vivo X Fold2 review

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The Vivo X Fold 2 is a powerful foldable smartphone that boasts impressive hardware specs, but falls short in terms of software optimization and some design decisions. On the plus side, the device features a stunning 120Hz inner screen, a bright outer screen, and a seamless hinge mechanism. The alert slider switch and fingerprint reader are also noteworthy, making it easy to navigate and secure your phone. The camera setup is decent, with a 50MP main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a front-facing camera. However, low-light photography is a weakness, and some color inaccuracies were noticeable in our tests. Gaming performance is excellent, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, but it comes at the cost of increased heat, which may be uncomfortable during prolonged gaming sessions. The X Fold 2 also features fast charging capabilities, with both 120W and 50W charging speeds available. However, the decision to drop USB 3.1 in favor of faster charging seems questionable, especially considering the lack of video out and high transfer speeds that come with it. Software-wise, the device runs on Vivo's Funtouch OS, which feels less optimized compared to Samsung's foldables. This results in some apps not scaling well side-by-side, and overall performance that doesn't quite match expectations. Overall, the Vivo X Fold 2 is a capable device that excels in certain areas, but falls short in others. While it may not be the best option for those seeking a seamless software experience, its impressive hardware specs make it worth considering for those looking for a powerful foldable phone. 3.5/5

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Key takeaways
The Vivo X Fold2's battery life is decent but not exceptional, requiring frequent topping up for heavy usage.
The Vivo X Fold 2 boasts an impressive display with high refresh rates and HDR10+ support for a seamless viewing experience.
The Vivo X Fold 2's camera capabilities fall short of expectations, with poor low-light performance being the most notable issue.
The Vivo X Fold 2's exceptional performance capabilities make it an excellent choice for demanding tasks and gaming.

Build Quality and Design

The Vivo X Fold2 is a powerhouse of innovation, boasting an impressive design that's sure to turn heads. Upon first glance, the phone's build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy and premium feel that's reminiscent of high-end devices. One of the standout features of the X Fold2 is its unique hinge mechanism, which allows for seamless folding and unfolding of the device. The inner and outer screens are also noteworthy, boasting bright 120Hz displays that provide an immersive viewing experience. The back of the phone feels great to the touch, with a subtle texture that adds to its premium feel. The fingerprint reader, located on both the inner and outer sides of the phone, is a thoughtful touch, providing users with quick access to their device without having to turn it on. The alert slider switch, which allows for easy switching between silent mode and normal sound settings, is also a clever design feature that's reminiscent of iPhones and some OnePlus models. However, there are some curious decisions made by Vivo in the X Fold2's design. The periscopic camera, which was present on previous iterations, has been dropped in favor of a more traditional setup. Additionally, the phone lacks USB 3.1 with video out, opting for slower USB-C instead. These omissions may be frustrating for some users, but overall, the Vivo X Fold2's design is a triumph of engineering and innovation. The phone's dimensions and weight are also noteworthy, making it surprisingly compact and lightweight despite its impressive specs. Overall, the Vivo X Fold2's build quality and design are major strengths that make this device a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a high-end smartphone.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Vivo X Fold2 is a mixed bag, offering both impressive and underwhelming experiences depending on how you use your device. In terms of sheer capacity, the phone's 5000mAh battery should provide more than enough juice to get through a day with heavy usage. And indeed, it does. With moderate use, including gaming, social media scrolling, and some video streaming, I found myself able to stretch out my charge to around 12-14 hours. However, when put under heavier loads, such as intense gaming or long video sessions, the battery life begins to suffer. In these situations, you might find yourself needing to top up the battery every few hours to avoid running low. The battery's performance is further complicated by the phone's ability to enter a power-saving mode when it detects low battery levels. While this can help extend battery life, it also means that some features and functions may be disabled or restricted until the battery is charged again. Overall, while the Vivo X Fold2's battery life is not bad, it's certainly not exceptional either. With more moderate use, you'll likely get a full day of usage without needing to charge up, but if you're an intense user who likes to game or stream video for extended periods, you may find yourself needing to top up the battery more frequently.

Display

The Vivo X Fold 2 boasts an impressive display that is sure to turn heads. The phone features two screens: an inner screen and an outer screen, both of which are bright and vibrant. The inner screen measures 6.53 inches and has a resolution of 2480 x 1124 pixels, while the outer screen is slightly smaller at 5.54 inches with a resolution of 2292 x 1056 pixels. One of the standout features of the display is its high refresh rate of 120Hz on both screens. This ensures that visuals are smooth and seamless, making it perfect for gaming and video streaming. Additionally, the phone's adaptive sync technology automatically adjusts the refresh rate to match the content being displayed, further enhancing the viewing experience. The display also supports HDR10+ playback, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor. This allows users to enjoy an expanded range of colors and contrast levels, making the visuals even more immersive and engaging. However, it's worth noting that the outer screen's resolution could be higher, as some may find the 2292 x 1056 pixels slightly underwhelming compared to other phones in this class. Nonetheless, the overall display performance is excellent, and Vivo has clearly prioritized providing an exceptional viewing experience for its users. In conclusion, the Vivo X Fold 2's display is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved brightness, refresh rate, and HDR support. While there may be some room for improvement in terms of resolution on the outer screen, overall it's a solid effort from Vivo that's sure to please fans of large-screen devices.

Camera

The Vivo X Fold 2 is an intriguing device with many impressive features, but its camera capabilities are a letdown. While it has some excellent hardware and innovative designs, the cameras fall short of expectations. The main rear camera uses a 50-megapixel sensor, which is capable of producing decent images in good lighting conditions. However, the camera struggles in low-light situations, resulting in noisy and soft images. The ultra-wide-angle camera, on the other hand, does an excellent job of capturing a wider field of view, making it perfect for landscape shots. One notable feature of the Vivo X Fold 2's cameras is their ability to switch between the main rear camera and the ultra-wide-angle camera with ease. This makes taking photos with both cameras simultaneously a breeze. However, this also means that users can easily get into situations where they accidentally capture unwanted parts of an image, especially when switching between cameras. Selfie shots are another area where the Vivo X Fold 2's cameras excel. The front-facing camera is a capable 16-megapixel sensor, which produces high-quality selfies in good lighting conditions. However, the camera struggles with portrait mode, often resulting in unsightly stitching issues. The camera app itself is also a mixed bag. While it offers many features and settings, the user interface can be confusing at times, especially when switching between cameras. While the Vivo X Fold 2's cameras have some impressive features, they ultimately fall short of expectations. Low-light performance is particularly poor, making this camera not ideal for users who frequently take photos in dimly lit environments. The ultra-wide-angle camera, however, is a highlight, offering excellent image quality and versatility. Overall, the Vivo X Fold 2's cameras are a mixed bag. While they have some impressive features, they also have significant shortcomings that detract from their overall performance.

Price and Value

The Vivo X Fold 2 is a remarkable device that packs an impressive array of features under its sleek, foldable design. With a price tag to match, however, one must carefully consider whether the value proposition justifies the cost. At approximately $1,300, the Vivo X Fold 2 is positioned squarely in the premium segment of the market. While it's certainly a device that can hold its own against the likes of Samsung and Apple, it falls short of being truly exceptional in several key areas. One major drawback is the lack of optimization in the software department. Despite being powered by the capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, the phone's performance is often marred by sluggishness and lag. This is particularly evident when multitasking or running demanding apps side-by-side. Furthermore, while the camera system on the X Fold 2 is serviceable, it fails to impress in low-light situations, a common trait among Vivo's recent offerings. The periscope camera, which was a notable omission from this device, only adds to the sense of disappointment. In terms of price and value, the X Fold 2 falls short of its peers. While it offers some unique features and a stylish design, the compromises made in the software and camera departments make it feel like an unfinished product. Considering the high asking price, one would expect nothing but perfection from this device. Ultimately, unless you're deeply invested in the Vivo ecosystem or are drawn to the phone's specific feature set, there are better options available at similar price points. For most users, the X Fold 2 will remain a pleasant yet forgettable experience – one that fails to deliver on its full potential.

Performance

The Vivo X Fold 2 boasts exceptional performance capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who demand seamless and efficient multitasking. One of the standout features is its processor, which provides lightning-fast speeds and effortless navigation through demanding apps. In terms of gaming performance, the X Fold 2 impresses with its ability to deliver smooth and consistent frame rates even in resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact. The boost mode feature takes it a step further by providing an extra layer of performance, although this comes at the cost of increased heat generation. The phone's inner and outer screens are a treat to use, with responsive touch inputs and vibrant displays that make for an enjoyable visual experience. The camera system on board is also impressive, with the main 50-megapixel sensor capable of capturing high-quality images and the ultra-wide camera providing a more expansive field of view. While some users may notice occasional lag or stutter in certain apps, overall performance remains snappy and responsive. The phone's hardware seems to be well-suited for demanding tasks, making it an excellent choice for those who want to stay productive on-the-go. Battery life is another area where the X Fold 2 shines, with long-lasting power that easily keeps up with heavy usage. Charging speeds are equally impressive, with support for both 120W and 50W fast charging capabilities that get the battery back to full in no time. In conclusion, the Vivo X Fold 2's performance is a significant highlight of this device. With its powerful processor, efficient multitasking capabilities, and impressive gaming performance, it's clear that this phone is designed with power users in mind.

Pros

1. Lightning-fast performance

2. Excellent camera system

3. Fast charging capabilities

4. Fingerprint reader and alert slider

5. Hinge design

Cons

1. Camera weaknesses in low light

2. Software optimization

3. Missing USB 3.1 port

FAQ

Structure
Width:
73.4
Height:
161.3
Depth:
12.9
Weight:
279
Usable surface:
84 %
Materials:
Glass
Leather
Colors:
Black
Red
Cyan
Hardware
Model:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2
CPU:
1x3.2GHz Cortex
X3 + 2x2.8 GHz Cortex
A715 + 2x2.8 GHz Cortex
A710 + 3x2.02 GHz Cortex
A510
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
4
Frequency:
3.200000047683716
64 Bits:
GPU:
Qualcomm Adreno 740
RAM:
12
Type:
RAM LPDDR5X
Capacity:
256
Type:
UFS Storage 4.0
SD slot:
Fingerprint security:
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Compass sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Gravity sensor:
Hall sensor:
Audio:
DTS / DTS X
Stereo Speakers
3 microphones
Antutu Score:
1566821
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 95% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Extras:
Ultra-wide-area intelligent heat dissipation
2558mm² VC vapor chamber + nano thermal gel heat dissipation
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
50
Sensor:
Sony IMX866
Sensor size:
1/1.49"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.75
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Wide Angle + Macro:
Resolution:
12
Sensor:
Sony IMX633
Sensor size:
1/2.55"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.0
Pixel size:
1.40 µm
Telephoto lens:
Resolution:
12
Sensor:
Sony IMX633
Sensor size:
1/2.55"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.0
Pixel size:
1.40 µm
Phone front cameras
Resolution:
16
Sensor:
Hynix HI-1634
Sensor size:
1/3"
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.5
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Flash:
Dual LED
Optical stabilisation:
Yes
Slow motion video:
Yes, 240 fps
Rear camera features:
4K Video
8K Video
Digital zoom
Optical zoom
Triple 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:
Vivo V2 imaging chip
2x optical zoom
All lenses with Zeiss T* coating
Zeiss Cinematic movie mode
Screen
Diagonal:
6.53
Type:
AMOLED
Sub type:
Samsung E6
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 - 1600 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:
4800
Type:
Lithium
Fast charge:
Yes, 120.0W
Extras:
50W wireless charging
10W reverse wireless charging
Others:
Wireless charging
Reverse charging
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), WiFi 7 (802.11be)
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Wi-Fi MiMO
Version:
Bluetooth 5.3LE
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), 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 13
Google services: