![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/220212-GadgetMatch-vivo-V23-5G-Beauty-3.jpg)
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Smartphones
vivo V23 5G: A lost Android soul in an iPhone’s body?
Unboxing and early sample photos await you
The vivo V23 5G isn’t a freshly-baked smartphone. In fact, it’s a re-branded vivo S12 from China announced in December 2021. Moreover, it was launched globally last January 2022.
But just right after the Chinese New Year, the vivo V23 5G has reached the shores of the Philippines — and it’s a phone you wouldn’t want to miss.
Diving into unboxing
Unlike the “V” boxes that come with the vivo V20 and V21, the box of the V23 5G comes in this sparkly, dark blue box with a subtle “23” number behind the V23 branding.
That new holographic chiseled text styling is a nice touch, too.
The phone already greets you upon lifting the box.
Lifting the whole tab reveals this soft silicone case that serves as your phone’s early protection.
Beneath the case shows all the paperwork.
And surprisingly, it still has these goodies that most new smartphones don’t get nowadays…
…including a charger like this 44W vivo FlashCharge adapter.
Another two rare items in the box are the bundled 3.5mm wired earphones with a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter.
Finally, there’s a SIM tray ejector tool and a USB-C to USB-A cable for that proprietary vivo FlashCharger.
Just in case you wanna see it in one frame, here are all the box contents of the new vivo V23 5G.
Photochromic? What’s that even?
One of the highlights of the vivo V23 5G is its “color-changing” Fluorite AG glass back (yes, not plastic or a mixture of some sort). Thanks to their innovative photochromic technology, the phone’s color can change when hit by the light.
- vivo V20 Pro
Actually, this is far different from the gradient smartphones you’ve seen in the past that just shows different shades depending on the light source.
When held in a shady or a less-lit environment, the phone is in its normal “Sunshine Gold” colorway.
Once you leave the phone under direct light (either natural or artificial) for around three to five seconds, the magic begins.
And for a better representation, here’s how the color of the back changes when the exposed stencil is hit by direct sunlight (or maybe just a bright flashlight).
I didn’t take a photo but when I used the phone bare-case, my fingers actually left their marks on the phone’s back. So you either need to deal with that or cover it with the included case.
The design similarity is uncanny
Deny it or not, the phone resembles the iPhone 12 or 13 Pro series especially with that stainless steel frame — and I’m not complaining.
In all honesty, I’m more of a fan because vivo was able to bring such flagship finesse in their latest midrange line. This also means modern midrangers don’t have to look and feel cheap.
You’d mistakenly think it is an iPhone with that shiny frame…
…but not when you see the USB-C port and SIM card tray at the bottom (or maybe not if Apple decides to comply with EU’s ruling to ship future iPhones with USB-C 🤩).
And yes, the volume and power buttons are only on the right side. ICYMI, volume buttons on iPhones are placed at the left side.
Looking more familiar? Well it also has that infamous shrunken notch (yes, not a punch-hole cutout) to complete that iPhone-esque look.
Instead of an Apple-like “TrueDepth” system that makes Face ID possible, this phone has two selfie cameras instead — which made its debut in the vivo V20 Pro I’ve reviewed last 2020.
And if you’re that curious, face unlocking is still possible. Just remember, it just uses a less-secure 2D image just like most Android smartphones.
And yes, Touch ID, I mean optical fingerprint scanner saves the day whenever you wear face masks outside.
Visual goodness
Once setup and unlocked, you’ll be greeted by vivo’s new version of FunTouch OS 12 based on Android 12. Admittedly, it’s not as cluttered unlike other Android skins today. And if you’ve used an iPhone before, navigating through the phone is quite similar thanks to Android bringing that gesture navigation as well with that single bar at the bottom of the UI.
You can also choose between having an app drawer or just display apps directly on the home screen like iOS.
It’d truly be nice if Android smartphones can eliminate those “screen chins” though.
With its glorious 6.44-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display, visuals pop and look stunning even under bright sunlight. Even scrolling through menus and apps is a breeze with its 90Hz panel.
And even if it only has a mono speaker found at the bottom, it’s loud enough with the right amount of bass and treble. It made my concert sessions in the shower livelier (and well-tuned lol).
Blazing with power
On paper, it runs a MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G chipset based on a 6nm process. While it’s not the best in class, I can assure you it can run most apps and games just fine. I barely noticed any unnecessary lags and hiccups when scrolling through its UI or running apps side-by-side.
This isn’t totally a review article but I’m gonna supply you my early battery and charging tests anyway.
Its 4200mAh battery might not sound a lot for most but it was able to last me for at least a day with light to moderate use.
With 38% left on my phone, I was able to squeeze in an hour of music playback while the on-screen lyrics were displayed. After decreased battery percentage to 11%, I even played a video for around 25 minutes before it died.
And if that doesn’t sound enough to you, its 44W FlashCharge charging brick saves the day.
Test 1 (from 0%)
- 2 minutes = 1%
- 5 minutes = 6%
- 10 minutes = 24%
- 15 minutes = 33%
- 30 minutes = 69%
- 45 minutes = 91%
- 52 minutes = 98%
- 54 minutes = 99%
- 60 minutes = 100%
Test 2 (from 0%)
- 2 minutes = 6%
- 5 minutes = 14%
- 10 minutes = 25%
- 15 minutes = 35%
- 30 minutes = 64%
- 45 minutes = 90%
- 52 minutes = 97%
- 54 minutes = 98%
- 60 minutes = 100%
Safe to say that with an hour to spare, you can fully charge the vivo V23 5G up to its maximum battery capacity.
#PhotoDump
There are a total of five cameras with three in the back:
- 64MP f/1.9 wide (main) sensor
- 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens
- 2MP f/2.4 macro lens
Up front, there are two selfie cameras both housed on that tiny notch: a 50MP f/2.0 wide and an even wider 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide lens.
I’ll get more detailed about the vivo V23 5G’s camera capabilities in a separate article. For now, here are some early sample photos using the vivo V23 5G.
Here are some daylight and food shots…
…as well as some night mode shots.
Here’s me and my cat for that quick yet unwanted groufie…
…and finally trying that dual flash spotlight by taking cringe-worthy selfies at 3AM.
Pricing and Availability
The vivo V23 5G is already being sold in the Philippines for PhP 27,999 in either this Sunshine Gold colorway or a less-striking Stardust Black option. It only comes in a single 12GB + 256GB configuration.
When you buy the phone from February 5 to 19, 2022 in their official Shopee account, there’s a limited PhP 500 off voucher and free 2-in-1 clock speaker until supplies last.
SEE ALSO: Taking photos to the next level with the vivo V23 5G
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/gadgetmatch-366x120a-3-1.png)
![vivo Y36](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Y36-night-time-photography_1920x1080pxvivo-y36-night-photography-20230822.jpg)
To prove the power of the new vivo Y36 to shoot well during nighttime and in low-light conditions, the mid-ranger was taken for a spin at BGC, Taguig for a round of sample photos.
Just to recap, the phone has a 50MP Super Night Algorithm feature which combines numerous exposures to improve details and eliminate noise for shots taken under such conditions.
The algorithm also takes advantage of advanced computational photography techniques. This significantly enhances the camera’s performance and process photos accordingly in low-light scenarios.
The long shot of the famous Bonifacio High Street has the fountain’s stream of water frozen in the phone’s capture. Meanwhile, the familiar W building and the establishments in the background are illuminated.
The BGC Arts Center, on the other hand, allows travelers to go on a creative adventure. With the vivo Y36, taking shots are again made effortless.
Aside from the phone’s 50MP main camera, it also has a 2MP f/2.4 depth and 2MP f/2.4 macro. There’s also a 16MP wide selfie camera. The phone’s 256GB internal storage ensures that users can take as many shots as they can.
Interested in getting the vivo Y36? It’s priced at just PhP 12,999, available in Glitter Aqua and Meteor Black on vivo’s official website, Shopee, Lazada and TikTok, and physical stores nationwide.
This is a sponsored press release by vivo Philippines.
News
Caviar is selling a Barbie collection of smartphones
Including the Galaxy Z Flip5, iPhone 15, and Apple Watch 9
![](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Caviar-Barbie-iPhone-15-Galaxy-Z-Flip.jpg)
Exactly a month since the film premiered, Barbie fever is still high. If the love for all things pink hasn’t left you yet, Caviar has a new smartphone collection for you — if you have the cash, that is. As is typical with the brand, the smartphone customization company has released a new collection that it called #Barbiecore.
For years, Caviar has been known for creating luxurious versions of popular smartphones. Sometimes, the company does tie-ins with popular franchises of the time. The brand is also notorious for selling its products for way higher than the usual price of an unmodified smartphone.
The latest #Barbiecore collection is no different. However, it is iconic of what a Barbie fan might expect from such a model. The collection will include five difference devices: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, the Galaxy Z Flip5, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the Apple Watch 9.
The Galaxy Z series will come with a golden rear panel outfitted with a small pink pom-pom made of faux fur. The rear panel, engraved with Barbie-themed graphics, will also come with 49 rubies.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 series will come with pink alligator skin for its rear panel. Outside of the stylized panel, the series is covered in 24K gold all over. Plus, the cameras are surrounded by 61 Swarovski crystals.
Finally, the Apple Watch 9 is covered in Rose Gold PVD coating. The pink rubber strap is less spectacular, but it does complement the theme and the attractiveness of the watch.
As always, all devices in the collection cost quite a lot. The Galaxy Z series will start at US$ 8,560. The iPhone 15 series starts at US$ 7,990. Finally, the Watch 9 costs US$ 1,900.
![Galaxy Z Fold5](https://149367133.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gadgetmatch-20230814-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-8.jpg)
Foldable smartphones are still too expensive to replace traditional slab phones as everyone’s daily drivers. Next year might finally change the zeitgeist, though. According to a new rumor, Samsung is testing FE models for the Galaxy Z series.
After a brief break from the series, Samsung is reportedly resurrecting Fan Editions. The company already spoiled that the Galaxy S23 FE is likely launching later this year. Additionally, Samsung France made no qualms about revealing the existence of a Galaxy Tab S9 FE and FE+.
The S23 FE is set to be released soon, and there are possibilities that Samsung plans to consistently introduce the FE brand annually. Simultaneously, there are rumors of ongoing testing for the launch of the Galaxy Z FE(lite model), after the Fold/Flip 6.
— Revegnus (@Tech_Reve) August 20, 2023
Now, the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold are the next devices to get an FE-themed rub. According to @Tech_Reve on X, a Galaxy Z Flip6 FE and a Galaxy Z Fold6 FE are coming as early as next year. As the Fan Editions are known for, the rumored devices will likely knock the price points of the foldable series down a notch. By how much is still a mystery, though.
Regardless, a Fan Edition for the foldable devices is still a big bump for the market. Despite the abundance of foldable devices in the market today, Samsung is still feasting atop the industry. Adding a competitively priced foldable will hopefully bring the segment down to manageable prices.
SEE ALSO: Samsung accidentally reveals that a Galaxy Tab S9 FE is coming
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