Vivo has solidified its reputation as a formidable player in the mid-range smartphone market, consistently delivering devices that blend style, performance, and affordability. The Vivo V50e, set to launch in India on April 10, 2025, is the latest addition to the V50 series, following the Vivo V50’s debut in February 2025. Positioned as a successor to the Vivo V40e, this device targets a diverse audience: young professionals, photography enthusiasts, and budget-conscious consumers seeking modern features like 5G connectivity and a high-refresh-rate display without venturing into premium price territory.
The excitement surrounding the Vivo V50e stems from its teased specifications—a sleek design, a 50MP camera system, and a robust 5,600mAh battery with 90W fast charging—all packed into a mid-range package expected to retail between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000 in India. As competition intensifies in this segment with brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung, the V50e aims to carve its niche with a focus on photography, durability, and an immersive display. In this review, we’ll dissect every aspect of the Vivo V50e, offering insights into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
Materials and Construction
The Vivo V50e features a practical yet elegant design, utilizing a glass front to protect its AMOLED display, paired with a plastic back and frame. This combination keeps costs down while maintaining a premium feel. The plastic back, available in Forest Black and Rose Gold, offers a smooth finish that resists fingerprints, though it lacks the luxurious texture of glass or eco-leather found in higher-end models. The plastic frame provides structural rigidity, ensuring the device feels solid despite its lightweight construction.
Dimensions and Ergonomics
Measuring 163.7 x 75 x 7.5 mm and weighing either 185.5g or 191g (depending on the color variant), the V50e strikes a balance between portability and presence. Its slim 7.5mm profile makes it one of the sleeker options in its class, slipping easily into pockets or bags. The slightly curved edges enhance grip, though the large 6.77-inch display means one-handed use may be challenging for those with smaller hands. The lightweight design mitigates fatigue during extended use, making it ideal for media consumption or gaming on the go.
Durability Features
A key highlight is the IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against dust ingress and light water splashes. While not as robust as IP68 (found in premium devices), it’s a welcome feature in the mid-range segment, safeguarding the V50e from everyday mishaps like rain or spills. Vivo hasn’t emphasized drop resistance certifications here, so users may want to pair it with a case for added protection.
Color Options
Available in Forest Black and Rose Gold, the V50e caters to contrasting tastes. Forest Black exudes understated sophistication, appealing to minimalists, while Rose Gold adds a touch of flair, likely targeting younger users or those who prefer bold aesthetics. Both finishes are glossy, enhancing visual appeal but potentially attracting smudges.
Unique Design Elements
The V50e’s “ultra-slim quad-curved display” design sets it apart, with gently sloping edges on all four sides that enhance immersion and lend a modern, premium look. The circular rear camera module, accented by an Aura Light ring, adds a distinctive flourish, doubling as a soft flash for portraits. These elements make the V50e visually competitive in a crowded market.
Display
Screen Specifications
The Vivo V50e boasts a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels, yielding a pixel density of ~388 ppi. This ensures crisp visuals, with sharp text and detailed images that hold up well for a mid-range device. AMOLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast, elevating the viewing experience beyond typical LCD panels.
120Hz Refresh Rate
The 120Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, offering silky-smooth scrolling and animations. In gaming, titles like BGMI or Asphalt 9 benefit from reduced motion blur and improved responsiveness, though frame rates depend on GPU performance. The adaptive refresh rate likely scales down to 60Hz for static content, optimizing battery life without compromising fluidity where it matters.
HDR10+ and Brightness
With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, the V50e excels in dynamic range and visibility. HDR content on platforms like Netflix or YouTube pops with enhanced color and contrast, while the extreme brightness ensures legibility even under direct sunlight—rare for its price point. Real-world usage may not consistently hit 4,500 nits (reserved for small highlights), but typical brightness levels should still impress.
Always-On Display
The always-on display (AOD) feature adds practicality, displaying time, notifications, and battery status without waking the device. Customizable with various clock styles, it’s a battery-efficient perk thanks to AMOLED’s ability to light individual pixels, making it a handy tool for quick glances.
Visual Experience
Overall, the display is a highlight, offering an immersive, high-quality experience for videos, games, and browsing. The quad-curved design minimizes bezels, pushing the screen-to-body ratio higher and enhancing its premium feel, though edge touches may occasionally register unintentionally.
Performance
MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Chipset
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, built on a 4nm process, the V50e promises efficient performance. Its octa-core CPU—4×2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 for power and 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 for efficiency—pairs with the Mali-G610 MC6 GPU. This setup rivals Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, offering a balance of speed and power savings suited for mid-range demands.
Day-to-Day Usage and Multitasking
In daily tasks like social media, messaging, and streaming, the V50e performs smoothly, with apps launching quickly and minimal stutter. The 8GB or 12GB RAM options enable robust multitasking—switching between apps like Chrome, WhatsApp, and Spotify feels seamless. The 12GB variant shines for heavier users juggling multiple apps or browser tabs.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is a strong suit, with the Mali-G610 MC6 handling titles like PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. More demanding games like Genshin Impact run well on medium settings, though prolonged sessions may warm the device due to the plastic build’s heat dissipation. The 120Hz display enhances responsiveness, making it a solid pick for casual gamers.
Storage and RAM Options
Available in 128GB (8GB RAM) and 256GB (12GB RAM) variants, the V50e uses UFS storage for fast read/write speeds. The absence of a microSD slot is a drawback, requiring users to choose storage wisely upfront. The 256GB option suits power users storing apps, photos, and videos, while 128GB suffices for lighter use.
Benchmark Insights
While exact AnTuTu scores aren’t confirmed pre-launch, similar Dimensity 7300 devices score around 600,000–650,000, placing the V50e ahead of Snapdragon 695-powered rivals (e.g., ~400,000). Geekbench estimates suggest single-core scores of ~900 and multi-core scores of ~2,800, translating to reliable real-world performance for its class.
Software Experience
Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15
The V50e ships with Android 15, overlaid with Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15, offering a modern, customizable interface. Funtouch OS retains a clean, iOS-like aesthetic with fluid animations, though it includes some pre-installed apps that may feel redundant to Google ecosystem users.
Unique Features
Highlights include AI-driven tools like AI Image Expander (extends photo edges), AI Note Assist (summarizes content), and Google’s Circle to Search (visual lookup via gestures). The “Wedding Portrait Studio” feature, exclusive to India, enhances portraits with wedding-style filters, appealing to culturally significant use cases. These add value, though some require network connectivity.
Software Updates
Vivo typically commits to two major Android upgrades and three years of security patches for mid-range devices. This suggests support through Android 17 (2027), ensuring longevity—a critical factor for buyers seeking future-proofing in this price range.
Camera System
Rear Camera Setup
The dual rear camera features a 50 MP main sensor (f/1.8, PDAF, OIS) and an 8 MP ultra-wide lens. The main sensor, likely a Sony IMX882, excels in detail and light capture, bolstered by OIS for stability. Features like LED flash, HDR, and AI optimizations enhance versatility.
Performance in Lighting Conditions
In daylight, the 50 MP sensor delivers sharp, vibrant shots with good dynamic range. Low-light performance benefits from OIS and a wide aperture, reducing blur and noise, though it may not match flagship night modes. The 8 MP ultra-wide lens captures broader scenes but sacrifices detail, especially in dim conditions.
Video Capabilities
Video recording supports 4K at 30/60fps and 1080p with gyro-EIS and OIS, ensuring smooth, stable footage. It’s a strong offering for casual creators, though 60fps may strain processing in low light.
Front Camera
The 50 MP front camera (f/2.5) with autofocus excels for selfies, capturing detailed, natural shots in good light. Video recording at 1080p@30/60fps suits vloggers and video callers, though low-light selfies may soften.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity
The 5,600mAh battery offers exceptional endurance, lasting over two days with moderate use (social media, calls, browsing) and a full day under heavy loads (gaming, streaming). It’s a standout in its segment.
90W Charging
The 90W wired charging fills the battery from 0-50% in ~20 minutes and fully charges in ~45 minutes—impressive for its capacity. No wireless charging is a minor miss but expected at this price.
Battery Optimization
Funtouch OS includes power-saving modes and AI-driven optimization, extending life further. Battery health features like adaptive charging should preserve capacity over time.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Network Support
With 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, the V50e is future-ready, leveraging 5G for faster downloads and streaming where available. Band support (e.g., N77/N78) ensures compatibility in India.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a full GPS suite (GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS) offer cutting-edge connectivity. NFC (region-dependent) enables payments, while USB-C 2.0 with OTG supports accessories. The 3.5mm jack is a rare, welcome inclusion for wired audio fans.
Additional Features
The under-display optical fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, joined by sensors like accelerometer, gyro, and compass for a well-rounded experience.
Audio Quality
Loudspeaker Performance
The loudspeaker delivers clear, loud sound, though bass is modest—typical for mid-range devices. It’s suitable for media or calls in quiet settings.
Wireless Audio
Bluetooth 5.4 supports high-quality codecs (e.g., AAC, aptX), ensuring rich wireless audio with compatible earbuds—a boon for music lovers.
Storage Options and Expandability
The 128GB (8GB RAM) and 256GB (12GB RAM) variants cater to different needs, but the lack of a microSD slot limits flexibility. The 256GB option is ideal for heavy users, while 128GB suits casual use with cloud reliance.
Pricing and Availability
Expected to launch between ₹25,000 (128GB) and ₹30,000 (256GB) in India, the V50e offers strong value. Available in Forest Black and Rose Gold via Flipkart, Amazon, and Vivo’s e-store, it may see launch discounts. Global pricing and availability remain unconfirmed.
Comparative Analysis
Against the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (₹30,999) and Samsung Galaxy A35 (₹28,999), the V50e shines with its battery, charging speed, and display brightness. Its camera lags behind Redmi’s 200MP sensor, and Samsung offers better software support (four OS upgrades). The 3.5mm jack and AI features give it an edge.
User Feedback and Reception
Pre-launch buzz highlights the display, battery, and design, though some lament the missing microSD slot and modest ultra-wide camera. Post-launch feedback will clarify real-world performance.
Conclusion
The Vivo V50e is a compelling mid-range option, excelling in battery life, display quality, and fast charging. Its sleek design, durable build, and photography focus make it ideal for young users, casual gamers, and budget buyers seeking 5G. Weaknesses like limited storage expandability and average low-light camera performance temper its appeal, but at ₹25,000–₹30,000, it’s a strong contender. Recommended for those prioritizing endurance and visuals over flagship-grade cameras or long-term software support.