vivo’s latest addition to the V-series, the V50 5G, is now available in South Africa. The mid-range device is positioned as a portrait photography specialist, thanks to its ZEISS camera system, but it also brings a few other notable features to the table, including a large battery and a bright, curved-edge display. Priced at R20 999 or available on contract, the V50 5G aims to offer a balance of imaging capabilities, battery life, and performance.
The camera system is the most obvious selling point. Unlike many smartphones that emphasise one standout lens, vivo has equipped the V50 with three 50MP sensors — covering the main camera, an ultra-wide lens, and a front-facing group selfie camera. The main camera includes optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a 1/1.55-inch sensor to improve low-light performance, while vivo’s AI-driven Aura Light Portrait 2.0 provides additional lighting adjustments for night shots. ZEISS’ involvement extends to software, with features like Multifocal Portrait mode and a selection of simulated bokeh effects.
The V50 also supports 4K recording across all cameras, and vivo has included features like Film Camera Mode for those who want a stylised, retro look. Other AI-powered tools, such as AI Erase 2.0 and Live Cutout, offer some post-processing flexibility.
Beyond imaging, the V50 5G packs a 6000mAh BlueVolt battery, which supports 90W FlashCharge for quick top-ups. vivo claims that a 10-minute charge can provide up to six hours of talk time, and the device includes optimisations to extend battery longevity over time.
The display is a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ certification. vivo has also focused on brightness, with a peak of 4500 nits, making it one of the brightest screens available. The Equal-Depth Quad Curved Screen is paired with Shield Glass for durability, though the curved design may still divide opinion among users who prefer flat panels.
Internally, the V50 5G runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a capable mid-range chipset that should handle everyday tasks smoothly. It comes with 12GB of RAM, plus an additional 12GB of virtual RAM, and 512GB of storage. The phone ships with Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, and includes AI-powered software features such as Google Gemini Assistant and Circle to Search.
The V50 5G is rated IP68 and IP69 for dust and water resistance, meaning it can handle accidental spills and short submersion in fresh water, though vivo explicitly states it is not a waterproof phone. The device is available in Satin Black and Starry Blue, with the latter featuring a holographic effect. The Satin Black model is slightly slimmer at 7.39mm and weighs 189g, while the Starry Blue variant is 7.67mm thick and weighs 199g.
For those primarily interested in mobile photography, the V50 5G offers a strong set of features, but at R20 999, it competes with devices that have more powerful processors and a broader feature set. The question is whether the combination of ZEISS-branded cameras, a large battery, and a high-brightness display is enough to justify the price.asuring just 7.39mm and 7.67mm, respectively.