Pros
- Curved AMOLED display
- Good main and selfie cameras
- Photochromic 2.0 design
Cons
- No stereo speakers
- Bloatware
If you’re looking for a smartphone that combines an elegant design with a powerful camera, you might want to check out the Vivo V27. The latest addition in Vivo’s V series, the Vivo V27 boasts a striking camera, an Aura Portrait Algorithm Feature, a visually appealing Photochromic 2.0 design, and a thin grip. Amidst all the buzz surrounding the device, it can be simple to become overwhelmed by all the noise. Nevertheless, in this review, we will assess if the device truly lives up to the hype. Let’s proceed.
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Vivo V27 Specs
Display | 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED Display |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 |
RAM/Storage | 12GB+256GB |
Rear Cameras | 50MP Main 8MP Ultra-wide 2MP Macro Aura Light Flash |
Front Camera | 50MP |
OS | Funtouch OS 13, Android 13 |
Battery | 4,600mAh Battery, 66W Fast Charging |
Price | Rs. 32,999 |
What’s Inside The Box?
- Handset
- USB Power Adapter
- Type-C to USB Cable
- Eject Tool
- Phone Case
- Protective Film (Applied)
- Documentation
Design
The Vivo V27 has a glass back with a matte finish, providing it with a premium appearance. Its thickness is just 7.33mm, and it features a 60-degree curved screen and a 3D back panel that smoothly integrates into the 2.3mm thin frame. These factors make the phone extremely ergonomic and provide it with a pleasant hand feel. Our review model comes in Magic Blue color, an enchanting color that resembles the natural sky.
On the back, there is a big camera island that accommodates three lenses and a ring LED light known as the Aura Light Feature flash. The module has a matte metal finish which creates an attractive contrast with the shiny rear panel. The phone’s appearance is further enhanced by all of these features. However, what is particularly impressive is the color-changing back. It retains its predecessor’s color-changing capability, now in its second iteration known as the Photochromic 2.0 technology, which changes to a darker blue color when exposed to sunlight. It still amazes me as much as it did before.
The power button and volume rockers are located on the right side, and the SIM card slot, type-C port, and loudspeaker are located on the bottom. Overall, the Vivo V27 excels in design and looks like an expensive phone rather than a mid-range one.
Display
The Vivo V27 features an FHD+ curved 6.78 inches AMOLED display. With a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, this display is pretty bright and offers decent visibility even in outdoor settings. The colors are vivid and lively, and the content on the screen appears crisp and clear. When watching videos on YouTube, I had a delightful viewing experience thanks to the immersive nature of the curved display and slim bezels. The display offers deep blacks and accurate color reproduction, without overdoing the colors.
With support for HDR playback and Widevine L1, users can enjoy high-quality content on OTT platforms. The top and side bezels are exceptionally narrow, contributing to the expansive viewing experience. The bottom bezel has nearly the same thickness as the other bezels, providing a uniform and premium appearance.
Also Read | Vivo T1X Review: Good Design, Decent Cameras
Performance
The Vivo V27 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, which is coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The phone performs smoothly in everyday usage, with scrolling, swiping through Instagram stories, and reels being particularly buttery smooth.
The 120Hz refresh rate enhances the overall user experience, making everything feel seamless. It can effortlessly handle standard apps like WhatsApp, as well as more demanding ones like Instagram and Snapchat without any noticeable lags or stutters.
Furthermore, the Vivo V27 can be used for intensive gaming, as demonstrated by its ability to run Asphalt 9 and Apex Legends Mobile seamlessly. Asphalt 9 was able to run at High settings, while Apex Legends ran at Original graphics settings. Despite playing Apex Legends for approximately half an hour, the phone only felt warm, and there was no significant heating issue.
FunTouch OS 13, which is based on Android 13, powers the Vivo V27. It’s good to see that it works on the latest Android version out-of-the-box. The UI feels simple and user-friendly.
As you swipe down from the homescreen, a notification panel appears, and when you scroll up, an app drawer appears. RAM expansion, Ultra Game Mode, Dynamic Effects, shake to activate flash, smart split, and many other features are also available.
At the same time, there are a bunch of pre-installed apps including Spotify, LinkedIn, Netflix, PhonePe, and a few others. Though, you can always remove them from the settings.
Camera
The Vivo V27 stands out with powerful cameras, which are further enhanced by the Aura Light feature. The camera system works together to produce flawless portraits in various lighting conditions. The smartphone has four cameras in total: a 50MP OIS Ultra-Sensing primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, a 2MP macro camera on the back, and a 50MP Eye AF selfie camera on the front.
The primary camera captures stunning photos in almost all lighting scenarios. Daytime shots are detailed and vivid, with a wide dynamic range that adds a punchy feel to the images. Low-light shots are also impressive, with a dedicated night mode that maintains the colors and enhances the details. While the ultra-wide shots are decent, the details are not as sharp as those captured by the primary camera. Additionally, there is a noticeable color shift, with the ultra-wide shots appearing cooler compared to the warmer tones produced by the primary camera.
On the other hand, the 50MP selfie camera takes fantastic selfies. I shot a few selfies, and they were detailed, clear, and sharp. The skin tones appeared natural as well.
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Battery And Charging
The Vivo V27 is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery and supports 66W fast charging. Although the battery backup is satisfactory, heavy users may need to recharge the phone by evening. However, I found that the battery lasted a full day with some juice left for the following day. With a screen on time of approximately six hours, the battery performance is good considering its size. Although a 5,000mAh battery would have been preferable, the Vivo V27 performs well in the battery department. Besides, the 66W fast charger takes around 45 minutes to fully charge the phone from 0 to 100 percent, and a 15-minute quick charge can power up the battery to about 50 percent.
Verdict
To be frank, there are very few things to criticize about this phone. It boasts impressive cameras, decent performance, and good build quality. The Vivo V27 lives up to its claim of being the “Aura Portrait Master” with one of the best non-flagship phone cameras I have seen in a while. Additionally, it has an attractive look that distinguishes it from other smartphones in its price range. Furthermore, the 3D curved screen, slim body, and color-changing Photochromic 2.0 element make it seem like a high-end device. Therefore, I highly recommend the Vivo V27 to anyone seeking a stylish and powerful smartphone.
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