The vivo V40 is a smartphone that promises exceptional camera capabilities for capturing stunning photos and videos. Packed with impressive specifications and innovative camera features, this device has the potential to become your go-to mobile photography gear.
But does the vivo V40 truly deliver on its promises? Let’s find out.
Capable and reliable
In the vivo V40’s control center is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, supported by a 12GB + 12GB extended RAM for a seamless Funtouch OS (Android 14) experience. With ample storage options of 256GB or 512GB, you’ll have plenty of space for your apps, files, and gallery of photos and videos.
Some may say the Snapdragon chipset is already overshadowed by newer releases, but there’s no denying that it’s still a powerful processor. In our time with the device, we’ve never had a problem with our day-to-day use. There was no lag at all, even when gaming. It may warm a bit with extensive use, but vivo’s Ultra Large VC Smart Cooling System keeps the phone in a stable operating temperature. Overall, users can expect a pleasant and snappy experience with this device.
For the power plant, the V40 is equipped with a 5500mAh BlueVolt battery that can easily last over a day of mixed use, and even longer with the Battery Saver mode on. Battery geeks will be happy to know, too, that Funtouch OS gives users granular control for further power optimization, as well as battery charging. Not that juicing up is an issue, though. With the 80W FlashCharge and Fast Charging mode, the V40 charges to 30% in just 20 minutes, and to 100% in an hour and five minutes, based on our tests.
Elegance and comfort
The V40 comes in three colors: Nebula Purple, Sunglow Peach, and Stellar Silver. Speed’s review unit is the Nebula Purple variant which has a matte finish. Interestingly, even though it is matte, the back panel has a bit of shimmer depending on how the light hits it. You can count on the V40 to stay immaculate, too, because the finish is resistant to fingerprints and smudges.
Comfortably thin at just 7.58 millimeters, the V40 fits nicely in the hand. At 190 grams, it’s neither too light that you forget it’s even there, nor too heavy that your hand gets tired holding it as you binge your favorite videos for hours on end.
Fun in your pocket
As a multimedia device, it won’t leave you hanging. The V40 is equipped with a 1.5K Ultra Clear Sunlight Display with 120Hz refresh rate. With 4,500 nits peak brightness, you won’t have any trouble even under harsh light. The screen also has a triple SGS certification for low blue light, low flicker, and low motion blur for a comfortable viewing experience.
Complementing it is a dual stereo speaker setup that gives a balanced sound and rich bass, so your favorite tunes, videos, and games come alive right at the palm of your hand. With IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, you won’t need to worry much about it tapping out when exposed to the elements.
The Zeiss factor
If there’s anything that pulled you to read this review of the V40, it’s most probably the trio of 50-megapixel ZEISS optics cameras.
At the back you’ll find the ZEISS ultrawide-angle camera right on top of the ZEISS OIS main camera, and right below it the upgraded Aura Light module. In front is the ZEISS group selfie shooter. All these promise superb photographic capabilities in various shooting conditions, making it the ideal companion for casual shooters, content creators, or photography buffs alike.
Besides the cameras, perhaps the most important feature are the ZEISS presets packaged into the camera app.
Accessible in Standard photo mode, the vivo Color System offers the ZEISS Natural color profile, alongside its Vivid and Textured selection, for the different shooting needs of users.
In Portrait mode are the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait and ZEISS Style Portrait. The latter is a collection of bokeh presets simulating the aesthetics of images captured with ZEISS camera lenses, while the former lets users instantly switch between three popular portraiture focal lengths (24mm, 35mm, and 50mm).
In the video department, ZEISS Cinematic Portrait Video gives video recordings a distinctive oval bokeh for that classic film aesthetic. A handful of Movie LUTs and filters are also at the user’s disposal.
That’s quite a handful just for the camera alone, but we’re happy to report that the vivo V40 implemented these quite well and lived up to the ZEISS name. The hype is real, as the saying goes. Images captured by the ZEISS cameras were sharp, well-exposed, and showed great detail. Colors are lively, without looking oversaturated. Whether it’s a daytime shoot or a low-light scenario, the ZEISS cameras handle it like a champ.
Where the V40’s camera truly shines is in Portrait mode. It was a blast switching up the focal lengths and the bokeh presets until the perfect shot was made. It also helps that the native Camera app was simple and non-obtrusive, enabling users to focus more on taking the shot.
That aside, it’s also worth mentioning that the upgraded Aura Light is a big help when it comes to lighting. Outside providing fill light to portraits, Aura Light makes macro photography easier to pull off. However, it would have been better if alongside the color temperature slider, we also had a slider to control light intensity.
We have to hand it to vivo for not cutting corners in the camera department. Frankly, there’s a lot to explore with the camera (and a lot more opportunities to get creative). The V40’s camera and software already provide users all the tools they could possibly need to capture or record amazing images and videos—and it will definitely deliver great results. Your imagination is the limit.
Speed says
The vivo V40 offers exceptional value for its price. For only P26,999, you are getting a device with an indisputable photography pedigree, sleek and elegant design, as well as top-tier performance.
