The Vivo S20 series has generated considerable excitement ahead of its launch, promising exceptional camera features, a sleek design, and powerful performance—all at a price that positions it between the premium flagship and mid-range markets. With models like the Vivo S20 and Vivo S20 Pro, Vivo is once again pushing the boundaries of what users can expect in the mid-range smartphone segment.
Stunning Design and Display
The Vivo S20 series adopts a refined design, featuring captivating colors and sleek aesthetics. The Vivo S20 is available in a striking gold color, inspired by “golden silk phoenix feather texture,” while the S20 Pro offers a sophisticated purple hue, drawing inspiration from “lithography” and “embroidery” craftsmanship. Both models boast a rear camera module with dual sensors within a circular island and an Aura Light LED flash for added elegance.
The display is one of the key highlights, featuring a 6.67-inch BOE Q10 OLED screen with a 2,800 x 1,260 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The Vivo S20 Pro’s panel can achieve a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, while the Vivo S20’s screen also offers an impressive 1,600 nits of brightness. The display provides a vibrant and immersive experience, ideal for gaming, watching videos, and everyday use.
Vivo S20 Series Specifications
| Vivo S20 | Vivo S20 Pro | |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1×3.25 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A720) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 |
| OS | Android 15, OriginOS 5 | Android 15, OriginOS 5 |
| Supported Networks | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Display | 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak) | 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak) |
| RAM | 8GB, 12 GB, 16 GB | 12 GB, 16 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, | 256 GB, 512 GB, |
| Card Slot | No | No |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55″, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide), AF | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56″, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, (telephoto), 1/1.95″, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF |
| Colors | Phoenix Feather Gold, Jade Dew White, and Pine Smoke Ink | Phoenix Feather Gold, Purple Air, and Pine Smoke Ink |
| Battery | Si/C 6500 mAh, non-removable, 90W Wired | Si/C 5500 mAh, non-removable, 90W Wired |
| Price | $317 | $468 |
Powerful Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the Vivo S20 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, offering smooth multitasking, fast processing, and seamless gaming. The Vivo S20, on the other hand, features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. Both devices offer up to 16 GB of RAM, making them capable of handling demanding applications and games with ease.
Battery life is another standout feature, with both models sporting large 6,500mAh batteries. The Vivo S20 features semi-solid-state technology to offer a high-capacity battery without increasing the phone’s size, maintaining a slim profile of just 7.19 mm in thickness. The Pro model will likely have a slightly smaller cell but still benefits from fast charging, with up to 90W charging support.
Camera Capabilities: A Photography Powerhouse
The camera setups are where the Vivo S20 series truly shines. The Vivo S20 Pro features a 50 MP f/1.88 main camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 50 MP telephoto camera, along with a 50 MP selfie camera. The standout feature for the Pro model is its periscope telephoto lens, which supports a 100x zoom for capturing distant subjects with incredible clarity.
Meanwhile, the Vivo S20 offers a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP ultra-wide camera, along with the same 50 MP front-facing camera for stunning selfies. Both phones support a new film camera mode and a Dopamine Live Dynamic Photos feature, enhancing the photo experience.
Prices and Availability
The Vivo S20 series is set to launch in China with pre-reservations already open, offering early-bird benefits. The Vivo S20 is priced at 2,299 yuan (approx. $318) for the 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage model, while the Vivo S20 Pro starts at 3,399 yuan (approx. $470) for the 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage version. The higher-end model of the Vivo S20 Pro, with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, is priced at 3,999 yuan (approx. $552).
While Vivo typically reserves the S-series for China, these models are often rebranded for international markets, including India, under the V-series. It’s possible the Vivo S20 series will follow suit, allowing global customers to experience the device under a different name.
