Vivo X Fold Audio test

We subjected the Vivo X Fold to our rigorous SBMARK audio test suite to measure its performance both when recording sound using its built-in microphones, and when playing audio through its speakers.

In this review, we’ll analyze how it performed in a variety of tests and several common use cases.

Overview

Key audio specs include:

• Two speakers (top side, bottom side)
• No audio jack output

Reproduction

Registration

With a SBMARK Audio score of 132, the Vivo X Fold performed well overall in our tests. While it proved to be an exceptional device for recording, thanks to the breadth of its stereo recordings, playback results were just above average, leaving testers wanting more, considering the X Fold’s size and price.

In audio reproduction, our experts were pleased with a deep bass delivery that compliments an enjoyable experience whether listening to music or watching movies or playing games. However, the tonal balance was inconsistent depending on content and volume, and while stereo width was perfectly good, one could hope for something even better.

The X Fold really shined when recording, and while it was best with the main camera, results were also good with the front camera and memo app. The audio recordings were exceptionally engaging, thanks to outstanding stereo width in both horizontal and vertical orientations when opened, and offered a very pleasant and natural sound signature. The Vivo is also equipped with an audio zoom function that is useful in certain situations. However, our experts have found that it could benefit from some tweaking.

Trial summary

Learn about SBMARK audio tests: For scoring and analysis in our smartphone audio reviews, SBMARK engineers perform a series of objective tests and undertake more than 20 hours of perceptual evaluation under controlled laboratory conditions.
(For more details on our playback protocol, click here; for more details on our recording protocol, click here.)
The following section compiles the key elements of our extensive testing and analysis performed in the SBMARK laboratories. Detailed performance evaluations in the form of reports are available upon request. Do not hesitate to contact us.

The playback performance of the Vivo X Fold was fairly average overall. The timbre was pleasant and benefited from a very nice low end, but the tonal balance could have been smoother, with the upper bass/lower mid region being rather weak compared to the low end extension and clarity of the upper midrange . The midrange was decent, as was the treble, despite a notable lack of top-end extension.

Dynamic performance was quite good, with a sharp and accurate attack most of the time, very decent bass accuracy, and quite a powerful punch.

The breadth of the soundstage created by the internal speakers was very good, but given the device’s large size in its unfolded state, our experts expected even better results, especially in portrait orientation. Individual sound sources can be located quite precisely and the Vivo offers good depth rendering and realistic distance perception.

Listening at the lowest volume level could be difficult as the minimum volume felt a bit too low, however the maximum volume was quite loud. However, there were some unwanted audio artifacts at this volume, including quite strong bass distortion, compression, and pumping. It’s also worth keeping in mind that both speakers can easily be accidentally covered while gaming, so hand placement is critical.

Hear about the playback performance of the smartphone tested in this comparison with some of its competitors:

Here’s how the Vivo X Fold fares in playback use cases compared to its competitors:

Here are some sound pressure levels (SPL) measured while playing our sample recordings of hip-hop and classical music at maximum volume:

The following graph shows the gradual changes in volume from minimum to maximum. We expect these changes to be consistent across the range, so that all volume steps match user expectations:

In recording, the X Fold delivered excellent results, particularly making good use of its wide body when unfolded. The tonal balance was very pleasing, with a transparent rendering of the vocal content. Main camera recordings had very natural highs and a well rendered midrange. Selfie videos came with good brightness and hence clarity in voices. The signal-to-noise ratio could have been better, especially in urban environments with a lot of background noise, but the clear and precise envelope still allowed for clear understanding of voices.

Spatial performance was excellent, with outstanding amplitude both horizontally and vertically, resulting in very immersive recordings. Voices were perfectly locatable in the audio scene, with an accurate sense of depth. The recording volume was quite high and artifacts were well under control at high sound pressure levels. However, when covering the microphones with their hands, our testers noted muffled-sounding recordings and loud finger clatter. Also, the stereo balance may shift to one side. The rendering of the background was good, thanks to a pleasant and natural tonal balance. However, more bass could have emphasized the dive.

Here’s how the Vivo X Fold fares in recording use cases compared to its competitors:

Here are the sound levels recorded in the audio and video files, measured in LUFS (Loudness Unit Full Scale); for reference, we expect volume levels to be above -24 LUFS for recorded content:

In this audio comparison, you can hear how this smartphone handles wind noise compared to its competitors:

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[“Xiaomi MIX Fold 2”]=> string(63) “resources/Vivo/XFoldV2.1/XiaomiMIXFold2_MicrophoneArtifacts.m4a”
[“Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4”]=> string(68) “resources/Vivo/XFoldV2.1/SamsungGalaxyZFold4_MicrophoneArtifacts.m4a” }