Tag: Aura light

  • Vivo V27

    The Vivo V27 launched in India in March 2023 at Rs 32,999 for 8 GB plus 128 GB, aimed at style- and selfie-focused buyers. Its Magic Blue variant has a colour-changing back that shifts shade under sunlight, and the phone is slim and light despite its large display, positioning it against the Oppo Reno 8T and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED runs at 120Hz and looks premium. The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 was a new chip at the time, efficient and capable for everyday use and moderate gaming. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 is feature-rich and fluid, but it comes with a batch of preinstalled apps that need to be cleared out after setup.

    Photography is the focus. The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS is paired with an 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro, and the ring-shaped Aura Light gives soft, adjustable lighting for night portraits. The 50 MP autofocus front camera is excellent. The 4600 mAh battery with 66W charging lasts a day. Rivals offered more performance for the money, but few matched its portrait results.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 32,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 7200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP main (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMagic Blue, Noble Black

    What we like

    • Colour-changing back design
    • Aura Light for night portraits
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light

    What could be better

    • Performance modest for the price
    • Preinstalled apps in Funtouch OS
    • No official IP rating

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious buyers who take a lot of selfies and night portraits.

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

  • Vivo Y200

    Vivo launched the Y200 in India in October 2023, borrowing design cues from the V-series, including a slim profile and the Aura light ring for portraits. It was largely sold through offline retail stores, where Vivo has a strong presence, and competed with the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Oppo A79 and Redmi Note 12 5G.

    The 6.67-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz looks vibrant and smooth, giving it an edge over many LCD rivals at retail. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is an entry-level 5G chip, suitable for calls, social media and streaming but limited for gaming. Critics noted that the price was high for this level of performance. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered the usual Vivo features.

    The 64 MP main camera with OIS takes stable daytime photos, and the Aura light helps illuminate faces at night. The 2 MP depth sensor adds little. The 16 MP selfie camera is decent for video calls. The 4,800 mAh battery with 44W charging lasts a day. Buyers focused on value could get faster chips online for less, but the Y200's looks and retail availability appealed to many.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 21,999 (base variant)
    India launchOctober 2023
    SegmentMid-range
    Display6.67-inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB
    Rear cameras64 MP main with OIS + 2 MP depth
    Front camera16 MP
    Battery4800 mAh
    Charging44W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    ColoursJungle Green, Desert Gold

    What we like

    • Slim and stylish design
    • 120Hz AMOLED display
    • OIS main camera with Aura light
    • Widely available in offline stores

    What could be better

    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is underpowered for the price
    • No ultrawide camera
    • Online rivals offer better value

    Who should buy it

    Offline shoppers who want a stylish, slim phone with a good display.

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

  • 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 V27 Pro

    Vivo launched the V27 Pro in India in March 2023 as a fashion-forward phone with a colour-changing rear panel that shifted shade under sunlight. The V-series has always prioritised design and selfie cameras, and the V27 Pro followed that formula while adding a capable Dimensity 8200 chip. It competed with the Oppo Reno 8 Pro, OnePlus 11R and Samsung Galaxy A54.

    The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display at 120Hz is vivid and immersive, and the slim body feels light for its size. Dimensity 8200 provides strong performance that comfortably handles gaming and multitasking, better than the Exynos chip in the Galaxy A54. Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 offered plenty of customisation, but reviewers continued to note duplicated apps and preinstalled software.

    The 50 MP Sony IMX766V main camera with OIS performs well, and Vivo's Aura light ring helps with portraits at night. The 8 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro are secondary. A 50 MP autofocus selfie camera remains a V-series strength. The 4,600 mAh battery with 66W charging gets through a day. Against the OnePlus 11R, it offered a nicer design and selfie camera but less raw performance.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 37,999 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2023
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display6.78-inch, Curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080 x 2400
    ProcessorMediaTek Dimensity 8200
    RAM8 GB / 12 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras50 MP Sony IMX766V main with OIS + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro
    Front camera50 MP
    Battery4600 mAh
    Charging66W wired
    Software at launchAndroid 13, Funtouch OS 13
    5GYes
    Headphone jackNo
    ColoursMagic Blue, Noble Black

    What we like

    • Colour-changing back is eye-catching
    • Strong Dimensity 8200 performance
    • 50 MP autofocus selfie camera
    • Slim and light design

    What could be better

    • Smaller 4,600 mAh battery
    • Weak ultrawide and macro cameras
    • Bloatware in Funtouch OS

    Who should buy it

    Style-conscious users who take lots of selfies and want solid performance.

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