Vivo V40 Pro 5G is Vivo’s latest disaster flagship – here’s why

DKM
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Vivo V40 Pro 5G

Vivo recently launched the Vivo V40 Pro in the competitive high-end smartphone segment in Nepal.

Vivo V40 Pro is exclusively priced at रू 84,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant and रू 94,999 for the 12GB/512GB variant (highest memory configurations).

Similarly, Vivo V40 Pro is priced at ₹49,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant and ₹55,999 for the 12GB/512GB variant.

Pre-orders for the Vivo V40 Pro began on August 7, 2024, at 12 PM, exclusively on Flipkart and the phone is now available for purchase by the general public.

The Vivo V40 Pro 5G aims to position itself as a premium flagship. But for a phone with such a high price tag, the Vivo V40 Pro leaves much to be desired.

Although it features impressive specifications on paper, the Vivo 40 Pro has not lived up to expectations. Here’s why:

Vivo V40 Pro detailed overview

Unboxing

The unboxing experience of the Vivo V40 Pro is straightforward and somewhat underwhelming for a phone priced this high.

Inside the box, you get the phone itself, a protective case, an 80W charger, a USB-C cable and the usual documentation.

No headphones (earphones) are provided which is expected in this price range, but still, a disappointment.

Given the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, a dongle would have been a thoughtful inclusion, at least.

Design, dimensions, build quality and in-hand feel

Vivo V40 Pro design, in-hand feel, build and colour
Vivo V40 Pro design, in-hand feel, build and colour

At first glance, the Vivo V40 Pro does catch your eye with its sleek curves. However, if you closely inspect, you quickly realize that the so-called high-quality plastic build doesn’t justify the price.

With a plastic frame pretending to be metal, it lacks the solid premium feel that phones like the OnePlus 11 or iQOO 11 manage to deliver in the same price range.

Measuring 164.4 × 75.1 × 7.6 mm and weighing 191 grams, the phone is relatively light but again, it feels less premium compared to competitors that offer metal body frames.

Verdict

For a phone that costs over रू 94,999, the build quality is disappointing.

Since its display is protected by Schott Xensation Alpha, Vivo should have considered a more premium material choice like Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for Vivo V40 Pro which is found in several competing models.

Colours

The Vivo V40 Pro comes in three colors: Ganges Blue, Titanium Grey, and Moonlight White.

While the names sound fancy, the colors themselves are fairly generic and don’t stand out much in a crowded market.

But the river-wave-like unique gradient or textured finish may feel like a good opportunity in the premium segment.

Ports and buttons

Vivo V40 Pro ports and buttons
Vivo V40 Pro ports and buttons

The Vivo V40 Pro has a standard port layout.

On the top, there’s another speaker grille, but nothing special.

The bottom houses a speaker grille, USB 2.2 port, microphone and a dual nano-SIM card slot.

The left side is bare.

The right-hand side holds the volume rocker and power button.

Verdict

In this price range, a USB 3.1 or 3.2 port should have been a no-brainer given the faster data transfer rates available on competing devices.

Also, there should have been a dedicated alert slider button and more superior or stronger hepatic feedback motor.

Weight

Weighing in at 191 grams, the Vivo V40 Pro is lighter than some competitors, but it doesn’t feel as solid in hand.

The weight distribution is slightly off making it feel top-heavy especially during extended use.

Battery

Vivo V40 Pro battery 5500mAh
Vivo V40 Pro battery 5500mAh

The Vivo V40 Pro is equipped with a 5500mAh battery with 50 months fluent usage performance.

On paper, this sounds impressivebut the real-world battery life doesn’t live up to the expectations.

With power-hungry components like the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset and a 120Hz 3D curved AMOLED display, the phone struggles to last two full days with moderate usage.

Verdict

The battery capacity is good, but without optimization, it’s not enough.

Competing phones like the iQOO 11 with similar hardware manage better battery life through software tuning.

Charging

Vivo’s 80W fast charging sounds great but when compared to the 100W or even 120W charging found on phones like the Realme GT 2 Pro and iQOO 11, it feels like Vivo is lagging behind.

Charging times are decent but not cutting-edge. It lacks wireless charging which is disappointing.

Display

Vivo V40 Pro display
Vivo V40 Pro display

The display is one of the better features of the Vivo V40 Pro featuring a 10-bit 6.78-inch 1.5K (2800 x 1260 pixels) 3D curved AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.

It supports an impressive 4500 nits brightness, covers 100% of the P3 colour gamut and records/plays HDR10+ easily.

Under any sunlight conditions, whether direct or intense, I found that visibility remains uncompromised due to the display’s impressive brightness of 4500 nits, ensuring it stays clear and visible.

Further, when I tested, the display does support 120Hz refresh rate with 99.9% working efficiency rate. It’s the modern age required refresh rate display phone in this price range.

The display features slim bezels and a narrow chin providing a contemporary and streamlined appearance that rivals other smartphones.

Verdict

However, at this price point, Vivo should have gone for a 2K resolution display, like the one found in the Google Pixel 7 Pro, instead of a 1.5K panel.

Also, the display produces only 1 billion colours instead of 68 billion colours found on a 12-bit display, which is again a downside for users purchasing it, in my point of view.

Vivo V40 Pro full specifications in Nepal

  • Battery: 5500mAh with 80W fast charge
  • Display: 453 PPI 10-bit 6.78-inch, 1.5K (2800 x 1260 pixel) FHD+ 3D curved AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits brightness, 100% P3 color gamut, 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 89.9% screen-to-body ratio
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ 5G, 3.35GHz clock speed, 4nm fabrication process
  • GPU: Immortalis-G715 MC11
  • Build: Plastic body and middle frame
  • Dimensions: 164.4 x 75.1 x 7.6 mm
  • Weight: 191 grams
  • Colors: Ganges Blue, Titanium Grey, Moonlight White
  • Camera: 50MP f/1.88 Sony IMX921 OIS ZEISS main camera, 50MP f/2.0 ultrawide camera with 119° FOV, 50MP f/1.85 Sony IMX816 ZEISS portrait telephoto camera with 2x optical and 50x digital zoom, 50MP ZEISS f/2.0 selfie camera with 92° FOV
  • Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 supporting 2.4/5GHz frequencies
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
  • RAM/storage: 8GB/256GB and 12GB/512GB UFS 3.1 with 12GB dynamic RAM (total 24GB RAM)
  • OS: Funtouch OS 14 based on latest Android 14 version
  • Sensors: Compass, light sensor, proximity sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, in-display fingerprint sensor, ambient light sensor
  • Navigation: BDS, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, NavIC, QZSS
  • 5G Bands: Supports 8 5G bands in India
  • Water Resistance: IP68 rated
  • SAR Value: 0.99W/kg (head/body)
  • Price in Nepal: NPR 84,999 (8GB/256GB), NPR 94,999 (12GB/512GB)
  • Price in India: INR 49,999 (8GB/256GB), INR 55,999 (12GB/512GB)

Verdict

The specifications on paper are solid but fail to justify the pricing. Competitors in this range offer similar or better specs with more refined software experiences and premium build quality.

Performance

Vivo V40 Pro performance
Vivo V40 Pro performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ 5G processor with a 3.35GHz clock speed and built on a 4nm fabrication process, the Vivo V40 Pro is fast, but not remarkably so.

The Immortalis-G715 MC11 GPU handles gaming well but the phone tends to heat up after extended sessions which affects performance.

Phones like the OnePlus 11 which pack a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor offer more consistent gaming experiences without throttling issues.

OS and UI

Vivo V40 Pro OS and UI
Vivo V40 Pro OS and UI

Vivo’s Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14 is relatively clean but it still comes with unnecessary bloatware that detracts from the overall experience.

Three years of Android version upgrades and four years of security updates sound good but competing phones offer similar promises with better overall software ecosystems.

Samsung’s One UI and Google’s Pixel experience are far more refined and polished.

In this price range, some brands offer up to 5 years of android upgrade.

Main camera

Vivo V40 Pro main camera
Vivo V40 Pro main camera

The Vivo V40 Pro’s camera setup is impressive on paper with its quad 50MP sensors including a Sony IMX921 OIS ZEISS main camera.

However, in real-world usage, the camera sometimes fails to consistently deliver flagship-level results.

The image processing can be overly aggressive resulting in over-saturated colors and unnatural skin tones.

The 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical and 50x digital zoom feels gimmicky as the quality drops significantly beyond 10x zoom.

Verdict

While the cameras are versatile, they aren’t as reliable as those found on the Google Pixel 7 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S2 or Xiaomi 14 CiVi.

Both of these devices offer superior image quality and consistency making them better choices for photography enthusiasts.

Multimedia

Vivo V40 Pro multimedia
Vivo V40 Pro multimedia

With dual speakers and a bright AMOLED display, the Vivo V40 Pro provides a decent multimedia experience.

However, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a downside for those who prefer wired audio.

Competitors like the Sony Xperia 5 V still offer the headphone jack while maintaining premium audio quality.

Network and connectivity

The Vivo V40 Pro supports dual-band Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 which are standard for a phone in this price range.

However, the absence of features like advanced Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth audio codecs (such as aptX HD lossless) feels like a step back compared to other flagship devices.

Sensors

The Vivo V40 Pro comes with a range of sensors including an in-display fingerprint sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope.

While these are all standard, competitors like the iPhone 13 offer Face ID which is more secure and reliable.

AI features

Vivo V40 Pro AI features
Vivo V40 Pro AI features

Vivo’s AI features including AI-enhanced photography and smart touch functionality work as advertised but don’t bring anything revolutionary to the table. Competing brands are pushing the envelope further in AI, offering smarter more intuitive experiences.

Additional features

Vivo V40 Pro additional features
Vivo V40 Pro additional features

The Vivo V40 Pro comes with an IP68 rating meaning it’s resistant to dust and water for up to 30 minutes at 1.5 metre water depth.

However, it lacks features like FM radio, satellite connectivity or even NFC for contactless payments all of which are present in other phones in this price range.

Vivo V40 Pro price in Nepal and availability

Vivo V40 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability in Nepal
Image shows Vivo V40 Pro Price in Nepal and Availability in Nepal

The Vivo V40 Pro price in Nepal is starting from रू 84,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant and रू 94,999 for the 12GB/512GB variant.

Vivo V40 Pro variantsVivo V40 Pro price in NepalVivo V40 Pro price in IndiaVivo V40 Pro availability
8GB•256GBरू 84,999₹ 49,999available on Flipkart
12GB•512GBरू 94,999₹ 55,999available on Flipkart
Table showing Vivo V40 Pro price in Nepal and India

Similarly, the Vivo V40 Pro is available in India for ₹49,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant and ₹55,999 for the 12GB/512GB variant. The price is steep considering the competition offers better value for money.

Vivo V40 Pro disadvantages (major 10 disadvantages)

While the Vivo V40 Pro brings some appealing features in front of you, there are several notable disadvantages that detract from its overall value. Here’s a detailed look at the downsides I found:

1. Plastic build quality

The use of high-quality plastic for the body and middle frame feels cheap at this price point. Competing phones offer more premium materials like aluminum.

2. USB 2.2 port

In a flagship phone, the presence of a USB 2.2 port is outdated, yes, friends.

Competitors in the same price range have been offering faster USB 3.1 or 3.2 ports for quicker data transfers.

3. Inconsistent camera performance

Friends, despite its quad 50MP camera setup, the image processing is inconsisten with overly saturated colours and poor zoom quality at higher magnifications.

You need to be the knower of photography technology in order to take the better should with this phone.

So, this is a significant drawback especially for normal users like you.

4. Lack of wired audio support

The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack coupled with no included USB Type-C to 3.5mm-dongle in the box can be frustrating for users who prefer wired audio or high-quality headphones.

5. Overheating during gaming

The phone tends to heat up during extended gaming sessions which negatively impacts performance. This makes it less suitable for serious gamers despite Dimensity 9200+ chipset.

6. Selection of inferior chipset

Regarding this huge price rage, Vivo could have integrated tge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. But no, Vivo didn’t do this to make huge amount of profit.

7. Limited software experience

The Funtouch OS 14 while improving over past versions still includes unnecessary bloatware.

The software experience isn’t as polished as what’s offered by Google’s Pixel UI or Samsung’s One UI.

8. No NFC or FM Radio

The lack of NFC for contactless payments and the omission of FM radio are surprising in a phone at this price point especially when these features are present in lower-priced competitors.

9. Average Battery optimization

Despite a 5500mAh battery, the real-world battery life underperforms especially when compared to other flagship devices that offer better optimization for longer usage.

10. Limited colour options

The color choices for Ganges Blue, Titanium Grey and Moonlight White are fairly standard and don’t stand out compared to the unique finishes offered by competitors like Google Pixel.

11. Price-to-value ratio

Given the above disadvantages, we can figure out, the Vivo V40 Pro doesn’t offer as much value for money as competing devices like the OnePlus 11, Pixel 7 Pro, or iQOO 11. The pricing feels steep for what it delivers.

I think, these disadvantages collectively make it difficult to recommend the Vivo V40 Pro in a market full of better options.

What do you think about these downgrades? Comment down below.

Vivo V40 Pro FAQ and people also

Does the Vivo V40 Pro have a 3.5mm headphone jack?

No, it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

What is the IP rating of the Vivo V40 Pro?

The Vivo V40 Pro is IP68 rated, meaning it’s resistant to dust and water.

How long will the Vivo V40 Pro receive software updates?

Vivo promises 3 years of Android version upgrades and 4 years of security updates

Does the Vivo V40 Pro support 5G?

Yes, it supports 8 5G bands in India.

Vivo V40 Pro detailed comparison with other great phones under 100000 in Nepal

When compared to other smartphones under रू 1,00,000, the Vivo V40 Pro struggles to keep up. For an comparison:

  • OnePlus 11: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it offers a more premium build, a better display and faster charging (100W).
  • Google Pixel 7 Pro: With Google’s flagship-level camera processing, a cleaner software experience and consistent updates, the Pixel 7 Pro provides a far superior experience.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23: Samsung’s superior software ecosystem, better cameras and more premium materials make it a better choice for users looking for a long-lasting flagship.
  • Xiaomi 14 CiVi: Powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 powerful chipset, cinematic 50MP OIS camera system, UFS 4.0 storage, 12-bit display wirh 68 billion colours at just रू 69,999, offers more value than the Vivo V40 Pro.

Verdict

The Vivo V40 Pro is overshadowed by competitors that offer better value, build quality and performance at a similar or even lower price, with tons of AI features and camera upgrade.

Vivo V40 Pro review in Nepali and final opinion

The Vivo V40 Pro tries hard to compete in the flagship space but it falls short in several key areas.

The plastic build, inconsistent camera performance and average battery life make it difficult to justify the premium pricing.

While it does have a few standout features like a bright AMOLED display and IP68 rating, these aren’t enough to make up for its shortcomings.

In a market where consumers expect the best at this price point, the Vivo V40 Pro simply doesn’t deliver.

If you’re considering spending रू 94,999 or more on a phone, better alternatives exist such as the OnePlus 11, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Xiaomi 14 CiVi or Samsung Galaxy S23.

If you are a gamer, then Vivo V40 Pro is not for you as the company has primarily focussed on the camera only. So, the device gets warmer when playing heavy games due to the narrow and smaller cooling chamber on this phone.

In conclusion, the Vivo V40 Pro is a disappointing attempt at a flagship and you’re better off looking elsewhere in this रू 94,999 price range.

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By DKM
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Dharmendra is a dedicated author for Gadget Feed Nepal with a passion for everything technical and a commitment to bringing readers the latest insights in the world of gadgets and technology. With over three years of experience in the tech industry, he has honed his skills in tech journalism, product analysis and SEO-focused content creation. Dharmendra has an impressive knack for simplifying complex information making it accessible and engaging for readers of all levels.His expertise extends to keyword optimization, market research and product comparisons which make his articles both informative and valuable for tech enthusiasts. Known for his accuracy, Dharmendra is constantly praised for his attention to detail and his ability to stay updated with the latest science and tech trends ensuring that readers always receive fresh and relevant content.
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