I’ve been using the Vivo V27 5G as my daily driver for the past few weeks, and I must say, this smartphone has exceeded my expectations, particularly when it comes to photography and videography.

No matter where I’ve taken this phone, be it picnics with friends, night outs, or events, I’ve been confident that I’ll capture Instagram-worthy shots and videos. And that goes for both the main cameras and the selfie camera too.

Let’s talk about the tech that powers this outstanding camera performance. The Vivo V27 5G boasts a 50MP selfie camera with AutoFocus. It can shoot 4K 40fps videos, and even the portrait videos, capped at 1080p 30fps, look impressive.

One feature that comes in handy is the teleprompter mode for selfie videos. It adds a nice touch to TikTok and Instagram videos, making them colorful, sharp, and eye-catching, even in low-light conditions.

Now, switching to the back, we have the triple camera setup, led by a 50MP primary camera with OIS. Alongside it, there’s an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. The video recording capabilities are equally impressive, with 4K at 30fps, and the option to record at 1080p 60fps and 30fps.

The 50MP main lens, co-developed by vivo and Sony, has produced some of the best pictures I’ve seen from a midrange smartphone this year. The sensor offers a 59% increase in photosensitive area and a 104% increase in single-pixel size area. With creative modes like the 24 vlog modes and templates for food, travel, night, and sports, there’s plenty to experiment with. Personally, I’ve had a blast with the micro-movie mode for short vlog-style videos.

If you’re a TikTok or Instagram creator, you’ll love the range of modes available to spice up your content creation process. Plus, all the lenses support hybrid stabilization, ensuring steady and vibrant videos with excellent detail.

The photo quality is simply outstanding. The colors, details, sharpness, background blur, and dynamic range are all top-notch. I could go on, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Another feature worth mentioning is the phone’s screen, which supports XDR photo, allowing HDR photos to be displayed vividly and realistically. It’s truly a treat for the eyes.

Moving on to other aspects, the Vivo V27 5G is not just about its exceptional cameras. It’s a beautiful phone on both sides, with a slim and light profile, especially without the case. The dual curve design and frosted anti-glare finish give it an elegant look. And if you opt for the Magic Blue version, the color-changing back made of Fluorite AG Glass will mesmerize you, transforming from light blue to dark teal when exposed to UV light.

The 6.78-inch OLED screen with its curved design is simply gorgeous. With a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, P3 wide color gamut, and brightness peaking at 1300 nits, it offers an immersive viewing experience. As a binge-watcher, I’ve been blown away by the beauty of the display, especially when watching high-contrast movies or TV series.

Running on Android 13 and FunTouch OS 13, the Vivo V27 5G has received several updates, and I appreciate the commitment to keeping the software up to date. I’m eagerly awaiting the Android 14 update when it launches later this year.

Under the hood, we have the Dimensity 7200 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone also comes with 8GB of virtual RAM. As a heavy multitasker and moderate gamer, I’ve put this phone through its paces, and it hasn’t disappointed me one bit.

The 4600mAh battery has proven to be rock solid in terms of performance. Even with heavy use, I end my days with around 20% battery left, and with moderate use, it can easily last a day and a half. The included 66W charger is a game-changer, topping up the phone to full in under an hour. If you’re in a rush, a 15-minute charge will get you to the halfway mark.

To sum it all up, the Vivo V27 5G continues to impress me, even after the initial excitement of getting a new phone wears off. From its excellent cameras and stunning display to its stylish design, solid performance, fast charging, and long-lasting battery, it ticks all the boxes. If you’re in the market for a midrange camera smartphone that offers exceptional value for money, I highly recommend the Vivo V27 5G.

You can find the Vivo V27 5G priced at Khs 52,999, while the V27e starts at Ksh 37,999. You can purchase them at official retail stores nationwide or online on select ecommerce platforms.