The Vivo V50 is a phone that promises a balanced blend of style and substance
Positioned as a mid-range contender at around ₹35,000, the V50 carries forward much of the DNA of its predecessor, the V40, while incorporating some new twists.
Let’s find out what’s new and if the Vivo V50 justifies its price.
Design & Build
At first glance, the Vivo V50 immediately stands out for its distinctive design. Borrowing heavily from the V40, Vivo has opted to retain the familiar aesthetic while upgrading the structural details.
Instead of the dual-curved panels seen on previous models, the V50 is adorned with quad micro-curved front and rear panels. This subtle refinement gives the phone a more dynamic look that captures the light in intriguing ways.
The Starry Night colourway of our review unit is particularly amazing. This finish is far more than a simple paint job; it boasts multiple layers of texture that artfully replicate the appearance of a night sky, complete with auroras and twinkling stars.
The effect is so deep and layered that it surpasses a conventional 3D effect, imbuing the phone with a sense of sophistication and wonder.
However, the high-gloss finish, while striking, is not without its drawbacks. It tends to attract fingerprints like a magnet, which can detract from the overall premium feel if not maintained meticulously.
In terms of ergonomics, the Vivo V50 generally fits comfortably in the hand, though there are aspects that fall short of expectations given its price tag.
Display
Vivo has equipped the V50 with a 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display that is as vibrant as it is immersive. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures that everyday tasks and scrolling through social media are smooth and responsive.
Enhanced by the new Diamond Shield Glass that’s designed to be significantly more drop-resistant, the display promises durability without compromising on clarity.
Colour accuracy on the V50 is impressive, with the display rendering a wide spectrum of hues faithfully.
Performance & Software
Under the hood, the Vivo V50 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor – a chipset that has been a recurring choice for Vivo, having appeared in the V30 and V40.
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate multitasking with ease, it feels like a safe, if not entirely innovative, choice.
However, the choice of storage on this smartphone is my primary gripe. The Vivo V50 utilises UFS 2.2 storage, which, for a device priced around ₹35,000, is not up to the mark.
In practical terms, this translates into occasional micro-stutters and a general sense that the phone isn’t as responsive as one might expect in its price bracket.
While the device manages regular app launches and basic tasks adequately, the experience during more intensive operations is marred by these performance hiccups.
Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the Vivo V50 delivers a user interface that is feature-rich. However, it is not without its frustrations. The software comes pre-loaded with a fair amount of bloatware – apps and features that many users will likely find unnecessary and may need to uninstall to streamline the experience.
Also, while many modern smartphones now feature refined haptic feedback systems, the V50 disappoints in this department. Rather than offering the tactile precision that one might expect from a premium device, the V50 relies on a basic vibration motor. The resulting haptics feel noticeably underwhelming.
Despite these software issues, Vivo’s commitment to three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches is a welcome assurance.
Cameras
One area where the Vivo V50 shines is its camera system. Vivo has long built a reputation for delivering strong photographic performance, and the V50 is no exception.
The phone is equipped with a robust array of sensors: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP front. The inclusion of Zeiss tuning is particularly noteworthy.
Photos taken with the V50 are consistently sharp and well-detailed, with the primary sensor capturing images that look quite natural, but with a slight cool tint, as you’d expect from Zeiss-tuned smartphone cameras.
Zeiss portraits add a unique and creative twist to portrait photography, producing images that stand apart from the run-of-the-mill results found on many mid-range devices.
However, while the still photography experience is outstanding, the video recording capabilities are decidedly average. Users seeking to capture high-quality video might find the V50 lacking in this regard, as the footage can sometimes feel less refined compared to its photographic output.
Battery Life & Charging
Equipped with a big 6,000mAh battery, the Vivo V50 is designed to last through a full day of heavy use.
The capacity is more than sufficient to support the phone’s power-hungry features, and the integration of 90W fast charging means that downtime is kept to a minimum.
Users can expect a solid performance in terms of endurance, with a screen time of around 8.5 hours with mixed use.
Vivo V50 Review
So that’s the Vivo V50. For those who prioritise aesthetics and camera performance, the Vivo V50 is quite a nice option. Its design, particularly in the Starry Night variant, is a visual treat.
Then, for photos, particularly portraits, this phone is as good as it gets in the sub-₹35,000 segment.
However, if your focus is on strong performance, then there are much more powerful options available in this price segment.