vivo V27 review

introduction

Announced a couple of months ago, vivo’s V27 family features three models at different price points in the mid-range. We’ve already taken a look at the V27 Pro, the series headliner, and it’s about time we focused our attention on the V27.

In many ways, the same phone as the Pro, the regular V27 replaces the top-end model’s Dimensity 8200 with a Dimensity 7200. And, well, that’s about it, really. The slightly less powerful chipset (a couple smaller CPU cores and a couple fewer GPU cores) comes with a lower price tag, and the V27 costs about 15% less than the Pro for a matching memory configuration.

This means that with the V27, you’ll still get a gorgeous, large 6.78-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 50MP autofocus selfie camera is also integrated, as are the three rear cameras: a 50MP primary, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro (if that still counts as a camera). The V27 might be able to squeeze some extra stamina out of the same 4,600mAh battery thanks to the less demanding chip, and charging speed shouldn’t be affected either.

It’s nice that the chipset accounts for all the savings, and the V27 still features a color-changing back panel in some of its colourways – Vivo’s party trick introduced some time ago has remained a staple of the lineup. The V27 is also remarkably thin, and the slightly curved display is another hallmark of a premium phone.

vivo V27 specifications at a glance:

• Body: 164.1×74.8×7.4mm, 180g; Glass front, glass back, plastic frame; Color changing back panel.
• Screen: 6.78″ AMOLED, 1B color, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 388ppi.
• chipsets: Mediatek Dimensity 7200 (4 nm): Octa-core (2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 and 6x Cortex-A510); Mali-G610 MC4.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM.
• Operating system/software: Android 13, Funtouch 13.
• Rear camera: Broad (main): 50 MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚, 1/4″, 1.12µm; Macros: 2MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, Gyro EIS; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, Gyro EIS.
• Drums: 4600mAh; 66W wired, 50% in 19 min (advertised).
• Various: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical).

Live Unboxing V27

The vivo V27 arrives in a full-size grey/silver box that contains a full set of accessories. Most important is the charger – it’s a 66W unit, as opposed to the 80W one we got with the V27 Pro. Either way, both phones’ specs list a charging capacity of 66W, so the V27 is denied nothing it rightfully deserves. Of course, a cable is also included.

The V27 will also be protected out of the box. The display has a factory-applied screen protector film, and a clear case is also part of the retail package.