Vivo S1 with 32MP front camera, 4500 mAh battery launched in India: Can it compete against Realme X, Oppo K3?

The Vivo S1 was launched in India on Wednesday evening, about five months after it was launched in the domestic market. In India, the global variant of the smartphone is available in two colour options: Skyline Blue and Diamond Black. This is Vivo's second launch in India within five weeks with the Vivo Z1Pro arriving in the first week of July. The newly launched Vivo S1 competes against other mid-range smartphones like the Realme X and the Oppo K3 in the Indian market. The highlights of the phone include a MediaTek Helio P65 SoC, a triple rear camera setup, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an in-display fingerprint sensor.

Speaking at the launch, Nipun Marya, Head of Marketing Strategy, Vivo Mobile India said that the company will complete five years in India in 2019 that have made it wiser, stronger and hungrier. He added that this hunger has pushed Vivo to launch the all new 'S' series. Marya said that this new series is a perfect mix of style and substance.

Vivo S1 price in India 

The Vivo S1 price in India has been at Rs 17,990 for 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, Rs 18,990 for 6GB + 64 GB storage variant and Rs 19,990 for the 6GB + 128GB storage variant. In Indonesia, the price was set at IDR 3,599,000 (roughly Rs 18,000). In other countries, the phone was launched in just one storage variant. 

Vivo S1 features and specifications

The smartphone features a 6.38-inch full-HD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio P65 SoC. The Vivo S1 features a triple rear camera setup - with a 16-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel sensor, and a 2-megapixel tertiary sensor. On the front, it bears a 32-megapixel selfie camera. In China, the phone comes with a pop-up selfie camera. There is also an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone packs runs off a 4,500mAh battery.

Vivo S1 quick review

The Vivo S1 falls in an already crowded segment which has recently seen new introductions like Realme X, Oppo K3, Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 and Vivo's own Z1Pro. The S1 comes with a unique and elegant design and delivers good selfies. But, it isn't the phone for long-hour gaming. Vivo is known for doing a good job on its cameras which is reflected in this year's earlier releases like the V15Pro and the Z1Pro. S1's rear camera also does a decent job but you do feel a difference in colours which will hopefully be addressed in future software updates.

In case you are looking for a good-looking smartphone that meets your daily needs, the Vivo S1 can be considered. But, if you want a device for heavy gaming and usage, the Z1Pro emerges as a better option. We will tell you more about the device in our full review.

Stay tuned!