Vivo V40e First Impressions - The Good, The Bad & The X-Factor

The Vivo V40e is the newest entrant in the company's V40 lineup, known for design, camera prowess, and this time around a bit of AI too. The latest V40e, the most affordable model in the V40 series, starts at Rs 28,999.

It is a good alternative to the other popular mid-range offerings such as the Realme GT 6T, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, and the OnePlus Nord 4, all priced around Rs 30,000. I've been testing the Mint Green version of the V40e, which also comes in a Royal Bronze color option. Here are my first impressions of the most affordable V40e in the V40 series.

Vivo V40e First Impressions Review: The Good

The Vivo V40e 5G boasts several standout features in its segment, including a 3D curved display, lightweight design, an upgraded MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, and fast 80W charging support.

I particularly appreciate the V40e's sleek and lightweight design, complemented by the curved display, which creates a striking aesthetic. The phone also has a Full HD+ (2392×1080) resolution screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and with my limited testing, everything from apps to the UI feels buttery smooth.

The Dimensity 7300 processor handles everyday tasks effortlessly, and I haven't encountered any performance issues during my limited usage, but we'll test it for longer to give a final work on its performance. In terms of photography, the Vivo V40e offers a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with 2x portrait mode and an 8MP ultrawide lens. While the camera performance seems decent, I'll delve deeper into its capabilities in my upcoming full review.

The Aura Light, which initially seemed like a gimmick, actually enhances image quality in low-light conditions. The front-facing 50MP eye-AF sensor is capable of capturing detailed selfies even at night time, making it one of the best selfie phones in the segment.

Vivo V40e First Impressions Review: The Bad

Due to its glossy finish, the Vivo V40e can be slippery and the back panel gets stained with fingerprints and smudges easily, especially when used without a case; however, the included case in the box provides adequate protection from all the aforementioned issues. The V40e also misses out on Zeiss optics which are available on both the pricier Vivo V40 and the V40 Pro models.

Interestingly, the same Dimensity 7300 chip powers the more affordable CMF Phone 1. Although the Vivo V40e lacks storage expansion, it has memory expansion, enabling users to swap the phone's internal storage to double the RAM from 8GB to 16GB for enhanced multi-tasking capability. The phone also comes with pre-installed apps, though these can be uninstalled.

Vivo V40e First Impressions Review: The X-Factor

Although the Vivo V40e is slightly pricier than some rivals, its blend of features, hardware, and premium design nearly justifies the cost. The Sony IMX882 sensor, coupled with an HD Portrait Algorithm, promises impressive low-light photography. AI features like AI Photo Enhancer and AI Eraser further enhance the camera experience, allowing for easy removal of unwanted elements and color correction.

Furthermore, the Vivo V40e's 80W fast charging capability is a game-changer, juicing up the phone from 20% to 100% in a mere 40 minutes. Its slim 7.49mm profile and 183-gram weight make it India's slimmest smartphone with a 5500mAh battery. In conclusion, the Vivo V40e is a compelling option for those seeking a premium mid-range experience without overspending. Stay tuned for my full review, where I'll dive deeper into its features and performance.