Category: Reviews

Vivo has been at the forefront when it comes to mobile camera technologies.The Vivo X smartphone series lineup is well known for bringing advanced camera features to the table. This flagship series has recently been refreshed with new models in India. The new Vivo X100 lineup includes the vanilla X100 and the X100 Pro both of which has been introduced as the camera flagships. The latter comes as the top-tier model offering premium features such as 50MP Zeiss-backed triple lens setup, powerful Dimensity 9300 chipset, a 120Hz display and more.

Now, the Vivo X100 Pro definitely offers the best-in-class camera hardware on papers. But is the camera performance worth the hype? Also, this phone appears to be a complete package if you look through the spec-sheet. Is that the case or its just the camera that makes it worth an investment? Well, we have been using the Vivo X100 Pro for almost a month now and here is our take.

Pros

• Upgraded cameras perform well overall
• Super high clarity levels with daylight shots
• Offers high speed performance with a variety of tasks
• Gaming experience is good
• Clean and vivid visuals

Cons

• User interface isn’t entirely free of bloatware
• Phone feels a bit slipper without cover
• Selfie camera doesn’t support 4K recording

Vivo X100 Pro : India Price

Vivo X100 Pro has been launched at Rs. 89,999 in India. You get 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration at this price point. This camera flagship is available in three color options including Startrail Blue, Asteroid Black, and Sunset Orange globally. Only the Asteroid Black color variant has been introduced in the Indian market.

Also Read: Vivo V29 Pro Review: A Camera-Centric Smartphone Worth Considering

Vivo X100 Pro: Box Contents

• Vivo X100 Pro (main unit)
• Quick Start Guide and user manuals
• Warranty Card
• SIM ejector tool
• Phone cover (back case)
• Power brick
• USB Type-C charging cable

Also Read: Oppo Reno 11 5G Smartphone Review: Is The Stylish Design Backed By Performance?

Design Overview: Usage Comfort And Appeal

The Vivo X100 Pro doesn’t deviate much in terms of designing compared to its successor. But still gets some new elements that maintains the premium and luxury feel in addition which is signature for the X series. The primary difference that you will notice at the first glance is the re-designed camera island.

The X100 Pro gets a big protruding camera module wrapped with a stainless steel layering. Now, this is a unique touch to enhance the appeal overall with the new-gen model. This design as per Vivo is inspired from the Sun and Moon Halo.

Speaking of the construction overall, the X100 Pro offers a sleek design and includes the same 3D curved edge display as the predecessors. Its durability is enhanced with the aerospace-grade stainless steel wrapping at the side panels. At the rear, it features Fluorite AG glass which seems resistive to fingerprints and smudges. This will address concerns of the masses who like flaunting their phone without covers as keeping it clean isn’t a big task.

But the smartphone does feel slippery without the cover. So, if you wish to avoid any mishaps with accidental falls, make sure you use the provided case. The ports and keys placement remains standard as most of the Android flagships.

It has the volume and the power key on the right spine and the SIM card tray, USB Type-C port, and the speaker grille are positioned at the bottom. This phone comes with a hybrid SIM slot and not a dedicated microSD tray.

The X100 Pro with a weight of around 200 gms isn’t super heavy. But the overall build and the form factor might feel a little more than that. But that doesn’t cut down on the comfort during extensive usage. Summarizing the design aspects, the Vivo X100 Pro feels super premium and oozes out luxury with its each stance.

Also Read: Jabra Elite Active 8 TWS Review: Premium And Solid Sports Earbuds

Performance Review: No Compromise Gaming And Multitasking

Under its hood, the X100 Pro features the high-end Dimensity 9300 processor. It lands as the first Android smartphone in India powered by the latest MediaTek flagship chipset combined with the in-house V3 imaging co-processor. This setup collectively offers high performance power for not just gaming but imaging as well.

The unit comes with 16GB of physical RAM in addition to up to 16GB virtual RAM. This allows for high-speed efficiency with all tasks you perform on the X100 Pro. Toggling between the loaded apps and also the app loading is instant. We could see it handling most extensive apps and games smoothly with no lags at sight.

We have been using this phone extensively all this while. And throughout the usage there hasn’t been a single flinch even when there are several of heavy apps running in the background. You get to swiftly toggle between loaded apps. What also impresses us is that the unit doesn’t heat up radically despite heavy usage or gaming. This is credited to the updated vapour chamber cooling module.

For the gaming enthusiast, playing the most graphic-hungry games is a pleasing experience. No stutters on the screen whatsoever. You can tune in the highest graphics settings and will get an immersive gameplay experience throughout.

The X100 Pro boots on Android 13-based Funtouch OS 14. Vivo has customized the new UI which now feels refined compared to the previous versions. But it still isn’t entirely free of bloatware. You will see a bunch of pre-installed apps but the updated UI seems neat and easier to use.

Also Read: Lenovo Tab P12 Review: Practicality At Its Best

Vivo X100 Pro Camera Review: Hands Down The Best

Vivo has showcased the best of camera tech with the X series and the X100 Pro isn’t anything different. This year too, the latest camera flagship comes with Zeiss-labelled camera hardware. The imaging setup on the Vivo X100 Pro has a 50MP Sony IMX989 lens. This primary lens is a large 1-inch sensor with PDAS, OIS, and also laser-assisted autofocus.

The secondary 50MP Zeiss telephoto lens with 0.5-inch OV64B sensor is the star of the show here. This is new addition which replaces the older 64MP OmniVision lens and is further clubbed with a 50MP Samsung Jn1 sensor that captures ultrawide frames.

Image detailing is no compromise with the Vivo X100 Pro cameras. We have been truly impressed with the quality of images we got with each click. Every shooting mode is treat and you get the best-grade outputs you can imaging with any smartphone camera. The detailing levels are sharp despite the lighting conditions in the background. The same is the case with the dynamic range which is high with the X100 Pro’s cameras.

But what truly captures the attention is the quality of portrait shots you get with the X100 Pro cameras. Vivo is offering a professional-grade portrait experience where you can select from different focal lengths for the shots. There is a 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm portrait shot modes. You can select the apt mode for high-quality bokeh photos.

When shooting portraits using the Portrait camera mode, Vivo lets you select specific professional portrait focal lengths (24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm) which have been optimised keeping in mind the camera sensors and lenses. Portrait photos captured at all of these focal lengths came out well with excellent detail even under artificial or low light conditions.

The imaging experience isn’t limited to the portrait mode. The X100 Pro offers premium photography experience with the Astro mode as well as the macro shots. We have captured some of the best moon photographs with the X100 Pro which we are sharing below. Macro photography is also next level and you witness the expertise Vivo has with cameras here. We are coming up with a detailed camera review soon so stay tuned with us.

Also Read: Urban Zippy Smartwatch Review: Your Wrist’s New BFF Or Just Another Device?

Battery Backup

A 5,400 mAh battery acts as the powerhouse for the Vivo X100 Pro. This flagship has 100W fast wired charging support along with 50W fast wireless charging. The former takes around 30 minutes for up to 90 percent backup. The full charge is well under an hour mark (within 40 minutes). Now, for the ones who are on a constant run, this quick charging time is surely handy.

That said, the backup this unit offers is more than a day if usage is moderate. This includes basic app usage and occasional media playback. If you are constantly hooked to the screen binging on any videos or gaming, you might need to give it a re-plug by the end of the day.

Also Read: Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TW Review In Points

Verdict

The Vivo X100 Pro undeniably stands out with its exceptional camera performance. While the camera does most of the talking, this phone remains to be complete package when it comes to the performance delivery. Vivo has done a great job with improving the overall photography and user experience with the X100 series making it one solid bet to invest in.

Key Highlights

• Mediatek Dimensity 7050 Chipset
• 6.7-inch Full HD+ Display
• 50MP + 8MP + 32MP triple camera
• 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM (Expandable up to 2TB)
• 5,000mAh Battery

Oppo has recently unveiled its latest addition to the Reno series in India – the Reno 11 5G. Renowned for its stylish design and notable features, Oppo continues to stand out in the crowded smartphone market. With a new design, enhanced cameras, and the latest software, Oppo’s Reno 11 5G enters the fiercely competitive premium mid-range segment of 2024, dominated by smartphones launched in 2023. Having had the opportunity to use Oppo’s latest Reno smartphone, here’s my take on whether it stands a chance in this cutthroat market. Let’s get started. Also Read | OPPO F23 5G Quick Review: Makes The Cut Under Rs. 25,000?

What’s Inside The Box?

• Oppo Reno 11 5G handset
• 67W Adaptor
• Micro USB Cable
• TPU Case
• Sim Ejector Pin
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Design

The Oppo Reno 11 5G caught my eye right away with its first appearance. The back panel design has undergone a refreshing change from the previous model, Oppo Reno 10 5G. I got my hands on the Wave Green variant, and I must say, the pastel shade adds a touch of elegance, making it stand out.

The back panel features silver Oppo branding at the bottom and a slightly protruding silver eclipse-shaped camera module on the top-left side. The phone is slim and lightweight to hold giving a comfortable grip, perfect for long hours of use.

Turning to the front, the curved OLED display with rounded edges and a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera is eye-catching. The display is protected by tempered glass.

The power button and volume rockers are on the right, while the left side is empty. The top edge houses a microphone, IR blaster, and a speaker, while the bottom includes a SIM tray, speaker grille, and a USB-C port for charging—no 3.5mm headphone jack, though.

Overall, the Oppo Reno 11 5G not only looks beautiful but also caters to those who want their smartphone to reflect their style. With a new design that maintains its premium feel, Oppo continues the legacy of the Reno Series, known for its style quotient.

Display

The display is where you’ll notice a slight step down from the Reno 10 5G in the Oppo Reno 11 5G. The newer model features a 6.7-inch OLED panel, whereas its predecessor boasted an AMOLED panel of the same size. Although the refresh rate remains at 120Hz, it’s unusual for a smartphone brand to opt for a lower-grade display in the next series.

Despite this downgrade, it’s important to note that the display on the Reno 11 5G is by no means subpar. In everyday use, the visuals are vibrant, rich, and detailed. The colors appear natural, and the viewing angles are decent. However, the peak brightness might feel a bit insufficient under intense sunlight. While it would have been preferable for Oppo to stick with the AMOLED panel, the overall display quality remains above average.

Performance

The Oppo Reno 11 5G, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, delivers fast and seamless performance. It is free from any annoying lags or hiccups even when juggling multiple apps simultaneously. There’s 8GB RAM and 256GB storage in the phone that caters to your multitasking needs.

Gaming enthusiasts will find the Oppo Reno 11 5G satisfactory, handling light and moderate games with ease. However, heavy titles may experience occasional frame rate drops during extended play.

On the software front, the Oppo Reno 11 5G comes equipped with ColorOS 14, based on the latest Android 14 out of the box. The phone does have some pre-installed apps like Spotify, Snapchat, Netflix, Facebook, and Linked In, which could be considered bloatware. However, if you find these unnecessary, they can be easily removed to streamline your device to your liking.

All in all, the Oppo Reno 11 5G delivers decent performance, ample storage, and a gaming experience that suits most users. While some pre-installed apps may be deemed unnecessary, the flexibility to remove them ensures a personalized and efficient user experience.

Also Read | OPPO K10 5G Full Review: It’s A Mixed Bag

Camera

Oppo has made some interesting changes in the camera department with the Oppo Reno 11. Unlike its predecessor, the Reno 11 features a 50MP main camera, accompanied by the unchanged 32MP and 8MP secondary lenses. The front camera maintains its 32MP snapper for selfies and video calls.

The 50MP main camera captures vibrant and colorful shots in natural light. Thanks to optical image stabilization, even moving objects are well-captured, displaying intricate details in every shot. Zooming in reveals clear and precise details, with decent color accuracy. In low-light conditions, the primary camera still performs well, although it does not reach the same quality as outdoor shots.

The 8MP ultrawide camera covers a large area without distortion issues. Daylight shots showcase character and detail, but in low-light settings, there’s a slight decrease in quality.

For portraits, the 32MP lens is good for capturing human subjects for social media profiles. Portrait mode effectively blurs the background, focusing solely on the subject. However, this effect is not replicated in normal selfie mode.

The 32MP selfie snapper, without background blur, is ideal for group selfies, capturing a large number of faces in the frame. With natural-looking skin tones and realistic facial details, the Oppo Reno 11’s front camera performs well, offering a versatile photography experience.

Battery & Charging

The Oppo Reno 11 5G comes with a 5,000mAh battery. This ensures full-day usage with ease under moderate conditions. This includes activities like calling, messaging, social media browsing, light gaming, video streaming, and music playback. However, with heavier usage, the battery might require a recharge before the day concludes.

Oppo includes a noteworthy 67W wired fast charging adapter in the package. This high-speed charging solution can refill the battery from 0 to 100 percent in approximately 40 minutes. In practical terms, even a brief 10-minute charging session can charge the smartphone 40 percent, providing users with quick and convenient power top-ups.

Giznext Verdict: Is It A Good Buy?

The Oppo Reno 11 5G has a stylish design, a big battery, and runs on Android 14. It comes with some drawbacks like pre-installed apps, a slightly lower-quality OLED screen, and a 50MP triple camera. However, if you want a trendy phone with a long battery life and the latest operating system, the Oppo Reno 11 5G is a good choice. Plus, Oppo offers a more affordable version with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, priced at Rs. 29,999, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Also Read | Oppo Reno 10 5G Review: A Stylish And Feature-Packed Smartphone

Pros

• Great battery life
• Good display
• Stereo speakers

Cons

• Average camera
• No 5G
• Bloatware

In the world of affordable smartphones, Tecno has introduced a device that challenges the typical expectations associated with entry-level phones. Priced below Rs. 7,000, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 comes packed with features that defy its budget-friendly label, potentially reshaping users’ perceptions of what to expect from devices in this price range.

At first sight, it might easily be mistaken for a smartphone belonging to the Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 range, but the twist is that it’s available for under Rs. 7,000. This versatile smartphone disrupts the budget market with its impressive features. So, let’s review the Tecno Spark Go 2024 and get to know how it stands out in the competitive landscape of budget smartphones.

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

What’s Inside The Box?

• Tecno Spark Go 2024 handset
• USB Cable
• 10W adapter
• SIM ejector pin
• Plastic case
• User guide
• Warranty card

Design

The Tecno Spark Go 2024 has a usual plastic body, similar to many phones under Rs. 7,000. I got the Mystery White color variant for the review, which looks good. The smartphone is slim, measuring 8.55mm in thickness. While it has some weight, it’s not too heavy and fits well in the hand. The side fingerprint sensor on the edge is easy to reach and responds quickly. It’s a great feature to have a punch-hole design for the front camera at this price, giving the phone a modern and clean appearance.

I’m pleased to note the presence of a USB Type-C port at the bottom, which is becoming common in entry-level phones. The phone also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a speaker at the bottom. On the back, it carries a dual camera and LED ring setup at the top-left. Overall, the construction is fitting for its price, passing durability tests.

Display

The Tecno Spark Go 2024 boasts a 6.56-inch HD+ Dot-In IPS display. The HD+ resolution is standard for this price range, providing sufficient clarity for daily use. However, the display’s brightness levels are not ideal, affecting visibility outdoors. The device supports only Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) content, which is typical for smartphones in this price range. Despite these limitations, the large screen size makes it suitable for casual media consumption and social media browsing, offering a decent experience for watching videos and scrolling through feeds.

Performance

The Spark Go 2024 runs on the Unisoc T606 chipset, a common choice for budget phones. It performs well, but there’s a bit of delay when navigating the phone, which could be improved. The smartphone offers up to 3GB + 1GB of RAM (3GB expandable), which is good for most apps. It can handle casual gaming, but it’s not suitable for heavy games. The phone comes with large storage, up to 64GB onboard. The stereo speakers with DTS Audio are a nice feature, setting a standard for future budget phones.

Connectivity and Software

The fingerprint scanner works well, and 4G connectivity is good. It runs on HiOS 13, a customized version for Android Go. The interface is user-friendly, but it has some pre-installed apps, which is a downside. There’s a bit of lag when using apps like Facebook and Quora. Despite these issues, the overall user interface is easy to understand and is a decent effort for a budget phone.

Also Read | Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G Review: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone With Quirky Design

Camera

The Spark Go 2024 has a 13MP main camera that takes decent photos in daylight, although it’s not the best in its category. Daytime pictures have average contrast and clarity, which is common for budget phones. The focusing and shutter speeds are okay, providing a satisfactory photography experience in good light. The dynamic range is somewhat limited, as expected in this price range. The AI scene detection mostly enhances colors rather than significantly improving photo quality. The secondary AI camera doesn’t seem very practical and feels more like an extra feature.

Night photography is just okay. The Spark Go 2024 doesn’t do as well in reproducing colors and sharpness in low-light conditions. Images may look a bit dull, and the dedicated night mode doesn’t do much to improve them. If you’re taking photos at night, using the flash is recommended for better results.

The 8MP selfie camera is average but works fine for casual photos and video calls. When it comes to videos, the phone can only record in 720p, but the presence of PDAF ensures decent focusing.

Battery

The Spark Go 2024 comes with a 5,000mAh Li-Polymer ion battery, and Tecno claims it can last up to 32 days on standby. In everyday use, the phone easily lasts for a couple of days on a single charge, making it one of the top phones in terms of battery life. It uses Type-C charging, and a 10W adapter is included in the box. While the battery size is great for long use, the charging speed is standard for this price range.

Also Read | Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G Review: Budget 5G Handset Worth All Hype?

Giznext Verdict

Tecno has made a significant impact on the budget smartphone market with the Spark Go 2024. Priced at Rs. 6,699, this phone competes with Infinix, Xiaomi, Lava, and Nokia, providing a premium set of features that are seldom seen in this price category. If you’re in search of an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone, the Tecno Spark Go 2024 distinguishes itself as a genuine value-for-money choice, establishing new benchmarks for budget-friendly devices.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Fast charging
• Good performance
• Aura light

Cons

• Bloatware
• No stereo speakers

Vivo has upgraded its popular V series with the new Vivo V29 Pro, as the successor to V27 Pro. The V27 Pro was known for its unique wedding-style portrait mode. Now, with the V29 Pro, Vivo has added a feature called Aura Light to boost camera performance in tricky lighting conditions. But, is this enough to impress potential buyers? We got a Vivo V29 Pro for review earlier this month, used it for more than a week, and here’s what we think about the phone. Also Read | Vivo V29e Review: The Smartphone’s Camera Steals The Show

What’s Inside The Box?

• Vivo V29 Pro handset (Himalayan Blue color)
• Silicon case
• USB Type-C Cable
• 80W FlashCharge wall adapter
• SIM ejector tool
• Quick start guide
• Warranty information

Design

Vivo is popular for making smartphones with beautiful designs, and V29 Pro is no exception. The smartphone offers a sleek and stylish design that truly stands out in the crowd. Vivo has introduced an innovative 3D magnetic particle design on the back panel, using 15 million micron-sized magnetic particles to create a specific pattern, resulting in a unique light and shadow effect.

The Himalayan Blue color variant that we have displays a multi-layered pattern that evokes the beauty of the Himalayan range. While you may not notice it immediately, the floating mountain pattern becomes more appealing over time. It features a prominent camera island with a triple camera set-up, a ring light, and an LED flash.

The phone also features a 3D borderless curved screen, providing a premium look. The curved edges and slim side profile ensure a comfortable feel when holding it for long periods. It comes with a silicon case in the box for added protection.

The side frames are made of plastic, with the right edge housing the volume rocker and power button, both offering good tactile feedback. At the bottom edge, you find a Type-C charging port, SIM tray, and a set of speakers.

Display

The Vivo V29 Pro comes with a 6.78-inch FullHD+ AMOLED display, offering a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The screen is vibrant and remains visible even in direct sunlight. However, the adaptive brightness feature, which adjusts the display based on ambient lighting, operates a bit slowly. Nevertheless, the display showcases vivid colors and strong contrast. The two-sided curved display enables gesture navigation, yet it’s important to note that not all apps are optimized for curved displays, leading to issues like the timeline bar overlapping with the curved edges.

Featuring an in-display fingerprint scanner, the V29 Pro provides fast and accurate biometric authentication. While Vivo offers various animation options for fingerprint scanning, the scanner works most efficiently without them.

Performance

Vivo continues to use the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset, a processor with a solid performance history. Paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and offering 256GB of storage, the smartphone offers good performance.

In day-to-day use, the device displays smooth performance across various tasks such as calling, social media usage, video streaming, gaming, and emails. Notably, it maintains a cool temperature during operation. The smartphone handles graphically intense games like Call of Duty Mobile and BGMI at Very High graphics settings and Ultra frame rates. It also handles Genshin Impact decently, meeting the demanding performance requirements of the game, making the V29 series a suitable choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Running on Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13, the Vivo V27 Pro, like its predecessors, is expected to receive two years of Android updates and three years of monthly security updates. Funtouch OS brings software enhancements, personalization options, privacy features, and controls. However, it comes with pre-installed apps, including game folders, which may contribute to phone clutter. This is a common issue with Chinese phone brands, not exclusive to Vivo.

Also Read | Vivo V27 Smartphone Review: A Shutterbug’s Delight

Camera

The Vivo V29 Pro maintains the rectangular camera module on its back housing three sensors, namely a 50MP OIS-enabled primary camera, a 12MP portrait camera with 2x zoom, and an 8MP angle ultra-wide camera.

The Smart Aura Light setup has seen improvements, featuring brighter LEDs and a broader range of tones. The V29 Pro allows users to adjust the Smart Aura light’s intensity from warm red to cool white with simple gestures in the camera app, accessible under the flash adjustment settings. However, it’s worth noting that the Camera app’s user interface could benefit from improvement as navigating certain options can be overwhelming.

Once accustomed to it, the Vivo V29 Pro provides numerous options for customization. Daylight photos with HDR exhibit natural enhancement and sharpness, thanks to the 50MP primary camera that delivers a balanced mix of contrast, shadows, and saturation. For those preferring more natural colors, options to disable HDR and AI-powered color detection are available. Portrait shots with the primary camera (1x zoom) and the 12MP portrait camera both showcase improved edge detection and sharpness.

In portrait mode, the V29 Pro offers various “styles,” including a Wedding mode that enhances facial details while keeping the background bright and blurry. When paired with the Smart Aura Light, especially for close-ups, the results can be impressive.

The Smart Aura Light proves useful in low-light environments, although it may soften facial details. Nonetheless, it still achieves a pleasing blurry background effect, particularly appreciated by users. The primary camera can record 4K30fps videos with stabilization, but there’s no video recording option in portrait mode.

Battery

The battery performance of the Vivo V29 Pro is impressive, despite its 4,600mAh rating. During our usage, the device consistently lasted a full day with some battery percentage remaining at the end.

Our daily activities involved scrolling through Instagram reels, listening to music on Spotify, watching videos on YouTube, and more. Additionally, the phone supports 80W fast charging, an improvement from the V27 series’ 66W. This capability allows the V29 Pro to charge from 0 to 100 percent in just 48 minutes.

Final Verdict

The Vivo V29 Pro makes for a good recommendation overall, although opinions on the software experience are varied. It particularly appeals to individuals seeking a camera-centric smartphone within the Rs. 40K price range. The V29 Pro impressively enhances colors and certain scenes, allowing users to effortlessly share photos on their preferred social media platforms without the need for extensive editing. Beyond its camera capabilities, the phone delivers lag-free performance and great battery life, coupled with fast charging speeds.

Also Read | Vivo T2 Pro Review: A Feature-Rich Smartphone On A Budget