Vivo X Fold 5 Review: A Premium Foldable with One Major Catch
The Vivo X Fold 5 aims to perfect the foldable formula. Source: Vivo
Have you ever seen those slick, futuristic foldable phones in ads and wondered what they’re *really* like to use day-to-day? Beyond the perfect renders and flashy marketing, the reality of living with a foldable is a complex mix of incredible convenience and unique considerations. If you're looking to get up to speed on one of the most compelling new entries in this space, you're in the right place.
Today, we're doing a proper deep-dive into the Vivo X Fold 5. This isn't just a spec sheet rundown; it's a comprehensive look at what makes this device tick, drawing from detailed hands-on analysis and official data. We'll cut through the noise to give you the essentials—the pros, the cons, and the surprising details that define this phone. By the end, you'll know if this impressive device could be the big-screen powerhouse you've been waiting for.
Design & Durability: A Premium, Lightweight Build?
From the moment you unbox the Vivo X Fold 5, it makes a statement. In an era where companies are ditching accessories, Vivo includes a powerful 80W flash charger, a USB-C cable, and even a case. This immediately signals a premium, user-focused approach.
The device itself feels remarkably refined. Weighing in at just 278 grams, it's surprisingly light for a foldable of this size. The build, featuring a titanium gray color and frosted glass back, is both elegant and comfortable to hold. When unfolded, it achieves an incredibly thin profile of just 4.3mm at its thinnest point. While it's not the absolute slimmest foldable on the market when closed (at 9.2mm), its well-distributed weight and high-end materials make it feel anything but bulky.
The Hinge and Durability Claims
The cornerstone of any foldable is its hinge, and Vivo has equipped the X Fold 5 with a carbon fiber-supported hinge designed for "ultra-durability." It feels solid and smooth, with no unnerving squeaks or creaks—a testament to tight engineering. But Vivo goes further with its durability claims, rating the device for 500,000 foldings and backing it with impressive environmental resistance.
It boasts IPX8 for water submersion and, unusually, IPX9 for resistance against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. This, combined with IP5X dust resistance and -20°C freeze resistance, suggests Vivo has built a foldable designed to withstand the rigors of real-world use, addressing a key anxiety for potential buyers.
Dual Displays: The Heart of the Foldable Experience
The dual-screen setup is where the magic happens. Unfold the Vivo X Fold 5 to reveal a massive 8.03-inch inner display. This isn't just any large panel; it's an advanced LTPO AMOLED screen with a 2K+ resolution (2480 x 2200). The LTPO technology is crucial, allowing the refresh rate to dynamically shift from a buttery-smooth 120Hz all the way down to 1Hz for static content, significantly saving battery life.
But what about the crease? It's the question on everyone's mind. The consensus is that while you can find it if you're actively looking for it under specific lighting, it largely disappears during normal use. When you're looking at the screen face-on, your brain tunes it out, allowing you to immerse yourself in the expansive display. The cover screen is no slouch either—a generous 6.53-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED panel that makes the phone perfectly usable when folded.
Under the hood, the Vivo X Fold 5 smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. While technically the Gen 4 is now the latest, the 8 Gen 3 remains an absolute beast of a processor. Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of ultra-fast UFS 4.0 storage, the real-world performance is consistently quick and snappy. Apps load instantly, and navigating the OS is fluid.
For gamers, the device handles demanding titles like Wuthering Waves on max settings with playable frame rates, though some dips into the 40s can occur during intense moments. Like most high-performance phones, it can get quite warm around the frame during extended gaming sessions, but it manages its thermals reasonably well. The takeaway is that despite not having the absolute newest silicon, the performance here is more than sufficient for even the most demanding users.
Software: Funtouch OS 15 & The Rise of On-Device AI
The software experience is delivered by Funtouch OS 15, Based on Android 15. It's a mature and stable operating system that feels refined and free of major bugs. The OS is particularly adept at leveraging the large inner display, with excellent multitasking features. Split-screen works naturally, and you can use floating windows without the system feeling clunky or forced.
However, the real star of the show is Vivo's "AI Smart Office" suite. This isn't just a gimmick; it's a collection of genuinely useful on-device AI tools:
- AI Captions: Provides real-time speech-to-text for meetings or videos.
- Smart Call Assistant: Can transcribe and even summarize your phone calls.
- Vivo DocMaster: Handles various document formats seamlessly.
- AI Magic Move: An incredible photo editing tool that lets you drag and reposition objects within a picture.
This suite of features, combined with a customizable shortcut button and Google Gemini integration, turns the Vivo X Fold 5 into a true productivity workhorse.
Cameras: Co-Engineered with ZEISS
Vivo has put a major focus on the camera system, co-engineered with the legendary optics company ZEISS. Unusually, all three main rear cameras are 50MP sensors, ensuring consistency across the board.
- Main Camera (50MP): A VCS Bionic sensor with a wide f/1.75 aperture and OIS for excellent low-light performance.
- Ultra-Wide (50MP): A 119° field of view for expansive landscape shots.
- Telephoto (50MP): A dedicated ZEISS telephoto camera providing roughly 3x optical zoom, also with OIS for sharp, stable shots.
The ZEISS T* lens coating does a fantastic job of reducing glare and lens flare, resulting in cleaner images. The camera system also enables powerful features like a telephoto macro mode for incredible close-ups and impressive ZEISS multifocal portrait modes that simulate classic focal lengths. The dual-display preview is a killer feature, allowing subjects to see themselves on the cover screen as you take their picture or enabling you to use the superior rear cameras for high-quality selfies and vlogs.
Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Power and Beyond
Powering this feature-packed device is a large 6000mAh (equivalent) battery, which leverages silicon-carbon anode technology for higher density. The real-world results are excellent. Even when forcing the display to a constant 120Hz, users report getting 7 to 7.5 hours of screen-on time, which is fantastic for a large-screen foldable.
When you do need to top up, the included 80W wired charger is blazingly fast, capable of going from nearly empty to full in under 40 minutes. The device also supports a speedy 50W wireless flash charge, offering convenience without a major speed penalty. This combination of longevity and rapid charging removes any battery anxiety.
The Verdict: Price, Pros & Cons
The Vivo X Fold 5 is an undeniably impressive piece of technology that pushes the boundaries of what a foldable can be. It excels in key areas that users care about, but it’s not without its drawbacks, the most significant of which is its availability.
Pros
- Excellent and versatile ZEISS camera system
- Fantastic battery life and super-fast 80W charging
- Bright, fluid, and immersive 120Hz displays
- Genuinely useful on-device AI and software features
- Premium build quality with strong durability claims
Cons
- Extremely limited global availability
- Minor performance dips in the most demanding games
- Haptics and speakers are acceptable, but not best-in-class
- Potential regional confusion over eSIM support
Conclusion: An Almost Perfect Foldable
The Vivo X Fold 5 gets so much right. It addresses common foldable pain points like durability, battery life, and camera compromises with thoughtful, high-end solutions. The combination of a stellar ZEISS camera system, a robust and intelligent software experience, and a battery that just won't quit makes it one of the most well-rounded foldables on the market.
However, its biggest strength is also its biggest weakness for many: you simply can't buy it everywhere. It's launching in markets like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but a European or North American release seems unlikely. If you are in a region where this phone is officially sold and are looking for a top-tier foldable that doubles as a productivity and photography powerhouse, the Vivo X Fold 5 should be at the very top of your list. It's a tantalizing glimpse into a future where foldable phones don't ask you to make any compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How visible is the crease on the Vivo X Fold 5's inner screen?
The crease is minimally visible. While you can see it if you look for it from an angle or in harsh light, it becomes virtually unnoticeable during direct, head-on use, allowing for an immersive viewing experience.
2. Does the Vivo X Fold 5 support eSIM?
This is a point of confusion. Some early reviews state it does, but official product specifications for certain regions (like Malaysia and Hong Kong) explicitly say it is not supported. This is likely a regional difference. If eSIM is a must-have for you, you must double-check the specification for the exact model sold in your specific market.
3. Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor still powerful enough in late 2024?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is an extremely powerful and efficient chip that provides more than enough performance for any app or game. While the Gen 4 exists, the real-world difference for most users is negligible. The phone remains exceptionally fast and responsive.
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