Category: Reviews

Smartphone OEMs are betting high on premium league nowadays. We are now seeing a high surge in the demand for high-end phones that compromises least on the price-to-specs ratio. And when we speak of premium Android phones, Samsung, Apple, and Google are among the preferred brands by a majority of the buyers. However, Chinese mobile OEMs such as Vivo have been setting up new standards in the flagship smartphone segment. One of the most premium offerings introduced by Vivo is the X80 series which replaces the last year’s X70 lineup.

The X series is Vivo’s most promising Android smartphone lineup for the masses. It is a performance-oriented lineup that delivers big on speed and has best-in-class camera hardware as well. This year Vivo has introduced the vanilla X80 and the X80 Pro in India. The standard X80 comes as a true successor to the Vivo X70 Pro with the Dimensity 9000 chipset and Zeiss branding cameras.

Curved FHD+ display and 80W fast charging are the highlight features of the latest Vivo X series phone. With an asking price of Rs. 54,999 (8GB RAM+128GB storage), the X80 is one of the most expensive handsets by Vivo. There is another variant that packs 12GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage that can be purchased at Rs. 59,999 in the country.

Now, you might be wondering if paying over Rs. 50,000 for a Vivo Android phone is worth? Specifically, when the market has several other options in this price segment with similar or better hardware features. We have been using the X80 as our daily driver and have tested the performance with general and extensive tasks. Does it live up to the expectations and justify the premium price tag? We are breaking down all the factors for our readers in this review:

Vivo X80 Full Review

Design Practicality On Point

If you are in the market for a big-screen phone that is all premium yet practical for daily usage, the Vivo X80 is the phone you can place a bet on. In the first look itself, the Vivo X80 steals all the glances. From the curved edges to the fluorite AG glass back panel, the X80 is crafted using premium material. The large protruding camera module painted in black covers almost one-third of the back panel and gives a distinctive feel to this device.

Thanks to the anti-glare matte finish (mix of gradient and matte texture), the back panel isn’t a complete smudge/ fingerprint magnet. This will allow you to flaunt the handset without adding any extra layer of case or cover. But we always advise our readers to use a case to safeguard their devices from accidental drops and scratches from keys or coins.

Thankfully, Vivo ships a leatherette hard case with the X80’s retail box which enhances the appeal at the same time adds an extra layer of protection from external damages. But do note that with the case, you might feel the handset is a bit bulky. But you’ll get a hang of it in a short while. The Vivo X80’s curved edges not only enhance the appeal but also helps with easy single-hand operations.

You’ll find both the power and the volume keys on the right panel. The clicks are a bit stiff, but thankfully, no missing feedback with the key presses. The left edge is kept barren, while the USB Type-C port along with the speaker grille and the hybrid SIM slot is positioned at the bottom.

Curved Display Isn’t Just A Style Statement

The Vivo X80’s one of the major design highlight is the curved-edged display. But it’s not all looks that the X80’s display gets all ticks for but the top-notch specs as well. The Vivo X80 employs an AMOLED screen that is 6.78-inches in size. Now, if you are a fan of big smartphone displays, the massive screen size along with the curved edges would definitely grab your attention.

Besides, the 1080p FHD+ screen resolution along 120Hz refresh rate complements the large screen size. You will have a good time watching shows and movies on the large screen. Since the panel is AMOLED the color production is good. The output is vibrant throughout; even with the OTT platforms.

The Vivo X80’s AMOLED panel is HDR10 certified which allows it to play HD videos on Netflix, Amazon Prime videos, and other popular OTT platforms such as Disney plus, Hotstar, Zee5, and others. We experienced the least pixelation with darker backgrounds in any movie or TV show.

Thanks to the high-resolution AMOLED panel the blacks are deeper and pop out of the screen enhancing the visuals. If we speak of the sunlight legibility, the 1500 nits peak brightess levels is what comes to the rescue. With such high brightness levels, you have no difficulties reading texts or watching videos under direct sunlight.

The only drawback in our opinion is the FHD+ screen resolution. That’s considering you can get a QHD or 2K screen resolution under Rs. 60,000 price mark in the market. But, the Vivo X80’s overall display performance is good.

Dimensity 9000 Octa-Core Chipset Delivers Speedy Performance

The Vivo X80 is among the first lot of Android mobile phones that uses the Dimensity 9000 chipset. For reference, this is the newest flagship processor by MediaTek that has octa-cores and is built on a 6nm fabrication processor, and has Mali-G70 MC10 GPU support. This allows the unit to render extensive graphics without any flinches.

The handset also has an in-house V1+ chip which is a dedicated imaging and display chip for high-end Vivo phones such as the Vivo X series. The Vivo X80 doesn’t compromise anyhow on the power delivery. Throw any task at this device and it will get done without any hiccups. Speedy performance is what we have got throughout while using the Vivo X80 for both basic as well as extensive tasks.

The web browsing experience on this flagship Vivo phone is flawless; so is the multitasking experience. We were able to load, use and toggle between several apps (heavy in size) simultaneously. The device is instant with app launches which can be expected from a flagship-grade smartphone.

The same is the case with media playback as well as gaming. There are no lags or delays when you are consuming high-resolution videos or are playing graphic-hungry game titles. We would like to add that we have been using the X80 for over a month and have got no complaints related to the performance. If device heat-up is one of your concerns, you can be at respite with the X80.

The warm-up issues are minimum. Specifically, the temperatures don’t fluctuate if you are playing games extensively or are hooked to the screen for hours at a stretch. You might feel the device heating up if its plugged into a charger and multiple tasks are being performed simultaneously.

The multitasking experience has also been swift with the higher RAM capacity that this device offers. Of course, you can select the top-end 12GB RAM model if you wish to get the same speedy performance in the longer run.  The X80 definitely ticks all the boxes when we speak of power performance.

Best-In-Class Camera Performance

The Vivo X80 has potent camera hardware that will definitely please you if you are a shutterbug. The primary photography setup on the X80 comprises a 50MP main lens. It is a Sony IMX886 lens that has an OIS (optical image stabilization) support and an f/1.75 aperture. Aiding the main camera is a large 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens (Sony IMX663) which has an f/2.0 aperture and is further paired up with another 12MP Sony IMX663 lens for depth mapping.

The Vivo X80 camera performance is best when you click images in broad daylight. You will get high-definition output that is unmatched in terms of clarity. The HDR captured shots by the Vivo X80 have punchy and vibrant colors. You won’t find the cameras oversaturating the images in any situation. T

The edge detection and dynamic range are also to the point. No hazy or grainy output by the X80’s cameras when the background has ample lighting. There is a Zeiss mode as well that you can switch to from the camera app to get slightly more natural colors with every click. This mode is best if you are capturing human subjects as it highlights natural skin tones.

OPPO is one of the most active players in the Android smartphone market in India and other markets. Today (June 8, 2022), the Chinese smartphone OEM launched yet another budget 5G Android phone for Indian consumers. This time, the company has introduced the second model in its K series called the OPPO K10 5G.

Priced at Rs. 17,490 for the sole 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration, the OPPO K10 5G is one of the cheapest 5G smartphones that you can buy in the Indian market. The OPPO K10 5G brings some notable upgrades compared to the vanilla OPPO K10 which has already marked its presence in the Indian market. We at Giznext got the OPPO K10 5G review unit a while back and have fiddled along with the handset briefly. This is the first impressions of the latest OPPO K series phone? Is it a hit or a miss? Read on to know:

OPPO K10 5G Initial Impressions: Is It Good?

OPPO K10 5G Design And Display First Impressions

The OPPO K10 5G is a mid-range Android phone which brings a basic yet practical design to the table. The latest K series phone flaunts a flat-frame design which is becoming a new norm for affordable and mid-range smartphones. But the handset has a tall frame unlike the compact form factor with the flat-edged devices.   The K10 5G’s back panel features the iconic OPPO Glow design which gives it a premium look.

The rear panel has a smooth gradient finish that reflects patterns with light rays falling on it. But what impresses here more is the smudge and fingerprint-resistant back panel. This is almost impossible to achieve with a shimmering surface. Enhancing the back panel’s appeal is the vertical dual-tone camera module with two large sensors painted in black and blue.

Using the OPPO K10 5G with a single hand isn’t a super great experience if you have tiny palms. But you will have minimum difficulties with general usage such as web browsing and responding to calls/ text messages. It’s with extensive gaming that you would require both your hands.

The placement of keys and ports is also tactical. The volume keys are on the left spine, while the power key with an integrated fingerprint scanner is positioned on the right panel. This discards the possibilities of accidental phone lock during volume adjustments which is a general case scenario with handsets packing both volume and power keys on the same side.

The fingerprint scanner has been swift with unlocking during our initial usage. The bottom panel has a USB Type-C port sandwiched in between the 3.5mm headphone jack along with the speaker grille.

Moving on to the display, the OPPO K10 5G flaunts a tall 6.5-inch screen. The panel used is a standard IPS LCD which supports 720p HD+ screen resolution. While the panel, as well as the screen resolution, is basic, OPPO has made up for it with a high 90Hz refresh rate. Performance-wise, the display hasn’t disappointed us at all.

The LCD screen is accurate and crisp with color production. Of course, comparing the output with an AMOLED panel would be criminal. But that doesn’t mean you will not enjoy the visuals on this OPPO affordable 5G phone. The tall form factor combined with 720p screen resolution complements well the overall viewing experience.

Our initial impression has been decent with the OPPO K10 5G’s display. It fits well for video playback. However, we are yet to thoroughly test the screen performance in day-to-day life scenarios and also with gaming. We will be doing that in the coming weeks and sharing the feedback with the detailed review.

Oppo K10 5G Initial Performance Feedback: Chipset, UI Experience

The OPPO K10 5G is announced in India with the Dimensity 810 processor. Now, we already have seen several Android smartphones with this octa-core MediaTek 5G processor in recent times. The performance delivery is fair with the affordable MediaTek 5G processor. You will come across minimal issues with the K10 5G’s general usage.

Be it media playback, internet browsing on Chrome, or any other third-party web browser, it would be hassle-free. No hiccups or lags you should come across. That’s also the case with gaming. We have played a bunch of titles where the handset was able to take it with ease. We have currently played only a handful of games that aren’t graphic-extensive but are decently powerful for any mid-range phone.

It’s the 90Hz refresh rate that comes to the rescue with smoother frame transitions. The multitasking experience on the OPPO K10 has also been good with the high 8GB RAM capacity. It is not only able to load multiple apps instantly but is also swift with shuffling between the apps running in the background.

As for the storage capacity, the OPPO K10 5G is packed with 128GB native capacity. This should handle all basic storage requirements. However, if you still have additional space requirements, there is a provision to add an external microSD card as well. We will be sharing the complete OPPO K10 performance feedback including gaming in the comprehensive review. So, stay tuned with us.

Coming to the user interface, the OPPO K10 5G has an Android 12-based Color OS 12.1 interface. If you have used OPPO-labelled smartphones in the past or in recent times, then you will find the UI familiar. The feedback overall is decent; minus the pre-installed bloatware.

OPPO K10 5G Camera Performance: Initial Response On Point

The OPPO K10 5G has a dual rear camera module at the back. However, the setup isn’t super basic and has lived up to the expectations in the initial testing. Speaking of the specifications, the OPPO K10 5G’s primary camera at the back is a 48MP lens which is paired with an additional 2MP sensor for bokeh effects.

We have used the K10 5G to capture images in broad daylight as well as in low-lit conditions. You will be impressed with the output when the images are shot with ample brightness in the backgrounds. The main camera clicks output with high levels of clarity.

The edge detection and the dynamic range are also on point. The images capture the least noise levels when the lighting conditions are good but go for a slight toss if you shoot images in default mode during the night.

To enhance the output in such scenarios, you can always use the dedicated Night mode from the camera app. If you wish to know the detailed camera performance of the OPPO K10 5G, then you need to wait for our detailed review on the same.

OPPO K10 5G Battery Backup, Fast Charging Speeds

The OPPO K10 5G employs a massive 5,000 mAh battery unit. This is a standard battery size found on modern days affordable and mid-range Android phones. This large battery size is capable of delivering over a day of charge if your usage is limited. But if you are an extensive smartphone user, you might have to work around with a slightly lower back up.

The budget OPPO 5G phone is backed with 33W fast charging technology which allows for faster refuels. We will be giving a clear picture of the battery backup and fast charging speeds in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned with us.

OPPO K10 5G Verdict: Is It A Hit Or A Miss?

The OPPO K10 5G has arrived as an all-rounder in terms of price to specs ratio. The sub Rs. 20,000 price tag is justified for a 5G-enabled smartphone that packs powerful features such as the Dimensity 810 processor, a 90Hz LCD display, and a 48MP dual-camera module.

The fast 33W charging technology below Rs. 20,000 price mark is another key highlight of this Android 5G phone.  It delivers decent performance in general scenarios and can also handle extensive tasks without any hiccups. In our opinion, the OPPO K10 5G is a hit for general users. However, we would suggest you wait for the comprehensive review to know the overall performance and user experience.

India has been a hotspot for Android mobile OEMs. While a major chunk is dominated by international brands, homegrown companies such as Micromax and Lava are also proactive now with new products. Micromax had made its comeback in the smartphone space with IN series mobiles and has introduced a bunch of units until now. All of the Micromax models introduced have arrived with a budget price point including the Micromax IN 2C.

Launched earlier in May this year, the Micromax IN 2C has arrived as yet another entry-level smartphone with all necessary features. A multiple rear camera module, HD+ display, and beefy 5,000 mAh battery are amongst some of the highlights of the latest budget Micromax phone. The Micromax IN 2C’s price is set at Rs. 8,499 for the sole 3GB RAM and 32GB storage model.

But this segment already has a plethora of options to choose from. Does the Micromax IN 2C pack all the required punch to compete against the other popular entry-level phones? We have tried to lay down the pointers in this review:

Micromax IN 2C Budget Phone Review

Decent Looks, Good Build

Design is one of the major aspects that drives the sales of any smartphone; be it a budget or high-end device. And when we speak of the Micromax IN 2C’s design, it wears decent skin, giving a basic yet subtle feel. This budget Android mobile is announced in dual shades including brown and silver. We have received the brown color variant which has a mix of shimmering-matte texture.

The back panel reflects the sunrays pattern emerging from the edge of the camera module. This is a nice touch but seems familiar to some of the past-gen Realme C series phones. The dark textured back panel isn’t prone to fingerprints or smudges. It is a relief as you don’t have to constantly worry about keeping your handset clean.

But if you still wish to protect the device from accidental scratches, you can use the transparent TPU case that ships with the retail box. If we talk of the user experience, the IN 2C is fairly good. It isn’t super bulky or thick, so single-hand operability isn’t a task.

Of course, reaching the nooks and corners would require both of your hands; specifically, if you are playing games. The volume and power key are placed on the left panel both of which offer good click feedback.

The dedicated SIM card tray (which supports dual SIM and a microSD card simultaneously) is placed on the left, while the bottom panel packs the USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The front panel is pretty basic in terms of appeal. The In 2C features a waterdrop notch panel and a thick chin bezel. But that does fit well with the price point. No complaints there.  

Standard Yet Functional Display Panel

The entry-level Micromax IN 2C employs a regular IPS LCD screen that is 6.5-inches in size. The big panel comes with a an HD+720 x 1600 pixels screen resolution and features an aspect ratio of 20:9. The refresh rate is also standard at 60Hz.

While we have seen a couple of budget phones under Rs. 10,000 price mark, but Micromax is yet to join that league. Nevertheless, you can expect a decent viewing experience with this budget Micromax handset.

The display performance is also decent with streaming platforms. We have watched multiple shows and movies on this handset and were not disappointed. But you will have some difficulties watching content on the IN 2C’s screen outdoors. Specifically, under direct sunlight.

That’s because the panel has only 420 nits of peak brightness levels which delivers average sunlight visibility. The IPS LCD screen is fair with color production. The color temperature of the screen is on the cooler side, so no strains on the eyes even with continuous viewing.

General User Performance On Point; Stock Android UI Is A Relief

The Micromax IN 2C has joined the budget smartphone race with the Unisoc T610 processor. The entry-level chipset is built on a 12nm processor and has octa-cores. The chipset is clubbed with the Mali-G52 MP2 GPU and 3GB RAM. Power delivery is what you can expect from low-end Android phones.

If you need a smartphone for basic functions such as web browsing and media playback, the IN 2C makes for a good fit. That’s due to the fact you don’t experience any lags or delays while scrolling through multiple websites. That’s the case with media playback as well.

No major glitches or hiccups with audio/video playback or while using any third-party Android apps. You will also not come across any issues with app loading. The 3GB RAM configuration is sufficient to fire up apps instantly. You just have to kill the extra apps to improve the user performance.

For storage, the Micromax IN 2C offers an onboard space of 32GB. If storage crunch is something you wish to avoid, using an external microSD card is an option.  Don’t experience a rich gaming experience.

But that doesn’t mean this device is incapable of handling games at all. Rather, playing graphic-hungry games at the highest settings is what you need to avoid for smooth feedback. But the performance speeds might get a slight impact if you have several intensive apps running simultaneously and are switching between them.

One of the features that impress without fail on the latest budget Micromax IN series phone is the stock Android user experience. The Micromax IN 2C ships with Android 11 OS. While the brand has used an older Android version, the stock Android user experience is definitely a respite. The device is free of bloatware and pre-installed third-party apps. So, the UI is not cluttered and you get a smooth interface to work on.

Dual Rear Cameras Justifies Budget Price Point

The Micromax IN 2C is a budget Android phone priced below Rs. 10,000 but still offers multiple rear camera module. The device features a dual-lens setup at the back featuring an 8MP main camera and a VGA sensor for depth mapping. The main camera supports AF (autofocus) feature and does a decent job with image details. The output is best when the surroundings have good light conditions.

The default image output is good, but you can use some of the built-in camera modes for better output. Amongst the different available shooting modes are HDR, Face Beauty, Panorama, and Pro mode. You also get the option to record slow-motion and Time-lapse videos on this budget Android mobile.

The imaging output isn’t super impressive with the night shots. The output gets grainy in low-lit backgrounds. There is a dedicated Night Mode as well, but that does a little to enhance the night photography experience. Overall, the Micromax IN 2C’s rear camera setup is suitable for basic photography.

The same is applicable to the selfie camera module as well. The Micromax IN 2C is packed with a 5MP selfie camera that has an f/2.0 apeture. You will get average selfie output from the front camera. The video calling experience is also fair.

Big Battery Delivers Ample Backup

The Micromax IN 2C is packed with a big 5,000 mAh battery unit. This is a standard setup across budget Android smartphones. Thanks to the large capacity battery, there is no power crunch. That’s also with the low-end hardware that drains battery slowly in general scenarios.

Especially, if the usage is limited or moderate; you can expect almost an entire day of backup. Unfortunately, the charging speeds are standard, i.e, 10W. Therefore, you will have to wait more than an hour for a full battery recharge.

Micromax IN 2C Final Verdict: Worth Considering Under Rs. 10,000?

The Micromax IN 2C is one of the safest bets in the budget Android mobile segment. This entry-level phone has all the necessary hardware that makes it worth a buy if your budget is under Rs. 10,000. It fulfills the requirements such as a big HD+ screen for watching HD videos, dual cameras for general photography, and an entry-level chipset that packs enough punch for daily tasks. The battery backup is also good which works in its favor.

Pros

• Premium design language
• Powerful daylight cameras
• Night photography and video recording is also good
• Vivid and responsive display

Cons

• A bit bulky
• UI is slightly cluttered

The smartphone industry has come a long way in the last decade. We are now witnessing some of the most powerful devices that can outrun even laptops and PCs to some extent. The advancement in the tech field has helped brands bring the best camera and gaming phones. One of the core areas where smartphones have excelled is mobile photography. And there is a horde amongst OEMs to launch devices with the best-in-class camera hardware. Vivo is one of the brands which has been setting up examples in the smartphone camera race.

The Vivo X series is amongst those smartphone lineups by the Chinese tech giant which is in the top league when it comes to flagship camera phones. This time, the Vivo X80 series will be carrying forward the legacy of previous-gen premium camera phones. Both Vivo X80 and the X80 Pro have made their debut in the Indian market. The new-age Vivo X80 series is more powerful, integrates top-notch hardware, and brings a refreshed premium design.

Vivo has launched the X80 in India with an asking price of Rs. 54,999. This is the cost of the X80’s base model which has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration. This flagship phone is also announced with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration which is retailing at Rs. 59,999. We at Giznext have received the vanilla X80 at Giznext for review. But before getting on to a comprehensive review, we will be sharing our initial impressions of the latest Vivo X series phone.  Take a look:

Also Read: Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2nd Gen) Tablet Hands On Review: A Fully Loaded Package

Vivo X80 Design First Impressions: Refreshed Design Makes It All Premium

The entire Vivo X series has been one of the classiest looking Android smartphone lineups. The same is the case with the new-generation Vivo X80. The handset brings a tall form factor with a curved-edge display design. The back panel of the Vivo X80 is crafted out of ceramic with aluminum frames on the edges. The front panel packs a tiny punch-hole for the selfie camera placed at the center top. The handset comes in dual shades including Cosmic Black and Urban Blue.

We have received the former that gives a mix of matte and gradient feel that mimics the galaxy with twinkling stars. The large square camera module covers the upper part of the back panel. It is an entirely different module that protrudes from the remaining back panel. Its glossy finish along with the circular camera setup enhances the overall appeal. The form factor is slim even with the case.

Notably, the brand ships a leatherette case with the X80’s retail box that you can use to keep scratches at bay. You can also use the case if in case you wish to flaunt a different but premium skin on the X80. Thankfully, the Vivo X80 isn’t a fingerprint or smudge magnet. This makes it easy for you to flaunt the handset without any case. But we always suggest using a cover or case just to avoid any accidental damages.

The volume key is positioned alongside the power key on the left spine, while the left edge is kept barren. The bottom panel packs the USB Type-C port along with the speaker grille and a hybrid SIM slot. The Vivo X80 is an IP68 certified that is protected it from natural elements such as water and dust. The X80 is premium in all sense when we speak of the design. The tall and slim profile is complemented by curved edges and a classy back panel which will surely grab some attention.

Also Read: Tecno Camon 19 Pro Mondrian Edition Full Review: Unique Color Changing Design, Powerful Cameras Steal The Show

Vivo X80 Display First Impressions: Crisp And Vivid AMOLED Panel

Vivo has used an AMOLED screen on the Vivo X80. The X80’s panel measures 6.78-inches with an 89.4 percent screen-to-body ratio and 20:0 aspect ratio. The Vivo X80’s large AMOLED screen supports an FHD+ screen resolution of 1080 x 24000 pixels. The Vivo X80 display also offers a 120Hz refresh rate that helps with smooth frame transitions and also the touch response.

The curved display is best for media playback. If you are one of those smartphone users who are frequent with using OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime videos, you will be impressed. The panel produces deeper blacks and vivid colors with every type of content The sunlight visibility is also excellent. The panel supports 1500 nits peak brightness levels that allow you to view content without any strains outdoors. We are yet to test the display performance with gaming. But we expect the panel to deliver a good response with the same.

Also Read: Vivo V25 Pro Review: Stylish Smartphone For Selfie Lovers

Vivo X80 Camera First Impressions: Best-In-Class For Camera Hardware

Vivo is one of the pioneers in mobile camera technology. While all Vivo-labelled smartphones’ are loaded with good camera hardware, the Vivo X series is known for setting up new records in this segment. The Vivo X80 series is redefining mobile photography this year with top-notch camera hardware and features. If we speak of the specifications, the vanilla Vivo X80 employs triple rear Zeiss series cameras.

The X80’s primary rear camera is a 50MP Sony IMX886 lens which comes with an f/1.75 aperture and OIS support. The main camera on the Vivo X80 is combined with a big 12MP sensor for ultra-wide-angle shots. The secondary lens used is a Sony IMX663 which has an f/2.0 aperture. Completing the Vivo X80’s rear camera setup is another 12MP Sony IMX663 sensor which will help with bokeh effects.

We have tested the Vivo X80’s camera performance briefly. As expected, the X80 didn’t fail to impress with the camera samples. We clicked images with a variety of backgrounds and scenes. In every shot, the color production has been vivid and the edge detection is crisp. The detailing levels are also high.

Besides, the usual Portrait, Panorama, and Pro modes, the camera app also offers a variety of modes such as live photos, AR stickers, Double Exposure, AI Group Portrait, Dual view, and more. You can also record slow-motion and time-lapse videos. The camera stabilization with video recording is high which automatically helps with improved video qualities.

As for the selfie snapper, the Vivo X80 uses a 32MP camera which is tucked inside the punch-hole camera cutout. Likewise the rear cameras, the X80 selfie camera setup is also capable of yielding high-resolution output. But we currently haven’t tested the X80’s full camera potential. We will be judging the camera performance in low-light situations as well and will share the feedback in the comprehensive review.

Also Read: Redmi K50i Review: An Impressive Mid-Range Smartphone

Vivo X80 Chipset, Battery First Impressions: Capable To Handle Intensive Tasks

The Vivo X80 is the first handset in India to be powered by the latest Dimensity 9000 processor. This new-age MediaTek processor will be powering the future flagships in the market. Th Dimensity 9000 SoC is built on 6nm fabrication process and combines Mali-G710 MC10 GPU to help render high-end graphics with ease. The flagship octa-core processor has up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration support. The hardware packed inside the Vivo X80 brings some heat to the table.

It is a performance-oriented handset that is laced with a liquid cooling vapor chamber and an X-axis linear motor. This Vivo X series phone has shown zero lags or stutters during our initial testing. However, we are yet to through some extensive tasks to the handset and see if it can handle all without any performance lags.

The Vivo X80’s battery capacity is 4,500 mAh. This is a decent battery unit that is aided by 80W fast wired charging. Notably, the standard X80 comes void of fast wireless charging support (55W) like the X80 Pro. The company claims around 18 minutes charge time for 70 percent battery and 35 minutes for a full charge from zero to 100 percent. We are yet to test the battery backup and the charging speeds thoroughly. But will update the performance feedback in our detailed review.

Also Read: Vivo TWS 2 ANC Full Review: Rich Soundstage Takes The Limelight

Vivo X80 Review Verdict: Is It A Hit Or A Miss?

The Vivo X80 is definitely a hit in our opinion. It is one of the most feature-rich handsets in its segment in the country. The latest-generation hardware such as the Dimensity 9000 SoC combined with massive 12GB RAM makes it a workhorse. However, the star attraction remains the ZEISS-labelled 50MP triple camera module.  

Also Read: OnePlus 10T Review: Speed Performance And Reliability At Its Best

Key Highlights

• Affordable: First OnePlus smartphone priced under Rs. 20,000
• Display: 6.59-inch LCD with 120Hz refresh rate
• Performance: Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset
• Battery: 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
• Software: Runs Oxygen OS 12.1 based on Android 12 with promised updates

OnePlus recently expanded its affordable Nord series with the launch of the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. The smartphone runs the Oxygen OS 12.1 based on Android 12 OS. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset powers the phone. It comes in two variants: the 6GB base variant and the 8GB model.

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is the watered-down version of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 that released in February 2022. So, naturally, some things are missing on the Nord CE 2 Lite that is present on the Nord CE 2 including an AMOLED display, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and an ultrawide lens. We got the opportunity to use the phone for some time and here’s our review.

Also Read | OnePlus 10T Review: Speed Performance And Reliability At Its Best

What’s Inside The Box?

• OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G.
• 33W SUPERVOOC power adapter.
• USB Type-C charging cable.
• TPU silicone case.
• SIM ejector tool.
• Pre-applied screen protector.
• Quick start guide.
• Safety information and warranty card.

Design

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is a well-built smartphone. It has got flattened edges on all four corners while the sleek design gives it a classy appeal. The front panel of the phone has a punch hole cut-out placed in the top left corner. The back of the phone has the vertical camera island on the upper left. The lower bottom has a gradient matte-mix texture which is smooth to touch. The protruding camera system includes triple sensors. The power button is placed on the right panel and integrates the fingerprint scanner. It is quick and reliable with device unlocking. The SIM tray and the volume rockers are on the left panel. The speaker grille, USB Type-C charging connector, and 3.5mm audio port are located at the bottom.

Display

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G sports a 6.59-inch LCD screen that supports FHD+ resolution. The panel looks quite colorful. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making it good for smooth scrolling and gaming. It offers maximum screen space with the thin bezel profile. If you are frequent with online streaming, the Widevine L1 certifications come in picture here. It lets you stream FHD videos at OTT platforms including both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

The panel is bright and offers swift colors. Though, we have to admit that it missed the punchiness of an AMOLED display. We had no issues using the phone’s display in general. It is adequate for watching videos and is readable outdoors under the direct sunlight. Color reproduction on the panel is satisfactory for gaming and video playback.

Processor and Software

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset. The handset features the Adreno 619 GPU for graphics. It is adept at handling general tasks such as texting and calling. During our usage, we didn’t face any stutters or lags during general usage. We received the Nord CE 2 Lite’s 6GB RAM for review. The handset also supports 5GB of virtual RAM which supplements additional up to 13GB RAM. It comes with 128GB of internal storage which can expand with a microSD card.

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite comes pre-installed with Android 12 OS topped with OxygenOS 12.1 UI. The new user interface provides a fresh look along with enhanced privacy and security features. The new OxygenOS 12 comes with an improved dark mode and enhanced data privacy. We didn’t experience any visible lag with the handset throughout our usage. Games and other heavy apps also run smoothly. Besides, two major Android updates are promised by OnePlus along with three years of security updates.

Camera Performance

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is equipped with a triple rear camera setup that features a 64MP primary sensor with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization). It also features a 2MP depth camera along with a 2MP macro lens. The absence of an ultrawide lens is felt at this price point. If the phone packed an ultra-wide sensor instead of a dedicated macro lens, it might have been one complete package. The smartphone sports a 16MP Sony IMX471 sensor selfie camera. Both the primary rear and the selfie cameras can shoot in 1080p vdieos@30 fps.

The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G comes with tons of camera features including Slow-Motion, AI Scene Enhancement, Dual-View Video, Nightscape mode, HDR, Portrait Mode, Retouching, and Panorama. During daylight, the smartphone’s primary camera does well with capturing clarities. We tried outdoor shoots and saw a good amount of color accuracy and details. Portraits shots offer decent blur effect.

Coming to the selfies, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G does well with selfies. The selfies during daylight have decent details and the skin tone is well maintained. Overall, the camera performance of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite is decent for general photography.

Battery

A 5,000mAh battery powers the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite that supports 33W fast charging. The battery is efficient in day-to-day use. The device can easily last around 8-9 hours. Our usage has been video playback, gaming, and general web browsing. The 33W SUPERVOOC charger is capable of quickly charging the phone. The smartphone gets a refuel under an hour.

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OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite: What We Think

The Nord CE 2 Lite is the first OnePlus smartphone priced under Rs. 20,000. Considering its price, the device offers all-around performance. While it excels in general user performance, there are some shortcomings with the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. The phone’s display has a 120Hz refresh rate but it lacks HDR capabilities.  But that’s not a major drawback and can be worked with in general scenarios. In our opinion, the Nord CE 2 Lite is a well-built phone that you can consider if you have budget constraints.