The launch of the Vivo V50 in India has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in Vivo's V-series smartphone lineup. This fresh release is particularly intriguing as it succeeds the Vivo V40, a smartphone that already made waves with its innovative features and Zeiss optics at a mid-range price. So, how has the Vivo V50 managed to improve upon its predecessor? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between the Vivo V50 and Vivo V40, touching on their performance, camera prowess, design, pricing, and more.
When it comes to the hardware that powers these devices, both the Vivo V50 and the Vivo V40 are equipped with the capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset. This chipset promises a seamless user experience, handling both everyday tasks and demanding applications with ease. Both phones come with up to 12 GB of RAM, although the base model of the Vivo V50 offers 8 GB of RAM with storage options scaling up to 512 GB.
The standout difference, however, lies in the battery and charging speeds. The Vivo V50 boasts a larger 6000 mAh battery, which supports an impressive 90W fast charging. On the other hand, the Vivo V40 packs a 5500 mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. This extra power in the V50 ensures that you’ll get longer usage between charges, paired with faster recharge times—perfect for those who need their phone charged up quickly and ready for action.
While both phones sport a sleek, premium design, the Vivo V50 brings some noteworthy upgrades to the table. For starters, the Vivo V50 features a quad-curved panel, an improvement over the dual-edge curved design of the Vivo V40. This means a more immersive display experience with smoother edges and a more premium feel in hand.
In terms of display size and quality, the Vivo V50 has a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, delivering a sharp 388 PPI. The Vivo V40, though similar, comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel, offering slightly higher pixel density at 453 PPI, though both devices are capable of offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Durability is another area where the Vivo V50 takes the lead. It comes with an IP68 and IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, making it more durable against elements compared to the Vivo V40’s IP68 rating. Additionally, the Vivo V50 is available in a range of exciting new colors like Titanium Grey, Rose Red, and Starry Night, whereas the Vivo V40 was offered in Lotus Purple, Genesis Blue, and Titanium Grey.
One of the most impressive aspects of both phones is their camera setup, which features Zeiss optics—a collaboration that promises excellent image quality. Both the Vivo V50 and the Vivo V40 offer a 50 MP wide main camera and a 50 MP ultrawide shooter, allowing for stunning shots across different scenarios. Both devices can record 4K video at 30 fps or 1080p video at 30 fps, making them well-equipped for video enthusiasts.
For selfie lovers, both devices feature a 50 MP front-facing camera with Zeiss branding that supports 4K video recording. So, if you’re into high-quality selfies and vlogs, both the Vivo V50 and Vivo V40 have you covered with sharp, clear results.
In terms of pricing, the Vivo V50 starts at ₹34,999 for the 8 GB + 128 GB variant and goes up to ₹40,999 for the 12 GB + 512 GB version. The Vivo V40, on the other hand, is similarly priced, with the base model retailing for ₹34,999. However, its top-end variant with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage costs ₹41,999—₹1,000 more than the most expensive Vivo V50 variant.
For those looking to balance cost and performance, the Vivo V50 presents a competitive edge, offering slightly better features for the same price or even less than the Vivo V40’s highest variant.
Software plays a crucial role in the overall user experience, and here’s where the Vivo V50 shines. It runs on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, which promises a clean, fast, and secure user interface. Additionally, the Vivo V50 comes with a guarantee of up to three years of major OS updates—perfect for users who want to future-proof their device.
Meanwhile, the Vivo V40 launched with Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, so while it’s still a capable OS, the V50 offers a more up-to-date software experience. Both phones feature an under-display optical fingerprint scanner, ensuring fast and secure biometric authentication.
In this comparison, the Vivo V50 clearly shows its prowess in a few key areas—battery life, durability, design, and software updates. It offers a more robust experience overall, with improvements in charging speed, camera capabilities, and software longevity. If you're looking for a phone that delivers premium features without breaking the bank, the Vivo V50 is a compelling choice, especially with its better durability and slightly improved display design.
That said, the Vivo V40 is still a solid device, particularly if you can find it at a discount or if you’re looking for a phone with a very similar experience at a slightly lower price. Both phones provide exceptional value for the mid-range segment, especially with the inclusion of Zeiss optics and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset.
Whether you go for the Vivo V50 or stick with the Vivo V40, you're getting a phone that punches above its weight in terms of performance and camera quality—offering an experience that’s hard to beat at their respective price points.