Vivo NEX 3S 5G The Ultimate Specs Price Pros & Cons Guide

Design and Build

The Vivo NEX 3S 5G boasts a sophisticated design with a glass front and back, wrapped in an aluminum frame. It measures 167.4 x 76.1 x 9.4 mm and weighs 219.5 g, which is relatively lightweight considering its large display and robust build. The device supports Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), which is convenient for users who need to manage personal and professional numbers on a single handset.

Display

The 6.89-inch Super AMOLED display is one of the standout features of the NEX 3S 5G. With HDR10+ support, the screen provides vibrant colors and excellent contrast, enhancing the viewing experience for videos and games. The display resolution is 1080 x 2256 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 363 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is about 93.6%, thanks to the curved design and the absence of bezels, providing an immersive experience.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the Vivo NEX 3S 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, built on a 7 nm+ process. This octa-core processor consists of a powerful 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 core, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 cores, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The GPU, an Adreno 650, delivers excellent graphics performance, making it suitable for 3D gaming and graphics-intensive applications.

The device comes with Android 10, overlaid with Vivo's Funtouch OS 10.0, offering a user-friendly interface with various customization options. The combination of hardware and software ensures smooth performance for multitasking and running the latest apps.

Memory and Storage

The Vivo NEX 3S 5G offers substantial internal storage options with 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage, ensuring quick data access and app launch times. It comes with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, catering to different user needs from moderate to heavy multitasking. Unfortunately, there is no card slot for expandable storage, so users will have to depend on the internal storage capacity provided.

Camera Capabilities

Main Camera

The triple camera setup on the NEX 3S 5G consists of a 64 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, a 13 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. The camera system is versatile, enabling users to capture high-resolution photos, zoom in on distant objects, and take expansive ultrawide shots. Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode further enhance the photo quality. Video capabilities include filming at 4K resolution at 30fps, as well as high-speed recording options at 1080p and 720p with gyro-EIS for stabilization.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is a 16 MP motorized pop-up design, maintaining the sleek appearance of the phone's display. It supports features like LED flash and HDR, ensuring quality selfies even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera can capture video at 1080p resolution, which is suitable for video calls and social media sharing.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 4500mAh non-removable battery, the Vivo NEX 3S 5G offers solid battery life, capable of lasting an entire day of typical use. The phone supports 44W fast charging, allowing it to recharge quickly and minimize downtime. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who are constantly on the go and need quick top-ups throughout the day.

Network and Connectivity

The NEX 3S 5G is designed to handle current and future network demands with support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G bands. It offers dual SIM capabilities, facilitating seamless connectivity across different networks. For local connectivity, the phone includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support. However, it lacks FM radio functionality.

Sound and Multimedia

The device includes a loudspeaker and retains the 3.5mm audio jack, a feature that is increasingly rare in flagship phones but is appreciated by users who prefer wired audio connections. The audio quality is further enhanced by technologies such as aptX HD, ensuring high-fidelity sound over Bluetooth connections.

Sensors and Additional Features

In terms of sensors, the Vivo NEX 3S 5G is well-equipped with an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These sensors contribute to a range of features from secure phone unlocking to enhanced augmented reality experiences.

Conclusion

The Vivo NEX 3S 5G is a flagship smartphone that combines a striking design with powerful hardware. Its large, vibrant display, capable camera system, and robust performance make it a formidable competitor in the high-end smartphone market. While it lacks expandable storage and does not include FM radio, it makes up for these omissions with excellent connectivity options, fast charging, and a sleek design. Its price point of around 630 EUR reflects its premium features and positioning in the market. Available in Black, Blue, and Orange, the NEX 3S 5G is a compelling choice for users seeking a top-tier smartphone experience in 2020 and beyond.