vivo V27 vs vivo V29: What difference does RM100 make?
If you’ve been looking for a mid-range smartphone anytime this year, you would probably have stumbled upon vivo’s V series.
The vivo V series kicked off with the V27e (SRP: RM1,299) in early March, which was where we got the first glimpse of the Aura Light – a built-in ring light system that enhances portrait photography.
The same Aura Light appeared on the V27 5G when it launched about a month later with a RM1,799 price tag. Then, 6 months on, vivo released the V29 5G with an improved Aura Light 2.0 – all at a price of RM1,899.
This was quite perplexing, as it’s pretty uncharacteristic of brands to release two smartphones within the same price range, in the same year.
Regardless of what the plan was, we’ve drawn up a side-by-side comparison between the V27 5G and V29 5G to see what difference the RM100 makes.
Spec comparison: vivo V27 5G vs vivo V29 5G
| vivo V27 5G | vivo V29 5G | |
| Price (when launched) | RM1,799 | RM1,899 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G |
| RAM | 8GB; +8GB Extended RAM (Virtual) | 12GB; +8GB Extended RAM (Virtual) |
| Storage | 256GB; Not expandable | 256GB; Not expandable |
| Rear Camera | 50MP OIS (f/1.9) + 8MP wide angle + 2MP macro; with Aura Light | 50MP OIS (f/1.9) + 8MP wide-angle + 2MP depth; with Aura Light 2.0 |
| Rear Camera Sensor | 1/1.56″ Sony IMX766V | 1/1.57″ |
| Front Camera | 50MP AF (f/2.45) | 50MP AF (f/2.0) |
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, FHD+ (2400×1080), 120Hz | 6.78″ AMOLED, (2800×1260), 120Hz |
| Battery & Charging | 4,600mAh; 66W wired charging | 4,600mAh; 80W wired charging |
| Protection | Undisclosed | IP68 dust and water resistant |
Key differences: vivo V27 5G vs vivo V29 5G
Essentially the key feature in both devices is the Aura Light. Since the V29 5G boasts the upgraded Aura Light 2.0, you’d probably want to know how it’s better.
According to vivo, the Aura Light 2.0 is 36% brighter than its predecessor, and has a light-emitting area that’s 9 times larger. It now also comes with a Smart Color Temperature Adjustment which can balance colour tones more accurately depending on the lighting conditions.
Based on this alone, the V29 5G seems to get the better deal.
There’s hardly a difference in cameras with both sporting the same triple camera setups.
Specs-wise, the obvious difference is that the V27 uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chip rather than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G. Both processors are comparable, though comparisons conducted by NanoReview does point to the Dimensity outperforming the Snapdragon.
You will have more RAM on the V29 though, compared to the 8GB on the V27. The option to pile on another 8GB of virtual RAM – which is available on both devices – may help the cause.
Although both have the same 4,600mAh battery, the V29 is the speedier charger with 80W against the 66W of the V27.
If you’re looking to us to give you an indication, we’ll say go for the vivo V29 5G. For an additional RM100, you’re getting quite an upgrade in RAM, charging speeds, and reliable dust and water protection. Plus, the Aura Light 2.0 is more alluring on the V29 than on its predecessor.
Ultimately, it boils down to personal choice. Whichever device you go for, you’ll be in good hands.
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