Vivo NEX S Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview

The Vivo NEX S, announced in June 2018, marked a significant milestone in smartphone innovation, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. With a sophisticated design, a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor, and a revolutionary pop-up selfie camera, the NEX S redefined mobile technology standards. This article dives deep into its specifications, features, and overall performance.

Design and Build

The Vivo NEX S is a sleek and elegant device, measuring 162 x 77 x 8 mm and weighing 199 grams. It features a sturdy build with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame. Available in black and red, the device supports dual SIM functionality, which is a boon for frequent travelers who need two active numbers simultaneously. The nearly bezel-less display offers an impressive 86% screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Display

The device sports a massive 6.59-inch Super AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1080 x 2316 pixels. With a 19.3:9 aspect ratio and approximately 388 pixels per inch density, the display ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. Its brightness and clarity hold up well in bright sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor usage. The Super AMOLED panel is not only visually appealing but also energy-efficient, contributing to longer battery life.

Performance

Under the hood, the NEX S packs a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor built on a 10nm architecture. This octa-core processor, with four cores clocked at 2.7 GHz (Kryo 385 Gold) and another four at 1.7 GHz (Kryo 385 Silver), ensures snappy performance for both everyday tasks and more demanding applications. The Adreno 630 GPU further enhances the gaming experience, delivering smooth graphics and fluid gameplay.

Memory and Storage

The Vivo NEX S comes with an ample 8GB of RAM, which provides seamless multitasking capabilities. Available in two storage variants, 128GB and 256GB, it offers plenty of room for apps, media, and files. However, with no external memory card slot, users cannot expand storage, making it essential to choose the model that best fits their storage needs.

Camera

Main Camera

The rear camera system on the NEX S consists of a dual setup: a 12MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, featuring dual pixel PDAF, and 4-axis optical image stabilization, along with a 5MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. This combination allows for capturing stunning photos with excellent detail and dynamic range. The dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama modes enhance the camera's versatility. The device supports video recording in 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps.

Front Camera

One of the standout features of the NEX S is its motorized pop-up selfie camera with an 8MP sensor and f/2.0 aperture. This innovative design choice eliminates the need for a notch, ensuring a distraction-free display. The front camera is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps, delivering clarity and detail in selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The NEX S is equipped with a non-removable 4000mAh Li-Ion battery, providing robust endurance. Thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon 845 chipset and Super AMOLED display, the device offers an impressive battery life with an endurance rating of 101 hours. The device supports fast charging with a 22.5W wired charger, allowing for quick top-ups to keep you going throughout the day.

Software

Originally shipping with Funtouch OS 4 based on Android 8.1 Oreo, the Vivo NEX S can be upgraded to Android 9.0 Pie with Funtouch OS 6.6. Despite its custom skin, the interface remains smooth and user-friendly, offering plenty of customization options. While not as stock-like as some Android variants, Funtouch OS brings additional features that enhance productivity and user experience.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Vivo NEX S supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and stable connections. It features a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support for connecting external devices. However, it lacks NFC and radio capabilities, which might be a downside for some users. Security and functionality are enhanced with an array of sensors, including an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass.

Audio Quality

The device includes a loudspeaker with an impressive performance, capable of reaching up to 91dB when used as a ringer. Coupled with a 3.5mm headphone jack, the NEX S offers solid audio capabilities for both calls and media consumption. Audio quality tests highlight excellent noise levels and crosstalk management, ensuring a clear and pleasant listening experience.

Conclusion

The Vivo NEX S remains a fascinating piece of technology, even years after its release. Its pioneering design choices, particularly the motorized pop-up camera, mark it as a visionary product that dared to challenge conventional smartphone norms. With solid performance metrics, a beautiful display, and long-lasting battery life, it caters to power users and tech enthusiasts alike. While some may miss features such as NFC and expandable storage, the NEX S's innovative design and robust capabilities ensure its legacy as a standout device in the Vivo lineup.