Vivo V50 Review: A Midrange Powerhouse for Portrait Lovers

The Vivo V50 makes a strong case for itself in the midrange segment, blending impressive camera capabilities with a vibrant display and long-lasting battery. Priced at NPR 68,000 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, the device includes a complimentary pair of TWS earbuds, though many feel the pricing could be slightly more aggressive given the current market trends of 0% EMI offers across brands.

Starting with the display, the phone features a generous 6.77-inch AMOLED panel that shines brightly at 1300 nits in standard mode and peaks at an impressive 4500 nits for HDR content. While most streaming platforms support HDR playback, occasional stuttering in 4K 60fps HDR videos might require a future software update for a seamless experience.

Where the V50 truly stands out is in its camera system. Collaborating once again with Zeiss, Vivo has equipped the device with a 50MP primary camera and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. Although it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the phone offers versatile focal lengths (1x, 1.5x, 2x, and 3x zoom) that produce excellent portraits with precise subject focus and attractive bokeh effects, including a special “wedding effect” frame. Low-light performance is strong, often eliminating the need for night mode, and the camera handles skin tones beautifully for selfies, even offering a wide-angle self-camera option.

On the video front, the V50 can record up to 4K at 30fps, but stabilization leaves much to be desired, and skin tones in video appear somewhat artificially processed. The front camera also records 4K at 30fps but suffers from similar stabilization issues.

Battery life is one of the phone’s strongest assets, with a massive 6000mAh cell delivering close to eight hours of screen-on usage. Charging is equally impressive, reaching a full charge in under an hour thanks to 90W fast charging technology. Vivo includes a charger in the box, which is a welcome move these days. The phone sports a sleek, curved glass back available in Satin Black and Starry Blue, and while the exact protection rating for the rear glass isn’t specified, the front features Vivo’s Diamond Shield glass. Durability is further bolstered by IP68 and IP69 ratings, making the device suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.

Under the hood, the V50 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, a chip that has appeared in several recent Vivo models. While it handles everyday tasks and even moderate gaming (PUBG and Genshin Impact performed well in testing), it isn’t the most powerful option available at this price point. Vivo has promised three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, bringing the software up to Android 18. The phone ships with Android 15 and Funtouch OS 15, which, while functional, feels dated compared to alternatives from Samsung, Nothing, or OnePlus. The interface includes several pre-installed apps that many users will want to uninstall, though the inclusion of useful AI features like Circle to Search, AI Transcribe, and AI Eraser adds value.

In conclusion, the Vivo V50 is a compelling choice for users who prioritize photography and design. Its portrait capabilities are among the best in the midrange, and the phone looks and feels premium. However, those needing more demanding performance might find the reused Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset a drawback. Overall, it’s a solid, well-rounded package that will appeal to portrait enthusiasts and anyone seeking a stylish phone with excellent battery life.