vivo caters to all types of consumers, providing affordable phones to those on a budget without compromising much of its durability, performance, and system. Let’s check out how the new vivo Y16 performs.
Design: 3.5/5
Unboxing the vivo Y16, I adored the metallic finish of the Drizzling Gold demo unit. Its design is sleek and simple, and despite being lightweight seems durably built. The screen has a pre-applied screen protector, while the back is made of anti-scratch and fingerprint-resistant glass. The box didn’t include a free silicon case and 3.55mm earphones but was packaged with the usual USB-C cable and adapter, information packets, warranty card, and pin ejector.
The power button and fingerprint scanner are on the right, alongside the volume keys. The sim card tray is located at the top of the phone, while the USB-C charging port, 3.55mm jack, and speakers are all located at the bottom. The rear and selfie cameras are in the expected locations.
The vivo Y16 has a 6.51-inch LCD Halo full-view display that automatically adjusts screen brightness depending on the ambient light. It also filters out blue light that strains the eyes.
Hardware: 4/5
The vivo Y16 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 and runs on Android 12 and FunTouch 12 operating systems. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and pairs 4GB of RAM with 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a dedicated card slot. It has dual aspherical rear cameras — a 13MP wide and 2MP macro — that can also capture 1080p videos at 30FPS. Its front camera is a 5MP wide. It packs a powerful 5000mAh battery that can deliver up to 19 hours of video playback.
User Experience: 4/5
From high-end to mid-range to budget phones, I’ve always enjoyed testing vivo’s smartphones. I had read about the Y16’s promising performance, so I was eager to try it out. The main camera is above average: I didn’t expect much from it, but it takes some decent photos and videos. It does not disappoint in low light conditions, producing some quality images. Taking selfies is easy as it automatically enables “Selfie Fill Light” to add extra lighting in low light settings.
Performance-wise, it lives up to expectations. Compared to other chipsets, the MediaTek Helio P35 gives the Y16 its boost, ensuring fast connections, minimal lagging, and of course, better media consumption.
As usual, I played the same favorite games that I always download on test units – Call of Duty: Mobile, APEX Legends, and League of Legends: Wild Rift. The graphics on MOBA games were up to par, and I didn’t experience any lagging or crashing. However, the graphics were subpar in battle royal (BR) games, and I encountered occasional lagging.
Regarding the battery, you don’t need to worry about running empty before the day ends. The 5000mAh battery can last up to 19 hours and charges in just an hour.
Value: 4.5/5
If you’re looking for something in the sub-10k price range, the vivo Y16 is a great match, priced at just PHP8,499. Overall, minor issues in gaming don’t pose a problem, camera quality is good, and the Y16 is excellent for productivity.
Specifications:
- CHIPSET: MediaTek Helio P35
- OS: Android 12, Funtouch 12
- STORAGE: 4GB RAM, 128GB internal storage
- DISPLAY: LCD
- DIMENSIONS: 164 x 75.6 x 8.2mm
- FRONT/BACK: Glass front/plastic back
- BATTERY: 5000mAh, USB-C
- CAMERA: Dual (Main) 13MP wide, 2MP macro / Front 5MP wide
- FINGERPRINT: Side-mounted
- COLORS: Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black
- PACKAGE INCLUDES: USB-C cable and charger, user manual and warranty, pre-applied screen protector, pin ejector
What’s Hot:
- Selfie Fill Light on low-light settings
- Great media consumption
- Halo full-view display to avoid eye strain from blue light
What’s Not:
- Bloatware
- Laggy on battle royale (BR) games
Bottomline:
The vivo Y16 is a quality smartphone with outstanding performance, perfect for those on a budget.
Reviewed by Franceska Aguila
Also published in Gadgets Magazine October 2022 Issue.