vivo X Note review
The vivo vivo X Note ranks as the #67 smartphone globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #17-ranked display among 865 phones. Consider the vivo X80 Pro or vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo+, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Vivo X Note is an imposing device that commands attention with its sleek design and robust build quality. At first glance, the phone's 7-inch quad HD display looks stunning, and up close, it's clear that Vivo has paid meticulous attention to detail. The phone's frame is made of premium materials, providing a solid foundation for the large screen. The device feels sturdy in the hand, with a slight heft that suggests a high-quality construction. The buttons are well-positioned and respond tactilely, while the Alert Slider on the right side adds a touch of sophistication to an otherwise utilitarian design. The phone's rear panel features a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches admirably. A massive ultrasonic fingerprint scanner resides below the camera module, allowing for swift and secure biometric authentication. The dual stereo speakers on top and bottom provide surprisingly clear sound, making this device perfect for music enthusiasts or those who enjoy watching videos. While some may find the phone's sheer size daunting, I believe it adds to its charm. The Vivo X Note is a statement piece that exudes confidence and style. Whether you're a power user or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted product, this phone's build quality will not disappoint. Overall, the Vivo X Note's design is a masterclass in attention to detail and craftsmanship. While some minor quibbles with accessibility may exist (the Alert Slider can be tricky to toggle), these issues are but a minor caveat to what is otherwise an exemplary device. If you're looking for a phone that makes a statement without sacrificing functionality, the Vivo X Note should certainly be on your radar. vivo X100 Pro might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded design.
Battery Life
The Vivo X Note boasts a large 5000mAh battery, which is a significant advantage in a device with such a massive display. However, despite the high-capacity battery, the phone's power efficiency leaves much to be desired. In my testing, I found that the battery life was merely okay, with heavy usage resulting in a need for a recharge before the end of the day. This is not surprising, given the large and high-quality display, which draws a significant amount of power. A 6,000mAh battery would have been a welcome addition to this device, considering its size and capabilities. As it stands, users will likely find themselves reaching for a charger more frequently than they'd like. While the phone does offer quick charging (80W) and wireless charging (50W), these features can't fully compensate for the subpar battery life. In a world where flagship devices are increasingly emphasizing endurance and long-lasting power, the Vivo X Note falls short in this department. Overall, while the large battery is a redeeming quality of the phone, it's not enough to make up for its shortcomings in terms of efficiency. Users who prioritize all-day battery life may find themselves disappointed by the X Note's performance in this area. For an improved battery, vivo iQOO Neo 7 is worth considering.
Display
The Vivo X Note is a behemoth of a smartphone, boasting an impressive 7-inch quad HD display that sets the bar high for mobile screens. And, in many ways, it delivers. The panel is stunning, offering vibrant colors and sharp details that make even the most mundane tasks feel like a treat. One of the standout features of the X Note's display is its size. At 7 inches, it's perfect for watching movies or browsing the web on the go. The extra real estate makes all the difference, allowing you to see more content at once and reducing the need for constant scrolling. But it's not just about size – the quality of the display is also exceptional. The quad HD resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels) is crisp and clear, with minimal pixelation or grain. Whether you're watching a movie or gaming, every detail is rendered beautifully on this screen. The display is also incredibly responsive, with quick gestures and smooth animations that make navigation a breeze. And, as expected from a device of this caliber, the colors are rich and vivid, making images pop in a way that's simply not possible on smaller screens. While there's no shortage of great displays on smartphones these days, the X Note's 7-inch panel is something special. It's big, it's beautiful, and it's perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their mobile experience at a larger scale. Just be aware that this size comes with some trade-offs – like battery life, which takes a hit due to the increased power consumption of the display. You might want to check out Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Camera
The camera system on the Vivo X Note is a capable, if not spectacular, offering from the Chinese brand. The device features a quad-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the camera takes decent photos with accurate colors and adequate detail. However, it struggles in low-light situations, producing noisy images with visible grain. The ultra-wide-angle lens is useful for capturing more of a scene, but its image quality is not as sharp as that from the primary sensor. One notable omission from the camera system is optical zoom, which means users are limited to digital zoom only. While this may be a minor complaint for some, it's disappointing given the competition from other flagships in this price range. The selfie camera on the Vivo X Note is a 16MP f/2.5 wide-angle lens that takes acceptable photos in good light, but struggles with too much sharpening. Video recording is also an area where the device falls short, particularly when it comes to stabilization and low-light performance. While not bad by any means, the camera system on the Vivo X Note feels like a missed opportunity to deliver something truly exceptional. The images produced are often good, but rarely great. In a market where smartphone cameras have become an essential feature, the Vivo X Note's camera system is merely adequate, rather than outstanding. In conclusion, while the camera system on the Vivo X Note has its moments, it ultimately fails to impress in terms of overall quality and functionality. If you're heavily invested in photography or videography, you may want to look elsewhere for a more capable flagship. Take a look at vivo S15 - its improved camera sets a new standard.
Price and Value
The Vivo X Note is a behemoth of a phone, boasting a 7-inch quad HD display and an array of top-of-the-line specs. But can it deliver on value, or does its price match the grandeur of its screen size? With a price tag to match its impressive features, the Vivo X Note starts at around $1,000 for the base model. This is certainly not cheap, but considering what you get, it's hard to argue with the value proposition. For starters, that 7-inch display is a game-changer, offering an immersive viewing experience that rivals many small TVs. The phone's performance is equally impressive, with snappy performance and smooth graphics even in demanding games like PUBG. While the camera system may not be the best on the market, it still delivers respectable results, especially considering its wide-angle capabilities. And let's not forget about the battery life – a generous 5000mAh power cell that keeps you going all day (and then some). But here's the thing: despite the Vivo X Note's impressive credentials, it's hard to shake off the feeling that you're paying a premium for a phone that's more like a tablet than a traditional smartphone. Is this really worth $1,000? For some, perhaps yes – if they value the extra screen real estate and are willing to overlook some minor compromises on camera performance and battery life. Ultimately, whether or not the Vivo X Note represents good value depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for a massive display and top-shelf specs without breaking the bank, this may be worth considering – but if you're on a tighter budget or have more modest expectations, there are certainly other options available that offer similar performance at a lower price point.
Performance
The Vivo X Note is a behemoth of a phone, boasting top-of-the-line specs under the hood. In terms of performance, this device delivers with ease. The 7-inch quad HD display looks stunning, and the speakers produce fantastic sound quality. Holding the phone for extended periods feels surprisingly comfortable, thanks to its elegant design. When it comes to demanding tasks like gaming, the Vivo X Note shines. With its top-tier specs, it's no surprise that pubg on maxed-out settings performed flawlessly. The sheer size of the display makes you feel as if you're playing on a cinema screen that fits in your pocket. Battery life is decent, albeit not exceptional. You get a large 5000mAh battery, which should last you through the day unless you're an intense user. In such cases, you might need to reach for a charger before the end of the day. However, there's some consolation – the phone supports up to 80W quick charging, allowing you to go from 0 to 100 in just 33 minutes. In addition to wired charging, the Vivo X Note also offers 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. This feature can be particularly useful for those who prefer not to plug their phone into a wall charger every day. While performance is one of the strengths of the Vivo X Note, there's room for improvement in another department – video recording. Unfortunately, this aspect falls short of expectations, with some departments showing subpar results. Despite this, if you're someone who doesn't prioritize video recording, the Vivo X Note remains a strong contender. Overall, the Vivo X Note is an excellent option for those seeking a phone with impressive performance capabilities. It’s worth checking out vivo X Fold, delivering remarkable performance.