Vivo V25 Pro has been launched in Malaysia at a price of RM2499 with several color options available such as Surfing Blue and Midnight Black. This is also a new update for the previous Vivo V23 Pro. Still focusing on a mobile imaging system, it has however come with some improvements to make it more attractive.
It includes a larger screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a large battery capacity for better durability and a camera complete with an OIS system. All this is packed into a device with a body that can change color on the back panel, where it is the same approach found on the previous Vivo V23 series. Continue reading this review article to know more about this new Vivo device.
Brief Specifications of the Device
Vivo V25 Pro 5G
6.56-inch AMOLED screen, 1080 x 2400 (FHD+), 120Hz
MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor (6nm)
1 x 3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 chip
3 x 2.6 GHz Cortex-A78
4 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G77 MC9 Graphics Chip
12GB of RAM
256GB Internal Storage
Main Camera 64 + 8 + 2 Megapixel, OIS
(f/1.9 + f/2.2 + f/2.4),
4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
32 Megapixel Front Camera (f/2.2)
1080p@30fps
4830 mAh battery
66W Fast Charging
SIM/Telephony SIM Nano + SIM Nano
NFC Available
Infrared None
Waterproof None
Under Screen Fingerprint Scanner Scan System
Face Scan
Selling Price RM2,499
In terms of design, the smartphone has a curved front panel on both sides along with the use of a small punch-hole design in the middle for single selfie camera support. The combination of rounded sides of the device with a thin body can also ensure that this smartphone is always comfortable to hold in the hand.
Along with it, it is also loaded with a bezel size that is neither too thick nor too thin, this includes the chin and forehead. Next, the 6.56-inch AMOLED screen used may not be the largest on the market at this time. However, it is sufficient for the use of various daily activities, such as reading articles, surfing the web, watching video content and playing permua (mobile games).
With FHD+ resolution, this smartphone's screen looks all around quite beautiful, bright and sharp with good color contrast in certain conditions. What we mean here is that a satisfactory experience is when using the device in a closed area or there is no extreme lighting. Otherwise, the smartphone screen will turn dim and make the content on it quite difficult to see or read.
Also included, 120Hz refresh rate support which is also an improvement from 90Hz on the previous Vivo V23 series. The existence of this function is necessary to ensure a smooth scrolling and animation transition experience on smartphones. At the same time, there are several setting options available for it through the settings.
Through it, it allows users to choose whether to use 60Hz or 120Hz statically. Or another option is Smart Switch to automatically change the refresh rate depending on the current content. Its existence is indirectly more helpful in reducing battery consumption. So, the battery life will be longer than using a 120Hz screen continuously.
The notable drawback here is that the smartphone does not provide a setting for 90Hz. It can be said to be a bonus if there is because the user is more free to choose. However it is not really a big issue, in fact not all users really benefit from high refresh rate support on a smartphone. Then for basic daily use such as scrolling through social media or replying to messages on the Whatsapp application, the use of a 60Hz screen is sufficient.
The front panel also has a built-in optical fingerprint scanner. The position is good and easy to use with the ability to open the device quite fast and responsive. As an option, this smartphone also provides a facial scanning system that is also able to function well with a fairly smooth response. This includes the experience of unlocking this smartphone in a dark area with the help of light from the screen alone.
The standard button layout features a power button and audio controls on the right side. All of these buttons have a fairly solid build and are easily accessible. Meanwhile, nothing can be found on the left side of this smartphone. In terms of connectivity, Vivo includes a USB-C connection port at the bottom of this smartphone flanked by a mono speaker and a nano-sized dual-SIM tray.
Lack of storage? Unfortunately, this smartphone does not come with a microSD card slot. The next drawback is the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack but Vivo has generously provided an extra dogel with wired earphones in the purchase box. Careful use is also highly recommended because this smartphone does not have any waterproof and dustproof rating.
Well one of the issues that is being asked among our editors is why is the audio system still mono? This kind of thing should not happen for a device with a selling price of more than RM2000. While there are only basic Android devices or equivalent competitors with lower prices able to include this feature.
Therefore it is hoped that the next model will come with a better audio system. No waterproof capability is still forgivable but at least hopefully a stereo audio system can be provided. The mono speakers aren't bad, they're still satisfying and loud but the audio cast feels flat. It gets worse when the audio becomes noisy at high volumes.
One thing that is still maintained on this model is the ability of the device's body to change color on the back. This situation occurs when this smartphone is exposed to UV light, then the back panel will change color. For example, like the Vivo Surfing Blue in this review article, it can change color between dark blue to pale blue and then return to the original color after a few minutes. This may not appeal to some people, but we personally think that this Vivo smartphone has its own special features. As another option, the Vivo V25 Pro is also offered in an all-black finish for a more minimalist look.
Usage Experience
Vivo V25 Pro uses FunTouchOS 12 which is based on Android 12. Most of the interface looks neat and simple. Also included is the ability to be customized as needed but the options provided are quite limited compared to a number of other manufacturers. We are also less pleased with the color selection for the less prominent icons and the layout in the settings which is a bit cluttered. Likewise with the problem of fat applications (bloatware), where this smartphone is already complete with several installed applications and continuous advertisements.
However, the use of the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chip is able to make the performance of this smartphone at a good level. This is paired with 12GB RAM memory and 256GB internal storage in Malaysia. The combination of all this makes the process of opening and switching daily applications feel smooth without chronic issues. In the meantime, we used this smartphone while playing first for a few sessions as well and it was just warm without extreme issues to the point of being uncomfortable to hold. Also included is the RAM Extension feature that can add virtual memory up to 8GB RAM.
Camera
For photography settings, Vivo V23 5G uses a tri-camera system with a configuration of 64-Megapixel (main) + 8-Megapixel (ultra-wide) and 2-Megapixel (macro). Also included on this smartphone is a built-in OIS system and a 32MP selfie camera. Just open the camera app, both sides of the camera show an easy-to-understand interface.
All the main features are well accessible, and it is also loaded with several other photography features for a more interesting mobile imaging experience. For example such as Dual-Video Video recording, Pro Sport, Vlog and many more. Apart from that, this smartphone can also record videos at 4K/30fps with the ability of the built-in stabilization system that comes with it.
The quality of pictures taken with this smartphone is good for most situations with clear, bright and sharp results. The OIS system helps a lot to ensure that every picture taken looks good. Color reproduction is also satisfactory for shots with the main camera. Similarly, the results of portrait photos show satisfactory results with the ability to separate the subject and the background well. If there is a shortcoming that we can say about it, it is the edge detection which is still not perfect.
Ultra-wide images depend on the situation but personally we think most of them give less than satisfactory results. Color reproduction seems satisfactory but details fail to be preserved along with significant noise issues. Satisfactory zoom capability is up to 2X, the rest results in image sharpness starting to disappear with significant softening. Meanwhile, pictures at night also look good with details preserved. It's just that for some situations it's too easy to show the noise effect, it can still be overcome with the built-in night mode. Through it the result of the picture becomes brighter but a little soft.
Some additional filters are also provided through the night mode for more interesting photo results. For example Cyberpunk, Black & Gold, Blue Ice and so on. Other sensors such as macro show moderate capabilities. Not perfect but fine enough to use for everyday activities. Selfie camera capabilities also provide good results with built-in beauty features and also various built-in filters.
Battery
The 4,830mAh battery comes with a battery life capability that can last over 7 hours on moderate usage with a 120Hz screen that is activated all the time. It can however last longer on normal use with a lower refresh rate setting. For recharging, the smartphone supports a 66W fast charging system and a charging head is provided once in the box along with a USB-C cable.
Conclusion
Vivo V25 Pro has been improved with interesting features covering various aspects. For example, like a bigger screen with a high refresh rate. Next, the battery capacity with a longer lifespan, in addition to the performance is also good in its class. Similarly, the ability of the device's body to change color also adds another bonus that can be considered a special feature. The lack is still in the mono speaker, not waterproof, no audio jack and microSD compartment and the FunTouchOS interface is still fibrous. For those interested, the Vivo V25 Pro is sold in Malaysia at a price of RM2,499 with a choice of 12GB/256GB variants.
Pro
Comfortable design in the hand.
Satisfactory performance in its segment.
Camera with OIS and various function options.
66W wired charging.
Cons
Mono speakers.
No audio jack & waterproof protection.
No microSD card slot.
Fat app installed & persistent ads.