Vivo V5 Unboxing And First Impressions – The New Selfie King?

Vivo V5 Unboxing And First Impressions – The New Selfie King?

Selfie centric phones are the "open secret" to success by most smartphone brands today to capture the greater market of anyone who wants to look good in self-portraits. Due to that trend, we're seeing manufacturers coming up with phones that has over 13 megapixels in front for the past two years.

The new selfie king?

Vivo, a brand that's well known for their "value for money" mobile devices recently entered this game with the release of the V5, also known as the "Perfect Selfie" smartphone.


On paper, it took the ballgame to a whole new level with the introduction of Sony's 20 MP f/2.0 IMX376 sensor in front. On top of that, Vivo added a "softlight flash" to brighten up your selfies with natural colors in low-light situations.


Now, let's find out in this two-part review if Vivo's latest offering is the new selfie phone to beat.


Disclaimer: This V5 test unit was borrowed from Vivo Philippines for our uncolored review.

Vivo V5 Specs

Display: 5.5 Inch HD 1280 x 720 resolution w/ 2.5D curved glass and Gorilla Glass protection at 267 ppi

CPU: 1.5 GHz 64 Bit MT6750 octa core processor

GPU: Mali T860

RAM: 4 GB

ROM: 32 GB expandable via micro SD card slot up to 128 GB (hybrid)

Main Camera: 13 MP f/2.2 w/ AF and LED flash

Selfie Camera: 20 MP f/2.0 Sony IMX376 w/ softlight flash

Battery: 3,000 mAh

OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS w/ FunTouch OS

Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, LTE, Bluetooth, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM

Others: Fingerprint scanner, AK4376 HiFi DAC
Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic

Dimensions: 153.8 x 75.5 x 7.55 mm

Weight: 154 g

Price: PHP 12,990

Unboxing / Accessories

The box!

This device is packaged in a simple yet nice and jam-packed way. It's packed with a 1.6A USB wall charger, USB to micro USB data / charging cables, earbuds w/ mic, and SIM ejector tool.

Inclusions inside the phone

The phone is also equipped with a good type of pre-installed tempered glass and slim and clear TPU case for added protection.

Build Quality / Design

Vivo V5 side by side with Oppo F1s

On first look, we can't help but compare it with the Oppo F1s? Why? Like what we stated above, the Vivo V5 is aesthetically similar with the F1s on first look. The difference lies in the contruction of materials, the V5 is mostly made out of plastic with metallic paint finish. On top, its 5.5 inch HD screen has a 2.5D Gorilla glass protection.

SIM tray ejected!

While it doesn't feel as premium compared with other metal unibody phones, we wouldn't mind that much as Vivo ensured that the phone would still feel decent. It's also a small sacrifice inorder to put better specs on paper. Then as long as you don't remove the FREE tempered glass and TPU case, this device will surely last.

Chrome painted sides, sensors, and the 20 MP selfie camera

Fingerprint scanner / touch-only home button together with 3.5 mm jack, microphone, micro USB port, and speaker grill below

Dual SIM and micro SD card slot at left

The usual power button and volume rocker placement at right

In terms of design, it is a highly appealing phone for everyone. Like the F1s, it reminds us of a combined HTC and Samsung design that most love. It has proper arching back design, semi rounded corners, strips of chrome paint finish on the sides, and gold lining accent in the fingerprint scanner.

The V5 is an easy to love stylish and premium looking handset for almost everyone!

The handset doesn't also have thick screen black border bezels. It's also slim at 7.55 mm and light at 154 grams. The device looks great for everyone and has standard placement of buttons / ports.


Our only small gripe is the sharp edges of its pre-installed tempered glass which could be annoying if your phone isn't wearing its soft TPU case.

Initial findings

1. Its 5.5 inch HD screen has good colors even if it isn't as sharp as full HD panels, its use of 10 points of touch is a huge plus as well.
2. The phone looks good and its use of a mostly plastic construction isn't bothering at all.
3. The use of MT6750 octa core chip paired with 4 GB of RAM is more than enough for social media, playing videos, and casual task so far. We'll test if its battery life and gaming performance further.
4. Its 13 MP f/2.2 main camera can bright photos, but there's visible grains. The 20 MP selfie camera is superb and could be on par or slightly better than the F1s. We also liked its softlight flash so far.
5. We preferred its non-touch home button w/ fingerprint scanner over other buttons. There's OTG and capacitive keys lighting as well. However, there's no LED light for notifications. Its  AK4376 HiFi DAC sounds interesting.

Camera teaser

Main camera test

Indoor selfie

Selfie with softlight flash

As of the moment

The Vivo V5 is shaping up to be a superb phone in this crowded midrange game. It has good specs all over and its use of that large 20 MP front camera shooter is a HUGE plus. This might be the best selfie phone in the country so far.


Watch out for our full review!

Vivo V5 Unboxing And First Impressions – The New Selfie King?
Vivo V5 Unboxing And First Impressions – The New Selfie King?