The Vivo Z1 Pro was one of Vivo’s attempts to capture the mid-range smartphone market, especially targeting the younger audience with its gaming capabilities and punch-hole camera design. Launched in 2019, the Vivo Z1 Pro was positioned as a device that offers a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo Z1 Pro:
Overview:
The Vivo Z1 Pro was designed for users who wanted a device capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and day-to-day tasks with ease. With its large battery and dedicated gaming features, it aimed to cater to the younger generation who prioritize performance and battery longevity.
Features:
- Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Vivo’s Funtouch 9 skin.
- Display: 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
- Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage.
- Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter located in a punch-hole design.
- Battery: A substantial 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging.
- Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated button for Google Assistant.
Pros:
- Large Battery: The 5000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last more than a day, even with heavy usage.
- Gaming Capabilities: With the Snapdragon 712 and software optimizations, the device was capable of handling popular games with ease.
- Punch-hole Camera Design: The punch-hole design for the front camera provided a more immersive screen experience.
- Camera Performance: The triple-camera setup was versatile and performed reasonably well in various lighting conditions.
Cons:
- Funtouch OS: Vivo’s Funtouch OS, while feature-rich, wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its deviation from stock Android and the presence of bloatware.
- Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was a bit on the heavier side.
- IPS LCD: While the display was decent, it lacked the vibrancy and deep blacks of an AMOLED screen.
Comparisons to Other Technologies:
In its price bracket, the Vivo Z1 Pro faced competition from:
- Realme XT: Offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor.
- Redmi Note 7 Pro: With its 6.3-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 675, and a dual-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor.
Launch Date:
The Vivo Z1 Pro was announced in July 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.
Common Issues/Problems:
- Software Experience: Some users found Funtouch OS to be cluttered and not as intuitive as other custom skins or stock Android.
- Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
- Build Quality: Some users felt the plastic build didn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors with glass backs.
Conclusion:
The Vivo Z1 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize gaming performance and battery life. Its large battery, gaming capabilities, and punch-hole camera design made it a popular choice among younger users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that can handle gaming and multitasking with ease while lasting through long days, the Vivo Z1 Pro was a top contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.