Vivo V7 Unboxing and First Impressions

Previously, Vivo launched the V7 Plus w/ capable Snapdragon 450 chip and 24MP selfie camera. Yesterday, its little brother, the Vivo V7 was announced as well.

18:9 goodness!

We are excited that on paper that it still has the same 24MP selfie camera in front, battery efficient Snapdragon 450 inside, and HiFi audio chip inside.

Vivo V7 Specs

Display: 5.7-inch HD+ All Screen Display 1440 x 720 resolution w/ 2.5D curved glass at 282 ppi
CPU: 1.8GHz 64-bit Snapdragon 450 octa-core processor
GPU: Adreno 506
RAM: 4GB
ROM: 32GB expandable via microSD card slot up to 256GB (dedicated)
Back Camera: 16MP f/2.0 OV16880 w/ AF and LED flash
Selfie Camera: 24MP f/2.0 w/ softlight flash
Battery: 3,000mAh
OS: Android 7.1 Nougat w/ Funtouch OS 3.2
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, OTG, FM Radio, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, dual SIM (nano)
Sensors: Accelerometer, ambient light, digital compass, proximity, gyroscope
Others: Fingerprint sensor, Colors: matte black, champagne gold
Dimensions: 149.3 x 72.8 x 7.9 mm
Weight: 139 g
Price: PHP 14,990

Disclaimer: This unit was borrowed from Vivo Philippines for our honest review.

Unboxing / Accessories

Documentation, ejector tool, USB to micro USB, V7, powerbrick, earphones and jelly case

The Vivo V7 box is pretty with a colorful new wallpaper on printed phone. It is a nice touch that differentiate the V7 versus the V7 Plus. Otherwise it is the usual premium textured white box.

Inside are the following: the phone, a 2A wall charger, USB to micro USB cable, IEM good quality earphones, SIM ejector tool, and the documentation.

Build Quality / Design

Main camera, fingerprint scanner behind

Like the V7 Plus, the regular V7 has a matte textured back plate. In front, there's a layer of an unspecified type of Gorilla Glass for protection. It feels solid, but time will tell if it will survive long term.

Premium design language, but with plastic black like the V7 Plus!

Microphone only on top

Headphone jack, microphone, micro USB port, speaker grill

SIM card tray at left

Volume rocker and power button at right

The V7 carries the same design language as the V7 Plus. Almost identical only with a smaller form factor and smaller screen. It is premium looking at a far like the V7 Plus. The bezels are are small and top notch for the price.

The edges are curved but because the phone is thinner it may feel sharp after extended periods of holding the phone. The included jelly case helps make it easier.

See also: Vivo V7+ vs OPPO F5 vs Huawei Nova 2i - Midrange Comparison

Initial Findings

1. Build is premium from afar but the plastic back's durability will only be tested with time. Otherwise, the display is a 10-point multitouch, 5.7-inch All Screen Display HD+ with vibrant colors and great viewing angles. The 720p resolution may deter this phone.

2. The Snapdragon 450 from the V7 Plus performed great with games. We expect the same from here. Lastly, the 3,000 Ah battery is the new standard for this class. We hope it lives up to the long life of the V7 Plus.

3. We still like Vivo's version of Android. We did wish though that it was Android 8.0 Oreo based. We like that we can change the keyboard permanently. We did like the Touchpal keyboard of Vivo. It's a lot like Apple's keyboard where it is easy to use and easy to get. 

4. The 13 MP rear camera performed well in daylight but softens in low light. We would need more testing but it is looking to be a winner. The 24MP f/2.0 in front is the same with the V7 Plus and the low light quality is amazing while the daylight retains great detail and good dynamic range. 

5. It has OTG, gyroscope, light sensor, and LED for notification. The built-in HiFi chip adds a layer of value to the phone cause you can tell the difference when you playback high quality lossless audio files on this phone with the stock earphones than most of the competition today.

Related: Vivo V7: First Camera Samples

As of the moment 

This phone is much awaited after the launch of the V7 Plus earlier this year as the competition has heated up. It is priced at PHP 14,990 and is in direct competition with the Huawei Nova 2i, Moto G5S Plus, and the OPPO F5. The Snapdragon 450, HiFi DAC, the 24MP low light selfie monster make this phone a great value. But, the plastic back plate and the 720p display may still deter some! We will do more tests.

For our review: Vivo V7 Review - Clearer Selfies for less