The Vivo V40 arrives only months after the V30, yet it feels like a confident refinement rather than a rushed successor. This device represents Vivo taking the V series more seriously than ever, positioning it as one of the most convincing mid-range all-rounders available right now. It fixes long-standing weaknesses, introduces premium-class durability, enhances core experience, and maintains the elegant design identity that has always defined the V lineup.
Finally, Stereo Speakers
For years, Vivo’s V-series delivered gorgeous phones with great performance but inexplicably stuck with mono speakers. The V40 finally breaks that streak. Dual stereo speakers deliver balanced output, loud volume, clearer vocals, and subtle bass presence. It feels like something that should have always been there—and now that it is, it significantly elevates media consumption.
Extreme Durability in a Slim Body
One of the most impressive upgrades is the IP68 and IP69 certification.
- IP68: survives being submerged up to 1.5m for 30 minutes
- IP69: withstands high-pressure water spray, even hot water up to 80°C
This level of rugged protection is usually seen in specialized rugged phones, not thin elegant mid-range devices. The fact that Vivo pulled this off in such a sleek form factor is remarkable.
Design and Build
The V40 continues Vivo’s signature slim, curved-edge aesthetic. It is sleek, stylish, and premium, especially with color options like Chrome Purple, Ceramic Peach, and Platinum Silver. Despite being thin at 7.58mm and light at 190g, it does not compromise structure.
The redesigned rear camera module now adopts a circular Gemini-Ring style with polished metallic accents, paired with the highly visible ZEISS branding—bringing a touch of flagship pedigree into the mid-range lineup.
Buttons, ports, and connectivity options are complete, including NFC and hardware gyro. However, the vibration motor is disappointingly weak and cheap-feeling, which feels out of place on a device this well-polished.
Battery and Charging
Battery performance is a standout strength:
- 5500mAh capacity
- 80W Flash Charge
- 10 mins → ~20%
- 30 mins → ~56%
- 56 mins → full
Despite its slim body, battery endurance is excellent:
- MLBB 30 mins (90fps): ~10%
- PUBG 30 mins: ~7%
- Genshin Impact 30 mins: ~11%
- 1 hour YouTube streaming: ~10%
Efficiency is impressive and thermal control is respectable, though gaming temperature peaks slightly higher than the V30, reaching around 45°C on the back.
Performance
Powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, with configurations up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, performance is exactly where it needs to be for a modern mid-range device. It handles daily use effortlessly and gaming comfortably:
- Mobile Legends: stable 90fps
- Genshin Impact: ~40fps on highest, ~50fps on medium
It is not flagship-grade, but for its class, it performs very well.
Display
The display delivers flagship-like punch:
- 6.78-inch AMOLED
- 1.5K resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- up to 4500 nits brightness peak
- 1200 nits high brightness mode
It is extremely bright outdoors, sharp, color-rich, and paired with an in-display fingerprint sensor and high-quality Schott protective glass.
ZEISS-Enhanced Camera System
The Vivo V40 brings ZEISS partnership features into the mid-range:
- 50MP main with OIS
- 50MP ultrawide
- 50MP selfie
ZEISS contributes to software tuning, portrait profiles, bokeh styles, and cinematic filters. The Aura Light portrait flash is now smaller but still powerful.
Image quality is excellent:
- Wide dynamic range
- Vibrant but controlled color
- Great low-light capture
- Consistent sharpness
Ultrawide performs well too, maintaining tonal consistency. The selfie camera is highly capable, maintaining Vivo’s strong portrait identity.
Video performance is good in sharpness and exposure, but stabilization on front and rear cameras still needs refinement. 4K 30fps has visible shake; stabilization only activates at 1080p 30fps.
Pricing
Approximate pricing at launch:
- Base model: ~$420
- Mid variant: ~$450
- Highest variant: ~$515
Considering what it delivers, pricing remains competitive.
Verdict
The Vivo V40 is a rare mid-range phone that feels premium in ways that matter. It combines beautiful design, serious durability, long-lasting battery, strong performance, bright flagship-level display, stereo speakers, and ZEISS-powered camera versatility. Its weakest point remains the budget haptic motor and some video stabilization quirks, but neither breaks the experience.
This is easily one of the best-balanced mid-range smartphones currently available.
Value Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐