The Breakdown
In the crowded mid-range smartphone market, Vivo has made a name for itself with its focus on photography. The Vivo V30 Pro, the latest addition to its V-series lineup, brings together impressive camera capabilities and a well-rounded package. With lens experts Zeiss on board and a signature Aura Light ring flash, the V30 Pro aims to deliver exceptional photography performance at an affordable price point. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the design, display, camera, software experience, performance, and battery life of the Vivo V30 Pro to see if it lives up to the hype.
vivo V30 Pro specifications
- 6.78-inch (2800×1260 pixels) 1.5K curved AMOLED 20:9 aspect ratio screen with HDR10+, 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, up to 2800 nits peak brightness
- Up to 3.1GHz Octa Core MediaTek Dimensity 8200 4nm processor with Mali-G610 MC6 GPU
- 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB UFS 3.1 storage
- Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14
- Dual SIM (nano + nano)
- 50MP camera with 1/1.55″ Sony IMX920 sensor, f/1.88 aperture, OIS, LED flash, 50MP ultra-wide sensor with f/2.0 aperture, 50MP 2x telephoto portrait camera with Sony IMX816 sensor, f/1.85 aperture
- 50MP autofocus front camera with f/2.0 aperture, 119° FOV
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- USB Type-C audio, Bottom-ported speaker, Hi-Res audio
- Dust and splash resistant (IP54)
- Dimensions:164.36×75.1× 7.45mm; Weight:188g
- 5G SA/NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC
- 5000mAh (typ) battery with 80W fast charging
Design & Build: Sleek and Stylish
Vivo has always been known for its slim and stylish smartphones, and the V30 Pro is no exception. With a thickness of less than 7.5mm and a weight of just 188g, the V30 Pro feels sleek and comfortable in the hand. The polycarbonate construction keeps it lightweight, although a metal and glass build would have been a premium touch. The Bloom White variant catches the light beautifully with its pearl-like petal pattern, while the Waving Aqua variant creates a water effect with embedded microparticles. Overall, the V30 Pro offers a streamlined and attractive design.
Screen & Sound: Immersive Display and Decent Audio
The Vivo V30 Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2800×1260 pixels. The display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, thanks to its high pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate. It automatically switches between 60Hz and 120Hz modes, but locking it at 120Hz offers a smoother user experience. The peak brightness of 2800 nits ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The stereo speaker setup, although lacking in bass, provides sufficient volume for everyday use.
Vivo v30 pro Cameras: Zeiss Optics and Impressive Performance
One of the highlights of the Vivo V30 Pro is its camera system, developed in partnership with Zeiss. The rear camera setup includes three 50MP sensors covered with Zeiss glass, complemented by the Aura Light ring flash. The 50MP front camera ensures high-quality selfies.
The cameras perform exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, producing detailed and well-exposed shots. The portrait mode offers several Zeiss bokeh effects, adding a professional touch to your photos. The 2x zoom telephoto lens and the ultrawide lens further expand the versatility of the camera system.
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Vivo v30 pro “bloatware” experience
The Vivo V30 Pro runs on Android 14 with FunTouch OS on top. FunTouch OS is a feature-rich skin that offers a range of customization options for the home and lock screens.
However, it comes with a fair amount of pre-installed apps and bloatware. While some users may appreciate the additional features, others may find it overwhelming. Vivo’s commitment to software updates is unclear, with only three years of Android upgrades promised for its flagship X-series phones. This may be a concern for those looking for long-term software support.
Vivo v30 pro Performance & Battery Life
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset and 8 or 12GB of RAM, the Vivo V30 Pro delivers smooth and snappy performance. Apps open quickly, web browsing is seamless, and multitasking is a breeze.
The gaming performance is impressive, with titles running smoothly at high detail levels. The vapor chamber cooling system helps keep the device cool during extended gaming sessions. The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even with heavy camera use. The 80W wired charging support allows for a quick recharge in just over 45 minutes.
Vivo V30 Pro vs Vivo V30: The Camera Difference
The Vivo V30 Pro sets itself apart from its sibling, the Vivo V30, primarily in terms of the camera capabilities. While the V30 features two rear cameras and relies on digital cropping for zoom, the V30 Pro boasts a triple-camera setup with Zeiss optics and a dedicated telephoto lens. Both models share similar design aesthetics, display quality, battery life, and fast charging speeds. However, the V30 Pro offers a more comprehensive camera experience, making it the preferred choice for photography enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Detailed rear cameras with clean processing
- Streamlined styling and sharp display
- Punchy mid-range performance and battery life
Cons
- Availability limited to specific markets
- FunTouch OS can be heavy-handed with bloatware
Vivo v30 pro review: our opinion
The Vivo V30 Pro impresses with its camera capabilities, stylish design, and overall performance. The collaboration with Zeiss brings a considerable boost to the camera system, delivering detailed and well-exposed photos.
The sleek and lightweight design, along with the vibrant display, enhances the overall user experience. While the FunTouch OS may not appeal to everyone, the device offers commendable performance and long-lasting battery life. Availability may be a limitation for some users, but for those who can get their hands on the Vivo V30 Pro, it’s a worthy mid-range smartphone option.
Vivo V30 Pro at a glance
- Screen: 6.78-inch 2800×1260 AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate
- CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 8200
- Memory: 8/12GB RAM
- Cameras: 50MP + 50MP + 50MP rear with Aura Light ring flash, 50MP front
- Storage: 256/512GB
- Operating System: Android 14 with FunTouch OS 14
- Battery: 5000mAh with 80W wired charging
- Dimensions: 164x75x7.45mm, 188g
Remember, the Vivo V30 Pro offers a compelling camera experience, sleek design, and solid performance. Its collaboration with Zeiss elevates the photography capabilities, making it a top choice for camera enthusiasts in the mid-range segment. I’m confident for its future in the market… you should be too.
