Vivo NEX review – Powerful performance packed under its futuristic design

Back then we have those bezel-heavy smartphones, recent years we have 18:9 FullView display smartphones and now, technology has improved so much that we can enjoy a truly FullView display covering almost the entire front of the phone. The Vivo NEX is one of the newest smartphone featuring the futuristic “no-notch” design, we are lucky to be able to try it out and we really liked it. Check out our Vivo NEX review below to know how great it is!

Design and Display

Judging by its looks, the Vivo NEX is probably one of the most attractive smartphones we have ever seen. Thanks to its super slim bezels which is only 2.16mm on the top, we get a massive 6.59-inch display with 19.3:9 aspect ratio on Vivo NEX.

Since there is no notch at all, some of you might wonder, where did the front camera go? It is actually hidden behind the display, where it elevates when taking selfies and retracts automatically when you are done. Interesting, isn’t it? Also, to reduce the top bezel, NEX features a speaker system with no visible holes. Instead, sounds are coming out loud and clear via sound vibrations through the display.

On the rear, NEX features a dazzling laser-etched holographic design that shines in rainbow colours under bright lights. No fingerprint sensor is visible on neither the front or back – it is hidden underneath the display. Weights at 199g, the device is quite heavy compared to the others. Its glass surface is slippery, but thanks to the sticky case came together with the device, you can worry less about accidentally dropping your phone.

Other than these, there is something worth for a mention – the AI button located at its left side that directs you to its exciting pre-installed AI services. For example, simply pressing the button activates the Google lens, which it will look up the object captured in camera online and display related search results and information instantly. Press and hold the button activates Google Assistant too.

Vivo NEX Specifications

• Size: 162 x 77 x 7.98 mm
• Weight: 199 g
• Color: Star Diamond Black
• Display:  6.59-Inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display
• Resolution: 2316 * 1080 pixels
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa-core Processor
• GPU: Adreno 630
• OS: Android 8.1
• Memory:  8GB RAM + 128GB ROM
• Camera:
  • 8 MP Front Camera
  • 12 MP + 5 MP Dual-lens Rear Camera
• Battery: 4000 mAh with fast charging

Camera

Featuring the new generation Sony IMX363 lens with optical and electronic image stabilization, the 12MP + 5MP dual-lens camera is capable of taking outstanding photos. According to the different situations, Vivo’s AI scene recognition and AI HDR adjusts settings automatically, while the AI filter recommends suitable filters to use. You can take breathtaking shot easily even you are not a professional photographer!

We have an 8MP camera on the front that comes with popular features such as AR stickers and panoramic selfie mode (for group shots). Of course, there is a beauty mode that enhances your selfies as well.

Performance and Battery

The Vivo NEX is powered by Snapdragon 845 and a whopping 8GB RAM, obviously it has no problem performing complex tasks or running high-performance demanding games. Some of the games we tested are Asphalt 9: Legends, PUBG Mobile and Arena of Valor, all of them could run seamlessly under the highest graphics and framerate settings. The device stays cool after quite a few hours of gaming!

In addition, you don’t have to worry about incoming calls or notification blocking your view while gaming thanks to the pre-installed Game Assistant. It allows you to gain shortcut access to various game functions and optimize your game based on system performance and individual game features too.

With its massive 4000 mAh battery, you can enjoy many hours of playing without having to worry about its battery draining out. The Vivo NEX also features dual-engine quick charge that charge up your battery rapidly.

Conclusion

It is such a pleasure to play games or watch videos with the Vivo NEX‘s ultra FullView display and its impressive performance. However, the device is a bit pricey at RM2799 so you might have to look somewhere else if you are looking for mid-range smartphones only.

The Vivo NEX is now available in Malaysia in the elegant Star Diamond Black, you can view more information about the device at their official site or visit the authorized retailer stores to purchase.