In an event today, Vivo has unveiled the Y55, the company's first entry level handset that loads with the efficient 64 bit Snapdragon 430 octa core processor and Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS.
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| Hello Y55! |
With an SRP of just PHP 7,990, it became an instant hit among budget conscious users who wants to own a phone that's beautiful in style, powerful in performance, and loaded with features.
The question is will this be the right sub-8K phone for you? On paper, this has a good chance to be that phone, will it live up to the hype? Here's our quick unboxing and first impressions!
Disclaimer: This unit was the demo phone we quickly borrowed during in its launch
Vivo Y55 Specs
Display: 5.2 Inch HD 1280 x 720 resolution w/ 2.5D curved arc screen at 282 ppi
CPU: 1.4 GHz 64 Bit Snapdragon 430 octa core processor
GPU: Adreno 505
RAM: 2 GB
ROM: 16 GB ROM expandable to via micro SD card slot up 128 GB (dedicated)
Back Camera: 8 MP w/ AF and LED flash
Selfie Camera: 5 MP
Battery: 2,650 mAh w/ Turbo Charge
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow w/ Funtouch OS 2.6
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, HSPA+, LTE w/ VoLTE, Bluetooth 4.1, OTG, GPS, A GPS, GLONASS, dual SIM
Sensors: Accelerometer, light, proximity, gyroscope
Dimensions: 147.9 x 72.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight: 142 g
Price: PHP 7,990
Unboxing / Accessories
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| The Y55 box highlighting its screen flash feature |
The Y55 comes with the same familiar packaging found with most Vivo phones, though this time, the company highlighted its "screen flash" ability for better selfies in the dark.
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| Inclusions found inside |
Inside the box, you'll find a regular 1A regular USB wall charger, USB to micro USB charging / data cables, earbuds with microphone for calls / music, SIM ejector tool, and a good type of clear TPU case. There's also a there's a there's a pre-attached glass looking screen protector on top. It's a pretty nice start-up package overall, good job Vivo!
Build Quality / Design
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| View at the back with camera and single LED flash with less protrusion |
It is very rare to see a handset with this level of craftsmanship at this price point. The handset loads with a super slim and tough metal unibody that's well machined all over. On top, Vivo failed to indicate if the phone has Gorilla Glass protection to prevent scratches. Fortunately, like what we stated above, there's a layer of screen protection that's already pre-installed.
The way Vivo constructed this phone is spectacular!
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| There's still a 3.5 mm jack on top as a standard and micro SD card slot on top |
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| Single speaker, micro USB port, and microphone located below |
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| Dual SIM slot located at left |
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| Power button and volume rocker at right |
We think that this is a masterpiece for an entry-midrange handset as it is rare to find to see a device that looks this simple, slim yet beautiful in terms of aesthetics. It has gorgeous curves on the corners, back, and even in front. There's also a nice type of chrome paint finish found on the middle-side part of the device.
It's style is good enough to impress even picky individuals!
Ergonomically, it has a near premium feel. The phone doesn't have much heft and its curvy finish makes it nice to hold as a whole. However, the screen protector part has some sort of sharpness in its corners that's really noticeable.
All its ports and button placements we're standard and it even has a dedicated micro SD card slot up to 128 GB.
Initial findings
1. It's 5.2 inch HD screen with 2.5D curved glass has punch, fun, and warm colors. It would have been better if its sharper, but I cannot really complain that much considering its price.
2. The level of craftsmanship is amazing at this price point
3. This is the first budget Vivo phone that runs on a speedy and powerful Snapdragon 430 chip paired with Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS. So far, we find it very snappy considering that this is an affordable phone.
4. The main camera and selfie looks decent in daylight for the price, but we'll need more tested to accurately comment on its quality.
5. It has OTG and LED notification.
Camera teaser
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| The camera modes of the Y55 |
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| Daylight test 1 |
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| Daylight test 2 |
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| Selfie sample |
As of the moment
This phone is shaping up to be a winner for Vivo. This is their first phone with this type of great specs for the price which made it promising as a whole. Initially, we feel that this can compete or even outclass some of the other popular sub-8K phone that's readily available in the Philippine market today.
Hopefully, we can do a full review in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!