Vivo V23 5G Full Review: Stunning Design, Dual Selfie Cameras, and 5G Power

Vivo V23 5G Vivo has carved out a strong position in the mid-range smartphone market, and the Vivo V23 5G is a shining example of its strategy. Introduced as part of the V-series, the V23 5G focuses heavily on design and camera innovations, especially appealing to style-conscious and photography-loving users. This device aims to offer a flagship-like experience at a competitive price point. In this article, we will explore all aspects of the Vivo V23 5G, including its design, display, performance, camera system, battery life, software experience, and value for money.

Vivo V23 5G Premium and Unique Design Language

One of the most eye-catching features of the Vivo V23 5G is its unique color-changing back panel. Vivo introduced a UV-reactive fluorite AG glass on the Sunshine Gold variant, which shifts colors under sunlight, offering a refreshing and bold design approach. The device has a slim and lightweight profile, measuring around 7.39 mm in thickness and weighing approximately 179 grams. The flat-edge design and matte finish not only make the device look premium but also enhance grip and comfort during long usage.

Vivo V23 5G Display Experience and Visual Quality

The Vivo V23 5G sports a 6.44-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The panel supports a 90Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling, better animations, and improved responsiveness. The AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks, vibrant colors, and great contrast ratios, making the viewing experience delightful whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing content. The device also includes HDR10+ support for an enriched video streaming experience.

Vivo V23 5G MediaTek Dimensity 920 Processor Performance

Under the hood, the Vivo V23 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset, a 6nm octa-core processor that strikes a balance between performance and power efficiency. The chipset is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance. The UFS 2.2 storage, available in 128GB and 256GB variants, allows fast read-write speeds for quicker app loads and file transfers. While not a gaming flagship, the device handles daily tasks and moderate gaming quite efficiently.

Vivo V23 5G Gaming and Graphics Handling

When it comes to gaming, the Vivo V23 5G performs quite well in mid-range expectations. Popular titles like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run smoothly on medium to high settings, thanks to the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. The 90Hz refresh rate complements gameplay for titles that support high frame rates. Although the phone does warm up slightly during extended gaming sessions, it remains manageable and doesn’t lead to performance throttling.

Vivo V23 5G Dual Front Cameras for Next-Level Selfies

The Vivo V23 5G offers a powerful dual front camera system that sets it apart in the selfie department. The main selfie camera is a 50MP sensor with eye autofocus, ensuring crisp and focused shots even in movement. Accompanying it is an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens that helps capture group selfies or wide background shots with ease. Features like Night Selfie, Portrait Mode, and AI Beautification enhance the overall selfie experience. Vivo has also included dual front LED spotlights for better lighting in low-light selfie conditions.

Vivo V23 5G Rear Camera Setup and Photography Capabilities

On the rear, the device houses a triple-camera setup consisting of a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The primary camera captures detailed and vibrant images in well-lit conditions and performs decently in low-light scenarios with the help of Super Night Mode. The ultra-wide lens is useful for landscape shots, though slight edge distortion may occur. The macro camera, while not exceptional, works well for occasional close-up photography. Video recording capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps from both front and rear cameras.

Vivo V23 5G Software and Funtouch OS 12 Experience

The Vivo V23 5G ships with Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12. Funtouch OS has come a long way and now offers a cleaner, more intuitive experience. The interface is feature-rich, offering customizations, themes, Always-On Display, and a revamped control panel. Vivo includes minimal bloatware, most of which can be uninstalled. App performance is smooth, transitions are fluid, and daily usage feels optimized. Regular updates are pushed, though Vivo’s track record for long-term OS updates is moderate compared to stock Android brands.

Vivo V23 5G Battery Capacity and Charging Speed

The smartphone packs a 4200mAh battery, which may seem modest by today’s standards, but due to power-efficient hardware and software optimizations, it provides a full day of usage for most users. Screen-on time ranges between 5 to 6 hours depending on usage. Vivo includes a 44W FlashCharge fast charger in the box, which can juice up the device from 0 to 63% in just 30 minutes. This fast charging capability is convenient for users who are always on the go.

Vivo V23 5G Audio Output and Multimedia Experience

Vivo V23 5G comes with a single bottom-firing speaker, which delivers decent audio clarity and volume. However, the absence of stereo speakers is noticeable, especially when compared to competitors offering dual-speaker setups. That said, the headphone output via USB-C dongle or wireless audio is quite clean. The AMOLED screen enhances multimedia experiences, particularly when watching Netflix, YouTube, or other streaming services.

Vivo V23 5G 5G Connectivity and Network Performance

As the name suggests, Vivo V23 supports 5G connectivity with support for multiple 5G bands. Users in India and global markets can enjoy future-ready network speeds and low latency where 5G is available. In addition to 5G, the phone supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and USB Type-C connectivity. Call quality is excellent, and mobile data performance is stable across networks.

Vivo V23 5G Security and Additional Features

Vivo has equipped the device with an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate. Face unlock is also available and works efficiently in various lighting conditions. Other features include OTG support, Game Mode for distraction-free gaming, and Ultra Game Mode with performance tuning options. The device does not support wireless charging or IP rating for water resistance, which is acceptable at this price point.

Vivo V23 5G Comparison with Competitors

The Vivo V23 5G competes with several popular mid-range smartphones, including the OnePlus Nord 2, Realme GT Neo 2, and Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge. While some competitors may offer better processors or stereo speakers, the V23 5G stands out with its dual selfie cameras, unique design, and color-changing back. Users who prioritize aesthetics and camera performance may find the V23 5G more appealing.

Vivo V23 5G Pricing and Availability

Vivo V23 5G is available in multiple configurations, with the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant priced competitively and the 12GB RAM + 256GB model available for a slightly higher price. The phone is widely available both online and offline, through platforms like Flipkart, Vivo’s official website, and authorized retail outlets. Color options include Sunshine Gold and Stardust Black.

Vivo V23 5G Who Should Buy the Vivo V23 5G

The Vivo V23 5G is an ideal choice for users who value design, selfie performance, and a lightweight build. It is targeted toward fashion-conscious consumers, influencers, and mobile photographers who prefer style without compromising performance. For casual gamers and multitaskers, it also delivers reliable day-to-day functionality. If you are not heavily reliant on high-end gaming or stereo audio output, the V23 5G provides a well-rounded experience.

Vivo V23 5G Long-Term Usability and Update Expectations

With consistent software optimizations and Android 12 out of the box, users can expect smooth long-term performance for at least two to three years. Vivo usually delivers one or two major Android updates along with periodic security patches. As with all smartphones, battery performance and storage management may require user attention over time, but the device is expected to hold up well under normal usage.

Final Verdict

The Vivo V23 5G strikes a strong balance between style and substance. Its standout design, particularly the UV-reactive color-changing finish, makes it a conversation starter. The dual front cameras elevate the selfie game, which is a rare offering in the segment. Performance is respectable for daily tasks, content consumption, and light gaming. While some may find better processors or stereo speakers in alternatives, the Vivo V23 5G successfully carves out a niche for users who prioritize aesthetics, photography, and smooth user experience.