Vivo with the X factor

Vivo has always wanted to differentiate itself by focusing on innovative photography and selfie solutions. The X Series twins are aiming to redefine photography. How well do they succeed?

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₹49,990 / vivo.com/in

As far as industrial designs go, Android phones are stuck in a rut of exotic back finishes and that’s as far as design extends. But the Vivo X Series twins manage to create a distinctive identity with its two-step camera module housing. While both the X50 and X50 Pro have quad cameras, their lenses do differ, along with the screens. The X50 Pro gets the 3D curved screen that falls off the edges while the X50 sticks to the more conventional, though both get a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The only telltale sign that this isn’t going to cost you a body part is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chipset in the X50 Pro and Snapdragon 730 in the X50.

The frosted finish has been done before but Vivo proudly finishes the velvety back with top and bottom “chokers” with the words ‘5G Professional Photography’ subtly printed on the top. There’s no doubt about the intention that the X50 twins have and it is to desecrate every other midrange phone’s camera. It’s difficult to answer without getting into the details...

It all begins with fun

Live wallpapers on the 6.56in AMOLED screen of the X50 Pro look stunning and the Funtouch skin on Android 10 works well, with a array of customisations including themes, animations, ambient lights and Jovi Vision. There is some bloatware but not intrusive or overbearing.

Solo speaker

The quest for thin bezels means that only a bottom-firing speaker could be installed and while there is no headphone jack, a dongle is provided in the box. The audio is loud and clear though, so unless you watch a lot of streaming content on the phone, it won’t be a concern.

Gimbal for the win