Vivo Y55s Unboxing And First Impressions

Last year, we named the Vivo Y55 as one of the best gaming machine in the sub PHP 10K range. As a matter of fact, it is still one of the better affordable device if you can still get one today.

Meet Vivo Y55s

Fast forward mid-2017, the company has introduced the Vivo Y55s, the "upgrade" of of Y55. It now has more RAM, bigger battery capacity, and better main camera.

However, we are not sure why Vivo opted to use a slightly lower-end chip with this device. Coming from the gaming capable Snapdragon 430 octa core processor, it is now using the less powerful Snapdragon 425 quad core SoC.

Maybe, Vivo's focus now is more on improving multitasking and camera performance rather than gaming.

Intriguing right? Time to check it out!

Vivo Y55s Specs

Display: 5.2 Inch HD 1280 x 720 resolution w/ 2.5D curved glass at 282 ppi
CPU: 1.2 GHz 64 Bit Snapdragon 425 quad core processor
GPU: Adreno 308
RAM: 3 GB
ROM: 16 GB expandable to via micro SD card slot up 256 GB (dedicated)
Back Camera: 13 MP f/2.2 w/ AF and LED flash
Selfie Camera: 5 MP f/2.2 w/ screen flash
Battery: 2,730 mAh
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow w/ Funtouch OS 3.0
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, HSPA+, LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, FM Radio, OTG, GPS, A GPS, GLONASS, dual SIM
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Others: Colors: crown gold, space gray
Dimensions: 147.9 x 72.9 x 7.5 mm
Weight: 142 g
Price: PHP 8,990 (PHP 8,490 sale price)

Disclaimer: This is a just a borrowed unit from Vivo Philippines for our honest and unbiased review.

Unboxing / Accessories

The box

Technically, the box is still the same. What's inside is also the same. Vivo has included its usual generous set of freebies and accessories.

What's inside?

It includes the phone itself, 1A USB wall charger, micro USB to USB data / charging cables, earbuds with mic, SIM ejector tool, and clear TPU jelly case.

Build Quality / Design

Unibody build

In terms of materials used, Vivo equipped the Y55s with decent type of unibody plastic. It's the same material used with the likes of V5 Lite and V5. It feels sturdy and durable enough for casual users, but it isn't made out of solid metal aluminum frame unlike the older Y55. There's no mention of glass protection as well.

Micro SD card placement, microphone, and 3.5 mm headphone jack slot on top

Another microphone, micro USB port, speaker slot below

Dual SIM card slots at left

Power button and volume rocker at right

In terms of design, the Y55s goes with the familiar good looking Vivo design. It's clearly iPhone inspired with good rounded edges and standard antenna band design. At just 7.5 mm, the phone is also quite slim. We also like that its side screen bezels are far from thick.

Build and design is fine, but body isn't made out of metal anymore!

On top, you'll find the 3.5 mm headphone jack slot, microphone, and dedicated micro SD card slot. It simply means that you have 3 slots in total, 2 for your SIM cards and 1 for micro SD card. The rest of the buttons and ports are on proper and easy to reach placements.

The phone is a bit slippery to hold. But overall, comfort is great.

Initial findings

1. Construction and design are fine. But, the original Y55, its predecessor comes with better build. The screen is quite sharp and bright.
2. Unfortunately, Snapdragon 425 quad core processor is a downgrade compared with Snapdragon 430. Gladly, Vivo increased the RAM to 3 GB for better multitasking. The battery capacity is also a tad larger at 2,730 mAh.
3. The phone boots with Android 6.0 Marshmallow w/ Funtouch OS 3.0. It's still clean and has less bloats. It is still not in Nougat though.
4. Coming from 8 MP, Vivo increased the main camera of Y55s to 13 MP. The selfie cam is the same at 5 MP.
5. OTG works, but there's no LED light indicator. Android keys aren't lit as well.

As of the moment

The handset feels like a decent upgrade over Y53 as it has bigger screen, RAM, and better cameras. But, weren't that satisfied with the "overall upgrade" coming from the original Y53 by far.

However, we won't jump into conclusion yet. The main camera is equipped with a robust pro camera mode with shutter speed controls. It means that this could be a good mobile photography centric phone for the price.

For our full review: Vivo Y55s Review: Good Battery Life In A Small Package