vivo NEX 3 hands-on review

GSMArena team, 16 Sept 2019.

Introduction

Following the footsteps of its two predecessors, the third generation vivo NEX is the epitome of innovation. With the first one we got a full-screen design, with the second one we got full-screen design plus a second display on the back and with the NEX 3, we have another interesting take on smartphone design - curved Waterfall panel that still retains the full-screen looks and brings the curves to another level.

vivo NEX 3 5G hands-on review

We've seen smartphones with curved screens before, and they've become even more popular the last two years or so, but we haven't come across a handset with such extreme curves that go almost to 90-degrees. It's the first in the industry with such panel, and there's a lengthy development process behind it.

vivo NEX 3 5G hands-on review

The NEX 3 doesn't have any hardware buttons on its sides - instead, you get pressure-sensitive keys with haptic feedback.

vivo NEX 3 specs

  • Body:Reinforced front curved glass, aluminum side frame
  • Screen: 6.89" E3 Super AMOLED, FHD+ (1080 x 2256px) resolution.
  • Camera: Primary: 64MP Samsung GW1 sensor 1/1.7", PDAF; Telephoto: 13MP f/2.5 2x optical zoom, PDAF; Ultra wide-angle: 13MP f/2.2, 120-degree FoV, PDAF with macro mode from 2.5 cm.
  • Selfie cam: Motorized pop-up 16MP, f/2.1 aperture; LED flash.
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm), octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485), Adreno 640 GPU (700 MHz).
  • Memory: 8/12GB RAM, 256GB UFS 3.0 built-in storage.
  • OS: Android 9.0 Pie, FuntouchOS 9.1.
  • Battery: 4,500 mAh 44W Super FlashCharge.
  • Connectivity: Dual SIM; USB-C (USB 3.0), Wi-Fi, Buetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC. 5G support
  • Misc:Under-display fingerprint reader, pressure-sensitive side buttons with haptic feedback, pop-up selfie camera.

The NEX 3 is built around 5G from the ground up. To counteract some of the drawbacks, which 5G connectivity brings, vivo has put a huge battery inside the phone. It supports fast-charging - up to 44W. Now let's take a look at what's inside the box.

Unboxing the vivo NEX 3

We were presented with a big box containing not only the smartphone itself but a couple of accessories too. Of course, the 44W-capable charger is in there with the corresponding USB-A to USB-C cable used not only for charging but for data transfer as well.

Unboxing the vivo NEX 3 - vivo NEX 3 5G hands-on review Unboxing the vivo NEX 3 - vivo NEX 3 5G hands-on review Unboxing the vivo NEX 3 - vivo NEX 3 5G hands-on review Unboxing the vivo NEX 3 - vivo NEX 3 5G hands-on review
Unboxing the vivo NEX 3

The box also carries a pair of earbuds and a faux leather case for protection but doesn't get in the way of the curved-screen design.

Reader comments

I love the Vivo brand❤😍😘, but its new flagship disappointed me😕😣😫He still has no wireless charging on his phones😣😑 Why really????????????????

  • Anonymous
  • 05 Nov 2019
  • r06

So,which has more juice...s8 or Vivo?

  • Viga
  • 06 Oct 2019
  • fuf

I dot know hw 2 appreciate da great innovation bt all thanks go 2 u