vivo and ZEISS started their partnership way back in 2020 with the groundbreaking vivo X60, which combines the former’s signature powerful yet aesthetically pleasing smartphones with the latter’s imaging pedigree. Now, almost four entire years later, the partnership between the two giants continues to produce awesome devices, this time in the form of the vivo V40. Dubbed as the latest “ZEISS Portrait Master,” here’s why the vivo V40 stands out among its peers in the camera department and beyond.
1. All three cameras are ZEISS-approved
Headlining the vivo V40’s shooters is the powerful 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera equipped with a 1/1.56-inch Samsung ISOCELL GNJ sensor. This new sensor released just a few months ago promises to capture clearer images with better contrast and less optical aberrations than previous models. Thanks to its large surface area combined with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), photos will also be brighter and sharper even during low-light situations. Additionally, it is more power efficient which should mean longer device uptime for lengthy mobile photography sessions.
Supporting this main system is a 50MP ZEISS Ultra Wide-Angle Camera. With 6.5x the pixel count of a standard wide-angle camera, this shooter ensures that every detail is captured, whether it be Gen-Z group selfies, landscape shots, or cityscapes. Meanwhile, up front is a likewise 50MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera with a wide f/2.0 aperture and 92° field of view.
Of course, all these shooters are co-engineered with ZEISS. Not only do you get high-quality shots thanks to the powerful innards, you also get ZEISS’ industry-leading color tuning and optical lenses. This translates to great captures without the need to fuss around with controls, deal with other camera apps, or tedious editing.
2. Dedicated ZEISS Multifocal Portrait mode with natural-looking bokeh and colors
The cherry on top of the vivo V40’s already-amazing cameras is its ZEISS Multifocal Portrait mode. Accessible with just a tap of a button, this mode provides three focal lengths for even more professional-looking shots. Specifically, it features 24mm for travel and landscape photography; 35mm for environmental or street photography; and 50mm for half-body portraits. You can freely and easily switch between the three, making the vivo V40 a truly versatile shooter.
But what good is a dedicated portrait mode if subject detection and background blur (or bokeh) is obviously fake? Thankfully, the vivo V40 shines in this area as it features natural looking bokeh, helped along by ZEISS Style Portrait modes. These modes include Biotar, Planar, Distagon, Sonnar, Cinematic, B-Speed, and Cine-flare Portrait, each with distinct blur effects.
Lastly, a ZEISS Natural color mode is also available should you want more muted colors that are perfect for post-processing.
3. The AI Aura Light is as useful as ever
vivo’s iconic AI Aura Light system returns in the V40 in case you need more lumens for your shots or if you want more flattering light on your subject. This new iteration boasts a 33% increase in brightness over its predecessor, making truly dim lighting scenarios no match for the vivo V40.
Even better, vivo is introducing its software-based AI 3D Studio Lighting technology for the first time to complement the Aura Light. This provides a 3D virtual fill light powered by AI algorithms to ensure even lighting on shadowed facial features in backlit scenarios and the like.
4. Powerful yet efficient innards that keeps up with your photography needs and beyond
The vivo V40 isn’t just about great photos—it is also a powerhouse under the hood. It is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor to ensure lag-free photo captures, smooth 4K video editing, snappy overall performance, and gaming prowess. It is mated to 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage for smooth multi-tasking and all the storage you could ever want.
5. Huge 5500mAh BlueVolt battery with 80W FlashCharge
Despite its powerful innards, the vivo V40 is a marathoner. It is equipped with a 5500mAh battery—10% more than its predecessor—chargeable with the bundled 80W vivo FlashCharge USB-C cable and power brick. Not that you would need to charge it often in a day though. In fact, in the PCMark Work 3.0 battery test, the vivo V40 nailed an impressive 20 hours and 20 minutes of run time from 100% to 20% battery life. And when you do need to charge, rest assured you’ll only be spending less than an hour tethered to the wall.
6. It looks great!
Wrapping the vivo V40 is a stylish body that comes in Nebula Purple which subtly shimmers thanks to Fluorite AG; Sunglow Peach which has a glossy glass finish with sparkling swatches; and Stellar Silver with AG technology and glossy anti-fingerprint coating. Its camera modules are arranged in a Gemini Ring design inspired by its constellation namesake, creating a simple, symmetrical, and clean looking back panel.
Finally, the vivo V40 comes in at a svelte 7.58mm, making it the brand’s slimmest phone with a 5500mAh power pack.
Pre-order the vivo V40 and get special bonuses!
The vivo V40 retails for just PHP26,999 for the 12+256GB variant and PHP29,999 for the 12+512GB one. To sweeten the deal, vivo will be having a pre-order period from September 17 to September 27 where a downpayment of just PHP500 will entitle customers to a huge PHP2,000 discount from the above prices, as well as free vivo TWS 3e wireless earbuds worth PHP1,999. Pre-orders and their bonuses will be released from September 28 to October 16.
Check out the vivo V40 in concept stores and kiosks nationwide, as well as via Shopee, Lazada, and the vivo Website and discover for yourself why it is the ZEISS Portrait Master!
Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE September 2024 Issue.