The competition for the best smartphone gets tougher by the minute. If you are up-to-date with tech news, you will notice that more smartphones are being released. And the features keep getting better.
Many of us aspire to have these latest and greatest smartphones. But let’s be honest, not all us can afford it.
So what can we get our hands on that is probably within budget? Here we have the newest member of this year’s Vivo Y series — the vivo Y16.
Now let’s check what this new player can offer us.
Gorgeous design in drizzling gold
One thing that is consistent with Vivo is how they make their smartphones look and feel premium. Even those belonging to the budget range.
Weighing 183g, the 8.19mm-slim Y16 feels really premium. Especially with its 2.5D curved flat frame that makes it comfortable to wear.
I also understand why people can’t help but especially. When I use it outdoors because the design is attractive. Especially this drizzling gold variant we have. When fully hit with light, its design actually feels like I’m holding a piece of the sun.
I also like smartphones that aren’t fingerprint magnets. Even if I use a flagship phone, I hate it when I see fingerprint marks all over it. So I was really pleased that the Y16 remained smudge free no matter how sweaty my hands got.
Decent sized display but colors could be improved
On the front, the vivo Y16 comes with a 6.51-inch 720p FullView display with a dewdrop notch. While I like the shape of it, I noticed that the colors are a bit washed out. It’s more noticeable compared to other phones, besides. Watching music videos on it was an enjoyable experience
The bottom bezel is noticeably thicker than the rest which makes. The screen look even more dated with the notch.
Under the hood, vivo Y16 Media comes with Helio P35 octa-core processor. 4GB + 1GB extended RAM storage and 128GB internal storage. Which is pretty refreshing to me because most phones. I’ve come across at this level are usually just 32 and 64GB variants.
Not being a big gamer, I tried playing a few games like Asphalt 9. and Crash on the Run while out in BGC and the experience was mostly pleasant.
It also has Vivo’s Multi-Turbo 5.5 Performance Gaming Mode that optimizes the phone as it runs games. I’m guessing this may have contributed to reducing the stuttering and lag. so I could play smoothly.
Also, it has what Vivo calls Ultra Game Mode. It allows users to mute and block 4D game vibrations, incoming calls. and hide visual notifications. To add more immersive and focused gameplay.
But ironically, when I wasn’t gaming I noticed that the phone’s performance wasn’t as slick and fast as I’d like.
I often notice that there is some delay when swiping, tapping and opening apps. It hasn’t affected my usage and productivity that much but I really can’t help but notice it.
Capable camera during the day, needs improvement at night
We are very familiar with the fact that vivo is well established. in the smartphone camera scene especially with its flagship phones. But even in the entry-level spectrum, the Vivo is no slouch.
The Y16 is loaded with a dual camera setup with a 13MP main rear camera and a 2MP macro camera.
I used it as my secondary shooter during our 3 day trip to Baguio. and the photos taken with decent lighting actually look pretty good. Colors look natural and photos don’t look badly processed and saturated.
Selfies taken with the 5MP front camera are fine. But I felt it needed some editing in Snapseed before posting because it was a bit dull.
For night shots, the Y16 doesn’t have a dedicated night mode so you can only shoot in standard photo mode. We tried it out and did a short photowalk before heading back. to the hotel and as we expected, the photos looked grainy.
Enough battery life
Our days started when we were in Baguio. so It was quite commendable that its 5000mAh battery lasted me through the day. This is with me mostly using the phone for photos, web browsing and listening to music. Oh and also have to navigate around the city.
Back at the hotel, I still had about 20 to 30 percent battery. I don’t need to immediately reach for the charger. When I juice it up in the morning with its 10W charger, it takes a little over two hours to fully charge. Seems pretty standard for its rated battery capacity.
Is vivo Y16 your gadget match? Vivo Y16 may not have many notable features apart from its mesmerizing. design and massive memory. However, we cannot demand much from devices in its price range.
Y16 has a capable battery. It has hardware that is sufficient for light gaming and media consumption. Also, a nice enough camera that lets you capture memories.
