Vivo V29 Pro Review: Is it the Best Camera Phone Under ₹40,000? Price, Specs, Pros, and Cons

Vivo V29 Pro Review: The recently launched Vivo V29 Pro has generated quite a buzz in the mid-range smartphone market, thanks to its impressive camera setup, sleek design, and an array of attractive features. In this article, we will delve into the details of the V29 Pro, evaluating its design, display, utility, camera capabilities, performance, and more to determine if it truly stands out as the best premium mid-range smartphone under ₹40,000.

Vivo V29 Pro Design

The design of the Vivo V29 Pro closely resembles its predecessor, the V27 Pro. It maintains a sleek and premium feel in hand. The most noticeable design element is the extended camera island, which, while elegant, can make the phone a tad unstable on flat surfaces.

One key design change is the shift from the matte finish with color-shifting properties to a glossy Himalayan Blue back panel adorned with 3D particles. This new design imparts a shimmery aesthetic but does come with the drawback of attracting fingerprints. Despite these minor issues, Vivo’s expertise in crafting visually appealing phones is evident in the V29 Pro.

Vivo V29 Pro Display

The V29 Pro features a stunning curved AMOLED display with a generous 6.78-inch size, boasting a resolution of 1.5K and a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen’s peak brightness reaches an impressive 1300 nits, and the colors appear vibrant from almost any viewing angle.

However, there is an issue with the refresh rate; it often defaults to 90Hz, even in the UI, necessitating manual adjustment to 120Hz for certain applications. This is an aspect that Vivo should address with a software update to maximize the full potential of the high refresh rate.

Vivo V29 Pro Utility

The V29 Pro offers two 5G SIM card slots but lacks support for storage expansion. The in-display optical fingerprint scanner works efficiently, offering a convenient and secure unlocking method.

One notable omission on the Indian model of the V29 Pro is an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a feature present in the global version. Additionally, it’s high time Vivo considered adding stereo speakers, as the mono-bottom firing speaker doesn’t meet the standards expected of an upper mid-range smartphone in 2023.

Vivo V29 Pro Cameras

The camera setup on the Vivo V29 Pro is where it truly shines compared to its predecessor. It ditches the previously included 2MP macro lens in favor of three functional rear cameras.

The primary camera employs a Sony IMX766 main sensor, delivering high-quality images with minimal noise, refined details, and accurate color reproduction when using the Natural Color mode. In low-light conditions, the camera performs reasonably well, although it occasionally leans towards exaggerated color tones. Video recording from the main camera enhances saturation but may struggle with white balance in challenging lighting situations. Unfortunately, 4K 60FPS recording lacks stabilization.

The 12MP telephoto camera adds versatility to the phone, capturing pleasing results with color consistency matching the main camera. It excels in portrait mode with accurate edge detection, but it’s sensitive to low light, and in such conditions, it switches to a 2x crop from the main camera.

One standout feature of the V29 Pro is its updated Aura flashlight, offering temperature tuning for low-light portraits, providing flexibility in capturing stunning images. The phone also boasts impressive zoom capabilities, with up to 30x zoom in supermoon mode.

While the ultrawide sensor is functional, it falls slightly short in terms of color accuracy.

For selfie enthusiasts, the V29 Pro’s 50MP front camera consistently delivers vibrant and detailed selfies across various lighting conditions.

Vivo V29 Pro Performance & Software

In terms of performance, the V29 Pro retains the same chipset as its predecessor, the Dimensity 8200, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. Although the Dimensity 8200 is a capable chipset, it doesn’t quite match up to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 found in similarly priced or cheaper smartphones.

The phone’s general performance is solid, running on Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13. However, it’s marred by the presence of bloatware and spammy notifications, which can be manually managed but should ideally be cleaner out of the box.

On the positive side, Vivo promises three new Android updates and up to five years of security updates, which is commendable.

Vivo V29 Pro Battery Life

The V29 Pro is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, which is slightly below the current 5,000mAh standard. However, the efficient Dimensity 8200 chipset ensures you can comfortably achieve about 7 hours of screen time, sufficient for a full day of use.

Charging is a strong suit, as the device supports an impressive 80W fast charging. Notably, Vivo includes an in-box power adaptor, a rarity in a time when many manufacturers omit chargers.

Vivo V29 Pro Review

The Vivo V29 Pro, priced starting at ₹39,999, offers a compelling package. Its camera system, although not flawless, provides versatility and fun for photography enthusiasts. Combined with its premium design, the V29 Pro emerges as an impressive mid-range smartphone, though not necessarily the most feature-rich.

As Vivo continues to refine its V-series, the V29 Pro showcases the brand’s commitment to design and camera innovation, making it a worthy contender in the sub-₹40,000 price segment. However, a few minor issues, such as the refresh rate and the presence of bloatware, could use some improvement to make it an even more compelling choice for discerning consumers.