vivo X Fold+ review

Item picture

The Vivo X Fold+ is a exceptional foldable phone that boasts impressive hardware features. The device comes with two high-quality screens, one of which is an 8-inch main display, making it perfect for multitasking and productivity. The secondary screen can also be used as a cover display when the phone is folded, allowing users to stay informed without having to open the device. The camera system on the Vivo X Fold+ is also noteworthy, with a 50MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens. However, it's worth noting that there is no electronic image stabilization for both selfie cameras, which can result in shaky footage. This issue can be mitigated by using the rear cameras as selfie shooters when the device is folded open. The battery life of the Vivo X Fold+ is a letdown, with an average on-screen time of around 5-5.5 hours. This is not surprising considering the foldable design and high-resolution screens. The phone's processor is efficient, but it still can't quite match the battery life of other flagships. Despite its excellent hardware features, the Vivo X Fold+ has some quirks in its software. Some apps are Chinese-specific and may not translate well to Western markets, while others have DPI issues that make them appear too large on the screen. Overall, however, the phone's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid contender in the foldable market.

Overview
Parameters
Similar items
Oppo K12 Plus
K12 Plus
Oppo
realme 14 Pro+
14 Pro+
realme
vivo T2X
T2X
vivo
vivo iQOO Z9
iQOO Z9
vivo
realme 14 Pro
14 Pro
realme
Xiaomi Redmi K50
Redmi K50
Xiaomi
Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro
Redmi Note 14 Pro
Xiaomi
Xiaomi 11T
11T
Xiaomi
Oppo Reno12
Reno12
Oppo
Oppo Reno12 Pro
Reno12 Pro
Oppo
Key takeaways
The vivo X Fold+'s battery life is a major concern, falling short of expectations.
The Vivo X Fold+ boasts a stunning dual-screen setup with high-quality displays for both inner and outer screens.
The Vivo X Fold+ falls short as a top-notch camera phone due to notable limitations and omissions.
The Vivo X Fold+ impresses with its outstanding performance, making it an excellent choice for demanding users.

Build Quality and Design

The Vivo X Fold+ is a stunning example of how to design a premium foldable smartphone. From its sleek exterior to its robust construction, this device exudes a sense of luxury and craftsmanship. One of the first things that strikes you about the X Fold+ is its sturdy build quality. The phone's frame is constructed from high-quality aluminum, giving it a solid feel that inspires confidence. The 7.2-inch AMOLED display is encased in a durable glass cover, while the external screen and rear panel are made from scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus. The design of the X Fold+ is equally impressive. Vivo has created a device that is both visually stunning and functional. The phone's hinge mechanism is smooth and seamless, allowing you to transition between tablet mode and smartphone mode with ease. In terms of aesthetics, the X Fold+ is a true showstopper. The phone's sleek design features a subtle curvature that fits perfectly in the hand. The external screen is bright and vibrant, making it ideal for checking notifications or watching videos on-the-go. The rear panel is adorned with a minimalist pattern that adds a touch of elegance to the overall design. Throughout my hands-on experience with the X Fold+, I was consistently impressed by the attention to detail that Vivo has brought to this device. From its premium materials to its thoughtful design, every aspect of the X Fold+ screams quality and sophistication. Overall, the build quality and design of the Vivo X Fold+ are truly exceptional. This phone is a testament to the company's commitment to creating devices that are both beautiful and functional.

Battery Life

While the vivo X Fold+ is a highly impressive device with top-notch hardware and sleek design, its battery life is unfortunately a major letdown. In my experience, I've managed to squeeze out around 5-5.5 hours of on-screen time, which is significantly less than what I've come to expect from foldable phones. Compared to the Huawei Mate X2, another high-end foldable phone in this space, the vivo X Fold+ falls short in terms of battery life. While it's true that the Mate X2 also struggled with long battery life, its 6-6.5 hour performance is still a better showing than what I've seen from the X Fold+. It's worth noting that my usage patterns are typical for a reviewer, and your mileage may vary depending on how you use the device. However, as it stands now, the vivo X Fold+'s battery life is a major concern that could hold back its adoption among power users who need more than just a day's worth of battery life. In an otherwise excellent phone, this is a disappointing aspect that I hope will be addressed in future software updates or even a potential hardware revision. Until then, it's essential to consider the battery life implications when deciding whether to purchase the vivo X Fold+.

Display

The Vivo X Fold+ boasts an impressive dual-screen setup, with a 6.53-inch inner display and a 5.54-inch outer display. While both screens are vibrant and offer excellent color accuracy, they do have some notable differences. The inner screen is where the majority of your time will be spent, with a resolution of 2160 x 3200 pixels and a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits. It's a stunning display that can accurately reproduce a wide range of colors, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing through your favorite apps. However, the outer screen is where things get a bit more interesting. With a resolution of 1184 x 2520 pixels and a peak brightness of up to 400 nits, it's not quite as sharp as the inner screen. While still perfectly usable for basic tasks like checking notifications or watching short videos, it's clear that this display is designed more for convenience than visual fidelity. One notable omission on both screens is electronic image stabilization (EIS) for the front-facing camera. This means that video calls and selfies may not be as smooth as you'd like, with a bit of shaky footage to contend with. However, Vivo has cleverly included the option to use either the rear cameras or ultra-wide lens for more stable selfies when folded open. In terms of overall display quality, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Vivo X Fold+. The inner screen is one of the best I've seen on a foldable device, and while the outer screen may not be as sharp, it's still perfectly usable in its intended role. If you're considering purchasing this phone for its innovative design, rest assured that the display is more than up to par. While there are some minor quibbles with the display, overall I'm extremely satisfied with the Vivo X Fold+ screen setup. It's a true highlight of an already impressive device, and one that will undoubtedly make a strong impression on anyone lucky enough to try it out.

Camera

The Vivo X Fold+, a high-end foldable smartphone from the Chinese tech giant, has been making waves in the market with its impressive specs and sleek design. While the phone's camera capabilities have received some attention, it's essential to dive deeper into what the X Fold+ can offer in terms of photography. The Vivo X Fold+'s main camera boasts a 50-megapixel sensor, which is quite impressive for a smartphone camera. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the phone's camera capabilities are not without their limitations. While the camera produces some excellent shots, particularly in bright lighting conditions, it struggles to deliver consistent results in low-light environments. The lack of electronic image stabilization (EIS) on both the front and rear cameras is a notable omission, which can lead to noticeable shakiness and blur when shooting video or capturing images with the main sensor. However, it's worth noting that the phone does offer a clever workaround for this issue – users can switch to the rear camera as a selfie option when folded open, which provides access to the 4K 34k 60fps electronic image stabilization of the main sensor. The Vivo X Fold+'s ultra-wide camera is another story altogether. With its 48-megapixel sensor and electronic image stabilization, this lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots. However, it's worth noting that the phone doesn't offer 8k resolution with this camera, which might be a disappointment for some users. When it comes to zooming in on subjects, the X Fold+'s digital zoom capabilities are a bit lacking. While users can apply digital zoom up to four times, the image quality begins to degrade significantly at these levels. The lack of optical zoom or a dedicated telephoto lens is another notable omission. While the Vivo X Fold+ has some impressive camera features, it's clear that this phone falls short in certain areas. While the main sensor produces some excellent shots in bright lighting conditions, its limitations in low-light environments and the lack of EIS on both cameras are significant drawbacks. The ultra-wide camera is a highlight, but the absence of 8k resolution and optical zoom capabilities is noticeable. In conclusion, while the Vivo X Fold+'s camera has its strengths, it's not without its flaws. For those looking for a smartphone with exceptional camera capabilities, this might not be the best option – at least, not yet.

Price and Value

The Vivo X Fold+, a highly anticipated foldable phone, has finally arrived. As I dive into the world of this innovative device, one aspect stands out in my mind - price and value. Priced at around $1,500, the Vivo X Fold+ is a premium product that boasts impressive specifications. With a 7.8-inch foldable display, a powerful processor, and high-quality cameras, it's clear that Vivo has aimed to create a device that competes with the best in its class. In terms of value, I believe the X Fold+ delivers. The phone's hardware is top-notch, with both the primary and ultra-wide cameras producing excellent results. The foldable display is a joy to use, offering a seamless user experience when in tablet mode or as a traditional smartphone. While battery life may be a concern for some, six hours of on-screen time is not bad considering the power-hungry nature of modern smartphones. However, this aspect does leave me wondering if the X Fold+ could have stretched its battery further, especially given its premium price tag. Ultimately, my review of the Vivo X Fold+ leads me to conclude that it's a fantastic foldable phone that offers excellent value for its price. If you're in the market for a high-end device with innovative features and excellent performance, the X Fold+ is definitely worth considering. 4.5/5 A must-have for those seeking a premium foldable phone experience.

Performance

The Vivo X Fold+ is a powerhouse of a device, boasting impressive performance that rivals even the most high-end smartphones. The phone's Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, ensures seamless multitasking and fast app loading times. In my usage, the X Fold+ performed exceptionally well, handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease. The phone's 90Hz refresh rate display also made for a smooth visual experience, minimizing lag and stuttering even during intense gaming sessions. During my tests, I was able to run multiple resource-intensive apps simultaneously without any noticeable slowdown or crashes. Even the most demanding games ran smoothly, with frame rates reaching up to 60fps. Another notable aspect of the X Fold+ is its efficient battery life. While it may not match some other flagships in this regard, I was still able to squeeze out around five hours and a half of on-screen time with moderate use. Overall, the Vivo X Fold+ impresses with its outstanding performance, making it an excellent choice for those who want a powerful device without sacrificing too much in terms of portability. The phone's snappy interface, fast app loading times, and smooth display make it a joy to use, even during the most demanding tasks. While battery life may be a concern for some users, I believe the X Fold+'s performance more than makes up for this shortcoming. If you're in the market for a premium smartphone with top-notch specs and features, the Vivo X Fold+ is definitely worth considering.

Pros

1. Hardware-wise fantastic

2. Great screens both inside and out

3. Fast processor and efficient battery life

4. 4K video recording capabilities

5. Excellent camera system

Cons

1. Battery life could be better

2. Software quirks and issues

Structure
Width:
74.5
Height:
162
Depth:
14.6
Weight:
311
Usable surface:
82 %
Materials:
Leather
Metal
Colors:
Black
Red
Cyan
Hardware
Model:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen1
CPU:
1x3.2 GHz Cortex
X2 +3x2.8 GHz Cortex
A710 + 4x2.0 GHz Cortex
A510
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
4
Frequency:
3.200000047683716
64 Bits:
GPU:
Qualcomm Adreno 730 875 MHz
RAM:
12
Type:
RAM LPDDR5
Capacity:
256
Type:
UFS Storage 3.1
SD slot:
Fingerprint security:
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Compass sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Barometer sensor:
Gravity sensor:
Hall sensor:
Audio:
DTS / DTS X
Stereo Speakers
Antutu Score:
1209100
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 90% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Extras:
VC vapor chamber + Graphite + Nano thermally conductive gel for heat dissipation
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
50
Sensor:
Samsung GN5
Sensor size:
1/1.57"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.75
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Wide Angle + Macro:
Resolution:
48
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.2
Portrait mode (depth):
Resolution:
12
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.0
Telephoto lens:
Resolution:
8
Aperture:
ƒ/ 3.4
Phone front cameras
Resolution:
16
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.5
Flash:
Dual LED
Optical stabilisation:
Yes
Slow motion video:
Yes, 240 fps
Rear camera features:
4K Video
8K Video
Digital zoom
Optical zoom
Quadruple camera
Digital image stabilization
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
Ultra stable video
Autofocus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
Laser autofocus (LAF)
Main camera for Selfies
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
RAW
Night Mode
Front camera features:
Telephoto 5x optical zoom with OIS
60x digital zoom
114º ultra wide angle lens
ZEISS T* Coating
Screen
Diagonal:
6.53
Type:
AMOLED
Sub type:
Samsung E5
Aspect ratio:
21:9
Resolution in pixels:
1080 x 2520 px
Resolution quality:
FHD+
ppi:
420 ppi
Density:
Very high density
Others:
Hole-punch Notch
1-120 Hz refresh rate
Refresh rate 120 Hz
Peak brightness - 1120 cd/m²
8000000:1 contrast ratio
HDR10+
DCI-P3
10 Bits panel
DisplayMate A+
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Frameless
Foldable Display
LTPO 2.0 (Low Temperature PolySilicon oxide)
Battery
Capacity:
4730
Type:
Lithium
Fast charge:
Yes, 80.0W
Extras:
50W wireless charging
10W reverse charging
Others:
Non-removable
Connectivity
2G:
3G:
4G LTE:
5G:
SIM card:
Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
Standards:
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Wi-Fi MiMO
Version:
Bluetooth 5.2LE
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
LE (Low Energy)
APT-x
LDAC
SBC
AAC
Navigation:
GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)
Charging:
Mass storage:
USB On-The-Go (OTG):
USB Type C:
NFC:
Audio jack:
Radio FM:
Computer sync:
OTA sync:
Tethering:
VoLTE:
Infrared:
Software
Operating System:
Android 12
Google services: