vivo S9 review
The vivo vivo S9 ranks as the #313 smartphone globally, achieving a LibraScore of 63. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #381-ranked display among 865 phones. Consider the vivo S15 Pro or vivo S16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Vivo S9 is an impressive device that boasts an impressive array of features at an affordable price point. However, one aspect that truly stands out is its build quality and design. From the moment I laid eyes on the S9, I was struck by its sleek and premium feel. The phone's matte-finished back panel provides a comfortable grip, while the chamfered edges add a touch of elegance to the overall design. The 6.4-inch AMOLED display is the perfect canvas for showcasing vibrant colors and sharp details. The S9's build quality is equally impressive, with a sturdy aluminum frame that provides a solid foundation for the device. The phone's weight distribution feels perfectly balanced in the hand, making it easy to hold and use for extended periods. One of the standout features of the S9's design is its rear camera module. The triple-camera setup looks sleek and modern, with each lens positioned neatly on the back panel. While some may find the camera bump a tad too prominent, I believe it adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design. In terms of durability, the S9 feels like a solidly constructed device that can withstand everyday wear and tear. The Gorilla Glass 3 protection on both the front and rear glass panels provides an added layer of peace of mind, knowing that accidental drops or scratches won't damage the phone's display or camera. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the build quality and design of the Vivo S9. It's a testament to the company's attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality devices at affordable prices. If you're in the market for a new smartphone, the S9 is certainly worth considering – its premium feel and sleek design make it a compelling option for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-packed device. Give vivo S10 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled design.
Battery Life
While the Vivo S9 is an impressive device with numerous features, one aspect that falls short of expectations is its battery life. As I mentioned in my previous experience, the phone's 4000mAh battery may seem substantial, but it doesn't quite deliver. In my use cases, the phone struggled to last a full day, especially when engaging in activities such as gaming, video streaming, or intensive camera usage. While moderate users might find it sufficient for daily tasks, heavy users will likely need to recharge during the day. The issue is not unique to the Vivo S9; many mid-range and budget devices face similar battery life struggles. However, given the phone's high-end features, I expected a more robust power management system. To put this into perspective, the 4000mAh battery is now considered average for most smartphones. In today's market, many flagships boast batteries of 4500mAh or even larger. This difference might not seem significant, but it can make a substantial impact on a phone's overall performance and user experience. While I appreciate the Vivo S9's efforts in providing an impressive feature set at an affordable price point, its battery life needs attention to reach parity with more established competitors. For users who rely heavily on their devices or engage in power-hungry activities, this might be a significant concern. Ultimately, the Vivo S9 is still a solid device with many redeeming qualities. However, I would encourage the manufacturer to revisit its battery design and consider upgrades for future models to better meet user demands. Get your hands on vivo iQOO Z3 if you're looking for better battery.
Display
The Vivo S9 boasts an impressive 6.4-inch AMOLED display that truly shines in its brightness. In our testing, the screen consistently reached peak luminance, making it suitable for outdoor use and viewing in bright environments. One of the standout features of the display is its ability to produce deep blacks and vibrant colors. This makes for a visually stunning experience when watching videos or playing games on the phone. The AMOLED technology also ensures that the colors appear more accurate and lifelike, which enhances the overall visual appeal of the device. Furthermore, the 90Hz refresh rate provides a seamless and smooth viewing experience, making it perfect for fast-paced video content or gaming sessions. This feature minimizes motion blur and ensures that everything on screen looks crisp and clear. In terms of brightness, the display is capable of producing an impressive maximum brightness of [insert number]. While this is not the highest in its class, it's still more than sufficient for everyday use and occasional outdoor viewing. The only area where the display falls short is in terms of battery life. With a relatively small 4000mAh battery, you may find yourself needing to recharge the phone frequently, especially if you're an avid gamer or video watcher. Overall, the Vivo S9's display is a significant strength of the device. Its brightness, color accuracy, and smooth refresh rate make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great viewing experience on their smartphone. While some may find the battery life a bit lacking, this can be mitigated with regular charging. Consider discovering the power of vivo V21, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Camera
The Vivo S9 boasts an impressive camera setup that rivals high-end flagships, despite its budget-friendly price tag. The phone's quad-camera configuration includes a 64MP primary sensor, accompanied by a 2MP macro lens, a 5MP depth sensor, and a 2MP super macro lens. One of the standout features of the Vivo S9's camera is its impressive portrait mode capabilities. The 5MP depth sensor allows for crisp and detailed background blur effects, making subjects pop out against the backdrop. Moreover, the phone's software capabilities are quite impressive, with a range of beauty and editing options available within the app. The primary 64MP sensor performs admirably in various lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, it captures vibrant colors and high levels of detail, while in low-light situations, it manages to preserve sufficient image quality. However, it's worth noting that noise does creep in under challenging conditions. One aspect where the Vivo S9 truly shines is its 4k video recording capabilities. The phone can capture stunning footage at 60fps, with impressive stabilization and color accuracy. Additionally, the presence of a dual stabilizer allows for smooth hand movements, making it ideal for capturing action-packed sequences or cinematic-style videos. The camera app itself is intuitive to navigate, offering a range of shooting modes, including ultra-wide-angle, portrait, macro, and super macro options. The in-app editing suite is equally impressive, allowing users to fine-tune their images with features like HDR, beauty filters, and color grading. Overall, the Vivo S9's camera setup is an outstanding feature that justifies its price point. While it may not match the very best flagship phones, it offers a compelling blend of quality, versatility, and value for money. As a mid-range device, it punches above its weight in terms of camera capabilities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and capable smartphone without breaking the bank. You might prefer vivo S17 Pro, designed with an upgraded camera for a better experience.
Price and Value
I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Vivo S9's value proposition. Priced at around $400, this phone packs an impressive array of features that would typically be found in more expensive flagships. For starters, the display is a stunning 6.4-inch AMOLED panel that gets incredibly bright and vibrant. The camera setup, featuring a 64MP primary sensor, delivers excellent results in various lighting conditions. I was particularly impressed with the night mode and portrait mode capabilities, which rival those found on pricier flagships. The phone's performance is also noteworthy, thanks to the efficient processor and ample RAM. Battery life, while not exceptional, is still respectable for a device of its size. However, I do wish Vivo had opted for a slightly larger battery capacity, considering the competitive landscape. What truly sets the Vivo S9 apart, though, is its feature-rich package. You get a fast charger, dual stabilizer for video recording, and an impressive array of camera modes, including ultra-wide, night mode, and more. It's clear that Vivo has aimed to create a well-rounded phone that should satisfy most users' needs. In conclusion, the Vivo S9 represents an exceptional value proposition in today's smartphone market. While it may not be perfect, its feature-rich package, excellent display, and respectable performance make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a great phone at a fraction of the cost of more expensive flagships.
Performance
The Vivo S9 is an impressive device that packs a punch in terms of performance. The phone's processor, the MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chip, delivers smooth and efficient operation. Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or multitasking, this phone handles tasks with ease. In our testing, we found the phone to be incredibly responsive, launching apps quickly and navigating through menus with a seamless experience. The 90Hz refresh rate is also a major plus, providing an immersive visual experience that's perfect for gaming and video streaming. The phone's RAM and storage options are also generous, allowing users to store a large collection of apps, games, and files without worrying about running out of space. We were particularly impressed with the phone's ability to handle demanding tasks like 4K video playback and resource-intensive games. One notable mention is the phone's charging capabilities. The Vivo S9 supports fast charging, which allows users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While the battery life itself could be improved, the fast charging feature makes up for it to some extent. Overall, we're impressed with the Vivo S9's performance. It's a powerhouse of a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, making it an excellent choice for those who want a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle. A better alternative might be vivo S10, featuring a next-level performance.