Along with being functional, a modern-day smartphone must survive rain, hail, and storms. I have been toying with numerous phones in the past year, but I haven’t come across a device that packs almost everything — a stellar camera, sturdy build, and a refreshing design.
For the last two weeks, I have been using the Vivo V40 Pro, which the brand claims stands out in an ocean of smartphones with its focus on superior imaging capabilities. In this review, I will explore what sets the smartphone, launched earlier in August, apart from its competitors and help you make an informed decision.
Slim and sleek
The first thing that caught my attention was the slim profile, and I feel housing a large battery makes it an engineering marvel. More so, I feel Vivo has done a great job, especially at reaching out to the segment of users who are averse to bulkier smartphones. With the V40 Pro, Vivo has managed to come out with a slim device despite packing a 5500 mAh battery. It is 7.58 mm thick, has a great design, and does not compromise on the battery life.
The Vivo V40 Pro’s camera island is huge. However, it is in no way obstructing the design element of the device. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
The review device I got was in the Ganges Blue shade, which the brand claims to pay homage to the holy river. The glass back is iridescent and under direct light, gives the illusion of the wavy movements of the river. The device comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which should come as peace of mind for many users.
Another striking aspect is the comprehensive cushioning structure that enhances the drop resistance of the device. The Vivo V 40 Pro sports a high-performance Schlott glass for the screen. Overall, I feel that this is an ideal device for someone who is on the move and is more likely to drop their phones.
What a display
Essentially, the Vivo V 40 Pro builds on its predecessor the V30 Pro — a device that I thoroughly enjoyed using. However, there are some notable improvements. At the heart of all this is the 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with minimal bezels. The screen offers a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels and a super smooth 120 Hz refresh rate.
The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display on the Vivo V40 Pro offers the best viewing even on a bright sunny day. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
Besides, it supports HDR10+, making it ideal for your Netflix binge sessions. The standout feature here is the claimed peak brightness of 4500 nits, and during my usage I found the device to be significantly visible even on bright sunny days. I liked the vibrant colours and sharp details that the display showcased, especially while watching the 4K content.
Lights, camera, action
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The camera system on the device is its main highlight. On the rear, it sports triple 50 MP cameras with the main featuring a Sony IMX921 sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation. Another highlight is the 50 MP ZEISS Telephoto Portrait Camera which offers 2x optical and 50x digital zoom, with OIS support. This lens is tailored for portrait photography, featuring the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait function, which provides multiple focal lengths (24 mm to 100 mm) with corresponding ZEISS lens effects, allowing for some cool artistic portraits.
Colours pop out in natural lighting. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
With the Vivo V40 Pro almost any setting can be a wallpaper-worthy click (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
The camera module on the Vivo V40 Pro can be a delight for amature photographers. I am a novice, yet I could see the possibilities this device has to offer. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
Perhaps, the most interesting aspect of the cameras is how efficiently it captures the details. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
A towering building under the sprawling sky. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
The Vivo V40 Pro can be your perfect travel companion. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)
The phone excels in portrait photography, offering multiple focal length options for versatile shots. Video capabilities are impressive too, with 4K recording at 60 fps available on both the rear and front cameras. Low-light performance is commendable, though some motion blur can occur in challenging conditions. Moreover, the ZEISS Style Bokeh features seven background blur styles, essentially mimicking high-end cameras. For selfies, the 50 MP front camera supports wide-angle shots with a 92° field of view, making it ideal for group selfies.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Vivo V40 Pro is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9200+ chipset paired with 12 GB of RAM. I found it to excel at both everyday tasks and some demanding games. While this cannot be called a gaming smartphone, one can easily play most games like Call of Duty, PubG, or racing games. The phone comes with a vapour chamber cooling system which helps it to manage heat during intensive use. During the review period, I never experienced any heating issues with the device.
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The Vivo V40 Pro runs on Android 14 with Vivo’s FunTouch OS. While this may not appeal to all, I must tell you that it comes with an array of customisations. The device comes with three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates, and this should keep the device running smoothly for a good long time.
Verdict on Vivo V40 Pro
The Vivo V40 Pro comes with some noticeable improvements over its predecessor, particularly in terms of performance and battery life. The versatile camera system makes it a solid choice among its peers. The device is the most durable in the segment, even though some may find the plastic frame uninspiring. Despite these minor issues, the Vivo V40 Pro can be a worthy investment.
