vivo V9e In-Depth Hands-on: Smartphone W/ Lots of Style & Dash of Substance

In a world where first impressions can significantly impact your day, the influence of aesthetics is undeniable. Beyond their basic functionality, smartphones have transformed into reflections of personal style, enhancing daily experiences.

Although the vivo V29e 5G was revealed last in September alongside the V29 5G, it took some time before hitting store shelves. Marketed as a more budget-friendly alternative, the V29e 5G now features 5G connectivity and reintroduces the ultra-wide camera, compared to its predecessor – the vivo V27e. It’s clear that this smartphone transcends its role as a mere device, emerging as a lifestyle accessory that complements individual styles.

However, it’s essential not to overlook the fact that the vivo V29e 5G goes beyond aesthetics. Packed with a plethora of features and capabilities, it aims to delight everyday users. Let’s explore some of the aspects that Philnews.ph appreciated during their experience with the new vivo V29e 5G.

Design

The V29e 5G retains the same boxy design as its predecessor. This extends to featuring a flat AMOLED display. Similar to the V29 5G, the V29e 5G incorporates an updated Aura Light module, incorporating two distinct LED lights: one serving as the typical flash and the other being vivo’s signature ring light, particularly useful for capturing portrait shots. Much like its pricier counterpart, the V29e 5G’s camera module shares the same color as the rear panel, contributing to a more polished appearance. In our assessment, the unit in Ice Creek Blue stands out with its crystalline appearance and a glossy finish on the back panel.

Just like its predecessor, the V29e 5G houses the USB-C port, loudspeaker, and SIM tray at the base, while the power and volume controls are situated on the right side of the phone.

Delivers stunning portraits

The V29e 5G adopts a dual rear camera setup, comprising a 64-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, replacing the 2-megapixel fillers found on the V27e. Although the 8-megapixel ultra-wide is not a new addition, we prefer this camera setup over configurations with filler cameras.

The V29e consistently delivers reliable camera performance on both the primary and ultra-wide cameras, even when utilizing the 2x digital zoom on the main camera. While it may not reach the camera standards set by the pricier V29 5G, the V29e 5G’s 2x digital zoom proves to be highly functional.

Even in well-lit conditions, the ultra-wide camera consistently matches the performance of the V29e 5G’s primary camera, marking a significant improvement over any 2-megapixel filler camera. Despite retaining the same 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, vivo’s post-processing algorithm maximizes the potential of the camera hardware.

Ultra-wide shots

Despite sharing the same 64-megapixel camera as the V27e, the V29e 5G stands out thanks to its advanced post-processing algorithm, particularly noticeable in low-light situations. In general, the V29e 5G delivers more intricately detailed images with improved highlights and shadows.

While video recording capabilities are still limited to Full HD, the V29e 5G introduces a 60FPS option for the primary rear camera, enhancing the smoothness of footage and taking advantage of the built-in OIS.

A notable improvement in the V29e 5G is found in the selfie camera, which utilizes the identical 50-megapixel sensor as the V29. Additionally, the inclusion of Eye Autofocus results in more detailed and refined selfies.

Internals and Battery Life

The V29e 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, setting it apart in the mid-range phone category due to its ample RAM capacity. Although other competing devices boast more robust processors, the switch to a Snapdragon 695 in the V29e 5G results in significant performance enhancements compared to the V27e, alongside the added benefit of 5G connectivity. Gaming performance also sees a modest improvement, ensuring smoother gameplay experiences. 

Despite maintaining a slim 7.7mm profile, the V29e 5G accommodates a slightly larger 4800mAh battery, excelling in battery life by achieving an impressive 20 hours and 19 minutes in PCMark’s battery benchmark. 

Display and Speakers

The V29e 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz panel and Full HD+ resolution. Additionally, the V29e boasts slimmer bezels compared to its predecessor, lending it a more premium appearance within the mid-range phone category.

The reduced bezel not only contributes to a more upscale aesthetic but also enhances the viewing experience on the V29e 5G, particularly with its characteristic deep blacks and vibrant colors inherent in AMOLED displays. Furthermore, Widevine L1 support is included, allowing users to enjoy their favorite Netflix content in Full HD.

However, in line with past vivo V -series phones, the V29e 5G retains a mono speaker, which remains a drawback. Considering that some competitors offer stereo speakers, it is hoped that future iterations of vivo’s mid-range V- series phones will incorporate stereo speaker systems.

You may get the vivo V29e 5G for only Php 17,999 at the vivo Philippines website, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, and physical stores nationwide. It is also available through Home Credit with a 0% interest rate for as low as Php 762 per month.

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