The competition
At the time of writing this review, the vivo V70 is still not globally available everywhere that we know it is going to sell. We could only find it available in a few markets.
In Thailand, for instance, a base 8GB/256GB unit will run you THB 16,000 ($515/€433), and the top variant 12GB/512GB is selling for THB 21,000 ($677/€573). In India, the base 8GB/256GB model is retailing for INR 46,000 ($505/€430), and a 12GB/256GB unit will set you back about INR 50,000 ($550/€466). In the UAE, the 12GB/256GB model is AED2000 ($550/€470), while the 12/512GB is AED 2300 ($625/€540).
There are some other interesting devices to consider in this price segment for sure, like the Oppo Reno15. You are looking at a very similar overall package. The Oppo has a slight edge in its display protection and added eSIM support. If neither of these is of particular importance to you, then go for the vivo for its brighter display and arguably better periscope telephoto camera.
Oppo Reno15 • vivo iQOO 15R • Realme 16 Pro+ • OnePlus 15R
The vivo iQOO 15R is another great competitor. It has a faster 144Hz display, a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip and a notably larger 7,600 mAh battery with faster 100W charging. Otherwise, it is a very similar device, especially physically.
The Realme 16 Pro+ is another great choice. It also comes with a faster 144Hz display and a brighter and bigger one at that. It arguably brings a more competent camera setup to the table than the vivo V70. However, that is up for debate.
The OnePlus 15R might be a good contender as well. It has a bigger and faster display, a much more potent chipset and a larger battery, but does skip out on the telephoto.
Finally, it might be a viable strategy to consider last year’s V60 model as well, since it gets you a lot of the way to the V70 experience, all while costing significantly less.
Our verdict
The vivo V70 sticks closely to the formula that has defined the V series for years now – a well-rounded upper-midrange package with a clear focus on photography, wrapped in a sleek and modern design. And just like its predecessors, the V70 succeeds more often than it stumbles.
The biggest step forward this year isn’t raw hardware, but refinement. The new flat design and aluminum frame make the V70 feel more mature and premium than before, while the transition to OriginOS 6 globally elevates the daily user experience. Battery life is another clear highlight, with the fairly large Si/C cell delivering excellent endurance that comfortably ranks among the best in class.
Performance remains very much in line with expectations for this tier. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is fast enough for everyday use and feels snappy thanks to the UFS 4.1 storage, though it won’t top the chart. Charging is similarly decent rather than class-leading, especially considering the proprietary nature of vivo’s 90W solution.
Where the V70 earns its place is the camera experience. The main camera is consistently excellent across lighting conditions, and the selfie camera is one of the best you’ll find in this segment. The telephoto adds useful reach, even if its detail rendition isn’t always perfect. The ultrawide, however, feels like a weak link in an otherwise capable setup. Video is solid overall, though the lack of HDR recording and pro controls slightly limits the appeal for enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the vivo V70 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s perfectly fine. It delivers a polished, camera-centric experience with great battery life, strong selfies and a refreshed design. If you’re after a stylish sub-flagship that prioritizes photography and everyday usability over raw performance bragging rights, the V70 remains one of the safer picks in its class.
Pros
Premium new design with aluminum frame and IP68/IP69 rating.
Excellent battery life.
Bright, sharp AMOLED display.
Very good main camera and outstanding selfies.
OriginOS 6 finally goes global and feels polished.
Stereo speakers, IR blaster, ultrasonic fingerprint reader.
Cons
Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 isn’t class-leading.
Ultrawide camera is underwhelming.
Telephoto detail rendering could be better.
No HDR video or pro video features.
No eSIM on our unit.