Vivo V7+ Review: Perfect For Taking Selfies, Listening to Music, and More!
A lot has been said about the Vivo V7+ -- especially in the context of being a top contender in the midrange category this year, alongside OPPO F5 and Huawei Nova 2i.
Some are saying that Vivo should have priced it a bit lower to make it more competitive in the market while some are quick to note that the SRP is fair given all the strengths of the phone.
Well, I've been using this model for around three weeks now and I too have a lot to say about it, which I intend to do in this post.
In forming this review, I have decided to focus first on all the strengths of this handset followed by my insights on how Vivo could have made it a better release.
Let's jump straight into it.
Best Screen-To-Body Ratio at Midrange
As I've noted in my rather meticulous Huawei Nova 2i vs OPPO F5 vs Vivo V7+ comparison post, the shorter frame of Vivo Mobile's offering helped boost its All-Screen proposition with a whopping 78.4 screen to body ratio for its 5.99-inch IPS display. The truth is, currently, Vivo V7 is the mid-level model that anyone who's looking for a quintessential "full screen, bezel-less face" on a smartphone should look to.
Sleek, Trendy Design with Laser-Etched Details
I've seen some reviews slamming this model for having a polycarbonate shell instead of a metal one. For me, it's not really an issue. In fact, Vivo V7+ can easily stand shoulder to shoulder with best-looking phones in its price category. Sure, its body is not made of aluminum but its overall look is quite hip and the laser-etched lines on either poles give it a well-crafted finish. The phone is available in two colors: Gold and Black, both of which are stunning.
Oh and if you're wondering, I haven't dropped by unit but I'm sure that it's just as durable as any metal-clad phone out there. Holding this device and feeling its heft, you will realize that it can definitely take the knocks and bumps of daily use.
Simple, Intuitive Interface
Vivo V7+ runs a heavily skinned or customized version of the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system. The company calls this interface or experience "FunTouch OS 3.2".
Many have described it to be reminiscent of Apple iOS due to similar elements, including the App Drawer free design as well as the Quick Access panel which can be launched by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Frankly, if you're a fan of the vanilla or pure Android experience, you might want to look at another device altogether. But if you want a phone that has a clean interface that's easy to navigate and uncomplicated to use, you might find Vivo's FunTouch OS likable.
Fast Face ID Unlock
Facial recognition technology is one of the key features of the very expensive Apple iPhone X. If you want to experience this advanced privacy and security feature but you're not keen on spending $1000 USD on a smartphone, Vivo V7+ - with its own version of this innovation - is your best bet.
The set-up process, which you can accomplish within the phone's Settings, is a bit tricky because you have to position your head in a very specific angle facing the front-cam with equal amount of light shining on all sides of your face -- but once you're registered, unlocking the device - just by looking at the front-facing snapper - is lightning fast.
If you're tired of always typing your code, swiping your pattern, or putting your finger on the scanner to unlock your phone, this cool feature will be breath of fresh air for you. I really like it.
Highest Resolution Front-Facing Camera for Selfies
As of writing, Vivo V7+ leads the pack - amongst all handsets that are now available in the Philippines across all price categories - in terms of front cam resolution. So if you want the clearest selfies for printing or sharing on social media, I'd say Vivo V7+ would be perfect for you.
Powered by Vivo's advanced beautification software - that doesn't really alter how you look but merely evens out your skin tone and enhances good facial features - and having a fairly wide f/2.0 aperture, the 24 MegaPixel front-facing camera of Vivo V7+ truly delivers selfies that are perfect for sharing on Facebook or Instagram.
Here are two selfies that I snapped in a well-lit, indoor setting with Ms. Julie Anne San Jose, Vivo PH's newest celebrity endorser.
And here's a "wefie" shot that I took with Buma, one of our dear friends from Vivo's PR agency here in the Philippines.
Reliable Rear Camera
In terms of imaging capabilities, the front-cam is the real highlight of this model. However, that's not to say that the 16 MegaPixel f/2.0 rear camera is no good. In fact, I find it to be more than decent in snapping food photos and even low light shots. It focuses on the subject really fast too.
Smooth Performance and Decent Gaming Experience
In the entirety of the time that I used this handset for running social media apps, browsing websites, watching Full HD videos, playing light 3D games, and listening to music, I haven't experienced any annoying lags or stuttering.
If you ask me, Vivo V7+'s Octa Core ARM Cortex A53 and Adreno 506 based Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor is good enough to deliver an overall smooth touch experience for average users. Along with the 4GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and 64GB of ROM providing ample space for photos and videos, the chipset delivers a pretty compelling mobile performance for most consumers -- as reflected by the device's more than acceptable 56,504 Antutu Benchmark Score.
Sure, I agree with those who say that the processor could be better at this price point -- but to be honest, Snapdragon 450 is by no means a non-performer.
'Mobile Legends' is probably the most popular mobile game in the Philippines currently. If you love playing that title, you'd be glad to know that this smartphone can run that flawlessly.
Well, the truth is, Vivo V7+ can run the most resource intensive games that you can download from Google Play Store - including my faves, Gods of Rome and Asphalt 8. Of course, the gameplay smoothness won't be the same as what you'll get on a flagship-level handset running on Snapdragon 835 but it's certainly not bad or headache inducing.
Compromise-Free Memory Expansion
Unlike other midrange Android smartphones that have a hybrid secondary nanoSIM slot, Vivo V7+ has a dedicated microSD card slot apart from its two nanoSIM slots. This means that you won't have to sacrifice Dual SIM Dual Standby connectivity just to get more space for content that you need to access on the go.
Respectable Battery Life
I personally get around 11 Hours and 30 Minutes up to 12 Hours of uptime from Vivo V7+'s fully charged 3,225 mAh battery pack with regular use, which includes browsing the net via Firefox Mobile Browser, updating Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, listening to music via Spotify, taking photos, and watching videos on Youtube.
While it's hardly the longest uptime I've gotten from an Android smartphone in this price range, it's enough to give me peace of mind in case I forget to bring a powerbank for a whole day activity away from a power outlet.
Stellar Audio Performance
If there's one department where Vivo V7+ unquestionably outshines all of its competitors, it would have to be in terms of audio performance.
As I've noted previously, when you're using a high-quality headset, this smartphone's AK4376A Hi-Fi chip ensures a truly enjoyable audio experience with louder volume, clearer basses, and brighter trebles.
Whether you love listening to ballads by Adele or Whitney Houston, rock music by Green Day or Nirvana, Rap music by Cardi B or Remy Ma, or Pop tracks by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, you can rely on Vivo V7+ to give you top-notch music-listening experience anytime, anywhere.
One Glaring Weak Point
I'm not going to mince my words here. Had this model shipped with a Full HD+ display instead of a mere HD+ panel, it would have given its erstwhile rivals an even harder run for the money. Some consumers may forgive this while others won't -- and that's understandable.
If Vivo were to come up with an updated version of this model, they might want to take a look at that feature -- and maybe, also swap in a slightly more powerful mid-level chipset from Qualcomm.
Verdict
In an industry where one weakness can be enough reason for a product to be heavily battered with criticisms - both fair and unfair, Vivo V7+ has enough strong points to still be considered as a great choice and a top option.
Given this smartphone's main strengths, it is clear that Vivo V7+ is an ideal handset for mid-level consumers - including millennials and young professionals - who want to upgrade to a handsome new device that lets them take clearer selfies, delivers great audio experience, offers immersive photo and video viewing experience on a Full View display, and comes with unique and useful innovations like Face ID.
All things considered, I give Vivo V7+ 9.5 out of 10 TP Stars.
TechPinas Smartphone Technical Specs Table (TSTST) Name : Vivo V7+
Type : Slate Form Factor (Full Touchscreen)
Price Category : Upper Midrange
Dimensions : 155.9 x 75.8 x 7.7 mm
Weight : 160 grams
Available Colors : Champagne Gold, Matte Black
Operating System : Android 7.0 Nougat with FunTouch OS 3.2
Display : 5.99 inches (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio), 720 x 1440 pixels (~269 ppi pixel density), IPS LCD Display, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, Gorilla Glass 4
Processor : 64-Bit Octa-core 1.8 GHz ARM Cortex-A53, Adreno 506 GPU, Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset
RAM : 4GB RAM
Internal Storage : 64GB ROM, expandable ~ dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 256GB
Camera : Back: 16 MegaPixels, f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, LED flash
Front: 24 MegaPixels, f/2.0 aperture, Soft LED flash
Video Capture : Front and Back: Full HD 1080p 30 frames per second
Audio and Video Playback : MP3, WAV, eAAC+, FLAC, MP4, H.264
Ports : microUSB 2.0, 3.5 mm audio jack
Connectivity : Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, LE, EDR, 3G HSPA+; 4G LTE
GPS : A-GPS, GLONASS
FM Radio : Yes
Sensors : Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope, Fingerprint Scanner
Network : 2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 and SIM 2,
3G HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
SIM Card Type : Dual nanoSIM
Battery : Non-removable 3,225 mAh Li-Ion battery
Uptime : 11.5 Hours with Regular Use
Value-Added Features : All Screen Display, 24 MegaPixel Selfie Camera, AK4376A Hi-Fi chip, Face ID
Announcement : September 20, 2017
Availability : Philippines - September 2017
Price : Official SRP - Php 17,990
Some are saying that Vivo should have priced it a bit lower to make it more competitive in the market while some are quick to note that the SRP is fair given all the strengths of the phone.
Well, I've been using this model for around three weeks now and I too have a lot to say about it, which I intend to do in this post.
In forming this review, I have decided to focus first on all the strengths of this handset followed by my insights on how Vivo could have made it a better release.
Let's jump straight into it.
Best Screen-To-Body Ratio at Midrange
As I've noted in my rather meticulous Huawei Nova 2i vs OPPO F5 vs Vivo V7+ comparison post, the shorter frame of Vivo Mobile's offering helped boost its All-Screen proposition with a whopping 78.4 screen to body ratio for its 5.99-inch IPS display. The truth is, currently, Vivo V7 is the mid-level model that anyone who's looking for a quintessential "full screen, bezel-less face" on a smartphone should look to.
Sleek, Trendy Design with Laser-Etched Details
I've seen some reviews slamming this model for having a polycarbonate shell instead of a metal one. For me, it's not really an issue. In fact, Vivo V7+ can easily stand shoulder to shoulder with best-looking phones in its price category. Sure, its body is not made of aluminum but its overall look is quite hip and the laser-etched lines on either poles give it a well-crafted finish. The phone is available in two colors: Gold and Black, both of which are stunning.
Oh and if you're wondering, I haven't dropped by unit but I'm sure that it's just as durable as any metal-clad phone out there. Holding this device and feeling its heft, you will realize that it can definitely take the knocks and bumps of daily use.
Simple, Intuitive Interface
Vivo V7+ runs a heavily skinned or customized version of the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system. The company calls this interface or experience "FunTouch OS 3.2".
Many have described it to be reminiscent of Apple iOS due to similar elements, including the App Drawer free design as well as the Quick Access panel which can be launched by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
Frankly, if you're a fan of the vanilla or pure Android experience, you might want to look at another device altogether. But if you want a phone that has a clean interface that's easy to navigate and uncomplicated to use, you might find Vivo's FunTouch OS likable.
Fast Face ID Unlock
Facial recognition technology is one of the key features of the very expensive Apple iPhone X. If you want to experience this advanced privacy and security feature but you're not keen on spending $1000 USD on a smartphone, Vivo V7+ - with its own version of this innovation - is your best bet.
The set-up process, which you can accomplish within the phone's Settings, is a bit tricky because you have to position your head in a very specific angle facing the front-cam with equal amount of light shining on all sides of your face -- but once you're registered, unlocking the device - just by looking at the front-facing snapper - is lightning fast.
If you're tired of always typing your code, swiping your pattern, or putting your finger on the scanner to unlock your phone, this cool feature will be breath of fresh air for you. I really like it.
Highest Resolution Front-Facing Camera for Selfies
As of writing, Vivo V7+ leads the pack - amongst all handsets that are now available in the Philippines across all price categories - in terms of front cam resolution. So if you want the clearest selfies for printing or sharing on social media, I'd say Vivo V7+ would be perfect for you.
Powered by Vivo's advanced beautification software - that doesn't really alter how you look but merely evens out your skin tone and enhances good facial features - and having a fairly wide f/2.0 aperture, the 24 MegaPixel front-facing camera of Vivo V7+ truly delivers selfies that are perfect for sharing on Facebook or Instagram.
Here are two selfies that I snapped in a well-lit, indoor setting with Ms. Julie Anne San Jose, Vivo PH's newest celebrity endorser.
Notice that the phone didn't blur out the minute details on my hairline and my eyebrows.
And here's a "wefie" shot that I took with Buma, one of our dear friends from Vivo's PR agency here in the Philippines.
Reliable Rear Camera
In terms of imaging capabilities, the front-cam is the real highlight of this model. However, that's not to say that the 16 MegaPixel f/2.0 rear camera is no good. In fact, I find it to be more than decent in snapping food photos and even low light shots. It focuses on the subject really fast too.
Look at the chocolate powder on top of my dessert. Vivo V7+ is good enough to capture fine details.
Here I'd like to praise the clarity of the shot as well as the accuracy of colors.
Low-light settings like this usually bring out the worst in cameraphones. But notice how Vivo V7+ was able to keep all the lines and colors crisp and vivid despite working with little ambient light.
Inferior cameraphones usually over-saturate colors, making pastel tone replication inaccurate. This shot shows that Vivo V7+'s rear camera captures colors as you see them in real life.
Vivo V7+ snaps images really fast. Here I was able to capture a precious moment shared by Julie Anne and Jelly's cute dog, Logan.
Smooth Performance and Decent Gaming Experience
In the entirety of the time that I used this handset for running social media apps, browsing websites, watching Full HD videos, playing light 3D games, and listening to music, I haven't experienced any annoying lags or stuttering.
If you ask me, Vivo V7+'s Octa Core ARM Cortex A53 and Adreno 506 based Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor is good enough to deliver an overall smooth touch experience for average users. Along with the 4GB of RAM for seamless multitasking and 64GB of ROM providing ample space for photos and videos, the chipset delivers a pretty compelling mobile performance for most consumers -- as reflected by the device's more than acceptable 56,504 Antutu Benchmark Score.
Sure, I agree with those who say that the processor could be better at this price point -- but to be honest, Snapdragon 450 is by no means a non-performer.
To be honest, I'm not a fan of benchmarks scores because too often, they don't really reflect what a smartphone is actually capable of delivering in the flesh. I'm more into playing with the device and seeing for myself if it's any good.
'Mobile Legends' is probably the most popular mobile game in the Philippines currently. If you love playing that title, you'd be glad to know that this smartphone can run that flawlessly.
Well, the truth is, Vivo V7+ can run the most resource intensive games that you can download from Google Play Store - including my faves, Gods of Rome and Asphalt 8. Of course, the gameplay smoothness won't be the same as what you'll get on a flagship-level handset running on Snapdragon 835 but it's certainly not bad or headache inducing.
Compromise-Free Memory Expansion
Unlike other midrange Android smartphones that have a hybrid secondary nanoSIM slot, Vivo V7+ has a dedicated microSD card slot apart from its two nanoSIM slots. This means that you won't have to sacrifice Dual SIM Dual Standby connectivity just to get more space for content that you need to access on the go.
Respectable Battery Life
I personally get around 11 Hours and 30 Minutes up to 12 Hours of uptime from Vivo V7+'s fully charged 3,225 mAh battery pack with regular use, which includes browsing the net via Firefox Mobile Browser, updating Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, listening to music via Spotify, taking photos, and watching videos on Youtube.
While it's hardly the longest uptime I've gotten from an Android smartphone in this price range, it's enough to give me peace of mind in case I forget to bring a powerbank for a whole day activity away from a power outlet.
Stellar Audio Performance
If there's one department where Vivo V7+ unquestionably outshines all of its competitors, it would have to be in terms of audio performance.
As I've noted previously, when you're using a high-quality headset, this smartphone's AK4376A Hi-Fi chip ensures a truly enjoyable audio experience with louder volume, clearer basses, and brighter trebles.
Whether you love listening to ballads by Adele or Whitney Houston, rock music by Green Day or Nirvana, Rap music by Cardi B or Remy Ma, or Pop tracks by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, you can rely on Vivo V7+ to give you top-notch music-listening experience anytime, anywhere.
One Glaring Weak Point
I'm not going to mince my words here. Had this model shipped with a Full HD+ display instead of a mere HD+ panel, it would have given its erstwhile rivals an even harder run for the money. Some consumers may forgive this while others won't -- and that's understandable.
If Vivo were to come up with an updated version of this model, they might want to take a look at that feature -- and maybe, also swap in a slightly more powerful mid-level chipset from Qualcomm.
Verdict
In an industry where one weakness can be enough reason for a product to be heavily battered with criticisms - both fair and unfair, Vivo V7+ has enough strong points to still be considered as a great choice and a top option.
Given this smartphone's main strengths, it is clear that Vivo V7+ is an ideal handset for mid-level consumers - including millennials and young professionals - who want to upgrade to a handsome new device that lets them take clearer selfies, delivers great audio experience, offers immersive photo and video viewing experience on a Full View display, and comes with unique and useful innovations like Face ID.
All things considered, I give Vivo V7+ 9.5 out of 10 TP Stars.
Type : Slate Form Factor (Full Touchscreen)
Price Category : Upper Midrange
Dimensions : 155.9 x 75.8 x 7.7 mm
Weight : 160 grams
Available Colors : Champagne Gold, Matte Black
Operating System : Android 7.0 Nougat with FunTouch OS 3.2
Display : 5.99 inches (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio), 720 x 1440 pixels (~269 ppi pixel density), IPS LCD Display, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, Gorilla Glass 4
Processor : 64-Bit Octa-core 1.8 GHz ARM Cortex-A53, Adreno 506 GPU, Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset
RAM : 4GB RAM
Internal Storage : 64GB ROM, expandable ~ dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 256GB
Camera : Back: 16 MegaPixels, f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, LED flash
Front: 24 MegaPixels, f/2.0 aperture, Soft LED flash
Video Capture : Front and Back: Full HD 1080p 30 frames per second
Audio and Video Playback : MP3, WAV, eAAC+, FLAC, MP4, H.264
Ports : microUSB 2.0, 3.5 mm audio jack
Connectivity : Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP, LE, EDR, 3G HSPA+; 4G LTE
GPS : A-GPS, GLONASS
FM Radio : Yes
Sensors : Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope, Fingerprint Scanner
Network : 2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 and SIM 2,
3G HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
SIM Card Type : Dual nanoSIM
Battery : Non-removable 3,225 mAh Li-Ion battery
Uptime : 11.5 Hours with Regular Use
Value-Added Features : All Screen Display, 24 MegaPixel Selfie Camera, AK4376A Hi-Fi chip, Face ID
Announcement : September 20, 2017
Availability : Philippines - September 2017
Price : Official SRP - Php 17,990
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