Vivo V29 Review: Worthy rival among camera phones
In a smartphone world dominated by versatile cameras and multi-functional devices, the Vivo V29 steps up to the plate with a unique proposition – prioritizing selfie quality above all else.
At the heart of the Vivo V29’s appeal is its standout feature: a super-high resolution 50MP front-facing camera. Coupled with an innovative Ring-LED flash on the rear, the V29 ensures that even low-light conditions won’t hinder your selfie game. The advanced photo processing options further enhance the appeal of the front camera, allowing users to experiment with creative effects and capture the best version of themselves.
The Vivo V29’s focus on delivering exceptional selfie quality doesn’t hinder its ability to excel as an all-around smartphone. Its success as a general camera phone, in addition to its stylish design, commendable battery life, and impressive display, speaks volumes about its overall quality. For individuals who prioritize outstanding selfies and appreciate a solid smartphone experience, the Vivo V29 stands as a strong contender in the competitive smartphone market.
Vivo V29: Video Review
| Specs | Vivo V29 |
| Procesor | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L |
| RAM and Storage | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Card slot | No |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| Display | 6.78 inch, AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) |
| Front camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Front camera | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF |
| SIM | Nano-SIM, eSIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | Li-Po 4600 mAh |
| Charging | 80W wired, 1-50% in 17 min (advertised) |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm (6.46 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
Vivo V29: Design
Opinions on curved displays in smartphones may vary, but there’s no denying that the Vivo V29 embraces this design trend with gusto. The pronounced curve not only adds a touch of elegance to the device but also provides a practical advantage in terms of grip. However, as with any design choice, there are tradeoffs that accompany this feature.
Wrapped in a glass sandwich design and adorned with a prominent camera island, the Vivo V29 is undeniably striking. Its aesthetic appeal, though, comes at a price – this smartphone can be incredibly slippery. To counter this, the package includes a generic TPU case that is strongly recommended for immediate use to ensure a secure grip and protection against potential falls.
Despite its sleekness, the V29 maintains a pleasant and comfortable feel when held. The device strikes a balance between being slim enough for one-handed use and having enough heft at 186g to give it a substantial feel. Its 7.5mm thickness adds to its comfort, and with a screen-to-body ratio of 90%, the device effortlessly gives the illusion of being all display.
However, the most significant compromise with a curved display becomes evident – even with a protective case, the screen remains exposed and prone to scratches. Additionally, the slipperiness factor is not to be underestimated, which highlights the importance of a reliable case.
The Vivo V29 doesn’t just look expensive – it feels that way too. The absence of hollowness, the absence of sharp edges, and the overall confident finish exude quality.
The Vivo V29 offers two captivating color choices: Noble Black and Peak Blue. The review sample in Peak Blue exudes personality and charm, setting it apart from the standard black smartphone crowd.
Beneath the display, a fingerprint reader swiftly responds to unlock the device with accuracy. Charging is facilitated through a USB-C port. Notably, the V29 lacks a headphone jack, opts for a single downward-firing speaker, and omits a microSD card slot. Furthermore, the device accommodates only a single SIM, although it does support eSIM functionality.
One notable feature is the IP68 rating, a rarity in its price range. This certification grants the V29 protection against water and dust, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Screen
The Vivo V29 boasts a sizable 6.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1260×2800, landing it above 1080p yet just below 1440p.
The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate ensures that the device maintains a smooth and fluid feel during regular use. This represents an improvement over the 90Hz refresh rate found on the Pixel 7a.
With HDR10+ compliance, the display shines when it comes to supported content, whether it’s from YouTube or other sources. The screen showcases vibrant brightness and intricate details, and in everyday use, the color accuracy of the display stands out.
For most daily tasks such as scrolling through the interface or reading, the display performs admirably without any noticeable issues. However, certain scenarios, particularly watching videos, unveil some of the quirks of the curved design. The curved edges lead to a loss of usable screen space and result in non-uniform brightness distribution. This phenomenon becomes more apparent when viewing the display from an angle, which could be mildly distracting for some users. Nonetheless, these are minor details in the grand scheme of things.
Practicality-wise, the Vivo V29’s display holds its own. The screen’s brightness proves capable of holding up against the sun’s glare, and the inclusion of an ‘Extra Dim’ setting provides a pleasant reading experience in low-light situations, like reading in bed.
Performance
Powering the Vivo V29 is the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, a robust performer that keeps the device running smoothly. With a base configuration of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the V29 is well-equipped to handle the demands of Android without breaking a sweat. The device exhibits fluidity and power in everyday usage.
However, the device’s prowess takes a slight hit when it comes to gaming. While it can comfortably handle games like PUBG with high frame rates and decent detail levels, prolonged gaming sessions can cause the device to heat up noticeably. This factor might not be a concern for selfie enthusiasts, but for dedicated gamers, it’s worth considering.
The Vivo V29 ships with the latest Android 13, complete with its assortment of features and enhancements. However, potential buyers should note that the device does not come with a firm promise of timely software updates, which could impact its long-term usability.
When it comes to audio, the Vivo smartphone single bottom-firing speaker falls short of delivering an impressive performance. While it can reach satisfactory loudness levels, the absence of stereo presence detracts from the overall audio experience. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack means that wired audio enthusiasts will have to explore alternative options for their listening preferences.
On the Bluetooth front, the device offers support for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, which can enhance the audio experience when used with compatible Bluetooth earbuds. However, it’s important to note that audio performance is not the primary focus of the Vivo V29, as it’s designed more for its camera prowess and overall functionality.
Cameras
If you pay attention to the front of the device, you can see the selfie camera. It has a resolution of 50 MP, which can be reduced to 12.5 MP, and is the standout feature of the smartphone. Having this front sensor’s autofocus is a boon for both photography and videography.
On the back of the smartphone is a 50-megapixel camera. Its contrast and detail is impressive thanks to optical image stabilization (OIS) and a large 1/1.56 sensor size. This configuration is accompanied by an 8MP ultra wide-angle lens and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots.
Notably, the rear of the phone features a unique Ring LED flash, providing superior lighting compared to the standard smartphone flash.
When it comes to image quality, the Vivo V29 does not disappoint. The images captured are replete with detail, exhibiting a natural processing approach that avoids the common pitfall of oversharpening. Colors are vibrant, and the option to toggle to ‘Natural Colours’ offers flexibility for toning down saturation if desired. The dynamic range is commendable, preserving contrast and delivering mostly noise-free images.
Even in low-light conditions, the V29 triumphs. The combination of a standard long-shutter mode and the built-in night mode results in images that are rich in detail, light, color, and contrast. The device’s built-in tripod mode further enhances low-light performance, even in the darkest settings.
The ‘Ring LED’ flash on the V29 is a standout feature, providing superior illumination in low-light scenarios compared to standard two-stage flashes. This unique design ensures better coverage and lighting quality, resulting in images with enhanced clarity and detail.
The ultrawide lens showcases performance on par with the main sensor, albeit without stabilization due to its smaller size and lower resolution. This versatility provides users with the opportunity to capture expansive scenes and creative compositions.
The 50MP selfie sensor is truly a highlight, offering the same impressive qualities as the main sensor, albeit without stabilization. Whether in optimal lighting conditions or challenging situations, this front camera consistently delivers exceptional selfies. However, users are advised to be mindful of overusing beautification features to avoid unintended distortions.
While the Vivo V29 excels in image capture, its video performance exhibits some variability. The footage generally remains detailed and free from noise, yet stabilization shortcomings may lead to a subtle jello effect during walking sequences. Audio quality can also be a bit uneven. Video recording capabilities extend up to 4K at 30fps for both the front and rear cameras.
Battery life
The Vivo V29 equipped with a substantial 4,600mAh battery pack. Coupled with its power-efficient processor, the V29 sets the stage for promising battery life.
True to its potential, the Vivo V29 delivers a commendable battery performance. Utilizing the device throughout a typical day involving calls, messaging, social media engagement, camera usage, and GPS navigation, I observed that the battery level reached around 30% by 10 pm. This indicates that the V29 is more than capable of lasting a full day of moderate to heavy usage, aligning with the expectations of modern smartphones.
The device is equipped with 80W charging capability and boasts impressive speed. In particular, the V29 can be fully charged from zero to 100% in less than 40 minutes. This fast charging feature is useful for fast charging before leaving the house or for those moments when you need to charge your device urgently.
Vivo V29: Conclusion
In a smartphone landscape where camera quality reigns supreme, the Vivo V29 emerges as a notable contender. Its exceptional selfie camera, along with its impressive main and additional sensors, delivers photo results that approach flagship standards. The V29 proves to be more than just a photography powerhouse, however, as it combines its camera prowess with a visually appealing design, a commendable display, robust battery life, and adequate processing power. Yet, it’s not without a few caveats that should be considered.
The device’s reliance on a single bottom-firing speaker limits its multimedia capabilities, and its video recording capabilities might not match the top-tier competition. Additionally, for gamers seeking a device optimized for hardcore gaming, the V29’s relative lack of power could prove to be a limitation. The uncertainty surrounding long-term software support adds a further layer of disappointment, potentially impacting the device’s future resale value.
If your primary focus is capturing stunning photos and selfies that rival flagship devices, the V29 offers an exceptional solution.
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