Like its predecessor, the Vivo V23 relies on its selfie capabilities to seduce the public. We decided to try its two photo sensors in our labs and compare them to a mid-range cador, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.
In the jungle of mid-range smartphones, it is not always easy to attract the attention of consumers. Also, manufacturers try to add exclusive (and sometimes anecdotal) features to their devices. Zoom x120 for Xiaomi, microscope module for Oppo, second screen for the Galaxy Z Flip3… So many elements that make it possible to differentiate itself from the competition. Vivo seems to have chosen its specialty: selfies.
An unusual configuration at the front
The Vivo V21 was already betting on a particularly successful 44 Mpx sensor and this V23 goes upmarket and doubles the bet. It is indeed equipped with a 50 Mpx wide-angle sensor whose lens opens at f / 2.0, but also a more modest ultra wide-angle of 8 Mpx (f / 2.4). They are once again coupled with two LED spotlights to assist them in low light conditions. These can also work on applications like TikTok, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. The whole works exactly the same way as on the V21 and makes it possible to assist the sensor very effectively, especially in the event of total darkness.
In good light conditions, selfies have excellent sharpness and are full of detail. Vivo had the good idea of not natively activating a too pronounced smoothing of the skin. However, it is possible to apply many aesthetic filters to the shots. And the possibilities are many: reduce the size of the nose or forehead, erase acne, enlarge the eyes…
Main module: 50 MP, f/2.0
We decided to focus on the main sensor of this V23, since the ultra-wide-angle module turns out to be more anecdotal. As usual, this one uses the technique of pixel binding, which merges four pixels into one to harvest more light. The shots are therefore captured in 12.5 megapixels.
We chose to compare our results to the very good 32 megapixel sensor that equips the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (but also the A52s 5G) and shoots photos in 12 Mpx. The opportunity to check if Vivo really stands out in this segment.
In good light conditions, it is clear that the two devices are doing particularly well, especially for the mid-range. The Vivo V23 displays a slightly brighter general colorimetry, which may flatter the retina, but the Galaxy A53 5G is better exposed. The icing on the cake, the Samsung smartphone delivers a slightly sharper rendering, and above all a higher level of detail. We are certainly faced with two very good devices, but our preference in “standard” mode goes here to Samsung.
In the dark, there is no real debate. The sensor of this Vivo V23 (used without flash) largely supplants that of its competitor of the day. The difference in terms of detail is obvious and a glance at the faces or the circuit board can convince you of it. On the Galaxy A53 5G, it is impossible to see the roughness of the white fabric. This V23 is therefore one of the best in its class under these conditions.
Full definition mode
The V23 allows you to take full definition shots (50 Mpx), which is not always the case with the front sensors of smartphones. We are therefore going to compare the two available modes in order to check whether the pixel binding is really effective.
By day, the transition to high definition pays off. The change is certainly not huge, but an analysis of the photo (in full screen) shows a general improvement. We obviously gain in detail, but also in sharpness. The printed circuit (and its many transistors) is ideal for realizing this. The snapshot certainly weighs much heavier on the storage (256 GB), but this mode is indeed the best of all, Galaxy A53 5G included.
When night falls, the trend is reversed! The standard mode (in 12.5 Mpx) allows you to harvest more light and displays a sharper and more detailed shot. the pixel binning takes on its full meaning here and we therefore advise you to use it as a priority in dark environments.
Our conclusion
This Vivo V23 keeps its promises: it is an excellent device for selfies, even in difficult conditions. But to get the best shots, it is advisable to alternate between the 50 Mpx mode during the day and the activation of the pixel binding (therefore the standard mode) when night begins to fall. A gymnastics that is not necessarily obvious, but which allows you to benefit from the best of what the smartphone can produce. It should therefore appeal to vloggers and selfie fans to whom it is mainly aimed.
It should be noted, however, that the Galaxy A53 5G facing it here, without even making a marketing argument, produces a better “basic” result when used during the day.