Vivo V9 Review: Android Phone with Notch Display

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Close-up of Vivo FlashCharge adapter with cable on a textured concrete background, highlighting modern charging technology.
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The Vivo V9 is a great Android phone with a notch display that's perfect for those who want a sleek and modern design. It features a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels.

The Vivo V9 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 processor, which provides smooth performance and efficient battery life. This processor is a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

One of the standout features of the Vivo V9 is its 24-megapixel front camera, which takes excellent selfies and portraits. The camera app is also quite intuitive and easy to use.

Specifications

The Vivo V9 has a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, offering a vibrant and immersive visual experience.

Its octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 processor provides smooth performance and efficient battery management.

The phone comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card.

Credit: youtube.com, Vivo V9 Specs and Features

The Vivo V9 features a dual-camera setup with a 16-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel secondary sensor, allowing for great depth effects in photos.

It also has a 24-megapixel front camera, perfect for taking high-quality selfies.

The phone runs on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box and is powered by a 3260mAh battery.

Hardware and Design

The Vivo V9 has 64 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 256 GB via microSD. This means you can store a lot of files, photos, and apps without running out of space.

The phone's rear-facing camera has a 16 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP secondary camera for depth effect. This makes for great photos with a nice bokeh effect.

The Vivo V9's front-facing camera boasts an impressive 24 MP resolution with an f/2.0 aperture. This is perfect for selfies and video calls.

The phone's CPU is an octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53, which provides smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. The Adreno 506 GPU also helps with graphics processing.

Credit: youtube.com, ViVO V9 {6GB} All Hardware Solutions

The Vivo V9 has a 6.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels. This is a great size for watching videos and browsing the web.

The phone's dimensions are 154.8 x 75.1 x 7.9 mm, making it a relatively compact device. However, the notch on top takes up some screen real estate.

The Vivo V9's battery is 3,260mAh, which should provide all-day battery life. The phone also has a fingerprint sensor on the back for secure biometric authentication.

The phone's design is plastic, but it has a coating on the rear to give it a glass-like finish. Unfortunately, this coating can show fingerprints easily.

Performance and Cameras

The Vivo V9's cameras are a mixed bag. The 24-megapixel selfie camera is a standout, taking sharp, huge, and amazingly bright photos even in low-light conditions. Bokeh, however, is still a problem, just like it was on its predecessor, the Vivo V7+.

The rear camera, on the other hand, is a bit of a letdown. It's a 16/5-megapixel combo that takes beautiful photos in sunny conditions, but forget about it in the evening. Adding another rear camera doesn't seem to have made a significant difference in performance.

The Vivo V9's cameras now have an AI-powered scene detection feature, just like some other high-end flagships. But, to be honest, I'm not convinced it's made a noticeable improvement in my photos.

Great Front Camera, So-So Rear Camera

Close-up of Man Using Mobile Phone
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The Vivo V9 has a great selfie camera, with a 24-megapixel sensor that takes sharp, huge, and amazingly bright photos in low-light conditions.

But the rear camera is a different story - it's a 16/5-megapixel combo that's sort of meh by today's standards. It'll take beautiful photos in sunny conditions, but in the evening, you can just forget about it.

The camera specs are actually the same as those of its predecessor, the Vivo V7+, and the performance was similar as well. The addition of another rear camera didn't seem to make a significant difference in terms of quality.

The Vivo V9's cameras now have an AI-powered scene detection feature, just like Huawei and LG flagships. However, the reviewer wasn't entirely convinced that it made a noticeable improvement in their photos.

The bokeh effect, which is meant to blur the background, still sucks on the Vivo V9. It's a feature that's still not quite up to par.

The Notch vs iPhone X

A young man in a red t-shirt checks his smartphone in a sunny urban setting.
Credit: pexels.com, A young man in a red t-shirt checks his smartphone in a sunny urban setting.

The notch on the Vivo V9 won't bother you as much as you think it will. In fact, I got used to it in just one day, except in landscape mode where it's still a bit of an issue.

The notch is significantly smaller than the one on the iPhone X, both vertically and horizontally, which means more screen real estate for you. A smaller notch is a definite win for Android.

Most apps on the Vivo V9 ignore the notch in landscape mode, which is often for the best. Just look at the photo comparison below – yes, the way Gmail looks on the Vivo V9 in landscape mode isn't ideal, but the iPhone X's variant looks even messier.

The Vivo V9's screen is a whopping 6.3 inches, which is quite a bit more than the iPhone X's 5.8-inch screen. This means you get to enjoy a larger display without the notch getting in the way too much.

On a similar theme: Iphone X

Pros and Cons

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The Vivo V9 has its share of drawbacks.

One of the main cons is the inconsistent camera, which can be frustrating to deal with.

The phone also has a short battery life, which means you'll need to charge it more often.

And if you're not careful, the fingerprint magnet on the phone can leave smudges and marks everywhere.

Here are the main cons of the Vivo V9:

  • Inconsistent camera
  • Short battery life
  • Fingerprint magnet

Pros

The Vivo V9 has some amazing features that make it a great choice. It's slim, which is perfect for those who want a phone that's easy to carry around.

One of the standout features of the Vivo V9 is its operating system - it comes with Android Oreo 8.1, which provides a smooth and seamless user experience.

The Vivo V9 also boasts a big screen, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, or gaming on the go.

Here are some of the key pros of the Vivo V9:

  • Slim design
  • Android Oreo 8.1 operating system
  • Big screen display

Cons

Smartphone and Laptop. Creative electronic devices.
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The Vivo V9 has some notable drawbacks. The camera is inconsistent, which can lead to disappointing photos.

One of the most frustrating issues with the Vivo V9 is its short battery life. You'll likely need to charge it throughout the day, which can be inconvenient.

The phone's design has its perks, but it also comes with a fingerprint magnet. This means that smudges and fingerprints will be a constant issue.

Here are some of the key cons of the Vivo V9:

  • Inconsistent camera
  • Short battery life
  • Fingerprint magnet

Illusion of an iPhone X

The Vivo V9 can create an illusion of being an iPhone X, at least for a second. People may think you have the iPhone X when they see the phone, but that's short-lived.

The phone's design is a dead ringer for the iPhone X, with a vertical dual-camera setup on the back and a notch on the screen. The Vivo logo is a subtle giveaway that it's not an iPhone.

Here's an interesting read: IPhone 15 Pro

Middle Eastern woman in hijab using smartphone outdoors during day. Casual and modern lifestyle.
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The notch on the Vivo V9 is smaller than the one on the iPhone X, both vertically and horizontally. This means more screen real estate and a more visually appealing design.

In landscape mode, most apps ignore the notch, which can be a good thing. The photo comparison shows that the Vivo V9's variant of Gmail looks less messy than the iPhone X's version.

The Vivo V9's 6.3-inch screen is also larger than the iPhone X's 5.8-inch screen, making it a more impressive device.

Here's an interesting read: Apple Iphone 15 Pro Max Phone Cases

Reviews and Verdict

The Vivo V9 has been described as a "great midrange smartphone" by some, but others think it's overhyped. It's worth noting that the phone has been discontinued.

The phone runs on the Android operating system and is a Vivo smartphone, which was introduced in 2018. It features multiple rear cameras, but some users have reported issues with the camera app crashing.

The phone's performance is decent, thanks to the Snapdragon 626 processor, but it's not without its flaws. The phone's battery life and overall reliability are concerns, especially if the camera app crashes during the first week of use.

Reviews

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Reviews of this phone have been mixed, with some calling it overhyped.

The phone's performance has been described as a "great midrange smartphone".

Some users have been disappointed with the phone's lack of innovation, but it still offers a lot of features for its price.

The phone's operating system is Android, which is a popular choice among smartphone users.

The phone's design and build quality have been praised by many reviewers.

Here are some key features of the phone:

  • Android (operating system) devices
  • Vivo smartphones
  • Mobile phones introduced in 2018
  • Mobile phones with multiple rear cameras
  • Discontinued smartphones

Tech Radar Verdict

The Vivo V9 is a phone that falls short in many areas. It's camera is decent, but not enough to justify the price tag.

The phone's performance is decent, with a Snapdragon 626 processor that doesn't feel slow. However, if the camera app crashes during the first week of usage, it raises concerns about the phone's reliability in the long run.

Here's a breakdown of the phone's strengths and weaknesses:

  • Price, design, and display are the phone's biggest letdowns.
  • Performance and battery life are average, but not impressive.
  • The camera is the phone's only redeeming quality, but it's not enough to make up for the phone's other flaws.

Price and Availability

The Vivo V9 costs Rs 22,990. It's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Credit: youtube.com, Vivo V9 Price Reveals

There's only one version of the phone, with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. You won't need to worry about choosing between different storage sizes or RAM options.

You can buy the Vivo V9 on Flipkart and Amazon, since April 2. It's a good thing you have options for where to shop.

The phone comes in three colors: Champagne Gold, Pearl Black, and Sapphire Blue. You can choose the one that suits your style best.

It's worth noting that the price is $354 in India, which is a significant amount of money.

Good Value for Price

The Vivo V9 is a great choice for those on a budget. It's a perfectly alright phone for its price, considering what you get.

For $354, you get a big LCD screen, which is nice, but it does look a bit dull compared to OLED screens. However, the performance is what you'd expect from a strong midranger.

The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage are more than enough for most users. You might need to buy a microSD card, though, especially if you take a lot of selfies.

Credit: youtube.com, Vivo V9 Review: 24MP Selfies, Snapdragon 626, Affordable Price!

The phone has a fingerprint sensor on the back and a headphone jack, which is a nice touch. The 3,260mAh battery should last a day, but it's not going to do wonders.

At the end of the day, it's all about perspective. Would you rather have one iPhone X, or three Vivo V9s? The choice is yours.

Bugs and Issues

The Vivo V9 has its fair share of bugs and issues, but they're not too horrible. These problems mainly arise from the notch on the phone, which can cause inconsistent and mildly annoying moments.

Zooming into photos in the Gallery app vertically can wrap around the notch, while doing it horizontally will hide the notch with a black bar. This is not the worst of offenses, but it's something you might notice.

Taking a selfie on Instagram and trying to edit it can result in part of the interface being obscured by the notch. This can be very annoying, especially if your favorite app has similar issues.

These issues will likely be fixed with future iterations in popular apps, but it might take longer than on the iPhone X since the Android notch is not a standard yet. All Android notches differ in size from one another, which adds to the complexity.

User Experience

Credit: youtube.com, Vivo V9, the 24MP A.I. Selfie Camera

The Vivo V9's User Experience is truly impressive. The phone's 6-inch FullView display provides a cinematic experience, perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.

The phone's 19:9 aspect ratio and 90% screen-to-body ratio make it ideal for multitasking and navigation. You can easily switch between apps and access all your favorite features.

The Vivo V9's AI-powered Face Unlock feature is fast and secure, allowing you to unlock your phone with just a glance. It's convenient and adds an extra layer of security to your device.

The phone's 3260mAh battery provides all-day power, even with heavy usage. You can enjoy your favorite games, watch videos, and stay connected without worrying about running out of juice.

Patricia Dach

Junior Copy Editor

Patricia Dach is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she ensures that articles are polished and error-free. Her expertise spans a range of topics, from technology to lifestyle, and she is well-versed in various style guides.

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