Vivo V29 Pro Review: The Photography Revolution You’ve Been Waiting For!
vivo, a prominent player in the smartphone market, has launched its new V29 Pro in India this week. This device aims to succeed the V27 Pro, released last year. The V29 Pro boasts several notable features, including a 3D curved AMOLED display, improved cameras, and a remarkable 80W fast charging capability. But does it truly live up to its predecessor’s reputation? In this review, we will delve into the details to find out.
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Unboxing the vivo V29 Pro
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a look at what you get when you unbox the vivo V29 Pro:
- vivo V29 Pro 12GB + 256GB version in Himalayan Blue color
- Clear Silicon case
- USB Type-C Cable
- 80W FlashCharge wall adapter
- SIM ejector tool
- Quick start guide and Warranty information
A Stunning Display
The vivo V29 Pro sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K 20:9 aspect ratio AMOLED display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. It boasts a maximum brightness of 1,300 nits, ensuring that the screen remains visible even in direct sunlight. Users can select from various screen color modes, including standard, professional, and bright. The device also offers the flexibility to switch between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz refresh rates or lock it at a specific rate. The 300Hz touch sampling rate and 1000Hz instant touch sampling rate make for a responsive touch experience.
The display supports HDR 10+, enhancing the viewing experience on apps like YouTube and Netflix. While there’s no dedicated notification LED, the always-on-display feature keeps users updated with contextual information.
Camera Capabilities
The vivo V29 Pro features a 50MP front camera housed in a punch-hole cutout. Additionally, the device includes an earpiece on the top edge. The phone provides efficient in-display optical fingerprint scanning and boasts excellent haptic feedback.
Button placements and ports are well-organized, with the power button and volume rockers on the right. The device is incredibly slim at just 7.46mm, offering a sleek and stylish profile.
Innovative Design
The Himalayan Blue version of the V29 Pro stands out with its 3D Magnetic Particles and nano-scale Magnetic Particles that create a Floating Mountain texture. To achieve this effect, vivo utilized invisible magnetic forces to control 15 million magnetic particles, forming unique patterns. The result is a visually stunning play of light and shadow, reminiscent of rolling mountain ranges.
Imaging Excellence
The V29 Pro’s camera setup is impressive, featuring:
- A 50MP primary camera with f/1.88 aperture, OIS, Sony IMX766 sensor, and 4K 60 fps video recording.
- An 8MP ultra-wide sensor with f/2.2 aperture.
- A 12MP portrait camera with Sony IMX663 sensor, f/1.98 aperture, and Aura light.
- A 50MP autofocus front camera with f/2.0 aperture and 4K 60 fps video recording.
The camera UI offers various features, including AR stickers, Pro Sports mode, double exposure, and more. The phone utilizes pixel binning, resulting in 12MP output for both the front and rear cameras. Daylight shots exhibit good quality, while the portrait mode impresses with excellent edge detection.
Software and Performance
The vivo V29 Pro runs on Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13. It promises two years of Android updates and three years of monthly security updates. The device is powered by 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, offering smooth multitasking. Out of 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, users have ample space, and the device delivers impressive read speeds.
The phone comes with a range of pre-installed apps, including popular ones like Facebook, Spotify, and Netflix. While these apps can be uninstalled, they tend to return after a factory reset.
Security and Audio
The device features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. It also offers face unlock, although it may not be as secure as fingerprint authentication. The Music Player includes equalizer and DeepField sound effects, but it lacks FM Radio support.
Audio quality through the mono speaker is decent, while using headphones provides a better audio experience. The vivo V29 Pro supports HD content on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. It also handles HDR content.
Connectivity and Network Support
The phone offers 5G support with compatibility for various bands. Jio and Airtel 5G work seamlessly, and it also supports dual 4G VoLTE. The device features Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS + GLONASS, and USB OTG support. While it lacks NFC, it includes carrier aggregation for enhanced network performance.
SAR and Processor
The vivo V29 Pro maintains SAR values well below the specified limits. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 4nm processor, delivering robust performance. The device includes an efficient cooling system, ensuring that it stays relatively cool even during intense gaming sessions.
Battery and Charging
With a 4600mAh battery, the V29 Pro offers impressive battery life. It easily lasts a day with heavy usage and even more with typical use, thanks to effective optimization. The 80W fast charging support allows for rapid charging, retaining 80% battery health even after numerous charge-discharge cycles.
Conclusion Expected Price in Pakistan
Expected Price at Rs. 159,999, the vivo V29 Pro offers a compelling package. It excels in several areas, including display quality, camera performance, and gaming capabilities. However, it lacks stereo speakers, NFC, and IP ratings, which might be expected in this price range.
Pricing and Availability
The vivo V29 Pro is available for pre-order on vivo.com and Flipkart, with offline availability starting from October 10th.
Alternatives
If you’re considering alternatives, the OnePlus 11R offers robust performance and similar rear camera capabilities but may not match the V29 Pro in terms of front and portrait camera performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning 120Hz 1.5K AMOLED HDR display
- Excellent front and rear cameras with 4K 60fps recording
- Smooth overall performance, ideal for gaming
- Sleek and eye-catching design
- Decent battery life with 80W fast charging
Cons:
- Lacks stereo speakers
- Comes with several preloaded apps
