vivo S20vsSony Xperia 1 V

vivo S20

Sony Xperia 1 V

vivo S20

The Vivo S20 is a camera-focused phone that has just launched in China, with a global release expected under the name Vivo V50. This device boasts a fast refresh rate AMOLED display, an excellent portrait camera, and a slim and stylish design. One of its standout features is its battery life, which lasts up to two days on average use, despite being just 7.19mm thick and weighing only 190g. The phone's massive 6,500mAh battery can be charged from 0 to 100% in just 53 minutes using the included 90W fast charger. The camera setup is another major highlight, with a dual rear camera configuration featuring an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50MP main camera. The phone also comes equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS), a soft light feature for improved low-light photography, and advanced AI features for portrait mode and selfie photography. The display itself is a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, although the phone's frame is made of plastic, which may show fingerprints. The device runs on OriginOS 5 based on Android 15, providing smooth animations and AI-driven features. The Vivo S20 starts at CNY 2299 in China, £250 in the UK, and $318 in the USA. While it excels in camera capabilities and battery life, its performance may not be the best choice for those seeking a high-end gaming experience. Overall, this phone is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking for a device that delivers excellent portrait shots and a long-lasting battery.

Sony Xperia 1 V

The Sony Xperia 1 V is a unique smartphone that packs advanced features in its camera department. The device boasts a fresh new XMOR T sensor, which is 1.7 times larger than last year's flagship phone, resulting in better low-light performance and excellent color reproduction. While it excels in capturing natural colors, the dynamic range could be stronger. The primary sensor delivers impressive results, with vivid subjects and pleasant contrast. However, capturing stunning bright blue skies is a challenge for this camera. The addition of an ultra-wide-angle snapper (16mm XMOR RS) is useful but not particularly special. The telephoto shooter (85-125mm Exmore RS) allows up to 15.6 times zoom but struggles in bright light and softer indoor conditions. The Cinema Pro app provides full control over focus, sensor selection, and settings for video recording. It can shoot Ultra HD footage at up to 120 frames per second with all three lenses, offering impressive flexibility. However, colors and detail levels may suffer when switching outside of the main sensor. In terms of general usage, the Xperia 1 V feels like a well-rounded smartphone, with a comfortable design, decent battery life, and snappy performance. The device offers plenty of storage options through micro SD cards and expandability is available, which is a plus. However, it misses out on some key flagship features like wireless charging. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 V is a step up from last year's model, offering excellent camera capabilities for those looking for DSLR-style controls or point-and-shoot performance. It's worth considering, especially for creators who want more flexibility in their smartphone. The device's price tag may be steep (over £1000), but it's an impressive offering nonetheless.