The vivo V40 has landed in the PH, and it is the latest smartphone to benefit from the vivo x ZEISS partnership which began some years ago. In fact, what makes the V40 even more impressive is that it’s the first base V Series model with a ZEISS camera setup.
Because of this, the phone promises to give enthusiasts a pro photography experience in several key ways. For instance, the ZEISS cameras should be able to capture great photos in all sorts of situations. After all, the main camera is a 50MP snapper, with the ultrawide and selfie shooters also being 50MP.
Moreover, the vivo V40 is billed as the latest ZEISS Portrait Master. This is thanks to the combination of the ZEISS cameras and the returning Aura Light Portrait System, which has even more enhanced lighting capabilities.
Aside from just quality though, the vivo V40 shines when it comes to the actual shooting experience courtesy of the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait System.
All About the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait System
For smartphone photography, we usually think of composing shots with 1x or 2x zoom. But for enthusiasts and pro photographers with proper cameras, focal length is the name of the game. Basically, a lower focal length means you get a wider view, while a higher focal length gives you a more limited view, albeit one that’s more “zoomed in.”
With this in mind, vivo added the Multifocal Portrait System to the V40. This means the phone’s different zoom modes aren’t called 1x, 2x, or 3x. Instead, the app displays the options as 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm.
When taking photos, 24mm is what you should go with for landscapes. Meanwhile, for some portraits and environmental photography, 35mm is the way to go. Finally, 50mm is the recommended focal length for half-body portraits with a creamy bokeh effect.
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- 24mm
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- 35mm
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- 50mm
While the vivo V40’s system is still essentially a digital zoom function, having focal lengths there instead of the typical zoom numbers gives users more of a pro photography feel.
It also functions as a sort of educational tool. After all, once you’re used to the look of 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm on the V40, you’ll have a much easier time when transitioning to a proper mirrorless or DSLR camera. The same is also true in reverse as seasoned photographers will have an easier time getting the portrait look that they want on the V40 with the focal length options.
ZEISS Portrait Filters + AI Aura Light is a Great Combination
The ZEISS collab isn’t just for the Multifocal Portrait System though as vivo has also added a wide array of ZEISS filters for portraits. These should be familiar to those who have tried the vivo X80 or the V30 Pro.
Essentially, these portrait filters emulate the look of specific ZEISS lenses including Biotar, Planar, Distagon, and Sonnar. As such, using these filters can give you a nice idea of what it feels like to shoot with a ZEISS lens (at least when it comes to the bokeh effects).
Aside from these main filters, there are also other options like the ZEISS Cinematic Portrait feature. Here, you can take photos with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio and distinctive oval bokeh for photos that can look like a movie still. There’s also Cine-Flare which adds some eye-catching lens flare effects.
Here are some samples of the filters in action:
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- Sonar
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- Planar
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- Distagon
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- B-Speed
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- Cine-Flare
What’s also great about the phone is that these Thanks to these options, the vivo V40 gives you a lot of creative options when taking portrait photos. On top of the filters, the V40 also packs the AI Aura Light which promises to be even better (and brighter).
Even though the module seems smaller, the AI Aura Light on the vivo V40 is brighter than before, all while retaining the ability to change color temperature automatically or manually.
Portraits are no doubt a focus for vivo with the V40, but that’s not all the V40 specializes in as it’s also a great partner for landscape, travel, and street photos.
The ZEISS Natural Color Difference
For the V40, vivo added the ZEISS Natural Color processing option for photos. Thanks to this, you have an alternative option to vivo’s Vivid color mode for photos if you want a photo with more true-to-life colors.
Of course, we all have our preferences, but having more natural colors should appeal to many, especially when traveling as you want to capture moments as true-to-life as possible. This color processing feature, coupled with the phone’s 50MP main camera results in great photos as you can see here:
It’s not just the main camera though as the V40’s 50MP ultrawide shooter also features the ZEISS Natural Color option. Here are some more samples, this time with the ultrawide:
With these, the V40 is a flexible shooter when it comes to landscapes, but selfie-lovers won’t be disappointed as vivo also kept that in mind for the V40.
All Cameras are 50MP, Even the Selfie Shooter
Much like the two rear cameras, the V40’s selfie camera is also a 50MP snapper. What’s more, the V40’s selfie camera also packs the same ZEISS filter options as the portrait mode with the main camera.
Yes, the selfie shooter also has something similar to the Aura Light Portrait System as the screen flash can also be made warmer or cooler, depending on your preference.
Here are some selfie samples:
So, with the ZEISS filters, Aura Screen Light, and 50MP camera, the vivo V40 should no doubt delight users who love taking selfies.
All These Photography Features and More
There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to photography, but don’t worry as the vivo V40 isn’t designed only for taking shots. That’s because the V40 also promises to be a reliable daily driver.
For starters, it packs a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 platform with 12GB of RAM, meaning it should be able to run today’s popular games and apps with ease. It should also last for a day of use with ease thanks to the 5,500mAh BlueVolt battery (which comes with 80W fast charging).
Binge-watching also shouldn’t be an issue as its 6.78-inch AMOLED screen (with a 1260 x 2800 resolution) works great for movies and shows as it outputs vibrant colors. Not to mention that it gets quite bright even outdoors.
Finally, it’s also an eye-catching device as its Gemini Ring design for its camera module, coupled with its sleek looks make for a phone that looks and feels premium.
The vivo V40 is Out Now in the PH, Making the ZEISS Experience More Accessible
If you’re on the lookout for a phone that excels at photography both in terms of image quality and the overall experience, you can’t go wrong with the vivo V40. Aside from living up to the ZEISS badge on the camera module, the V40 is also a dependable phone for daily use.
In the Philippines, the vivo V40 is priced at PHP 26,999 for the 12+256GB model and PHP 29,999 for the 12+512GB variant. Thus, this is the most affordable way to get the ZEISS photography experience.
Interested in getting one for yourself? The vivo V40 is available now in concept stores and kiosks nationwide, as well as in the vivo online stores on Shopee, Lazada, and the vivo Website.