vivo has introduced the V50 Lite in South Africa, expanding its V50 series with a new mid-range device that prioritises battery life, display quality and camera capabilities. Apart from a gorgeous look (we especially like the Titanium Gold), the V50 Lite comes across as a smartphone that focusses on the total package, instead of one stand-out feature. 

One certain talkingpoint is the 6500 mAh battery with 90 W fast-charging technology, enabling a full charge in under an hour. The battery’s capacity allows for up to 27.4 hours of YouTube videos or 10.5 hours of gaming, with 11 days of standby time, at least according to vivo. The company also says the battery is designed to last for up to five years, capable of 1700 full charge cycles. The phone also supports reverse charging, allowing it to power other devices via USB-C. 

Despite the large battery, the V50 Lite measures just 7.79 mm in thickness (and 197 grams in weight). The phone incorporates a high-gloss metallic frame and is available in two colours: Titanium Gold and Phantom Black.

The V50 Lite includes a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering a peak brightness of 1800 nits and narrow bezels that bring the screen-to-body ratio to over 94%. It is also SGS-certified for low blue light emission to reduce eye strain during extended use.

In the engine room is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor with 8 GB of RAM, also including features such as Extended RAM, RAM Saver and App Retainer. These are intended to improve multitasking and overall device performance, with vivo claiming smooth operation for up to 60 months. 

The device is built with durability in mind. It has passed a series of physical stress tests and holds SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance and military-grade durability certification. It also has an IP65 rating, offering protection from dust and water splashes.

When it comes to photography, the V50 Lite delivers, led by a 50 MP Sony IMX882 sensor, designed for high detail and low-light performance. Also included is an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera and various software enhancements aimed at improving image quality. Features such as a 2x zoom portrait mode, upgraded lighting for portraits (Aura Light Portrait), and AI tools for photo editing and clean-up are also included.

On the front, a 32 MP camera is used for selfies, with software enhancements intended to improve skin tone and background clarity.

As with many other smartphones these days, a set of AI-powered tools is integrated into the software, offering live text recognition, translation features, and search capabilities. One function allows users to highlight text or images on screen to conduct Google searches (Circle to Search), while AI Screen Translation enables instant translation of on-screen content in multiple languages. 

Apart from being a 5G phone, connectivity is supported by a feature called AI SuperLink, designed to detect weak signals and automatically switch to stronger network cells, aiming to reduce call dropouts in areas such as elevators and parking garages. Audio is delivered through dual stereo speakers with high volume output.

Finally, the cost of this all-in-one device: the vivo V50 Lite is priced at R12 999 and is available through major network providers across South Africa.

As an extra, purchases made before 6 June 2025 include a free accidental damage repair within the first 180 days and an extended one-year warranty. The device also comes with a screen protector, protective case and access to vivo's after-sales support services, which include free labour for repairs and postal services.