vivo S19 And S19 Pro: Midrange Marvels With Flagship Features

Body and Build

The vivo S19 sports a sleek design with dimensions of 163.6×75.7×7.19 mm and a weight of 193 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use. This despite the massive 6000 mAh battery! vivo achieved this with the help of its Blue Ocean technology, which boasts a higher energy density. The S19 features a glass front and back with a plastic frame, available in three colors: Gray, Light Blue, and Peach.

The vivo S19 Pro shares a similar sleek design with dimensions of 164.1×75×7.58 mm and a weight of 192 grams. It also features a glass front and back with a plastic frame, available in Gray, Green, and Light Blue.

Here are the relevant specs:

Both the vivo S19 and S19 Pro fall within a comfortable size and weight range for most users. Their dimensions are well-suited for one-handed use, allowing easy reach across the screen. With a thickness of just over 7 mm and a weight around 193 grams, they strike a good balance between a solid, premium feel and easy portability.

Carrying these devices in a pocket or a bag is convenient due to their slim profiles. They won’t feel overly bulky or heavy, making them suitable for long-term use and transportation. The slightly rounded edges and smooth finishes further enhance the ergonomic design, providing a comfortable grip during extended use.

Both models feature a glass front and back with a plastic frame. Glass backs give the phones a high-end, sophisticated appearance and feel. The smooth texture of glass adds to the overall tactile experience. However, glass surfaces can quickly accumulate fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning; and they are more prone to shattering or cracking if dropped, necessitating the use of protective cases.

Plastic frames are generally more resistant to impacts and drops compared to metal. Plastic being lighter than metal, contributes to the overall manageable weight of the phones. It is also less expensive to produce, helping to keep the phones' cost down. However, plastic can feel less premium compared to metal frames; and over time, plastic may show signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or discoloration.

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro are available in a variety of colors, appealing to different personalities:

• Gray: Sophisticated, professional, and understated. Gray is a versatile color that appeals to those who prefer a classic and timeless look. It is ideal for business professionals, minimalists, and anyone looking for a sleek, unobtrusive device.
• Green: Fresh, vibrant, and nature-inspired. Green conveys a sense of tranquility and growth. It is perfect for those who enjoy standing out with a unique, lively color and appreciate the outdoors or eco-friendly initiatives.
• Light Blue: Calm, cool, and refreshing. Light Blue is associated with serenity and clarity. It is great for users who want a calming aesthetic and a touch of personality without being too bold. It’s also a good fit for younger audiences or those who favor lighter hues.
• Peach: Warm, friendly, and approachable. Peach is a soft, inviting color that exudes positivity. It is suitable for those who like cheerful, gentle colors. It’s particularly appealing to creative individuals and those who want a phone that feels more personal and less corporate.

In summary, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro, with their carefully crafted dimensions and weights, are comfortable to hold and carry, making them practical for everyday use. The combination of glass backs and plastic frames offers a blend of premium aesthetics and durability. The variety of color options allows you to choose a device that matches your personal style and preferences, whether you prefer a classic, sophisticated look or a more vibrant, expressive design.

If we compare the vivo S19 and S19 Pro with their respective predecessors, the vivo S18 and S18 Pro, they've gained a bit of weight. The S18 was 164.4×75.1×7.5 mm and 185 g, and the S18 Pro was 164.4×75.1×7.5 mm and 188 g. Both the phones featured a glass front and a plastic frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

The vivo S19 is IP64 rated, ensuring dust and water resistance to a reasonable extent. The S19 Pro comes with an enhanced IP68/IP69K rating (1.5 m up to 30 minutes), providing better protection against dust and water.

The IP in the ratings stands for "Ingress Protection", and those two numbers are like a phone's superhero stats. The first digit is for solid particle protection. Its value 6 here means your vivo S19 or S19 Pro is a fortress against dust. It's like having a tiny shield that says, "No, dust, you shall not pass!"

The second digit is for liquid ingress protection. With a value of 4 for the vivo S19, it tells you that the phone can withstand splashes of water from any direction. So, rain or accidental spills won't turn your vivo S19 into a paperweight. However, immersion in water is not recommended. So, if you're planning deep-sea adventures for your phone, you might want to reconsider.

The digit 8 in IP68 signifies the vivo S19 Pro's resistance to water. It indicates that the phone is capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. So, whether it accidentally takes a plunge into a puddle or gets caught in a rainstorm, your S19 Pro will emerge unscathed, ready for action.

The digit 9 indicates the highest level of water resistance, providing protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all directions. In practical terms, this means the vivo S19 Pro can withstand powerful water jets without water penetrating its enclosure, making it highly resistant to water ingress in various conditions.

General Tip: It is a good idea to use a protective case and a screen protector to give your phone that extra layer of security.

For comparison, the predecessors S18 and S18 Pro both came with an IP54 rating.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro boast a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for smooth scrolling and immersive visuals. The S19 features a flat display, whereas the Pro variant sports a curved one.

vivo S19 display. Image credit: vivo

The displays support 1 billion colors, providing vibrant and true-to-life images. With a resolution of 1260×2800 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 453 PPI, these screens are perfect for media consumption and gaming. Their peak brightness of 4500 nits ensures clear visibility even under direct sunlight.

vivo S19 Pro display. Image credit: vivo

Here are the relevant specs:

Both the vivo S19 and S19 Pro boast almost identical displays that are designed to deliver an exceptional visual experience. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology is renowned for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and energy efficiency. AMOLED panels can produce extremely vivid colors. With support for 1 billion colors, these displays offer a wide color gamut, making images and videos look more lifelike and immersive.

Each pixel in an AMOLED display can be turned off completely, resulting in true black levels. This contributes to higher contrast and more dynamic visuals. And because AMOLED screens don't require a backlight, they can be more power-efficient, especially when displaying darker content.

The phones' 120 Hz refresh rate means the display refreshes 120 times per second. Owing to this, navigating through menus, social media feeds, and websites feels exceptionally smooth and fluid. Games that support higher refresh rates will benefit from reduced motion blur and improved responsiveness, creating a more immersive gaming experience. And interacting with the phone, whether it's swiping, tapping, or scrolling, feels more immediate and responsive.

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro boast a resolution of 1260×2800 pixels, combined with a pixel density of around 453 PPI, ensuring crisp and clear visuals. Text is rendered sharply, making reading easier on the eyes. Images and videos appear detailed and clear. Whether you're watching high-definition videos, browsing photos, or playing games, the high resolution enhances the overall viewing experience.

A peak brightness of 4500 nits is exceptionally high for any smartphone display. Even under direct sunlight, the display remains bright and readable, making it ideal for use in various lighting conditions. This high peak brightness is crucial for displaying HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which requires a wide range of luminance to show details in both bright and dark areas.

The ability of the phones to display 1 billion colors translates to more nuanced and realistic images. More colors mean the display can reproduce subtle variations and gradients more accurately, enhancing the realism of photos and videos. For users involved in photo editing, video production, or other creative tasks, the wide color gamut ensures that they see a more accurate representation of their work.

The contrast ratio of 8000000:1 in the vivo S19 contributes to stunning visual depth. The high contrast ratio allows for deep blacks and bright whites, making images pop with vibrancy and detail. It also makes the visuals more lifelike, adding a sense of depth and realism to everything displayed on the screen.

In conclusion, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro's displays are designed to impress with their advanced AMOLED technology. With features like a 120 Hz refresh rate, 1260×2800 pixel resolution, exceptional peak brightness, and support for 1 billion colors, these phones offer a visual experience that rivals even some flagship models. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, editing photos, or just browsing, the displays on these devices are sure to provide a rich and immersive experience.

For comparison, the predecessors S18 and S18 Pro featured similar displays, but with a peak brightness of 2800 nits.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Equipped with GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE, and 5G capabilities, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro ensure you stay connected at all times.

GSM, the reliable workhorse, lays the foundation for 2G connectivity, ensuring seamless voice calls and text messages. CDMA is a parallel powerhouse, offering a different approach to network communication with distinct coding techniques. Then, HSPA steps up to the plate, championing 3G connectivity, providing faster data transfer rates and improved multimedia capabilities.

LTE, the bedrock of 4G networks, elevates the user experience with swift internet speeds and enhanced call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. This powerhouse not only promises lightning-fast download and upload speeds but also significantly reduces latency, opening up a realm of possibilities for innovative applications and technologies that will shape the future.

SIM

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro's dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) capability adds flexibility, catering to those who navigate between personal and professional domains.

Chipset: Performance

Under the hood, the vivo S19 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, a capable processor for midrange devices. The octa-core CPU configuration includes a high-performance Cortex-A715 core clocked at 2.63 GHz, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient power consumption. The Adreno 720 GPU handles graphic-intensive tasks with ease, making this device suitable for gaming and multimedia applications.

The S19 Pro steps up the performance with the Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ chipset. This octa-core processor includes a high-performance Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.35 GHz, offering a significant boost in performance over the vanilla S19. The Immortalis-G715 MC11 GPU provides excellent graphics performance for gaming and multimedia applications.

Here are the relevant specs:

Both the vivo S19 and S19 Pro are equipped with advanced chipsets that ensure smooth performance, efficient multitasking, and high-end gaming capabilities. The S19's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a robust midrange chipset that offers excellent performance and power efficiency. It is built on a 4-nm process, which is key to its power efficiency and thermal management. The chipset includes a powerful GPU and supports advanced AI capabilities, making it well-suited for gaming, photography, and everyday tasks.

The Pro model's Dimensity 9200+ is a high-end chipset designed for flagship-level performance. Also built on a 4-nm process, it combines top-tier performance with excellent power efficiency. The chipset integrates advanced AI, multimedia, and gaming capabilities, making the S19 Pro a formidable competitor in the high-end smartphone market.

Both chipsets feature an octa-core CPU configuration, but with different core arrangements:

• Ultra Performance Core (Cortex-X3 in vivo S19 Pro): This core is designed for peak performance. It handles the most demanding tasks, such as high-end gaming, intensive processing applications, and complex AI computations. It provides a significant boost in speed and responsiveness, ensuring that the phone can handle heavy workloads without lag.
• Performance Cores (Cortex-A715 in both vivo S19 and S19 Pro): These cores are a balance between performance and efficiency. They manage medium to high-intensity tasks, such as multitasking, running apps, and moderate gaming. They offer a good balance of speed and power consumption, ensuring that the phone runs smoothly for everyday tasks while preserving battery life.
• Efficiency Cores (Cortex-A510 in both vivo S19 and S19 Pro): These cores are optimized for power efficiency. They handle background tasks, light applications, and general phone operations that do not require high processing power. They help extend battery life by using minimal power for routine tasks, allowing the more powerful cores to remain idle when not needed.

Coming to the GPUs, the Adreno 720, employed in the S19, is known for its strong performance in midrange devices. It supports high-resolution displays, advanced graphics rendering, and efficient power consumption. This GPU is well-suited for gaming, multimedia consumption, and graphics-intensive applications.

The Immortalis-G715 MC11, used in the S19 Pro, is a high-performance GPU designed for flagship devices. It offers superior graphics performance, supporting features like ray tracing, advanced shading techniques, and high frame rates in games. This GPU ensures that the S19 Pro can handle the most graphically demanding games and applications with ease.

In summary, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro are equipped with powerful and efficient chipsets that cater to different user needs. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the S19 provides excellent performance for a midrange device, making it suitable for users who want a balance of power and efficiency. The Dimensity 9200+ in the S19 Pro, on the other hand, delivers flagship-level performance, ideal for power users and gamers who demand the best from their devices.

The CPU configurations in both devices ensure that tasks are handled efficiently, with each type of core playing a specific role in balancing performance and power consumption. The GPUs in these phones guarantee excellent graphics performance, whether for gaming or multimedia use, making both the vivo S19 and S19 Pro compelling choices in their respective segments.

For comparison, the predecessors S18 and S18 Pro sported the same chipset, CPU, and GPU combinations as their respective newer counterparts.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro offer multiple memory configurations to suit different user needs: However, both lack a card slot, so storage expansion is not an option.

For comparison, the predecessor S18 came in three variants with 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM paired with 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage. The S18 Pro came in three variants offering 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM paired with 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. Both phones lacked a memory card slot.

Camera System

The dual-camera setup on the vivo S19 is impressive for its segment, consisting of a 50 MP wide sensor promising high-quality images and stability, and an 8 MP ultrawide camera with a 106° field of view, perfect for landscape shots and group photos.

The triple-camera setup on the S19 Pro elevates the photography experience. Both phones are capable of recording 4K videos at 30 fps and 1080p videos at 30 fps with gyro-EIS and OIS for smooth and stable video.

For selfie lovers, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro offer a 50 MP front camera with autofocus. It also includes dual-LED flash and HDR capabilities. Video recording options include 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 30 fps.

Rear Camera

vivo S19. Image credit: vivo

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro are equipped with versatile camera setups designed to cater to a wide range of photography needs. Let’s explore the specifics of their main cameras, the roles of each lens, and the features that enhance their photographic capabilities. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	vivo S19	vivo S19 Pro
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)	3 (Triple)
Resolution (Megapixels)	50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide)	50 MP (wide, Sony IMX921 sensor), 50 MP (telephoto), 8 MP (ultrawide)
Aperture	f/1.9, f/2.2	f/1.9, f/1.9, f/2.2
Sensor Size	1/1.56″, N/A	1/1.56″, N/A, N/A
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A	PDAF, PDAF, N/A
Image Stabilization	OIS with CIPA 4.0 telephoto stabilization; OIS; N/A	OIS, OIS, N/A
Field of View	N/A, 106°	N/A, N/A, 106°
Optical Zoom	N/A, N/A	N/A, 2x, N/A
Video Recording	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS, OIS	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS, OIS
Other Features	Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR	Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR

The 50 MP wide lens is the primary camera for most shooting scenarios. It captures high-resolution images with a good balance of detail and light. With a large sensor and wide aperture, it excels in various lighting conditions, providing sharp and detailed photos. The 50 megapixels resolution ensures that even when cropping, images retain their clarity.

The 8 MP ultrawide lens is designed for capturing expansive scenes, such as landscapes, architecture, and group photos. Its 106° field of view allows for a wider perspective, fitting more into the frame without the need to step back. This lens is perfect for dramatic wide-angle shots and creative compositions.

The Pro model's 50 MP telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without losing image quality. Its 2x optical zoom lets you capture distant subjects with clarity, making it ideal for portrait photography and distant objects. The telephoto lens also enhances the phone's versatility, providing different focal lengths for varied shooting situations.

Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) quickly and accurately focuses on subjects by detecting phase differences in light. This results in faster and more reliable autofocus, especially useful for moving subjects and low-light conditions.

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) compensates for camera shake by physically moving the lens or sensor to counteract motion. This results in sharper images in low light and reduced blur in photos and videos, particularly useful for handheld shooting.

The S19 features OIS with CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) 4.0 telephoto stabilization, which ensures superior stabilization performance. This results in enhanced stability and reduced blur, allowing for clearer shots.

The Ring-LED flash, featured in both phones, provides even illumination around the subject, reducing shadows and highlighting details. It ensures well-lit photos in low-light conditions, enhancing the quality of night shots and close-up photography.

Panorama mode allows for the capture of wide-angle panoramic photos by stitching multiple images together. It is ideal for wide landscapes and capturing scenes that are too expansive to fit into a single frame.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) combines multiple exposures to create an image with greater detail in the shadows and highlights. It produces balanced images with better contrast and color accuracy, especially in high-contrast lighting conditions.

Among the video recording features, gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) uses electronic adjustments to reduce camera shake by analyzing motion data from the phone’s gyroscope. It smooths out video footage by compensating for hand movements and minor shakes, resulting in more stable videos.

OIS works in tandem with gyro-EIS to physically adjust the camera lens to counteract movement. It reduces blur and jitter in videos, especially useful for recording in low-light conditions and during motion.

In conclusion, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro offer impressive camera setups that cater to a wide range of photography needs. The combination of wide, ultrawide, and (in the case of the S19 Pro) telephoto lenses provides versatility for different shooting scenarios. Whether you’re capturing wide landscapes, detailed portraits, or recording smooth videos, these phones are equipped to deliver excellent photographic results.

For comparison, the older S18 had similar dual main camera setup and features as the S19, sans the gyro-EIS and OIS support in video recording. The S18 Pro featured a triple camera setup consisting of a 50 MP (f/1.9) wide lens supporting PDAF and OIS; a 12 MP (f/2.0) telephoto lens supporting PDAF and with 2x optical zoom; and a 50 MP (f/2.0) ultrawide lens. Its video recording capabilities and feature set matched those of the S19 Pro, except that it lacked gyro-EIS and OIS for video recording.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The S19 is equipped with a substantial 6000 mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting performance. It supports 80 W wired charging and also offers reverse wired charging, making it versatile for power users.

The S19 Pro features a slightly smaller 5500 mAh battery but retains the 80 W wired charging capability and reverse wired charging.

The Si-C (silicon-carbon) type of battery featured in both phones is a relatively new battery technology that offers several advantages over traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries, including higher energy density (so they can store more energy in the same volume or weight), improved safety, longer lifespan, and environmental friendliness; though they're more expensive to produce and, being a newer technology, may be less readily available compared to Li-ion and Li-Po batteries, which could affect repairability and replacement options for devices using this technology.

For comparison, both the predecessors S18 and S18 Pro came with a 5000 mAh battery, with 80 W wired charging support. They, too, supported reverse wired charging.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the predecessors S18 and S18 Pro both featured a single loudspeaker and lacked support for 3.5 mm headphone jack. However, they supported Hi-Res 24-bit, 192 kHz audio, and the S18 additionally featured Snapdragon Sound.

Connectivity

In the connectivity department, the vivo S19 and S19 Pro offer a comprehensive range of options. The S19 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, whereas the S19 Pro supported dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7. Both phones support Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router.

The S19 boasts Bluetooth 5.4, whereas the S19 Pro features Bluetooth 5.3, both devices ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, aptX HD for superior audio quality, and aptX Adaptive (S19 only) for dynamically and efficiently adjusting the audio bit-rate based on the complexity of audio and the quality of connection, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

In terms of positioning systems, the S19 features GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, and BDS (B1I+B1c); whereas the S19 Pro features GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), and NavIC (L5).

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro feature NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro also sport infrared port.

Last but not least, both S19 and S19 Pro support USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The vivo S19 and S19 Pro come equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is the in-display, optical type in both models.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is vivo S19 and S19 Pro release date?

  The vivo S19 and S19 Pro have been announced and released on the 30th May, 2024.

• What is vivo S19 price?

  The vivo S19 is priced starting from CNY 2499 (about USD 345) for the 8 GB / 256 GB variant, and goes up to CNY 3299 (about USD 456) for the 16 GB / 512 GB variant.

• What is vivo S19 Pro price?

  The vivo S19 Pro is priced starting from CNY 3299 (about USD 456) for the 8 GB / 256 GB variant, and goes up to CNY 3999 (about USD 552) for the 16 GB / 512 GB variant.