Vivo V5s has been launched in India, and here’s our first impression of the smartphone.
Vivo’s mid-range smartphone V5 is getting an improved version. At the event in Delhi today, the Chinese smartphone company launched the V5s, a phone designed to deliver superior camera capabilities and specifically built to ensure your selfies are of a higher quality.
But how does the new mid range smartphone from Vivo shape up? We got an early look at the device a day before the launch, and here’s what our first impression of the Vivo V5s.
Design, Display
The V5s is the latest addition to the company’s V5 series, which already includes the popular V5 Plus and V5. But I’d say the new V5s is closer to the V5 Plus. It is almost identical in appearance, with the metal construction and the antenna gaps at the back stretching towards the top and bottom edges.
Yes, the phone does look a lot like the iPhone 7. Plenty of other smartphones look a lot like the iPhone; the list is rather long I’d say. The V5s is yet another iPhone clone! But it doesn’t really matter to users, as I believe not many people will care about it. Vivo V5s feels solid, comfortable to use with one hand. I’ve got the Matte Black variant of the phone to test and yes, it does look pleasing to eyes.
Vivo V5s sports a 5.5-inch HD resolution display.
In 2017, a 720p resolution might seem low for a 5.5-inch display, but I find that it’s good enough. The display is incredibly detailed and smooth. I didn’t have the opportunity to test the display with different sources of content, but everything I’ve seen so far looks good on the HD display.
Software, Processor
Launching on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the V5s is dominated with Vivo’s own FunTouch OS. This is rather a complex UI than stock Android. To be honest, the UI has a steep learning curve for those who have never owned a Vivo device. However I won’t jump to any conclusions just now. I’ll be sharing my full thoughts on the FunTouch OS in my review.
V5s is dominated with Vivo’s own FunTouch OS.
Under the hood is a 1.5Ghz octa-core MediaTek MT6750 processor coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The hardware isn’t quite exciting, which is a bit of a surprise for a handset that’s priced significantly higher than the likes of Moto G5 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. But from my experience, it did not show any traces of sluggishness. Again, we’ll put that to the test when we have the opportunity to spend more time with the device.
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Vivo V5s has a 13MP rear camera with LED flash.
Camera
On the front, there’s a 20-megapixel camera, which Vivo boasts is perfect for taking selfies. I’ve not a selfie fan, but so far the results are bright and detailed, which I suppose is what one wants in a selfie at the end of the day. The company boasts it has added a front-facing flash that helps the selfie camera to capture better images in low lighting conditions, and I’ll have to test this out in my review. The rear is a 13-megapixel camera, alongside an LED flash.
Final Thoughts
At Rs 18,990, Vivo V5s seems to be an expensive option in my opinion. Having said that, the phone looks attractive as long as you’re ready to accept the V5s as an iPhone 7 clone. This is just a quick glimpse of Vivo V5s, a device that’s pitched as the ultimate selfie smartphone. Is it enough to stand out in a crowded market? We’ll find out all that in our review.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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4 min read
Vivo V5s has been launched in India, and here’s our first impression of the smartphone.
Vivo V5s sports a 5.5-inch HD resolution display.
V5s is dominated with Vivo’s own FunTouch OS.
Vivo V5s has a 13MP rear camera with LED flash.
