Vivo’s V series is best known for two things: its frequent, twice-a-year release cycle and selfie camera-focused technology. This is a line that was producing 20-megapixel front-facing cameras while everyone else was using 8-megapixel cameras, as well as 32-megapixel and 44-megapixel selfie cameras when everyone else was using 12-megapixel selfie cameras.

Vivo V23 Review: The Selfie-Centric Phone

The V23 series, the most recent version, ups the ante once more, with both the V23 Pro and V23 regular models featuring a dual-selfie camera system that includes a 50MP, f/2.0 selfie camera and an 8MP ultra-wide selfie lens. This time around, the new gadgets have one more feature that sets them apart from the sea of mid-tier smartphones: a color-changing back.

Vivo V23 Series: Pricing

The Vivo V23 and V23 Pro are mid-range phones that first went on sale in India for Rs. 29,990 and Rs. 38,990, which translates to around $403 and $524, respectively. Vivo has already stated that the smartphones will be available “soon” in other countries of Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Europe.

Vivo V23 Series: Hardware and Design

On the back, both phones include identical 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras, as well as the same front-facing camera system. They use the same software and feature the same color-changing back technology as well.

First, let’s discuss about the rear. This isn’t your typical gradient-colored glass that reflects light differently depending on the angle. Instead, this technology employs a new type of glass (Fluorite AG glass), which undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, resulting in a colour change. This colour is orange by default, but when exposed to enough UV radiation, it changes to a blue-ish green.

Because the glass plate is undergoing colour changes as a result of absorbing light, you may manipulate the change by covering portions of the glass and giving the phone tanlines. By covering the phone with a piece of paper, I was able to get an X.

Vivo V23 Series: Screen display

The Vivo V23 Pro has a slightly larger 6.56-inch screen than the Vivo V23, but the screen sizes feel the same because the Pro bends at the sides. Both displays are OLED and have a 90Hz refresh rate. With a 1080 x 2400 resolution, they appear colourful, but neither is as bright as we’ve come to expect from leading Android phones. Yes, having a notch in 2022 is unattractive, but Vivo has packed a lot of hardware into the front-facing system. This is a notch with a function that is truly beneficial.

Vivo has also integrated a good-performing in-display fingerprint sensor, and you can even unlock the phone with your face. Overall, the Vivo V23 5G has a good display for the price, but considering the device is priced at Rs. 30K and nearly every other smartphone in that price range has a 120Hz panel, I would have preferred to see one. Most people won’t notice the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz, but if you’re a nerd like me, you will.

Vivo V23 Series: Cameras

On the back, the Vivo V23 5G has a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. The front camera setup consists of a 50 MP camera with auto eye focused technology and a second 8 MP camera. As a result, it’s the finest choice for capturing beautiful memories with fine details and high quality. Videos may be recorded in 1080p@30fps and 4K@30fps on both the front and back cameras. The Vivo V23 5G is primarily a camera phone, albeit I would classify it as a selfie camera phone.

On the front of the V23 5G, Vivo has incorporated a twin LED flashlight, which comes in useful when snapping selfies at night. You can choose from three lighting options to suit the environment: Cold White, Default, and Warm Yellow. In selfies with regular Vivo skin tones, the portrait shot quality is likewise remarkable. In a nutshell, it is the greatest selfie camera available under Rs. 30,000. Even at night, it manages to capture superb detail, which is impressive.

The 64MP primary sensor in the back cameras captures good photographs as well, however it tries to bleach them. This is no longer an issue because most Vivo smartphones attempt to whiten your face in the same way. The cameras are fantastic, and the 8MP ultra-wide lens is even better. Also, ignore the 2MP macro sensor, which is only there for the sake of numbers. Last but not least, the much-hyped night mode features live up to their billing.

It’s a smartphone that’s all about the camera, and it delivers. Dual-LED flash, HDR, digital zoom, Panorama, slow motion, and EIS mode are among the other capabilities. Overall, the Vivo V23 5G is an excellent phone for people who shoot a lot of selfies or even utilise the front camera for video recording.