vivo T3 review
The Vivo T3 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers impressive performance and features at an affordable price point. I've been using the device for about 15 days, and in that time, I've received a software update that has significantly improved its performance. The phone's display quality is average, but it gets better with HDR content. The new software update has also fixed some bugs and improved app switching times. However, the UI still feels a bit rough around the edges, particularly when compared to other brands like Samsung. The Vivo T3's camera quality is excellent, especially after the latest software update. The 50MP main sensor takes vibrant and detailed photos, while the portrait mode also delivers impressive results. The battery life has also improved significantly with this update, offering a decent screen-on time of over 4 hours on a single charge. The phone runs on Android 14 with Huna OS 14, and it has a 120Hz refresh rate, making it feel snappy when using it. The camera can shoot videos up to 4K at 30 FPS, but there's no wide-angle sensor, which might be a deal-breaker for some users. Overall, the Vivo T3 is a great option for those with a tight budget and who don't need advanced features like wide-angle sensors. The phone's camera quality, battery life, and performance have all been improved with software updates, making it a solid choice in its price segment.
Build Quality and Design
The Vivo T3 has been with me for about 15 days now, and I must say that its build quality is a mixed bag. The phone's back cover and sides are made of cheap-looking plastic, which makes it prone to scratches. In my usage period, the phone's back cover already shows signs of wear and tear, with noticeable scratches. This could be a matter of concern for users who are particular about their phone's durability. However, one thing that is commendable about the Vivo T3's design is its sleekness. The phone's slim profile makes it easy to carry around, and the rounded edges make it comfortable to hold in your hand. The phone also has a premium feel to it, thanks to its matte finish. However, this premium feel is somewhat marred by the cheap-looking plastic used on the back cover. One thing that I would like to see improved in future iterations of the Vivo T3 is the quality of its build materials. While the phone's design is sleek and modern, the use of cheap plastic detracts from its overall premium feel. For a phone that promises to offer high-end features at an affordable price, it's disappointing to see such attention paid to aesthetics but not to the materials used. Overall, while the Vivo T3's design has some redeeming qualities, its build quality is a letdown. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and are particular about your phone's durability, I would recommend looking elsewhere. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't mind the potential drawbacks of cheap plastic, then the Vivo T3 might be worth considering. Rating: 6/10
Battery Life
After using the Vivo T3 for about 15 days, I am thrilled to report that its battery life has significantly improved with the latest software update. The phone now boasts an impressive screen-on time of 4 hours plus, which is a testament to its efficient power management. With a 5000mAh battery, I was initially skeptical about its performance. However, after this update, I can confidently say that the Vivo T3's battery life has been transformed into one of its strongest selling points. I have used the phone extensively on platforms like YouTube and Cinema, yet there is still 47% of charging left in the device. This impressive battery life translates to at least 6 hours plus of screen time on a single charge, which is remarkable considering the phone's price point. Additionally, the inclusion of 33W fast charging ensures that you can quickly top up your battery when needed. One thing that I appreciate about the Vivo T3's battery management is its ability to protect the power cell. This feature prevents excessive heat generation and maintains the overall health of the battery, ensuring it remains healthy for a longer period. In conclusion, the Vivo T3's battery life has been significantly improved with the latest software update. With a capable 5000mAh battery and efficient power management, this phone is an excellent option for those seeking long-lasting battery performance without breaking the bank.
Display
The display is one of the most critical aspects of any smartphone, and in this review, we'll take a closer look at how the Vivo T3 fares. Out of the box, the Vivo T3's display boasts HDR 10+ certification, which suggests that it should be capable of producing vivid and detailed visuals. Our experience with the phone has been largely positive, with the screen performing well in various lighting conditions. The display's refresh rate is set to 120Hz by default, which makes for a smooth and responsive visual experience. This is particularly noticeable when scrolling through menus or browsing the web. However, it's worth noting that some users might find this setting a bit too aggressive, causing minor stuttering at times. One of the standout features of the Vivo T3's display is its ability to boost sound levels up to 200%. This can be a game-changer for those who enjoy watching videos or listening to music on their phone. Additionally, the HDR content looks very good on this device, with well-balanced colors and decent brightness levels. While the display quality itself is average, considering the price point of the Vivo T3, it's a commendable effort from the manufacturer. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that can deliver on the display front, the Vivo T3 should definitely be considered. However, there are some minor issues worth mentioning. The screen tends to get scratched quickly, which could be a concern for those who like to use their phone without a case. Nevertheless, this doesn't seem to affect the overall viewing experience significantly. Overall, the Vivo T3's display is a solid offering from the manufacturer, with its HDR 10+ certification and boost sound feature being notable highlights. While it may not be perfect, it's an above-average performance at this price point.
Camera
In our previous review, we touched upon the software update that brought several improvements to the Vivo T3. One of the key aspects we wanted to dive deeper into is the camera performance after this update. The Vivo T3 boasts a 50 MP main sensor, accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor and another featureless sensor. The camera quality has seen significant improvement with this software update. The color algorithm has been refined, resulting in vibrant images rich in details. One notable aspect of the camera is its ability to capture excellent quality photos using the 50 MP dedicated lens. In comparison to standard phone cameras that typically take 12.5 MP shots, the Vivo T3's 50 megapixel sensor offers superior results thanks to pixel binning technology. This not only enhances image clarity but also makes it possible to achieve outstanding portraits with the phone's portrait mode. The camera app allows for a 1X and 2x portrait mode. In 2x zoom mode, there's a digital zoom available which results in satisfying detail levels. The 1x mode provides decent quality pictures suitable for use on social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Interestingly, the camera also features an option to shoot videos up to 4K at 30 FPS and another option for 1080p at 60 FPS. However, one notable absence is a wide-angle sensor, which might be a deal-breaker for some users seeking expansive views in their photographs or videography requirements. In terms of camera performance after the software update, we must say that it has significantly improved. The stabilization seems to be average but suitable for casual use. While it's not ideal for serious blogging or videography needs, the Vivo T3 can still handle basic video recording tasks.
Price and Value
The Vivo T3 is an intriguing smartphone that has piqued the interest of many budget-conscious buyers. Priced affordably, this device promises to deliver quality performance without breaking the bank. One of the standout features of the Vivo T3 is its pricing. At a cost that is significantly lower than some of its competitors, it offers great value for those who are looking for a reliable smartphone on a tight budget. The phone's performance has also been impressive, with the recent software update bringing significant improvements in terms of app switching and camera quality. While not as smooth as some other brands, the Vivo T3's software is still above average, making it a great option for those who are looking for a reliable device without sacrificing too much on performance. The display, too, has been praised for its HDR 10+ certification, which brings vibrant visuals to life. The camera, in particular, has shown great promise with the recent update, boasting excellent image processing and a dedicated 50-megapixel lens that produces high-quality shots. However, one area where the Vivo T3 falls short is in terms of build quality. The phone's back cover, made of plastic, is prone to scratches, which may be a concern for some users. Despite this, the Vivo T3 remains a great option for those who are looking for a reliable smartphone on a budget. Its affordability, coupled with its impressive performance and camera capabilities, make it a solid choice for those who want value without sacrificing too much on quality. Ultimately, the Vivo T3 is a phone that offers excellent price and value, making it an attractive option for those who want to upgrade their mobile experience without breaking the bank.
Performance
The Vivo T3 has been my go-to smartphone for about 15 days, and I'm impressed with its performance post-software update. The latest security patch level is March 2024, which has addressed some bugs and enhanced overall performance. One of the notable improvements is in app switching time, which is now smooth and efficient. The phone's Huna OS 14 software, paired with Android 14, seems to be optimized for seamless transitions between apps. Although it's not as polished as Samsung or other brands, it's a significant improvement over previous versions. The 8GB of RAM ensures that multiple apps can run simultaneously without any issues. In my experience, the phone can keep up to six to eight apps in memory, making multitasking a breeze. While it may not be exceptional, considering the price point, the RAM management is above average. The software update has also introduced new features, such as improved animation for app switching and enhanced sound quality through the 200% boost feature. However, the phone still lags behind Samsung in terms of feature richness, particularly with the sidebar functionality that lacks basic options like taking screenshots or smart selecting screens. The Vivo T3's performance is a significant step forward from its predecessors. While it may not be industry-leading, considering the price point, the phone delivers an impressive user experience. The updated software has addressed several bugs and improved app switching time, making it a great option for those on a tight budget. If you're looking for a reliable smartphone with decent performance, the Vivo T3 is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that it may not meet the standards of more premium devices from other brands.
Pros
1. The phone has received a security patch update to March 2024, which has fixed some bugs and improved performance.
2. The camera quality is excellent after the update, with vibrant pictures and full of details.
3. The display has HDR10+ certification and looks very good on HDR content.
4. The phone runs smoothly on Android 14, with app switching time being very good.
5. The battery life is very good, with a screen on time of 4 hours plus and still 47% charge left.
6. The charging speed is fast at 33W.
Cons
1. The phone's software, Huna OS, is not as smooth as other brands like Samsung.
2. App switching animation needs improvement, making it feel less snappy compared to other phones.
3. RAM management can get slow when opening many apps, and the phone may not keep them in memory.
4. There is no wide angle sensor, which might be a deal breaker for some users.