. Funtouch OS 13 offered good features but shipped with apps that many users would rather remove.

    The 50 MP main camera with OIS, paired with the Smart Aura light, produces flattering portraits in dim conditions, while the 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro play supporting roles. A 50 MP autofocus front camera continues Vivo's selfie focus. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging gives a day of use and refills quickly. The Galaxy A54 offered longer updates, but the V29 had a better display and faster charging.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 778G
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursHimalayan Blue, Majestic Red, Space Black

    What we like

    • Sharp 1.5K curved AMOLED display
    • IP68 rating in a slim body
    • Aura light improves night portraits
    • 80W fast charging

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 778G was ageing
    • Average secondary cameras
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Portrait lovers who want a slim, water-resistant phone with a great screen.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo V29 Pro

    Launched alongside the V29 in October 2023, the V29 Pro targeted buyers who wanted better portrait photography and stronger performance. It added a dedicated 2x portrait telephoto camera and the more powerful Dimensity 8200, while keeping the slim curved design. Competition came from the OnePlus 11R, Oppo Reno 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display offers 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Dimensity 8200 delivers noticeably quicker performance than the standard V29's Snapdragon 778G, with better gaming frame rates and app loading. The thin body and smooth glass finish make it feel premium. Funtouch OS 13 was the same as on the V29, with useful features and some clutter.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766 main camera, 12 MP Sony IMX663 portrait telephoto with 2x zoom and 8 MP ultrawide form a flexible setup, and the Aura light helps with portraits at night. The 50 MP front camera captures detailed selfies. The 4,600 mAh battery with 80W charging is adequate. For buyers who wanted a telephoto lens below 40,000 rupees, it was among the few choices at the time.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 39,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX766 main + 12 MP Sony IMX663 2x portrait telephoto + 8 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Dedicated 2x portrait telephoto
    • Dimensity 8200 performance
    • Sharp curved AMOLED display
    • Aura light for night portraits

    What could be better

    • 4,600 mAh battery is modest
    • Priced close to the OnePlus 11R
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Portrait photographers who want a telephoto lens in a slim mid-range phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (October 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo V30

    Vivo launched the V30 in India in March 2024 with a focus on a slim design that still packed a 5,000 mAh battery, along with a larger Aura light for portraits. It targeted the same buyers as the Samsung Galaxy A55, Oppo Reno 11 and Nothing Phone (2a), particularly those who value photography and looks over gaming performance.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1260 x 2800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and it is bright enough for comfortable outdoor use. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers efficient, steady performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming. Its thin profile remains one of the slimmest among phones with a 5,000 mAh battery. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was tidier than before.

    The camera setup includes a 50 MP main sensor with OIS and a 50 MP ultrawide, a welcome upgrade over the usual 8 MP ultrawide in this segment. The 50 MP selfie camera continues Vivo's tradition. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a full day. The Galaxy A55 offered better build quality and longer updates, but the V30 had a nicer display and a more capable ultrawide.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 33,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAndaman Blue, Peacock Green, Classic Black

    What we like

    • Slim body with a 5,000 mAh battery
    • 50 MP ultrawide camera
    • Bright curved AMOLED display
    • Larger Aura light

    What could be better

    • Only IP54 protection
    • Modest gaming performance
    • Funtouch OS preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a thin, stylish phone with good portraits and wide-angle shots.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo V30 Pro

    The V30 Pro launched in India in March 2024 and was the first V-series phone to carry Zeiss-branded optics, previously reserved for Vivo's X flagships. It added a 50 MP 2x portrait telephoto camera and the Dimensity 8200 chip, positioning it against the Oppo Reno 11 Pro, OnePlus 12R and Samsung Galaxy A55 for buyers focused on photography.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display offers 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, with good brightness. The Dimensity 8200 handled gaming and multitasking smoothly, though the OnePlus 12R's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 was clearly faster. The slim body still housed a 5,000 mAh battery, and the large Aura light returned. IP54 protection was modest for the price.

    All three rear cameras are 50 MP: a main sensor with OIS, an ultrawide and a 2x portrait telephoto, with Zeiss colour profiles and bokeh styles. Portraits were the standout, rivalling more expensive phones. The 50 MP autofocus selfie camera is excellent. The 5,000 mAh battery with 80W charging lasts a day. Buyers choosing between this and the OnePlus 12R traded performance for portrait quality.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 41,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x portrait telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP54
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAndaman Blue, Classic Black

    What we like

    • Zeiss-tuned triple 50 MP cameras
    • Excellent portrait telephoto
    • Slim design with 5,000 mAh battery
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera

    What could be better

    • Slower than the OnePlus 12R
    • Only IP54 rating
    • Funtouch OS clutter

    Who should buy it

    Portrait-focused buyers who want Zeiss tuning below flagship prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo V40

    The Vivo V40 launched in India in August 2024, bringing Zeiss optics down to the standard V model and adding IP68 and IP69 ratings. It kept the slim curved design while increasing the battery to 5,500 mAh. Rivals included the Samsung Galaxy A55, Oppo Reno 12 Pro and Motorola Edge 50 Pro.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh is sharp and bright. Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 again provides reliable performance for everyday use and moderate gaming. The new dust and water ratings meant the V40 could handle submersion and high-pressure water jets, a rare combination at this price. Funtouch OS 14 continued with useful features and some preloaded apps.

    Dual 50 MP cameras, a main sensor with OIS and an ultrawide, benefit from Zeiss colour science, giving natural tones and pleasing bokeh. The Aura light helps in low light. The 50 MP selfie camera remains a strength. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging easily lasts a full day. Compared with the Galaxy A55, it offered faster charging, a bigger battery and better water resistance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 34,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursTitanium Grey, Ganges Blue, Lotus Purple

    What we like

    • Zeiss-tuned dual 50 MP cameras
    • 5,500 mAh battery in a slim body
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • Sharp curved display

    What could be better

    • No telephoto camera
    • Performance is merely adequate
    • Preinstalled apps

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a slim, rugged mid-range phone with strong portraits and battery life.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo V40 Pro

    Launched in August 2024 alongside the V40, the V40 Pro brought a flagship-grade Dimensity 9200+ chip and a 50 MP 2x telephoto to the V-series. It positioned itself against the OnePlus 12R, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Oppo Reno 12 Pro for buyers who wanted premium portraits and solid performance in a slim body.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display has a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. Dimensity 9200+ delivers near-flagship performance, comfortably handling high-end games and heavy multitasking. The V40 Pro retained the slim profile and added IP68 and IP69 protection. Funtouch OS 14 provided solid features, but bloatware remained a criticism in reviews.

    Three 50 MP rear cameras, comprising main, ultrawide and a 2x telephoto, use Zeiss optics and colour profiles, producing excellent portraits with natural skin tones. The 50 MP selfie camera is also strong. The 5,500 mAh battery with 80W charging delivers all-day endurance. Against the OnePlus 12R, it offered better portraits and water resistance, though OnePlus had a slight edge in gaming performance and software cleanliness.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 49,999 (base variant)
    India launchAugust 2024
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9200+
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main with OIS + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 2x telephoto
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery5500 mAh
    Charging80W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9200+ near-flagship performance
    • Zeiss triple 50 MP cameras with telephoto
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings
    • 5,500 mAh battery

    What could be better

    • Priced close to flagship killers
    • No wireless charging
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship-level portraits and performance in a slim mid-premium phone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (August 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo X100

    Vivo brought the X100 to India in January 2024 as the more accessible sibling of the X100 Pro. It used the same flagship Dimensity 9300 chip and Zeiss branding, but swapped the 1-inch sensor for a smaller main camera and added a 64 MP telephoto periscope. It competed directly with the OnePlus 12, iQOO 12 and Samsung Galaxy S24 in the 60,000 to 80,000 rupee range.

    The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers 120Hz refresh and high peak brightness, and the curved edges give it a refined look. Dimensity 9300's all-big-core design delivers performance on par with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals, and sustained gaming was strong. Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14 was functional, though it lacked the polish of Samsung's One UI and still shipped with extra apps.

    The camera system is versatile: a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 64 MP 3x telephoto that delivers good zoom and portrait shots. The 5,000 mAh battery with 120W charging is faster than the OnePlus 12's 80W, but wireless charging is absent, which the OnePlus and Galaxy S24 both offered. For buyers who wanted a capable telephoto camera and flagship speed at a lower price, it was an appealing choice.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 63,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9300
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 64 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5000 mAh
    Charging120W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAsteroid Black, Stargaze Blue

    What we like

    • Dimensity 9300 flagship performance
    • Versatile camera with 3x telephoto
    • 120W fast charging
    • IP68 rating

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Funtouch OS feels cluttered
    • Main sensor smaller than the Pro's

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want flagship performance and a capable zoom camera without paying Pro-level prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo X100 Pro

    The X100 Pro launched in India in January 2024 as Vivo's top camera phone, building on the X90 Pro with a new periscope telephoto and a larger battery. Sold in a single 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage configuration, it went head to head with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro and OnePlus 12 for buyers who wanted the most capable camera possible.

    Its 6.78-inch curved LTPO AMOLED display is bright and smooth at 120Hz. The Dimensity 9300 offered top-tier performance with good efficiency, and Vivo's V3 imaging chip handled computational photography and video. The large camera ring and glass back with an orange-peel finish look striking but add weight. Funtouch OS 14 was capable, though not as clean as Pixel software.

    The 1-inch Sony IMX989 main sensor delivers rich detail and excellent low-light photos, while the 50 MP periscope telephoto with about 4.3x optical zoom became one of the best portrait and zoom cameras of 2024. The 5,400 mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. It lacked the S24 Ultra's stylus and seven years of updates, but for pure photography it was a serious rival.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,999 (base variant)
    India launchJanuary 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, LTPO, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9300
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP 1-inch Sony IMX989 main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5400 mAh
    Charging100W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 14, Funtouch OS 14
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursAsteroid Black

    What we like

    • Outstanding 1-inch main camera
    • Excellent periscope telephoto for portraits
    • Large battery with fast wired and wireless charging
    • Bright LTPO display

    What could be better

    • Heavy and top-heavy camera bump
    • Only one configuration in India
    • Shorter update promise than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Photographers who want one of the best zoom and low-light cameras of 2024.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (January 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo X200

    The Vivo X200 launched in India in December 2024 and stood out for bringing a periscope telephoto camera to a phone priced well below the usual Pro models. It used MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9400 and a flat-edged design that felt more compact than the curvy X100. Rivals included the OnePlus 13, iQOO 13 and Samsung Galaxy S24.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display has slim bezels and a 120Hz refresh rate, making the phone easier to handle than most flagships. Dimensity 9400 performance is excellent in games and multitasking, with efficient thermals. IP68 and IP69 ratings add rare protection against high-pressure water. Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15 brought cleaner design than before, though some preinstalled apps remained.

    The triple 50 MP camera system includes a main sensor, an ultrawide and a 3x periscope telephoto, giving genuinely useful zoom and portrait flexibility. Vivo's tuning produces natural colours and strong low-light results. The 5,800 mAh battery with 90W charging offers excellent endurance, though wireless charging is missing. Compared with the OnePlus 13, it traded wireless charging for a sharper telephoto camera at a lower price.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 65,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400
    RAM12 GB / 16 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main + 50 MP ultrawide + 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery5800 mAh
    Charging90W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmos Black, Natural Green

    What we like

    • Periscope telephoto at a lower flagship price
    • Dimensity 9400 performance
    • 5,800 mAh battery
    • IP68 and IP69 protection

    What could be better

    • No wireless charging
    • Some bloatware remains
    • Flat design lacks the drama of the Pro

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact-feeling flagship with real zoom capability.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Vivo X200 Pro

    Vivo's X200 Pro arrived in India in December 2024 with the headline 200 MP Zeiss periscope telephoto camera, aimed at buyers who wanted the strongest zoom outside the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It competed with the Samsung flagship, the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Oppo Find X8 Pro, and was sold in a single high-end configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display is bright, sharp and smooth at 120Hz. The Dimensity 9400 delivers flagship performance with good efficiency, and the phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings. Its large circular camera island and heft make it a two-handed device. Funtouch OS 15 is more refined than earlier versions but still includes some third-party apps out of the box.

    The main camera uses a large Sony LYT-818 sensor, paired with a 50 MP ultrawide and the 200 MP 3.7x periscope telephoto, which produces detailed zoom shots and impressive portraits. The 6,000 mAh battery offers excellent endurance, with 90W wired and 30W wireless charging. Against the S24 Ultra, it lacked a stylus and seven-year update promise but often matched or beat Samsung on telephoto and low-light results.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 94,999 (base variant)
    India launchDecember 2024
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1260 x 2800
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 9400
    RAM16 GB
    Storage512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony LYT-818 main + 50 MP ultrawide + 200 MP 3.7x periscope telephoto
    Front camera32 MP
    Battery6000 mAh
    Charging90W wired, wireless
    Software at launchAndroid 15, Funtouch OS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68, IP69
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursCosmos Black, Titanium Grey

    What we like

    • 200 MP periscope telephoto is superb
    • Excellent low-light main camera
    • 6,000 mAh battery with wireless charging
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings

    What could be better

    • Heavy and bulky
    • Single expensive configuration
    • Shorter software support than Samsung

    Who should buy it

    Zoom and portrait photography enthusiasts who want an alternative to the Galaxy Ultra.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (December 2024). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.