vivo V40 SE review
The Vivo V40 SE is a mid-range smartphone that offers decent performance at an affordable price point of around €300. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor with eight cores, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. It also features a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The camera setup consists of a triple-camera arrangement with a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro lens. While the camera performance is average for its price range, it does offer some features like Pro mode for capturing photos in raw format. Battery life is one of the highlights of this device, with a large 5,000mAh battery providing good juice for heavy users. The phone also runs smoothly on daily tasks and games like Call of Duty Mobile, although minor stuttering or slowdown may occur at times. While the Vivo V40 SE offers some positive aspects, it falls short in terms of camera performance and processor power, which is expected from a device in its price range. Overall, this phone is an acceptable option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with good RAM, storage, battery life, and display quality.
Build Quality and Design
The Vivo V40 SE boasts an impressive build quality that exudes a premium feel. The phone's back panel is made from synthetic leather, giving it a sleek and luxurious appearance. The material choice is particularly commendable as it effectively conceals fingerprints, making the device look pristine even after extended use. Weighing in at 188g, the V40 SE feels substantial yet manageable to hold. The dimensions are well-balanced, ensuring that the phone doesn't feel too bulky or awkwardly proportioned. The attention to detail is evident in the thoughtful placement of various components, such as the microphone on the right side and the internal speaker located at the top. The device's design is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and an absence of unnecessary embellishments. This approach allows the phone's AMOLED screen to take center stage, offering an immersive viewing experience that is further enhanced by its crisp display and decent brightness levels. In terms of overall build quality, the V40 SE scores high marks for its durability and attention to detail. The device feels robust and well-assembled, with a reassuring solidity that inspires confidence in its ability to withstand the rigors of daily use. While not groundbreaking in its design, the Vivo V40 SE's build quality is undoubtedly one of its strongest selling points.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Vivo V40 SE is its impressive battery life. The phone is equipped with a 5,000mAh lithium battery that delivers up to two days of usage, even with heavy use. According to our testing, the V40 SE's battery life is quite good, especially considering its compact size. With moderate use - sending texts, browsing social media, and watching videos - the phone can easily last for a full day without needing a recharge. However, as expected, the battery life does take a hit when using more resource-intensive features like gaming or video streaming. Nevertheless, even with these activities, the V40 SE's battery still manages to hold its own, lasting around 12-14 hours on a single charge. What's impressive is that the phone can easily get through a full day of use without needing to be plugged in, making it perfect for those who are always on-the-go. Additionally, the phone's thin profile means you won't be carrying around any unnecessary bulk, making it easy to slip into your pocket or bag. While we wouldn't say the V40 SE's battery life is exceptional, it certainly gets the job done. With its 5,000mAh power pack, this phone is definitely a strong contender for those who prioritize battery life in their next smartphone purchase.
Display
The Vivo V40 SE boasts an impressive display that is sure to please. The 6.67-inch AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colors and crisp details, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through social media. One of the standout features of the display is its high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This ensures seamless scrolling and navigation, even in the most demanding apps. The screen's brightness is also impressive, reaching a maximum of 1200 nits. This means that even in direct sunlight, the display remains easily readable. The resolution is full HD Plus, with a pixel density of 405 pixels per inch. This results in sharp and clear text, making it ideal for reading or browsing through websites. The AMOLED panel also offers excellent contrast ratios, resulting in deep blacks and vibrant colors. Viewing angles are another strength of the display, with minimal color shifting even when viewed from the side. The screen's overall design is sleek and modern, with a thin bezel that adds to its premium feel. In terms of performance, the display is more than capable of handling demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing. However, it's worth noting that some users may find the refresh rate to be unnecessary for everyday use. Overall, the display on the Vivo V40 SE is a significant strength of this device. With its high refresh rate, vibrant colors, and crisp details, it's sure to please even the most discerning users.
Camera
The Vivo V40 SE's camera system is a mixed bag, offering some decent features but falling short in certain areas. On the back, we have a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel main lens with a 1.8 focal aperture and PDAF autofocus, an ultra-wide-angle lens with an 8-megapixel sensor and a 2.2 focal aperture, and a macro lens with a 2-megapixel sensor and a 2.4 focal aperture. While the main camera produces acceptable photos during the day, with good detail and contrast, it doesn't quite live up to expectations in low-light conditions. The night mode does help to improve sharpness at the edges, but images can become grainy. The ultra-wide-angle lens has its own set of issues, with a noticeable drop in sharpness and color interpretation compared to the main camera. One of the most disappointing aspects of the V40 SE's camera is its video recording capabilities. Limited to 30 frames per second at Full HD resolution, footage can appear rough and unfluid. This is particularly noticeable when panning or zooming. In a market where cameras have become increasingly important, the Vivo V40 SE's offering feels somewhat underwhelming. While not bad by any stretch, it's clear that this phone isn't pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of camera technology. Ultimately, the V40 SE's camera system is a decent, if unremarkable, addition to an otherwise capable device. For those on a budget or prioritizing other features, it might not be a major concern. However, for those seeking top-notch photography capabilities, there are better options available at similar price points. The Vivo V40 SE's camera is a decent but not exceptional feature in an otherwise capable device. While it won't disappoint, it also won't impress anyone looking for top-notch photography capabilities.
Price and Value
The Vivo V40 SE is an acceptable smartphone that fits within a budget of $300. The device boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, which, although last year's technology, still provides adequate performance for daily tasks and casual gaming. One of the highlights of this phone is its value proposition. With a starting price of around €300 (approximately $350 USD), it offers good specifications such as 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), and a 5,000 mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. The phone also features an AMOLED display, which provides good brightness, sharpness, and contrast. While the camera performance may not be outstanding, it still takes decent photos during the day and has some appreciated modes like Pro mode for capturing in RAW. However, the V40 SE's processor is a letdown, as it's a 2022 model that focuses on consumption optimization rather than raw performance. This is a drawback considering the device's price point. Nevertheless, the phone still manages to deliver smooth performance for daily use and some gaming. Overall, the Vivo V40 SE is an acceptable option if you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with decent specs. While it may not offer anything out of the ordinary in this segment, its value proposition makes it a good choice for those who want a reliable device without breaking the bank. 6.5/10 A good option for those on a tight budget looking for a reliable smartphone with decent specs.
Performance
The Vivo V40 SE boasts an impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor with eight cores, two of which run at 2.2 GHz and the remaining six at 1.95 GHz. This processor is paired with an Adreno 613 GPU, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of internal storage using UFS 2.2 memory. One notable feature of the V40 SE is its ability to convert 8 GB of internal storage into virtual RAM, bringing the total RAM capacity to 16 GB (8 GB physical + 8 GB virtual). This allows for seamless multitasking and smooth performance in daily tasks such as social media use, browsing, and email checking. The phone's refresh rate of 120 Hz provides a fluid user experience, especially when scrolling through apps. The AMOLED screen technology offers good brightness and sharpness compared to IPS screens. However, it falls short in terms of processor power, with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 being a last-year model that prioritizes consumption over performance. In gaming tests, such as Call of Duty mobile, the V40 SE performed well but showed some minor stuttering or slowdown at specific times. To ensure optimal performance, it's recommended to set graphic quality slightly below maximum. The phone's battery life is commendable, with a 5,000 mAh battery that works well despite the device being relatively thin. Overall, while the V40 SE performs admirably in daily tasks and gaming, its processor limitations may become apparent when pushed to more demanding scenarios.