Vivo V20 SE Review: A Sleek Mid-Ranger with Camera Prowess

The Vivo V20 SE is a device that aims to strike a balance between style, performance, and affordability. Positioned as a mid-range smartphone, it brings several notable features to the table, including a capable camera setup, a sleek design, and a vibrant display. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it holds its own in its price segment, offering a compelling package for everyday users.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Vivo V20 SE is its sleek and modern design. The phone features a slim profile, measuring just 7.8mm in thickness, making it one of the slimmer devices in its category. The back panel sports a glossy finish, which gives it a premium look, though it does attract fingerprints. The device is available in two color options: Gravity Black and Oxygen Blue. The Gravity Black variant has a gradient effect that shifts between black and blue under different lighting conditions, while the Oxygen Blue offers a more vibrant, youthful appeal.

The phone feels comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved edges and lightweight construction. The power button and volume rocker are placed on the right side, offering easy access, while the SIM tray sits on the left. At the bottom, you’ll find a USB-C port, a speaker grille, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in today’s smartphones. The build quality is solid, though the plastic back may not feel as premium as glass-backed devices.

Display

The Vivo V20 SE sports a 6.44-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The screen is bright, vibrant, and offers excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption. Colors pop, and blacks are deep, thanks to the AMOLED technology. The display also supports HDR10, which enhances the viewing experience when streaming HDR content on platforms like Netflix or YouTube.

The waterdrop notch at the top houses the 32MP front camera, which is relatively unobtrusive. The bezels are slim, though the chin is slightly thicker than the sides. The screen is protected by Schott Xensation glass, which provides decent scratch resistance. Overall, the display is one of the standout features of the Vivo V20 SE, offering a premium viewing experience at this price point.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Vivo V20 SE is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The Snapdragon 665 is a mid-range processor that handles day-to-day tasks with ease. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is smooth, thanks to the generous RAM. However, the chipset does show its limitations when it comes to heavy gaming or intensive multitasking. Games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact run at medium settings, but you may experience occasional frame drops.

The phone runs on Funtouch OS 11, based on Android 10. Funtouch OS has come a long way in terms of refinement, but it still has a few quirks. The UI is clean and intuitive, but it comes with a fair amount of bloatware. Some users may find the pre-installed apps unnecessary, though most can be uninstalled. The software also includes features like Ultra Game Mode, which optimizes performance for gaming, and Dark Mode, which reduces eye strain in low-light conditions.

Camera Performance

The camera setup is where the Vivo V20 SE truly shines. The rear triple-camera system includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The primary camera captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. The dynamic range is impressive, and colors are rendered accurately. The ultra-wide-angle lens is useful for capturing landscapes or group shots, though there is some distortion at the edges. The depth sensor helps in producing portrait shots with a pleasing bokeh effect.

Low-light performance is decent, thanks to the Night Mode, which brightens up dark scenes and reduces noise. However, the results aren’t as sharp as those from flagship devices. The 32MP front camera is another highlight, delivering crisp and detailed selfies. The camera app includes features like AI Beauty Mode, which enhances facial features, and Super Night Selfie, which improves low-light selfies.

Battery Life and Charging

The Vivo V20 SE packs a 4,100mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life with moderate usage. On a full charge, the phone can easily last through a day of browsing, social media, and video streaming. However, heavy users may need to top up before the day ends. The device supports 33W FlashCharge, which can charge the battery from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes. The fast charging is a welcome feature, especially for users who are always on the go.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone features a single bottom-firing speaker, which delivers decent audio quality. The sound is loud enough for casual media consumption, but it lacks bass and can sound tinny at higher volumes. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a plus for users who prefer wired headphones. Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. The phone also supports 4G LTE, but lacks 5G connectivity, which is understandable at this price point.

Vivo V20 SE Specifications

Display: 6.44-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 pixels, HDR10

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 128GB, expandable via microSD

Rear Cameras: 48MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 32MP

Battery: 4,100mAh, 33W FlashCharge

OS: Funtouch OS 11 (Android 10)

Dimensions: 161 x 74.1 x 7.8mm

Weight: 171g

Colors: Gravity Black, Oxygen Blue

Final Verdict

The Vivo V20 SE is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that excels in design, display, and camera performance. While it may not be the most powerful device in its class, it offers a solid user experience for everyday tasks. The AMOLED display is a treat for media lovers, and the camera setup delivers impressive results for its price. If you’re looking for a stylish and capable mid-ranger with a focus on photography, the Vivo V20 SE is worth considering.