Vivo U3 Unveiling Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The vivo U3 strikes a balance between elegant design and practical build quality. With dimensions of 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm, it fits comfortably in one hand while providing a large enough canvas for unhampered usage. Weighing 193 grams, it's neither too heavy nor too light, offering a reassuring feel without being cumbersome.

The front of the device features a glass panel, offering durability and clarity for display. The back is made from plastic, which, while not as premium as glass or metal, provides shatter resistance and keeps the device lightweight. The plastic frame holds everything together, balancing sturdiness with weight.

The dual SIM capability, featuring a hybrid slot, offers flexibility in managing personal and professional communications or in optimizing storage with a microSD card.

Display

The vivo U3 is equipped with a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, delivering vivid and sharp images with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. This resolution, paired with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, offers approximately 395 pixels per inch, making it suitable for consuming media, browsing, and gaming with clarity.

Its screen-to-body ratio of around 84.4% ensures minimal bezels, maximizing the viewing area and contributing to a more immersive experience. The IPS LCD technology translates to better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to older LCD technology, making it a solid choice for everyday usage.

Performance

Under the hood, the vivo U3 houses a Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 chipset, built on the 11 nm process. This setup makes it efficient in terms of power consumption while ensuring robust performance. The octa-core CPU consists of 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver cores, designed to manage demanding tasks and improve multitasking capabilities.

The Adreno 612 GPU bolsters graphical performance, making it competent for gaming and rendering applications, providing a smooth experience without significant lag or frame drops.

Memory and Storage

Users can choose between two RAM configurations: 4GB or 6GB, depending on their needs and budget. Both variants come with 64GB of internal storage. For those who require more storage, the hybrid sim slot allows for the expansion of storage via microSDXC.

This flexibility in memory management ensures that users don't have to worry about storage constraints while enjoying a fluid and responsive experience across multiple applications.

Camera Setup

The vivo U3 features a versatile triple camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 16 MP primary wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, an 8 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2 MP macro lens with an f/2.4 aperture. This combination allows users to capture a variety of scenes, from sweeping landscapes to up-close details, with ease.

Features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode enhance the photography experience, making it adaptable to different lighting conditions and styles. Video enthusiasts can record at 4K@30fps or 1080p@30fps, ensuring high-quality output.

On the front, a 16 MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture promises clear and detailed selfies, supported by HDR technology to manage challenging lighting conditions.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a non-removable 5000 mAh battery, promising extended usage without the need for frequent recharging. This is particularly advantageous for users who spend a lot of time on their devices away from charging points.

Also, the 18W fast charging capability ensures that even when the battery does run low, it won't take long to get back up and running. The phone even supports 5W reverse wired charging, although this is more of a bonus feature than a primary charging method.

Software and User Experience

The vivo U3 operates on Android 9.0 (Pie) overlaid with Funtouch 9.0, vivo's custom skin. This combination provides a user-friendly interface with multiple customization options and features that enhance productivity and personalization.

Regular updates and patches aim to improve security and add features, ensuring the software remains up-to-date and relevant to users' needs.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and more. However, it should be noted that NFC isn't supported on the vivo U3, which may be a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments.

The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack means users are not forced to switch to wireless audio solutions, maintaining compatibility with traditional audio devices. Additionally, FM radio offers an analog entertainment option that many still appreciate.

On the rear, a fingerprint sensor enhances security and unlocks speed. Paired with additional sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, the U3 is well equipped with features that enhance day-to-day usability.

Conclusion

Overall, the vivo U3 presents itself as a capable and affordable smartphone option. Its balance of performance, display quality, and battery life makes it suitable for a broad audience. While it doesn't cater to those seeking flagship features, it delivers on essential areas with aplomb, making it a sensible choice in its category.

With a price point at around 130 EUR, it offers excellent value for its features, solidifying its standing as a competitive option in the ever-expanding smartphone market.