Review: The vivo V50 Lite is a battery beast that doesn't compromise on style, smarts — or sound

The Citizen

25-04-2025

If you're looking for a smartphone that can keep up with you, the V50 Lite is worth checking out.
In South Africa, where many of us rely on our phones for everything, battery life and reliable performance are non-negotiable.
So when I got my hands on the new vivo V50 Lite, I was curious to see if it could keep up with real-life, everyday demands – and it went above and beyond.
Real-world battery power
The first thing I noticed was the sheer endurance of the 6500mAh BlueVolt battery. I went two full days without reaching for the charger – and that's with my usual routine of calls, voice notes, streaming music and videos, scrolling through socials, and navigating Joburg traffic.
And when it eventually needed a top-up? The 90W FlashCharge was a game-changer. From nearly empty to full in under an hour – it's ideal for people with unpredictable schedules or those who forget to charge until the last minute. I even used the phone to charge my earbuds during a power outage in my area, thanks to its reverse charging capabilities.
It's small touches like these that really make a difference here. Plus, vivo backs the battery with a five-year health guarantee — huge savings in the long run.
Performance
From switching between my banking app, TikTok, and Google Maps, to playing graphics-heavy games on the weekend, the V50 Lite never lagged or overheated. Everything felt snappy and responsive — something I've learned not to take for granted in this price range.
Vivo's AI-powered resource management also stood out. It keeps things running smoothly in the background while preserving power. It genuinely felt like the phone was working with me — not against me — whether I was at work, running errands, or relaxing at home.
Sound that fills the room
One of the most unexpectedly awesome features was the Dual Stereo Speaker with 400% Volume and Hi-Res Audio. Whether I was gaming, navigating, or blasting amapiano during a sunset drive, the sound quality was seriously impressive. You get crisp treble, full bass, and a layered audio experience that makes even TikTok videos pop.
And yes, 400% volume is no exaggeration. It's loud enough to fill a room without distortion, perfect for when you're hosting friends, cooking with music, or watching a movie on your phone without needing a Bluetooth speaker.
Despite all that power, it's still slim and stylish
Even with all that under the hood, the phone remains impressively slim and lightweight. At just 7.79mm thin, it slips easily into pockets or handbags. I tested the Titanium Gold model – it looks luxe, polished, and refined.
And yes, I dropped it (more than once). With SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance, Military Grade Certification, and IP65 water and dust resistance, the V50 Lite didn't just survive — it didn't even flinch.
The display? Gorgeous. The camera? Better than expected
The 6.77-inch Ultra Vision AMOLED screen is fantastic for watching YouTube or Netflix, even under direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate made scrolling buttery smooth — perfect for catching up on news or doom-scrolling socials.
While the camera isn't the main selling point here, it's more than capable. The 50MP Sony sensor and AI tools like Photo Enhance and AI Erase 2.0 made it easy to snap decent photos without needing editing apps. Great for quick Instagram posts or family snaps at braais and birthday parties.
Final verdict
After a week of everyday use, I can honestly say the vivo V50 Lite hits the sweet spot for users who need power, speed, great sound, and style without breaking the bank. It's reliable, practical, and surprisingly premium in both feel and function.
If you're looking for a smartphone that can keep up with you, the V50 Lite is worth checking out.
Price and availability
The vivo V50 Lite is available through most major network providers at a recommended retail price of R12 999.
It's also worth mentioning that if you purchase the vivo V50 Lite on or before 6 June 2025, you will automatically receive one free accidental damage repair within 180 days of purchase, plus an additional one-year warranty — no activation required. This added peace of mind reflects vivo's commitment to reliable, long-term support.