Vivo V50 Review: Underrated Flagship with ZEISS Camera That Rivals the Best
Curved AMOLED display, massive battery, Zeiss cameras, and water resistance — the Vivo V50 brings premium features to the mid-range market like never before.
The smartphone market is crowded — but every once in a while, a device comes along that shifts expectations. The Vivo V50 is one such device.
Packed with a curved 120Hz AMOLED display, a 6,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 power, and Zeiss-engineered 50MP cameras, the V50 is designed for users who demand more from their smartphones — whether you’re a student, content creator, or just someone who wants flagship performance without compromise.
Vivo V50 Specs
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate FHD+ (2800 x 1260), ~4500 nits peak brightness Quad-curved glass design with ultra-narrow bezels HDR10+ certified |
| Build | Glass front (Schott Xensation) IP68 & IP69 certified for water and dust resistance Diamond-Shield design, drop resistant Colors: Titanium (189g), Rose Pink & Starry Night (199g) |
| Weight | 189–199g depending on finish 7.39mm to 7.67mm thin |
| OS | Android 15 + Funtouch OS 15 3 years of Android updates, 4 years security patches |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) Adreno 720 GPU Efficient & powerful for gaming and multitasking |
| Storage | Up to 512GB UFS 2.2 (No microSD) |
| Memory | 8GB or 12GB RAM + virtual RAM expansion Great for multitasking and large apps |
| Network | 5G Dual SIM SuperLink signal boosting feature |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C In-display fingerprint scanner Dual stereo speakers |
| Battery & Charging | 6000mAh BlueVolt battery 90W FlashCharge 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes 6 hours usage in just 10 minutes of charge |
| Camera | Rear: 50MP OIS Main Camera (f/1.88) 50MP Ultra-Wide (119°) Front: 50MP Autofocus Selfie Camera |
| Bonus Features | ZEISS Co-engineered Portrait modes AI Video Editor, AI Night Portrait, and Google Gemini Integration IP68 underwater photography support 4K video recording on front & back |
What’s in the Box?
Every V50 comes bundled with:
- A protective case
- Pre-installed screen protector
- 90W Fast Charger
- USB-C cable
Right out of the box, you’re ready to go.
Who Should Buy the Vivo V50?
The Vivo V50 is ideal for:
- Power users who want performance without flagship pricing
- Content creators seeking a capable camera and 4K recording
- Students and professionals who need all-day battery and multitasking ability
Whether you’re shooting content, attending classes, gaming, or editing on the go, this phone is built to keep up.
Where to Buy
The Vivo V50 is available across major South African retailers and networks, including:
- Vivo South Africa
- Vodacom
- MTN
- Takealot
- Other leading mobile retailers
Storage and color options may vary by store.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Gorgeous curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 provides excellent performance
- Long-lasting 6,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging
- 50MP Zeiss cameras deliver stunning results
- IP68/IP69 durability
- Long-term Android and security updates
Cons:
- No expandable storage (no microSD slot)
- No headphone jack
- Curved display may not appeal to all users
The Vivo V50 redefines what a mid-range smartphone can offer in 2025. From its flagship-tier display and camera system to super-fast charging and premium design, it’s clear that Vivo is aiming high.
If you’re done settling for less and want a device that delivers on all fronts, the V50 deserves a spot at the top of your list.