vivo X Fold2 review
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
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