Almost all learned to make smartphones with a decent design in 2018. Vivo NEX is no exception. He seems pretty from the first sight, after close inspection there is nothing to complain about either. Almost the entire front panel occupies the screen, and the reverse side is somewhat reminiscent of a reflector: its scaly surface refracts the rays of light and shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. There is an impression that Vivo came from somewhere from the future, where cars fly in the sky, and cities are illuminated with neon lamps. Also on the back is the logo and vertical camera module, like the iPhone X.
Specifications
HousingMetal, plastic
Display6.59 inches, Full HD + (1,080 × 2,316 pixels), Super AMOLED
PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, Adreno 630 video processor
RAM8 GB
Internal memory128 GB
CamerasThe main one is 12 + 5 Mp; frontal – 8 Mp
Connection2G: B2 / B3 / B5 / B8 / BC0 / BC1 / BC10
3G: B1 / B2 / B4 / B5 / B8 / B34 / B39 / BC0 / BC1 / BC10
4G TDD-LTE: B34 / B38 / B39 / B40 / B41
4G FDD-LTE: B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B7 / B8 / B12 / B17 / B18 / B19 / B20 / B25 / B26 / B28A / B28
SIM cardTwo slots for nanoSIM
Wireless interfacesWi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, OTG
ConnectorsUSB Type-C, 3.5mm Audio Jack
SensorsAccelerometer, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, electronic compass, gyroscope
UnlockPIN code, fingerprint
operating systemFuntouch 4.0 OS (Android 8.1 Oreo)
Battery4,000 mAh (non-removable), fast charging
Dimensions77 × 162 × 7.98 mm
Weight199g
All this beauty has a minus: the case is very easily soiled and the back panel is guaranteed to keep every fingerprint of your fingers.
In size and proportions Vivo NEX can be compared with the Galaxy Note. The smartphone is really big, its dimensions are 77 × 162 × 7.98 mm. It is narrow enough to be comfortable to hold it during a conversation. But typing with one hand is quite problematic: my thumb does not reach the opposite side.
Screen
When we talk about frameless smartphones, we usually mean that they still have some kind of minimal frame or “fringe”. Vivo NEX went beyond competitors and hid functional elements that require space on the front panel, in the case or under the screen. Display size – 6.59 inches. It occupies 91.4% of the front panel area. The rest of the space is reserved for the minimal side frames, protecting the user from accidental clicks and swipes, and a noticeable frame below.
Aspect ratio – 19.3: 9. The display with a resolution of 1,080 × 2,316 pixels and a maximum brightness of 460 nits has the usual features of Super AMOLED from Samsung – a nice picture, excellent calibration, and contrast.
Sound
Speaker works on technology Screen SoundCasting. The screen vibrates at a certain frequency, due to which the sound is obtained. Feeling a bit strange: it seems that the other person is farther than usual. But overall quite comfortable. Much worse is another. The main speaker, responsible for playing audio, is one here. You can come to terms with this in most scenarios, but watching video on YouTube without a stereo sound on such a big screen is not very good.
But for those who are used to listening to music only with headphones, there is good news: the Vivo NEX is equipped with an Asahi Kasei AK4376A DAC. You can safely download FLAC, connect acoustics more abruptly and listen to your favorite songs in lossless for your pleasure.
Camera
The main module includes a camera with a resolution of 12.2 megapixels and a ос / 1.8 aperture and a 5-megapixel camera for determining the depth when creating portraits. You can shoot 4K video with 30 FPS. There is nothing special to say about the camera: the flagship indicators, the picture in all the scenarios is appropriate. Demanding more from a smartphone is strange.
Especially pleased with the night shooting. Camera Vivo NEX squeezed out of the meager lighting all that is possible and did not spoil the picture with extra noise. Autofocus works quickly and correctly. In portrait mode, the camera picks up the edges of the object quite well but makes an inaccurate clipping.
Results
Vivo NEX is not without drawbacks: it does not have NFC, dust and moisture protection, stereo sound and Qi-charging support. But otherwise, it offers the same as the popular flagships: performance, excellent camera, high-quality screen.
At the same time, it is difficult to say that the device gives a unique experience. Well, yes, the camera comes out, so what?
Vivo NEX – a smartphone that is cheaper than many competitors and the purchase of which you will not regret. He will serve honestly and for a long time, successfully solving all the tasks that a modern mobile phone must handle. And that’s all.
