The vivo V series is one of those smartphone series you don’t realize has grown so much until you look back.
It feels like yesterday when we were handling the vivo V30, impressed by its balance of style and camera prowess for its price. Fast forward to today-after a few generations and a couple iterations-vivo has quietly and consistently sharpened its focus.
With the arrival of the new vivo V60, that evolution feels it is at its current best form.
The V60 makes two bold claims: it’s a “Portrait Master” with its ZEISS co-engineered cameras, and an endurance champion with its 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery. So, on a recent work trip to Malaysia, I decided to put the new vivo V60 to the ultimate test. And the demanding coverage felt like the perfect trial ground.
After days of constant shooting, navigating and staying connected, the V60 didn’t just prove its claims; it demonstrated its strengths.
A battery and build made for the real world
The first and most impactful feature in a real-world scenario like a trip is the battery.
The V60’s 6,500mAh cell is a true game-changer. My days in Malaysia were long, often starting early and ending late. The phone was in constant use-for my non-stop snapping of photos, navigating maps, browsing and communication. Yet, I consistently ended each day with a comfortable power reserve, never once having to reach for a power bank.
The level of endurance removes the “battery anxiety” that so often dictates how we use our devices, especially when traveling.
When a top-up was finally needed, the 90W FlashCharge proved its worth, taking the battery from near-empty to over 60% in just 30 minutes-fast enough for a quick charge during a coffee break before heading out again.
Equally important was the phone’s durability. The IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance offered genuine peace of mind, especially when it suddenly rains in the afternoon.
Knowing the phone could handle an unexpected downpour meant I could focus on the moment, not on scrambling to protect my device. It’s a practical feature that underscores the V60’s reliability as a daily driver.
Mastering portraits and distance with ZEISS
The camera and photography capabilities are something that the V series has continuously delivered well. This continues in the vivo V60.
Still co-engineered with ZEISS, the centerpiece of the V60 is its camera system, which truly shines for portrait shots, travel landscapes or even just simple point-and-shoot snaps.
The ZEISS Multifocal Portrait system was a particular standout. Being able to switch between classic focal lengths-23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and up to 100mm-gives you so much creative power. It’s like having a virtual kit of five professional prime lenses in your pocket, each with a distinct character.
I found this incredibly useful for taking portraits of subjects I was too shy to get close to, as it still allowed me to get crisp and clear street portraits even from a distance.
The V60’s 50 MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, complete with OIS, was another highlight that I particularly appreciated when I used the phone for event coverage.
Imagine snapping photos of speakers delivering a speech or performers on stage from afar, with unpredictable lighting that’s entirely out of your control. The dedicated Telephoto Stage Mode was invaluable in these situations; its “Stage Style” setting helped ensure subjects didn’t get washed out, delivering clear shots even from the back row.
Also making a welcome return is the upgraded Aura Light. It remains a fantastic tool for low-light situations, providing a soft, even illumination that’s perfect for food shots and portraits.
It also avoids the harsh, washed-out look of a traditional flash, making your photos look more natural and professionally lit.
AI features both useful and fun
Beyond the hardware, vivo has integrated a powerful suite of post-production tools called the “AI Image Studio” directly into the phone. During my trip, I had fun trying out AI-powered features.
AI Erase 3.0 feature was a lifesaver for removing an accidental photobomber from an otherwise perfect shot with just a few taps. I also tested the AI Four-Seasons Portrait mode, which transported me to different seasons in just one location.
Other AI features that I feel would be highly useful are the Image Expander, which can come in handy for those times you frame a shot too tightly, as well as the AI Magic Move that lets you reposition a subject within a photo after it’s been taken.
vivo V60: Made to capture, built to last
The vivo V60 zeroes in on two of the most critical needs of today’s content-savvy user: a truly professional-grade portrait camera and a battery that simply refuses to quit.
Inside, it’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S7 Gen 4 chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM. I can say this is very capable mid-range processor to deliver a smooth and responsive experience for daily use-social media, streaming videos and some multi-tasking in between apps.
In this aspect, the vivo vV60 is capable and pretty smooth as you’d expect it to be-more than sufficient for most users would actually need.
Looks-wise? It doesn’t disappoint either. The color Berry Purple is a sexy color that anyone can pull off. Plus, it feels sleek and comfortable in the hand, you wouldn’t think a tough battery is inside. Additionally, the 6.77-inch AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Now, all these, plus a ZEISS-powered system that puts a studio in your pocket and a massive 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery, the V60 is a specialist that excels where it matters most. It’s a compelling companion for travel and photography, and for any user whose primary concerns are portraits and long battery life.
For anyone who lives life through their camera lens, the vivo V60 is a worthy pick. The vivo V60 is now available in the Philippines with a starting price of P28,999.