The “Lite” moniker. In the smartphone world, it’s a term that often comes with a hole heap of baggage, doesn’t it? We see it slapped onto the end of well-regarded mid-range names, and immediately, a little question mark pops up in our heads. Is this really a more accessible version of the phone we admire, or is it just a clever marketing trick?
Let’s be honest, we’ve seen it happen before. A “Lite” version rolls out, and suddenly, the core DNA of its more premium sibling seems to have been, well, lite-ned out of existence. Corners get cut, sometimes a few too many, and what you’re left with feels less like a streamlined mid-ranger and more like an entry-level device masquerading under a more famous family name. It’s a risky game, this “Lite” business. Get it wrong, and you don’t just disappoint a few customers; you risk diluting the hard-earned reputation of the entire range. Suddenly, that mid-range champion starts looking a bit, shall we say, budget.
So, the big question on our minds as the vivo V50 Lite lands on our review desk here at techENT is this: has vivo managed to sidestep this all-too-common pitfall? Have they crafted a device that genuinely offers the essence of the V-series experience at a more palatable price point, or is it another contender that blurs the line into low-end territory?
More importantly, for you, the savvy consumer, is the V50 Lite the smart buy? Or, as we often ponder in this competitive market, would your hard-earned Ringgit be better stretched just a little further for something a notch above? Let’s find out if the vivo V50 Lite is a true “Lite” champion or just light on what matters. Stick with us as we unpack this one!
Design
First impressions out of the box? The vivo V50 Lite feels surprisingly… un-Lite. This isn’t just about feel; it’s about toughness. Both the screen and the back panel are built to withstand some serious punishment. In fact, vivo was so confident in its durability that during their local roadshow, they were practically encouraging people to throw the smartphone around to prove its resilience. That’s a level of confidence you don’t see every day, and it translates to a device that feels genuinely sturdy in your hand. There’s a reassuring heft and rigidity here that immediately inspires confidence, a feeling that has been noticeably absent from some of its predecessors in this bracket.
Beyond its tank-like build, vivo has clearly put some thought into the user experience. Despite its chunky size, they’ve incorporated some clever design cues to help with ergonomics. The frame, while flat, has subtly chamfered edges that prevent it from digging into your palm. It’s a small touch, but it’s the kind of refinement we appreciate, making a larger phone feel more manageable during those long scrolling sessions.
Now, let’s talk about the camera hump. It’s impossible to miss. Vivo has gone for a stylish, tiered design with a metallic-looking bezel that houses the camera modules. It’s a design that definitely shouts “look at me!” and, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, it works. It adds a touch of class and looks quite modern.
However, this is where style clashes a bit with practicality. The camera hump is thick. This added thickness, while housing what we hope are capable sensors, makes the phone a little unruly. Forget about laying it flat on a table to type out a quick WhatsApp message; the wobble is real. The phone becomes an unbalanced see-saw, tapping away with every press on the top half of the screen. You’ll almost certainly want to slap on the included case to even things out, which, to be fair, most of us in Malaysia do anyway.
On a final, and very positive note, let’s talk about the finish. Vivo has opted for a gorgeous matte texture on the back panel. Hallelujah! This is a hugely welcome change, especially for our humid local climate. It’s incredibly resistant to fingerprints and smudges, keeping the phone looking clean and pristine without needing a constant wipe-down. It’s a premium touch that elevates the overall feel of the phone, proving that “Lite” doesn’t have to mean a compromise on everyday usability and aesthetics.
Hardware
A quick look at the spec sheet reveals vivo’s clear strategy for the V50 Lite. It’s obvious they’ve aimed to excel where it counts for most people rather than balancing everything out. The proof is right there on paper, with two standout features dominating the conversation. First, a monstrous 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery that promises epic endurance, a clear priority for users who are always on the go. Second, a 50MP main camera sensor, indicating that the V-series’ photography-centric reputation is something vivo wants to maintain, even in a “Lite” model. This hardware package doesn’t scream “all-rounder”; instead, it shouts about its strengths in battery and camera performance from the rooftops.
Specifications
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)
Octa-Core 2×2.4GHz GHz Cortex-A76 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| RAM | 8GB
12GB (Review Configuration) |
| Memory | 256GB (Review Configuration)
512GB UFS 2.2 |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| Main Display | AMOLED panel 6.77-inch (~338 PPI)1300 nits (HBM) 180 nits (peak)FHD+ resolution (1080×2392 pixels)20:9 Aspect Ratio120Hz Refresh rate |
| Operating System | Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15 |
| Battery | Non-Removable 6,500mAh SiC Fast Charging (90W) Reverse Wired Charging (6W) |
| Connectivity | Nano SIM
5G/4G LTE/EVDO/HSPA/CDMA/GSM GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Camera | REAR: Dual Sensor:50-megapixelf/1.79, 23mm (wide angle), 0.8µm, 1/1.95”Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)8-megapixelf/2.2,15mm (Ultrawide), 120˚HDR Ring Light LED Flash (Aura Light) Panorama 1080p Video recording (30/60fps) FRONT: f/2.2, (wide) Autofocus |
| Sensor | Accelerometer Proximity Fingerprint (Under Display) Gyroscope Compass |
| Miscellaneous | Dual SIM/eSIM |
| Retail Price (Malaysia) | RM1,199 (8GB+256GB) RM 1,499 (12GB+ 256GB) RM 1,599 (12GB+512GB) |
User Interface
Powering the vivo V50 Lite is Funtouch OS 15, which is vivo’s skin layered over the latest Android 15. The first thing you’ll notice is how close it feels to stock Android, or AOSP. This is a good thing! Vivo has clearly made an effort to clean things up, giving the OS a minimalist and sophisticated feel that is a massive improvement from the cluttered Funtouch OS of old. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it’s easy on the eyes.
However, the experience isn’t without its quirks. While navigation is generally smooth, vivo still loves its transition animations. On a flagship device, these can feel slick, but on the V50 Lite’s more modest hardware, they walk a fine line. At times, they can make the phone feel a tad slower than it actually is, adding a split-second delay that you don’t get on interfaces that are a bit snappier. More jarring, though, is the design inconsistency. When you put vivo’s native apps side-by-side with the slick Material Design of Google’s own apps, they start to look a little old-fashioned. It creates a visual disconnect that slightly sours the otherwise clean experience.
My biggest gripe, however, has to be the settings menu. It remains a complex maze of options that feels a bit dated. Trying to find a specific toggle often takes a few more taps than it should, and the layout could seriously use a modern overhaul. Streamlining the settings would be a huge quality-of-life improvement for every user.
Ultimately, this all points to a bigger issue: Funtouch OS is still searching for its own identity. It plays it so safe and close to stock Android that it struggles to feel unique. Unlike competitors who have carved out a distinct character with their software, Funtouch OS on the V50 Lite feels competent but generic. There’s a huge opportunity here for vivo to build a software experience that is recognisably their own, and that’s the next step they need to take to truly stand out.
Performance
When we look at its performance, it’s a familiar story. The phone provides a level of capability that is, for the most part, perfectly aligned with what we’ve come to expect from a device at this price point. It handles the day-to-day essentials without any major stumbles, delivering an experience that can be best described as adequate.
But here’s the thing – perhaps that’s the issue. The V50 Lite performs exactly as predicted, meeting a baseline that feels like it was set a year or two ago. While it gets the job done, it doesn’t push the envelope. It raises the question of whether we, as consumers, should start demanding a little more horsepower and responsiveness for our Ringgit, even in the “Lite” category. The V50 Lite is competent, yes, but it doesn’t do much to challenge the status quo.
Multitasking & Productivity
This is where the V50 Lite genuinely started to impress me. I’ll admit, I had my reservations, but the processor inside this “Lite” device handles multitasking far better than I anticipated. Jumping between open apps, firing up a split-screen view to reply to a WhatsApp message while keeping a YouTube video running, or popping an app into a floating window – it all works smoothly. Even when pushing it with heavier apps, like making a quick edit in Instagram Reels or trimming a short clip in CapCut, the phone kept its composure without any major stutters. For a phone in this category, that’s a solid win.
However, vivo has made a change in Funtouch OS that I’m still not entirely sold on: the recent apps screen. It now defaults to a vertically stacked view, where app windows overlap each other like a deck of cards. While it’s certainly a stylistic choice that looks quite modern, it makes multitasking a bit more tedious in practice. You have to actively sift through the panels to find the specific app you’re looking for, which feels less efficient than the old side-by-side carousel.
On the flip side, it’s clear Funtouch OS is geared towards power users. From that same recent apps screen, vivo gives you more direct access to multitasking options. Tapping a small menu on any compatible app instantly brings up the choice to throw it into split-screen or a pop-up window. It’s a thoughtful touch that streamlines the process, proving that vivo is definitely thinking about how to make productivity easier, even if I have to get used to their new app-switching aesthetic.
Call Quality & Connectivity
In the world of connectivity, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing the latest numbers on a spec sheet. But for the vivo V50 Lite, it’s clear they focused on stability over bragging rights, and that’s a smart move. Naturally, you get the essentials like 5G for fast data speeds when you’re out and about. And crucially for us here in Malaysia, NFC is present and accounted for, so your Touch ‘n Go reloads and payments are sorted.
viSure, it doesn’t have the bleeding-edge WiFi 7 standard, but let’s be real, for a “Lite” phone, that’s completely fine and expected. It comes with reliable dual-band Wi-Fi that handles home and office networks perfectly. What’s far more important is how it performs in the real world, and this is where the V50 Lite punches above its weight.
In day-to-day use, its mobile connectivity is surprisingly robust. I took it through my usual torture tests – deep in a shopping mall parking basement and in certain ‘macam-yes-macam-no’ signal areas around Kajang – and the V50 Lite consistently held onto its 4G/5G signal more tenaciously than some other, more expensive devices. It translates to fewer dropped calls and more stable data speeds, a fundamental feature that vivo has thankfully refused to treat as “Lite.”
As for the basics? Call quality is exactly what you’d hope for in 2025. Voices on the other end come through crisp and clear, with no weird robotic distortion or tinniness. At the end of the day, a phone is still a phone, and the V50 Lite nails this core function without any fuss.
Gaming
For anyone looking to get their game on, the vivo V50 Lite performs just about how you’d expect a “Lite” device to. It’s a competent casual gaming machine, but it’s certainly not going to be challenging any high-end gaming phones. You can definitely play the most popular titles, but don’t expect to be cranking all the settings up to Ultra.
Lighter games like Pokémon UNITE run without a hitch. The experience is smooth, responsive, and perfectly enjoyable. Even a fast-paced racer like Asphalt Legends Unite played surprisingly well, delivering a fluid experience that let me focus on the racing rather than worrying about performance hiccups. These are the kinds of games where the V50 Lite feels right at home.
However, when you step up to more graphically demanding titles, you start to see the hardware sweat a little. In Diablo Immortal, the experience was a mixed bag. While general exploration was fine, the moment the screen filled with enemies and I started unleashing big AoE attacks, the phone began to struggle. I noticed definite frame drops and even some screen tearing when things got chaotic, which can be frustrating in the heat of battle. Similarly, for a game like Honkai Impact, I had to knock the graphics settings down to the lower end to get a consistently playable and smooth framerate.
One thing I absolutely have to give vivo credit for is the thermal management. Across all these games, the V50 Lite did get warm, as any phone would. But it never got hot. Even during intense sessions, it was still perfectly comfortable to hold and handle. It seems that while the processor might be “Lite,” the cooling solution is anything but.
Battery Life
Let’s be completely clear: the 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery is the undisputed hallmark of the vivo V50 Lite. This isn’t just a big battery on a spec sheet; it’s a game-changing feature that defines the entire experience. In a world where we’re constantly searching for charging ports, the V50 Lite is a marathon runner.
And boy, does it deliver. With my typical heavy usage – juggling about eight email accounts, constantly doom-scrolling through multiple social media feeds, and squeezing in some gaming sessions – the V50 Lite didn’t even flinch. It consistently, and comfortably, sailed past the two-day mark on a single charge. This is the kind of phone you can take on a weekend trip and forget to pack the charger for. On pure standby, it’s even more ridiculous; I left it unplugged, and it lasted for more than eight days before finally giving up. Battery anxiety simply ceases to exist with this phone.
A massive battery is great, but what about when you finally need to top it up? This is the other half of vivo’s masterstroke. The V50 Lite comes with a blazing-fast 90W FlashCharge, and the charger is right there in the box. The speed is genuinely impressive. In my tests, I was able to juice up the phone from near-empty to over 45% in less than 30 minutes. That’s enough power to get you through another full day in the time it takes to have a quick coffee. This combination of epic endurance and lightning-fast charging isn’t just a “Lite” feature; it’s a true flagship experience that puts many more expensive phones to shame
Display
If the battery is the main event, the display is the fantastic opening act. The vivo V50 Lite sports a gorgeous 6.77-inch pOLED display, and it’s a real treat for the eyes. The first thing that jumps out at you is just how slim the bezels are. This pushes the screen right to the edges, creating a genuinely immersive viewing experience whether you’re scrolling through your photo gallery or getting lost in a Netflix series. It’s the kind of edge-to-edge look you’d typically expect on a much pricier device.
The quality holds up under scrutiny, too. With a sharp 2392 × 1080 resolution, everything looks crisp and detailed, thanks to a pixel density of around 387ppi. Text is clean, and images are sharp. The panel offers up that classic OLED punch, with vibrant, lively colours and deep, inky blacks that make media consumption a joy.
But it’s the performance that really seals the deal. The screen boasts a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making every scroll and swipe feel fluid and instantaneous. Plus, with HDR support, compatible content on platforms like YouTube and Netflix looks fantastic, with brighter highlights and a more dynamic range. For a “Lite” model, vivo has not skimped here. They’ve delivered a very solid and commendable display package that punches well above its weight class.
Cameras
Let’s get the specs out of the way. The vivo V50 Lite packs a 50MP main camera featuring a Sony IMX882 sensor, paired with an 8MP secondary sensor. For your selfies, you’re looking at a 32MP sensor tucked into the punch-hole display. On paper, it’s a respectable setup for a “Lite” phone.
In practice, the main camera performs adequately, with a heavy emphasis on “for a Lite phone.” When the sun is out and the lighting is great, you can get some really nice shots. Pictures are detailed, crisp, and carry that signature vivo look. What’s that look, you ask? Vibrant and colourful. In fact, they’re almost too colourful. If you prefer a more natural look, you might find the saturation here a little aggressive. But if you want photos that pop and are ready for Instagram without any editing, the V50 Lite delivers.
However, the moment the light begins to fade, the “Lite” moniker becomes painfully obvious. In low-light conditions, it’s another story altogether. Photos quickly become blurry, and digital noise or graininess starts to creep in, muddying the details. The camera struggles to maintain that daytime crispness, and the magic is lost.
The 32MP selfie camera follows the exact same script. It’s more than capable of capturing a sharp, detailed selfie for your profile picture under bright, sunny skies. But take it indoors to a dimly lit café, and it struggles, with shots becoming soft and grainy.
And this is where we have to be critical. While we understand that compromises must be made for a “Lite” device, this is vivo we’re talking about – a brand that has built its entire reputation on outstanding camera performance, even in their flagships. Because of that high bar they’ve set, we can’t help but feel a little let down. The camera system here is competent for its class, but it’s missing that special edge, that “wow” factor we’ve come to expect from anything bearing the vivo name.
A “Lite” Phone with Heavy-Hitting Priorities
So, what’s the final word on the vivo V50 Lite? In a surprising twist, its “Lite” moniker doesn’t signify a watered-down experience but rather a laser-focused one. Vivo has made a clear bet on what matters most to the everyday user.
Let’s be blunt: if you have battery anxiety, this phone is your cure. The massive 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery is an absolute beast, easily delivering two-plus days of real-world use. Paired with a tough, durable build and a genuinely immersive pOLED display, the V50 Lite is an outstanding device for media consumption and daily reliability. This is a phone built for the marathon of modern life.
Of course, at a starting price of RM1,299, there are trade-offs. The overall performance is perfectly adequate but won’t excite power users. And the camera, while good in bright daylight, lacks the low-light prowess and “wow” factor we expect from vivo’s pedigree.
Ultimately, the V50 Lite isn’t trying to be the best at everything. It’s a specialist. For students, road warriors, or anyone who values endurance and a great screen above all else, this phone is a phenomenal choice. It’s one of the most practical, dependable workhorses you can buy, confidently proving that “Lite” can be a strength, not a weakness.
