When it comes to having a smartphone today, personalization is an important aspect especially if within the above budget range. The pandemic also made important significance to consumers to focus on the following:
Seems Vivo with their latest Vivo V23 5G series addressed all of these consumer needs, aside from improving the aspect of their features. Here’s our review of their powerful phone.
The sunrise gold is has a special feature for the V23, using a chemical process when exposed to UV light AKA the sun, the gold back anti-glare glass is going to change color from Gold to somewhat a blue-green shade.
It’s a great feature to see when you are up and about and always on the go. One thing we liked is the flat square-ish build similar to the famous brand. This avoids the corners being more round and feels solid, which is a welcome change from the generations of the V series being round-ish.
Aside from that, one surprise we like here is the solid feel and grip of the V23 5G. Despite having a metal frame (aviation aluminum material) it’s coated in Chrome that is possible to show light marks. The overall device is premium and definitely, no fingerprints are not welcomed at the back.
At the front is a 6.44″ FHD 90Hz AMOLED with a notch, yes call it out but you’ll get used to it once you realize the unique package of lights and camera at the front vs other smartphones.
Front Camera
The 50MP front camera with an 8MP ultra-wide gives the dynamic usage realistic like taking a photo from the rear camera. This time you are more in control to see and feel what you capturing, with the very nice addition of two softlight LEDs at the front.
Rear Camera
The rear camera has great clarity using the 64MP f/1.89 main lens, especially in natural or abundant lighting scenarios. The interface is also easy with the AI system identifying the best scenario to pop the colors or adjust to the scenarios.
There is that focus level that we like in photos to give emphasis, but a small callout of stuttering in the interface when under fluorescent lighting. Perhaps vivo is not that yet adaptive in the cool temperature of lights, but hopefully, this can be fixed via a software update.
Aside from photo capabilities, the V23 is capable of capturing rear 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps in quality. With even a mode of ultra steady to make the video smooth similar to the effect of their famous X series having a steady shot via a gimbal system.
Using my favorite game of Genshin Impact, the Multi-Turbo Game Acceleration mode kicks in to prioritize the app of use, whereas here is the game. Gaming has some heat generation but nothing that painfully keeps you away from using the device, just be aware of the brightness of your display.
Overall quality is medium at 60fps with a good frame rate and overall playable scenarios even in fighting bosses.
To add to this, multitasking is easy peasy with the 12GB RAM with juggling through many apps. The only concern we have of a slowdown is when the disk space is already almost utilized which will be rare as long as you manage your files from time to time. But then again, how can you fill up a 256GB storage on a smartphone.
The V23 5G has a 4500mAh battery enough with juice to get you from 8am to 9pm on moderate use. Nothing spectacular in the endurance but its enough for a day of use, charge before sleeping and go again and conquer the day.
What’s good is that the 44W Turbocharger included doesn’t disappoint with a full charge in less than an hour. Good for most people on transit / on the go who are in need of in-between charges. Fortunately, temperature management is great with no major heating issues as compared to other phones more expensive at this price point.
The V23 is indeed a smartphone that created its own category among the sea of brands in the Philippines. Despite techies will call out the smaller battery, the 4500mAH vs 5000mAH capacity value phones, vivo made the right decision to offer a sleek and slim 5G smartphone that packs more than just battery life. The Dimensity 920 and camera package is more than enough to deliver a satisfactory experience, yet it’s not behind with the 90Hz AMOLED, 44W Charging, and even the unique LED Softlight front camera setup.
What I liked about it
What needs improvement
The vivo V23 retails for Php27,999 for the 12GB+256GB in stores nationwide. Available in the unique Sunrise Gold or Stardust Black.
For the official product page, read more about the vivo V23 5G here. Read a some of our vivo smartphone reviews here:
