Best Sell
Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Camera: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½
Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Battery Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4/5)
Introduction
Vivo has officially launched its Vivo V40 5G series in India, and the base variant comes packed with noteworthy enhancements, particularly in the camera department, thanks to ZEISS optics. This review explores the various features, performance metrics, design aspects, and whether the Vivo V40 can hold its ground against fierce competition in the mid-range segment.
Key Features
- ZEISS Optics: The V40 features camera systems co-engineered with ZEISS, enhancing overall imaging quality and versatility.
- IP68 Rating: Upgraded from the V30’s IP54 rating, the V40 can withstand dust and immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
- Battery: A robust 5,500mAh battery provides excellent longevity.
- Display: A large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness of 4,500 nits ensures vibrant visuals.
Design and Display
Design
- Sleek and Modern Aesthetic: The Vivo V40 showcases a contemporary design with a circular camera module positioned on the top-left corner of the back, accompanied by an Aura Light ring for enhanced photography. The device is available in three attractive colors: Titanium Grey, Lotus Purple, and Ganges Blue.
- Dimensions: At only 7.6mm thick and weighing 190 grams, the V40 is one of the slimmest phones in its class, making it comfortable for one-handed use.
Display
- Stunning AMOLED Screen: The 6.78-inch AMOLED display features a resolution of 1260×2800 pixels and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, which translates to sharp visuals and excellent color reproduction.
- High Refresh Rate: With a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen provides fluid navigation and responsiveness.
- Curved Edges: While some users may prefer flat panels, the curved sides offer a more immersive viewing experience. The display maintains excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera Setup
- Dual-Camera System: The V40 is equipped with a primary 50MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It is complemented by another 50MP ultra-wide lens with a 119-degree field of view.
- Aura Light: The circular Aura Light provides natural illumination for low-light photography, enhancing image quality without causing overexposure.
Camera Features
- ZEISS Multi-Focal Portrait: This feature allows capturing portrait shots at various focal lengths (24mm, 35mm, 50mm) with precise edge detection, providing versatile photography options.
- Multiple Bokeh Styles: The phone includes several ZEISS Style Bokeh effects (e.g., Cinematic, Planar, Sonnar) that enhance the creative possibilities for portrait photography.
Image Quality
- Images taken with the V40 are aesthetically pleasing, displaying vibrant colors and good dynamic range.
- Detail Retention Issues: While portrait shots are commendable, some images may lack fine details, particularly towards the edges, compared to rivals in the same price range.
Performance
Processor and RAM
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3: The device continues to utilize the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, which may disappoint users expecting a significant upgrade over the V30. However, it handles day-to-day tasks effectively.
- RAM and Storage Options: The V40 offers up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The review unit featured 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, sufficient for multitasking.
Benchmark Performance
- AnTuTu Benchmark: In tests, the V40’s performance was respectable but slightly lagged behind competitors like the Realme GT 6T, which features a more powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset.
- Geekbench Scores: The V40 outperformed the Motorola Edge 50 Pro but still fell short compared to the Realme GT 6T in raw processing power.
Gaming Performance
- Heat Management: The V40 performed well in gaming scenarios, maintaining efficiency under pressure, although competitors showed slightly better performance.
Software
- FunTouchOS 14: The V40 runs on Android 14 with Vivo’s FunTouchOS 14, offering a clean user interface and smooth animations, bolstered by the 120Hz display.
- Pre-installed Apps: The phone comes with several pre-installed apps, including Vivo’s V-Appstore and iManager, though users reported minimal bloatware.
Battery Life and Charging
- Capacity: The 5,500mAh battery provides exceptional daily performance, lasting throughout the day under typical usage conditions.
- PCMark Test: Achieved a commendable battery life of around 13 hours during testing, aligning with competitor performance.
- Fast Charging: The V40 supports 80W fast charging, allowing rapid recharging to minimize downtime.
- Gaming Impact: During gaming tests (BGMI, Call of Duty, etc.), the phone experienced a 16% battery drop over 90 minutes, which is lower than some rivals, showcasing its efficiency.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✅ ZEISS-Branded Camera: Enhanced photography features.
- ✅ Sleek Design: Slim and lightweight build.
- ✅ Vibrant AMOLED Display: High refresh rate for smooth visuals.
Cons
- ❌Performance lags behind some competitors due to the older chipset.
- ❌Occasional detail retention issues in captured images.
Final Verdict
The Vivo V40 5G stands out with meaningful enhancements over its predecessor, particularly in design, display, and camera capabilities. Priced starting at ₹34,999, it presents a competitive option in the mid-range market. However, its reliance on the older Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor may deter performance-focused users, especially against competitors like the Realme GT 6T.
