The Galaxy S22 could account for at least half of the total S22 series production.
This would represent a higher proportion of base models produced compared to previous years.
Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S22 series of flagship phones in early 2022, and we’ve already seen leaked renders courtesy of frequent leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer. Now, a new report suggests that Samsung thinks the standard S22 could be the runaway sales champ.
Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates to Samsung’s flagship foldable phone. We’ll detail the current software versions for the device and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out. Samsung usually pushes out One UI updates regularly, but availability may be affected by variant, carrier, and region.
Current stable version: Android 11
When will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 get Android 12? Late 2021 (Estimated)
Latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 updates
October 1, 2021: Samsung is rolling out the latest update to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in South Korea, just days after the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 gained their October patches. According to SamMobile, the latest bump bears firmware version F916NKSU1DUI4 and brings the October 2021 Android security patch.
It’s unclear when other regions will receive the update. To check if an update is available, head to Settings > Software updates on your device.
Previous Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 updates
September 24, 2021: The September patch rolled out alongside firmware F916BXXS2EUI for global Galaxy Z Fold 2 models.
August 31, 2021: Samsung rolled out a major update to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in the form of One UI 3.1.1. The UI refresh for foldable phones, brought improved multitasking functionality, a dedicated taskbar, aspect ratio tweaks, and more. The August 2021 security update was also lumped in.
July 26, 2021: The foldable phone received a key update that fixed Android Auto functionality for several users, according to SamMobile. The patch included the July security update with firmware version F916BXXU1DUF1.
June 18, 2021: Samsung rolled out the June 2021 security patch, with firmware version F916USQS1DUE3.
May 4, 2021: Samsung delivered the May 2021 security patch for the Galaxy Z Fold 2, according to All About Samsung. The update wore build number F916BXXU1DUDA and brought a Dual Recording to the front and rear cameras, improved Quick Share, and improved camera performance.
March 15, 2021: The foldable received the March 2021 Android security patch. Per SamMobile, the update (firmware version F9160ZCS1DUC1) first rolled out in China with several fixes.
January 20, 2021: Verizon rolled out stable Android 11 to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It arrived with the December 2020 security patch rather than the January 2021 patch, however.
January 11, 2021: Samsung finally pushed out a stable version of the One UI 3.0 update to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. According to SamMobile, the Android 11-based update (version F916BXXU1CTLL) included the January 2021 security patch.
December 3, 2020: A update with firmware version F916BXXS1BTK1 delivered the December 2020 security patch to the foldable.
If you’ve spotted an update that we haven’t, tip us! Looking for another update? Be sure to visit our Android 11 update tracker.
If you want to switch to a contract-free prepaid carrier in the US, Boost Mobile is one of the best options around. It has a wide range of premium and affordable smartphones available and provides many deals on devices and plans. The Sprint and T-Mobile merger has resulted in one major change for the best Boost Mobile deals — the MVNO is now part of Dish Network.
In other words, Boost is going to be around for a while. We still highly recommend the carrier and feel that now is a great time to sign up, as there are plenty of solid deals to be had this month.
Samsung’s Galaxy A12 budget smartphone is more than just an iterative update over the Galaxy A11 — with a bigger battery, another camera, and so much more on board. Value hunters will also appreciate that Samsung managed to keep its sub-$200 price tag. How well do these new upgrades fare? Let’s find out in our Samsung Galaxy A12 review.
Update, September 30, 2021 (03:58 PM ET): We’ve updated our Galaxy S21 FE hub with new rumors suggesting the phone could be heavily delayed — or even canceled entirely.
Original article: In 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (which stands for “Fan Edition”) surprised us all with how good it was. In fact, it was so good that it ended up walking away with our 2020 Best of Android Editor’s Choice award. With that kind of pedigree behind the phone, it’s no surprise that we are very excited about the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
The USB Implementers Forum has released new USB-C logos for certified cables and chargers.
The new logos should make it clear which USB-C cables support the newer 240W power charging standards.
There are also new logos to help identify cables with the USB4 data delivery standards.
Buying a new smartphone, tablet, or laptop is complicated enough for many people. However, it becomes even more complicated when you want to buy a new USB-C cable and charger for your device or for transferring data. Today, the USB Implementers Forum, which helps support the various USB standards, has approved packaging and product logos for the newer devices that support the most recent advances.
The Personal Safety app, pre-installed on all of Google’s Pixel phones, just received an update.
It adds a new feature, Emergency SOS, that’s activated when a person quickly presses the Pixel’s power button five times.
When activated, this action can automatically call emergency services, record a video, and more.
No one likes to think about it, but you may find yourself in a situation where you need to get help. Whether it’s a car accident, a medical emergency at home, or something else that requires first responders, sometimes a faster response to a situation could keep someone alive. This week, Google Pixel phone owners can update an app that might save their life in an emergency.
An OLED TV is a dream centerpiece for your lounge. But boy, can they be expensive. 4K OLED TVs tend to start at well over $1,000 for the smaller models, and prices rise exponentially from there. We know you’ll want to get your best value for money, so we’ve rounded up some of the best OLED TV deals across the internet right now.
Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. We’ll detail the current software versions for each device and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out. Samsung usually pushes out updates to the entire series, but this may vary per variant and carrier.
Current stable version: Android 11
When will the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra get Android 12? December 2021 (Estimated)
September 30, 2021: The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series is now getting the October 2021 security patch in South Korea. That’s an early launch for next month’s patch! According to SamMobile, the new update comes with firmware version N98xNKSU1DUI2. It could also include general bug fixes and device stability improvements. However, it doesn’t seem to add any new features to the phones.
The filing shows the phone has the version number SM-G990E. This is reportedly the model of the smartphone with Samsung’s own in-house Exynos processor inside. The limited amount of info in the FCC filing is not 100% conclusive that this is indeed the Galaxy S21 FE, but all the evidence points to that particular phone.
Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy S20 update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates to the Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, and Galaxy S20 Ultra. We’ll detail the current software versions for each device and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out. Samsung usually pushes out updates to the entire series, but this may vary per variant and carrier.
Current stable version: Android 11
When will the Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra get Android 12? January 2022 (Estimated)
Latest Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra updates
September 30, 2021: Next month’s security update is rolling out now to the Galaxy S20 lineup in South Korea. Per SamMobile, the update carries firmware version G98xNKSU1EUI3 and should have some other fixes included aside from just the October 2021 patch. However, we won’t know what’s included until the rollout comes to other countries.
Earlier this year, Samsung confirmed some bad news for fans of its ultra-premium flagships: there would not be a Samsung Galaxy Note phone in 2021. Of course, the company didn’t make any commitments beyond that, which left hope that the Note line could make a return in 2022.
However, last week we got our first look at the likely design of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. If I didn’t know any better, I would say it was going to be the next Note phone, since it has the Note shape and even an S Pen slot. In fact, it bears almost no resemblance to the vanilla Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus (which look like clones of the Galaxy S21 line).
BlueStacks has just launched the public beta of BlueStacks X.
This new version of the software is browser-based and takes advantage of cloud streaming.
Due to the new format, only a very limited selection of games are currently available.
If you want to play Android games on your PC with a keyboard and mouse, few software systems outmatch BlueStacks. However, that software has some significant limitations. The latest version only works on Windows, for example, and you’ll still need a PC powerful enough to emulate the games you’d like to play.
Enter BlueStacks X, which aims to solve those problems. Unlike the regular version of BlueStacks, which you download and install locally on your PC, this version is entirely cloud-based. All you need to do is fire up your browser, log in, and start playing.
Because X is browser-based, it is essentially platform agnostic. That means it works on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, and even some smart TVs. It doesn’t matter how powerful/weak your system is because cloud servers and your browser handle the graphical load.
At the moment, BlueStacks X is totally free. All you need to do is create an account (it’s easiest just to use your existing Google account) and then start playing!
So…what’s the catch? The catch, unfortunately, is that not every game you’ll want to play is available. As is the case with other cloud-based gaming platforms (Stadia, Xbox Game Streaming, etc.), you’ll need to choose from a small curated list of titles. At the moment, there are over 200 of them, with new ones landing each week. However, there are hundreds of thousands of games on the Google Play Store, so 200 is but a teeny fraction.
Want to give BlueStacks X a try? Hit the button below!
Voice assistants have become a major part of many people’s lives, allowing you to quickly get answers to queries, giving you seamless control over your smart home devices, and more.
These assistants also have their own personalities too, helping to make interactions feel more natural. That got us wondering whether any readers say “please” and “thank you” to their assistants. Let us know by taking our poll below.
Google and Amazon encouraged this behavior a few years ago with Pretty Please and Magic Word functionality respectively. This was designed to teach children manners by having them say “please” and “thank you” to the assistant. Some of you might also feel a little weird making a request or issuing a command without minding your manners.
Still, these virtual assistants aren’t people, so it’s not like they’ll feel offended if you don’t say please or thank them. Nevertheless, you can comment below if you have more on your mind regarding this poll.
The device packs a 4K display and a 4,400mAh battery in a slim body.
Xiaomi is seemingly gearing up for yet another phone launch, only this time the device in question is packing some enthusiast specs. A phone with model number 2109119BC recently passed through TENAA (h/t GSMArena), showcasing its design and several key specs.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is its display. The Xiaomi phone wears a 6.55-inch OLED screen, which plenty of the firm’s mid-range models feature. However, the panel has a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution. This would be Xiaomi’s first smartphone with a 4K screen, joining the Sony Xperia 1 III in this particular category.
But is this Xiaomi phone a true flagship? Well, the remaining specs are a little too vague to confirm this. The Xiaomi phone employs an octa-core chipset with a 2.4GHz clock. This could be the Snapdragon 778G, a chipset we’ve seen in plenty of recent mid-range Xiaomi phones, but it’s too early to say for sure. The phone also packs up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Additionally, a 64MP primary camera joins two 8MP shooters at the rear.
Aesthetically, the phone’s design is reminiscent of the Xiaomi 10T Pro at the rear, with a bold camera ring around the primary sensor. Interestingly, there’s no apparent selfie camera cut-out up front. The phone’s case is pretty slim, similar to the recently launched 11 Lite NE 5G. It weighs 166 grams while measuring 158mm long, 71.5mm wide, and just under 7mm thick. This body also packs a 4,400mAh battery.
Other notable specs include an “iris recognition” sensor and an under-display fingerprint sensor. The device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot.
Xiaomi 4K smartphone: What could it be?
It’s not immediately clear where this phone fits in Xiaomi’s pecking order. The chipset suggests it isn’t gunning for other flagships, but the 4K display is not something we’ve seen on mid-range phones.
But what do you think of the phone? Does its specs list appeal to you, and would you buy a Xiaomi phone with a 4K screen? Vote in our poll above, and let us know in the comments below.
It offers a Snapdragon 750G chipset, dual rear cameras, and more upgrades.
Expect to pay a starting price of €579.
Fairphone has made a name for itself thanks to its sustainable approach to smartphone manufacturing as well as its repair-friendly designs. The company launched the Fairphone 3 Plus last year as a stopgap release of sorts, but it’s now got a major upgrade in the Fairphone 4.
The new smartphone features notable upgrades in many areas, starting with the mid-range Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset. This is a massive step up in power over the budget Snapdragon 632 4G SoC seen in the previous smartphone. Fairphone adds that its phone supports 12 5G bands and 17 4G bands as a result, although we’re guessing that mmWave isn’t available here.
You’re also getting a 6.3-inch FHD+ LCD screen with Gorilla Glass 5 and a 3,905mAh battery with Quick Charge 4 and USB PD 2.0 capabilities. The firm says that using a 20W Quick Charge 4 adapter should result in a 50% boost from empty in under 30 minutes.
Moving to the photography side of things, the Fairphone 4 packs a 48MP main camera with OIS, a 48MP ultra-wide shooter (120-degree field of view), along with a ToF sensor for capturing depth information. A 25MP camera in a waterdrop notch is on tap for your selfies and video calls.
Other noteworthy features include dual-SIM support (with a physical SIM and eSIM), NFC capabilities, a side fingerprint scanner, and IP54 splash resistance. The new phone also uses six more responsibly sourced materials, pushing the total up to 14.
The Fairphone 4 will be available from October 25, with pre-orders kicking off today. Expect to pay €579 (~$671) for the 6GB/128GB variant in a gray colorway. Need more storage? Then you can grab the 8GB/256GB option for €649 (~$752), coming in gray, green, and speckled green color options.
Fairphone 4: A big update promise and more
Credit: Supplied by Fairphone
The firm is also making some lofty promises regarding support, saying that it guarantees upgrades to Android 12 and 13 and is aiming to offer Android 14 and 15 as well. This theoretically means that the phone will be getting OS updates until 2024, assuming that it gets one annual OS update from this year onwards. But Fairphone specifically noted in its press release that it would aim to provide OS updates until the end of 2027, “despite support from the chipset supplier expiring.”
Either way, the firm adds that it’ll offer monthly security patches for the first two years, presumably switching to a less frequent cadence thereafter (e.g. quarterly patches).
Another notable promise is that the new phone will receive a five-year warranty, which is good news if you plan to hold on to your device for more than a typical contract cycle. The battery isn’t included in this warranty though, as you might expect. But the firm notes that it is a removable battery, so you can always buy a new one and replace it yourself.
The Fairphone 4 has also received tweaks to its modularity, with an increase in the number of “sub-modules” in the device’s modules. This increases repairability so you don’t necessarily have to replace the entire module if it’s broken — you only need to replace the affected sub-module. Unfortunately, the Fairphone 4’s parts aren’t compatible with previous phones though, the company said in response to an Android Authority question.
One potentially controversial decision is the move to drop the 3.5mm port on the new device. Fairphone’s Wayne Huang claimed that the move was made in order to eliminate any “vulnerabilities” in the design, noting that water and dust ingress were concerns with the port. The executive also asserted that the device would’ve been bigger and thicker if a 3.5mm port was included. Then again, we’re sure many consumers would be fine with a mild increase in size if they had a headphone jack.
Finally, the company also confirmed the launch of Fairphone True Wireless Earbuds. This is made out of 30% recycled plastics and uses fair trade gold, according to the firm. We don’t have more details regarding the audio product but will update the article when we receive more info.
What do you make of the Fairphone 4? Let us know via the poll above.
Fun stuff on the horizon, but a bug to squash first
It's always a bad day when we learn of a vulnerability in our favorite operating system. This time around, it's a Trojan called Grifthorse that's floating around to steal your money.
Grifthorse presents itself as a prize, then asks you for your phone number.
Upon providing your phone number, you are automatically subscribed to SMS based recurring payments.
How to spot the problem:
This Trojan has been found in dozens of apps, and will present itself differently for each, but the general thing to look for is an unexpected prize or gift from an app that doesn't usually give you gifts or prizes.
Below is a sample of just one implementation.
What do I do now?
Are you still reading this? You should have already clicked that link above that takes you to our full list of all affected apps, then uninstalled them!
Check your phone bill. If you see a weird subscription plan that you do not recognize, contact your provider to see if they can help.
Need a new app to do that thing? We've got hundreds of app lists designed to help you find the best of the best for many different uses.
Last thought, when it comes to the internet, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Please, practice safe hex.
It's not often enough that we make our own posts that are just for fun, but we're excited to be launching our new Wallpaper Wednesday series. Yesterday kicked it off, where we shared a few great wallpapers collected from our team, and from readers like you!
Check it out, and consider submitting your own Wallpaper Wednesday submission.
This one is my favorite:
Some fun facts:
Did you know: Samsung is almost 40 years older than Apple.
Apparently, about 40% of new American couples met online.
The Space Shuttle program has flown over 113 flights since 1981.
Tristan is back tomorrow, thanks for sticking with me,
Vivo made its camera-related aspirations known with the X60 series that launched in early 2021. These were the brand’s first phones to showcase its partnership with storied camera tech brand Zeiss. The X60 Pro Plus, in particular, impressed us on the photography and videography front thanks to its novel micro-gimbal stabilization system and solid performance from the main and zoom cameras.
Yet, while it was a camera phone enthusiast’s dream, the X60 Pro Plus wasn’t perfect as an actual smartphone. It lacked wireless charging, an IP rating, and a QHD+ panel. These aren’t complete deal-breakers for more affordable phones, but Vivo was charging Rs 69,999 (~$950) for the device in India, putting it on par with full-fledged premium flagships from rival brands. And these rivals had all three features in tow, plus competitive cameras of their own.
Vivo is looking to solve all that with its successor, the Vivo X70 Pro Plus. Did the company learn from these previous missteps and fix where the older phone went wrong? Find out in this Vivo X70 Pro Plus review.
About this Vivo X70 Pro Plus review: I tested the X70 Pro Plus (12GB/256GB) over a period of eight days. It was running software build number PD2145F_EX_A_3.11.4 on the August 2021 security patch out of the box. It got updated to build number PD2145F_EX_A_3.11.8 halfway through the review period. The unit was provided by Vivo for this review.
What you need to know about the X70 Pro Plus
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Vivo X70 Pro Plus (12GB/256GB): Rs 79,990 (~$1,077)
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus picks up where the X60 Pro Plus left off just over six months prior, supplanting it as Vivo’s flagship release for 2021. That means it’s running flagship silicon, has fast charging capabilities, and delivers a slick design. Unlike its predecessor, it also offers those aforementioned premium extras like a QHD+ screen, IP68 rating, and wireless charging.
The phone’s major selling point is still in the camera experience though. Vivo offers a similarly flexible camera system to the X60 Pro Plus, keeps the micro-gimbal stabilization system on the ultra-wide camera, and maintains the Zeiss partnership. It’s also a notable release for Vivo as it’s using an in-house imaging chip for the first time in company history, promising to reduce noise, improve efficiency, and more.
Vivo’s new premium flagship launched in China earlier this month alongside the X70 Pro and regular X70. It’s available in black, blue, and orange colorways. Those hoping for a more vibrant color option might be disappointed to find that only the black version seems to be available outside China. As for other markets, Vivo has confirmed that it’ll launch the X70 Pro Plus in India on September 30. We hope EMEA markets eventually get in on the action too, as the X60 Pro Plus was only available in China and India. US availability will almost certainly be a no-go, unless you fancy importing it, of course.
While there are other storage/RAM configurations in China, only the 12GB/256GB variant is available outside its home market. Otherwise, you’re getting a 66W charger, a USB cable, USB-C earbuds, a SIM ejector tool, and a plastic case in the box.
Design: Two steps forward, one step back
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
One of the first things you’ll notice about the X70 Pro Plus is its size. For reference, it’s slightly taller and wider than the already large Oppo Find X3 Pro and roughly the same height as and a little narrower than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, but it feels more ergonomic than Samsung’s phone. Nevertheless, it’s way bigger than the X60 Pro Plus and you’ll definitely find it’s a stretch to reach the top third of the screen if you’re like me and don’t have large hands.
I quite like alternatives to glass and plastic backs, so I’ll admit I was a little disappointed to hear that Vivo dropped the X60 Pro Plus’s faux leather rear cover. The company has instead opted for a so-called “Fluorite AG” glass back here. Vivo says this is a “crystallized glass with a prismatic surface,” and the end result is a glass back that doesn’t really feel like glass.
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus has a rather different, cool take on glass backs.
Instead, the phone’s black rear cover feels more like a matte finish, complete with a rubber Vivo logo. The best part is that you have to try really hard to leave fingerprint grease on the rear cover. However, the phone feels quite slippery, even when compared to other smooth glass-toting phones. Fortunately, Vivo includes a case in the box.
The rest of the phone is suitably premium, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus for the curved screen, a black metal frame that tapers on the left and right edges, and the power/volume rocker combo on the right-hand side. The top and bottom of the X70 Pro Plus are almost identical to its predecessor, including the somewhat weird “professional photography” branding we saw last time out. At least the actual text is a little smaller this time.
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Perhaps the biggest change over the previous release is the camera housing, with Vivo opting for what is fundamentally the same housing but with a polished ceramic panel to the right of the camera bump itself. This is purely here for aesthetic purposes. The distorted reflection means it doesn’t make for a good mirror for selfies, as you might expect it to. In any case, I would’ve liked to see the company go for a horizontally arranged camera housing instead, ditching the panel in the process and reducing wobble when the phone is flat on a surface.
How about the cameras?
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Vivo is offering a similar camera setup as the previous phone, but we do see the 32MP 2x telephoto camera being swapped out for a 12MP 2x shooter with OIS instead. Otherwise, we’ve still got that Samsung Isocell GN1 main camera, a 48MP IMX598 ultra-wide camera with micro-gimbal stabilization, and an 8MP 5x periscope lens. The company further claims that the use of high-transmittance glass lenses and Zeiss’s T* lens coating should result in reduced lens flare. Finally, the new phone brings a custom V1 imaging chip to reduce noise and improve efficiency.
Images shot on the main camera generally offer a good balance between rich colors and realistic hues, never really going overboard during my time with the device. You can also expect some pleasantly wide dynamic range here, although pictures can be a little contrast-heavy and over-processed at times.
That large sensor size also results in a shallow depth of field here, which means you can get a decent level of background blur without needing to use the portrait mode. The downside is that you’ll need to occasionally step back a bit when taking close-up shots with the main shooter.
You can view the gallery of samples below or view the full-resolution images via our Google Drive link.
Vivo has also brought a few more Zeiss portrait modes to the table, and the portrait mode in general is pretty good. It’s not perfect, as it had a little trouble with the birdhouse in the background of the first portrait mode image above. My skin tone was also clearly different between the two sample shots, likely due to exposure or white balance differences. Still, portrait mode here offers results that don’t go overboard, and you can adjust the background blur after the fact too if you like.
One strange bug I noticed with the main camera is that on the odd occasion it churns out an image that’s full of noise. I’m not exactly sure why this happened, and it doesn’t seem to be occurring often enough to be a deal-breaking bug, but it’s definitely weird when the ultra-wide snap looks cleaner than the main camera shot. I did get an update halfway through the review process, but Vivo noted this only brought system stability fixes and touch sensitivity tweaks. Nevertheless, I haven’t been able to reproduce the issue since.
The X70 Pro Plus generally delivers great shots, but a little consistency and better long-range zoom would go a long way.
The ultra-wide camera isn’t quite as wide as the likes of the Galaxy S21 series or Mi 11 Ultra, but the 114-degree field of view is a little wider than devices like the Oppo Find X3 Pro and OnePlus 9 Pro. It is a step down from its predecessor, although fisheye distortion is generally kept in check here.
Color reproduction while using the ultra-wide camera isn’t bang-on compared to the main camera, but it’s pretty close, and dynamic range is similarly wide here too. This camera also does a good job in low-light conditions, but the gap between it and the main shooter becomes massive in extremely low light. Check out the comparison below.
My only major qualm with the ultra-wide is that macro shots can sometimes be a little finicky, with soft, bleeding edges and less detail than expected at times. Toggling the Super Macro option does help though, cropping in from the ultra-wide camera so you have a better look at the subject. And unlike Oppo and Apple’s phones, you can disable this cropping if you want.
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus brings two zoom-focused cameras to the table in the form of a 12MP 2x camera and an 8MP 5x shooter. One notable downside to these cameras is that both produce images that look noticeably different compared to the 1x and ultra-wide lenses, featuring far less vibrant colors. Whether it’s foliage, pets, or landscapes, the difference is immediately apparent.
The 2x camera manages to deliver a respectable level of detail nonetheless, while the 5x periscope shooter is also a decent performer but not much better than phones using hybrid zoom for shots at 5x or higher. You can zoom in up to 60x, but we wouldn’t recommend regularly heading past 10x as you’ll start to see some fringing, oil painting effects on elements like leaves, and a general lack of detail. While long-range shots are definitely not terrible, the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei have all stepped their game up.
Selfies on the X70 Pro Plus are pretty good too, capturing a good level of detail and wide dynamic range during the day. This means you can capture bright backgrounds without your face being dark as a result. In saying so, images from the front-facing camera can look a little washed out in particularly strong backlit scenes. There is a large drop in detail when taking selfies in mixed lighting, but Vivo offers a screen flash solution for this scenario.
The micro-gimbal system on the ultra-wide camera obviously helps enable much smoother video recording, but Vivo has also introduced a new stabilization feature here dubbed 360-degree Horizon Line Stabilization. This essentially keeps the video as level as possible while the phone is rotating.
This mode works quite well, and I was able to rotate the phone 360 degrees while recording (seen below). The mode also allows you to set the video’s orientation before you start recording, so the phone knows where the horizon is.
The Horizon Line mode UI also features a “rotate” button for determining whether landscape or portrait stabilization is needed. It does, however, seem like a bit of a missed opportunity to let you film landscape videos in portrait like the Moto One Action.
But the only real quibble I have with this new stabilization mode is the fact that it tops out at 1080p/30fps. This is a little disappointing when the Ultra Stable video mode (which uses a combo of micro-gimbal and EIS) tops out at 1080p/60fps. Panning in the Horizon Line mode also seems a little juddery compared to the Ultra Stable mode, although I’m not sure if that’s due to the higher frame rate with the Ultra Stable mode or if it’s horsepower-related. Ultimately, Horizon Line mode isn’t the go-to when you want to record a quick video, but it’s a cool addition anyway.
As for the Ultra Stable mode, the combo of great stabilization and 60fps makes for some smooth video, as we can see in the brief clip below. I’d definitely like to see the company offer 4K video in this mode, though.
Other notable camera modes here include Panorama mode, a Super Pano mode for HDR or low-light panoramas, a Super Night Video option, slow-motion (up to 1080p at 240fps or 720p at 480fps), Time-Lapse, Supermoon, Astro mode for astrophotography, Long Exposure functionality for light trails, and a Pro Sports mode for freezing fast-moving subjects. It’s clearly a stacked list of camera modes and features, but the Vivo camera app still manages to be pretty intuitive.
What’s it like to use the Vivo X70 Pro Plus?
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus offers a cutting-edge combo in terms of pure specs with Qualcomm’s top-end Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset, 12GB RAM, and 256GB of fixed storage. Unsurprisingly, this translates pretty well to benchmarks, though not as world-beating as you might expect. Scores were generally on par with or a little worse than most Snapdragon 888-toting flagships.
Our own Speed Test G benchmark was completed in one minute and 23 seconds with the default power profile. That’s a fair bit slower than the OnePlus 9 Pro (1:15) and Xiaomi Mi 11 (1:12), and slightly slower than the Galaxy S21 Ultra (1:21). But it’s notably faster than the Oppo Find X3 Pro (1:30). Either way, these benchmarks are in the right ballpark, but what about actually using the phone?
One of the best ways to put mobile silicon to the test is to load up a few games, and I tried several titles. Advanced fare like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact delivered a smooth experience, with the latter in particular delivering fluid visuals — it’s definitely the smoothest I’ve seen Genshin Impact running on an Android phone. Emulators like Dolphin generally run well here too, although you will find the occasional bout of slowdown when playing more demanding games.
The phone does get very warm during gameplay or when downloading a large update, but it wasn’t hot to the touch. In saying so, I ran two consecutive AnTuTu tests and noticed that the phone got quite hot after the second one, almost being too hot to hold to my cheek for a phone call. The phone didn’t get this hot while using the camera or gaming for extended periods, but it’s still worth noting.
Vivo’s device also ships with FunTouch OS 12 based on Android 11, and it’s not a bad take on Android. You’ve got the Google Discover feed on the left, a vertically scrolling app drawer, and a decent level of customization. Vivo’s nano widgets from its China-only Origin OS skin also make an appearance here, such as the nano music player and system clean-up tool.
On the downside, it doesn’t have the granular customization options of skins from other BBK brands like OnePlus and Oppo, The amount of bloatware here is quite a bummer, too. Boot up the phone and you’ll be greeted by the Amazon app, two shortcuts to Vivo’s app store, Netflix, Facebook, Spotify, a learning app, ShareChat, and the PhonePe payments app. You can uninstall almost all of them (although Facebook services can only be disabled).
FunTouch OS lacks the customization options of Color OS and Oxygen OS, and it's saddled with some excess bloat.
Vivo has also promised that flagship phones launched after July 2021 will receive three years of OS updates. That should include the Vivo X70 Pro Plus, but we’ve contacted the company for clarification.
What about battery life?
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus packs a 4,500mAh battery into its frame, matching the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus, OnePlus 9 Pro, and Sony Xperia 1 III. At QHD+ resolution with the dynamic refresh rate option enabled, I was able to get just under five and a half hours of screen-on time out of the cell.
My usage during this period was somewhat heavy, consisting of about 45 minutes of YouTube Music, 25 minutes of GPS navigation, plenty of photos and videos taken during an afternoon walk, and social media browsing. Another day of decent usage yielded just under five and a half hours of screen-on time as well. This broadly matches the Vivo X60 Pro Plus.
Switching down to FHD+ resolution while keeping the dynamic refresh rate enabled results in much better endurance. I was able to get six hours and 20 minutes of screen-on time (as seen in the fourth image above), with usage consisting of YouTube Music playback for most of the working day, browsing Reddit for almost two hours, playing Genshin Impact for 30 minutes, and some camera usage. This is a pretty significant jump, so those who can’t really tell the difference between FHD+ and QHD+ should stick to FHD+ for the battery benefit.
Vivo offers speedy 55W wired charging, which is a little slower on paper than 65W+ charging solutions from OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi. But a full charge can be accomplished in under 55 minutes, which still bests flagships from the likes of Samsung, Sony, and Google. The charging time is a few minutes slower than its predecessor though, which went from zero to full in about 45 minutes. This isn’t surprising given the slightly larger battery here.
Prefer wireless charging? Vivo has you covered this time, as the X70 Pro Plus brings 50W Qi wireless top-ups to the table. We weren’t able to test wireless speeds but it’s significantly faster on paper than the likes of the Galaxy S21 series while being on par with the OnePlus 9 Pro.
Anything else?
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
120Hz QHD+ display: The X60 Pro Plus had a pretty great FHD+ 120Hz OLED panel. But we’re glad to see Vivo adopt a QHD+ resolution this time, along with Samsung’s latest E5 panel and an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. The end result is a sharp, vibrant panel that delivers a great viewing experience indoors and outdoors.
Stereo speakers: We also get stereo speakers this time, making for a welcome improvement over the previous phone’s mono speaker setup. The bottom-firing speaker is definitely louder than the earpiece-mounted top speaker, but the combo still delivers plenty of volume if you listen to podcasts in the shower like me.
No mmWave support: Unfortunately for those in the US hoping to import the X70 Pro Plus, the phone lacks support for mmWave bands. This means that you’ll have to make do with sub-6GHz 5G connectivity only. This won’t be a problem for other regions where mmWave isn’t a factor yet, but it does mean the phone isn’t completely future-proofed. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, though not Wi-Fi 6E like many other premium flagships.
A faster charger in the box: Samsung and Apple may have ditched the charger in the box, but Vivo is bucking this trend. In fact, you’re actually getting a 66W charger despite the fact that the phone tops out at 55W.
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus picks up where its predecessor left off, featuring a versatile quad-camera system, micro-gimbal stabilization for smooth video, and a slick design. It's pretty expensive, but it also delivers IP68 water/dust resistance, a QHD+ resolution, and wireless charging.
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus is definitely a premium flagship when it comes to pricing alone, weighing in at Rs 79,999 (~$1,077). That puts it firmly in the territory of top-end devices from the likes of Apple, OnePlus, Samsung, and Xiaomi.
Fortunately, Vivo brought its A-game to the hardware table this time. It earns the premium price tag by virtue of additions like an IP68 rating, a slick QHD+ 120Hz OLED screen, and 50W wireless charging. All of these were missing from the similarly pricey X60 Pro Plus earlier this year, making the X70 Pro Plus a no-brainer over the earlier flagship.
You’re still getting a really flexible quad rear camera system as well, featuring loads of camera modes. Plus, the micro-gimbal stabilization returns for smoother video clips and better low-light ultra-wide snaps, with none of its rivals having this stabilization feature. Those who want the flagship boxes ticked as well as a great all-round camera experience should add this to their wishlist. The problem for many will be actually buying one due to the limited availability.
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus brings plenty of premium extras that were missing from the X60 Pro Plus
There are great alternatives around though, with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra ($1,199/Rs 105,999) being the most prominent option. It’s available in way more markets, making it the default choice for many consumers. It also offers superior zoom capabilities at 10x or higher thanks to the dedicated 10x camera, while the 5,000mAh battery delivered better endurance in our testing. You do lose out on fast charging as well as the high-resolution ultra-wide camera and micro-gimbal system, but Samsung’s Super Steady video mode is still good in its own right.
Another neat alternative is the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (Rs 69,999), and it could be a better purchase if you’re looking for a bigger battery, faster charging times, and a cheaper price. You don’t get a 2x telephoto camera for short-range zoom, but it brings a 48MP 5x camera for great long-range results. The Xiaomi device also brings a load of premium features to the table, though the lack of a firm update promise is hard to stomach for such an expensive phone.
The OnePlus 9 Pro ($1,069/Rs 64,999) is another cheaper alternative that warrants considering. It has a lot in common with the Vivo flagship, such as battery capacity, 50W wireless charging, high resolution main and ultra-wide cameras, and a similar display. But the X70 Pro Plus has two telephoto cameras versus one seen on the OnePlus device, while the 9 Pro brings faster 65W wired charging.
Finally, the Vivo X70 Pro (Rs 46,990) is also worth a look if you like the idea of the X70 Pro Plus but want something much cheaper. The mid-range device ditches the Snapdragon 888 Plus in favor of a Dimensity 1200 chipset, swaps out the 48MP ultra-wide camera for a 12MP sensor, and brings 44W wired charging only. It also drops from a QHD+ panel to an FHD+ screen and loses out on water resistance. You do get a micro-gimbal system on the 50MP main camera though, as well as a 2x 12MP sensor and a 5x 8MP periscope camera for good zoom shots. This warrants consideration if you want the core X70 Pro Plus camera experience without the premium extras.
Vivo X70 Pro Plus review: The verdict
Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Vivo has finally caught up to the premium competition with the X70 Pro Plus, bringing truly high-end features like wireless charging, water resistance, and a QHD+ 120Hz OLED screen. Throw in an already versatile camera system boosted by the innovative micro-gimbal setup, plenty of horsepower, and decent battery life (at least at FHD+ resolution) and you’ve got a high-end phone that can go toe-to-toe with the best of them.
There are still a fair few areas in need of improvement though. Bloatware is still a major issue with Vivo’s software. The phone itself will also be too large for many people, though that’ll no doubt add to the appeal for those who like big phones. Vivo also continues to offer 60x zoom when even 10x zoom isn’t guaranteed to deliver a respectable result and its 5x camera could do with a detail boost.
The Vivo X70 Pro Plus goes some way towards earning its high price due to its slick design, premium features, and great camera performance.
The phone is also a little more expensive than several similarly equipped rivals. However, perhaps the biggest knock against the X70 Pro Plus is that it’s only available in China and India right now. This is a real shame given the great all-round package it has on its hands. It really feels like this is Vivo’s best premium flagship yet, addressing the numerous weaknesses of its predecessor while still retaining the features that made the earlier release stand out in the first place.
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