Vivo Z3i Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Vivo Z3i

The Vivo Z3i was announced in October 2018 and released shortly thereafter, positioning itself as a mid-range smartphone with a combination of attractive design and practical features. This device primarily targets users seeking a stylish phone without breaking the bank. Let's dive into the detailed features that make the Vivo Z3i stand out in the competitive smartphone market.

Design and Build

The Vivo Z3i is meticulously crafted, featuring dimensions of 156 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm, making it a fairly slim and manageable device to hold. At a weight of just 164 grams, it offers a lightweight feel without compromising on the quality of the build. The phone supports dual-SIM capabilities with two Nano-SIM slots offering dual standby functionality. The available color options, including Aurora Blue and Millenium Pink, lend the device a modern and vibrant look, appealing to a wide range of users.

Display

The Vivo Z3i sports a 6.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 400 ppi, ensuring sharp and clear textures on screen. The 19:9 aspect ratio and an impressive ~84% screen-to-body ratio provide an immersive viewing experience, whether you are watching videos or playing games. The durability and clarity make it a reliable screen for daily use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Vivo Z3i is powered by the MediaTek MT6771 Helio P60 chipset, which is built on a 12 nm process. This octa-core processor comprises four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores, also running at 2.0 GHz, offering a balanced mix of performance and efficiency. The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU handles graphic-intensive tasks smoothly, making gaming and video playback enjoyable on this device.

To complement the processor, the Vivo Z3i is equipped with 6GB of RAM, allowing for seamless multitasking. With 128GB of internal storage and the option to expand via a dedicated microSD slot, users have more than enough space for apps, photos, and other media.

Software

The Vivo Z3i runs on Android 8.1 Oreo, which, despite being a slightly dated Android version, comes with a host of features that enhance usability and performance. Vivo's custom FunTouch OS layer on top of Android provides additional functionalities and customizations, though it may alter the Android experience users are accustomed to.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Vivo Z3i's camera setup. The main dual-camera array consists of a 16 MP primary sensor with an aperture of f/2.0 and PDAF for fast focusing, accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor for creating portraits with blurred backgrounds. These are supported by features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode. The cameras can capture video at 1080p resolution at 30fps, suitable for most casual shooting needs.

The front-facing camera measures an impressive 24 MP, with an f/2.0 aperture and a wide 26mm lens. This setup is perfect for selfies and video calls, further enhanced with HDR support for balanced video quality.

Battery Life

The 3315 mAh non-removable battery effectively powers the Vivo Z3i through a full day of regular use. With support for 18W wired charging, users can quickly recharge the phone, minimizing downtime and enhancing portability for on-the-go lifestyles.

Network and Connectivity

The Vivo Z3i is equipped with a comprehensive set of connectivity options. It supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring users have access to reliable mobile connectivity in most regions. Additional connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2 with support for A2DP, EDR, LE, and aptX. This collection of wireless options guarantees you stay connected to other devices and networks seamlessly.

The phone also includes GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate positioning services. It offers FM radio and uses microUSB 2.0 with USB OTG for wired connections. However, NFC is not featured on this model, which could be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payment systems.

Additional Features

The Vivo Z3i comes with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering a reliable and fast method to unlock the device securely. Other sensors included in the phone are an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, expanding the phone's capabilities in terms of apps and user interactions.

Price and Availability

Having been released in October 2018, the Vivo Z3i is available for purchase from several outlets. It originally hit the market with an approximate price tag of 350 euros. Over time, pricing may vary based on location, condition, and retailer, making it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking to own a smartphone offering a balance of performance, aesthetics, and practicality.

Conclusion

The Vivo Z3i positions itself as a solid mid-range option for users who desire an attractive blend of performance, design, and functionality. Its robust feature set, including a competent camera setup, sufficient processing power, and appealing design, cater to a broad spectrum of users. Despite some limitations such as the absence of NFC, the Vivo Z3i presents good value, particularly for those who prioritize design and photography capabilities in a modern smartphone.