Micro-gimbal cameras, 120Hz OLED, and more
Recognition: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
The Vivo X60 series was launched in China in December 2020 in the form of the X60 and X60 Pro. We also saw the X60 Pro Plus hit its home market in January, adding the right flagship-level features to the range. All three phones delivered the Zeiss branding as part of Vivo’s new partnership with the veteran camera company, as well as pixel shift technology for improved color reproduction.
Now the Chinese manufacturer has launched the X60 series in the form of all three devices outside of China. So what should you expect?
X60 and X60 Pro
The X60 and X60 Pro are actually seeing a big change from the Chinese version. Both have Snapdragon 870 SoCs instead of the new Exynos 1080 chipset found in the Chinese models. Vivo told journalists that surveys and tests were conducted in overseas markets, noting that the Qualcomm chipset has “higher performance” due to different network environments and user habits.
However, the Exynos chipset features a smaller, more energy-efficient design, newer CPU cores, and the latest Arm Mali GPU. However, the Snapdragon 870 is a mild upgrade over last year’s Snapdragon 865 Plus, so you’ll get great performance either way.
There’s also a notable change between the Chinese and the global X60 Pro, as the global variant only has a zoom-focused camera in a 13MP 2x telephoto lens. The Chinese version now includes this camera as well as an 8MP 5x periscope camera. Presumably, this is a decision related to profit margins and also helps make the X60 Pro Plus stand out even better.
Otherwise, you can still expect the same experience from the global X60 and X60 Pro that we saw with the Chinese options. That means a curved 6.56-inch OLED panel (FHD + and 120 Hz) and wired 33W charging. The X60 and X60 Pro are also equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel 120-degree ultra-wide camera and the aforementioned 2x telephoto sensor. A 32-megapixel camera in a central hole processes selfies.
In the meantime, the standard X60 largely offers the same technical data, but instead provides a flat screen and a slightly larger 4,300 mAh battery (compared to 4,200 mAh). The Pro version also offers a slightly larger aperture for the main camera (1: 1.48 versus 1: 1.79).
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two is that the standard X60 apparently misses out on the Pro model’s micro-gimbal system for the 48-megapixel main camera. So, you should jump on the Pro for the smoothest video and the best snapshots in low light. This is a shame as the Chinese X60 also offered a micro gimbal setup.
Vivo X60 Pro Plus: A fully-fledged flagship
Recognition: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
Looking for a real flagship experience? This is where the X60 Pro Plus comes into play, which instead of the Snapdragon 870 offers a Snapdragon 888 SoC and wired 55 W charging for the 4,200 mAh battery. Vivo’s top-end model also theoretically offers an impressive rear-view camera setup, delivering a 50-megapixel GN1 main camera with OIS, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide shooter with a micro-gimbal system, and two zoom-focused snaps (8-megapixel-5-fold periscope, 32-megapixel-2-fold) tele).
Our verdict: Vivo X60 Pro Plus Review – A flagship for camera enthusiasts
The X60 Pro Plus still has a lot in common with its colleagues, namely the same 120 Hz OLED display, a 32 megapixel selfie camera, FunTouch OS instead of OriginOS, which is only available in China, and a built-in fingerprint sensor. The Vivo flagship is also characterized by the vegan leather back, which is reminiscent of the Oppo Find X2 Pro.
Vivo X60 series pricing and availability
The Vivo X60 and X60 Pro will be available in over 20 markets starting today, including India, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and the UK. Expect availability in APAC, Europe, and the Middle East in “the next few months”.
Indian users can expect to pay Rs 37,990 (~ $ 523) for the 8GB / 128GB Vivo X60 and Rs 41,990 (~ $ 578) for the 12GB / 256GB variant. You pay Rs 49,990 (~ $ 688) for the 12GB / 256GB X60 Pro. The X60 and X60 Pro will be available in Shimmer Blue and Midnight Black. There is still no word on pricing for Europe and other markets.
The Vivo X60 Pro Plus is “first” introduced in India and you pay Rs 69,990 (~ $ 963) for the only 12GB / 256GB model. Expect to find it in imperial blue. Pre-reservation for all phones begins today in India with sales starting April 2nd.