Vivo has silently unveiled the Vivo Y27, aiming to establish a significant presence in the offline smartphone market. Priced at Rs. 14,999, the Y27 features an elegant glass body with a sleek flat back and edges, designed to attract attention in brick-and-mortar stores. The handset has a 5,000mAh battery, 44W fast charging, and a 50MP main camera.
While the smartphone offers an attractive design and incorporates features akin to online-exclusive devices, its 4G-only capability presents a considerable challenge in capturing buyers’ attention.
Let’s delve into the details to understand the potential implications.
In the fiercely competitive landscape of the Indian offline smartphone market, buyers have become increasingly discerning, expecting features and specifications on par with online-exclusive products. While Vivo’s Y-series has maintained a presence for over eight years, it must address the evolving demands of offline buyers to effectively compete in this dynamic market.
As buyers become more informed and discerning, the appeal of 4G-only smartphones diminishes in the sub20K price bracket. We fear that despite retailers’ efforts in leveraging social and digital platforms for advertising, the 4G-only limitation of the Y27 could prove to be a disaster in a market where 5G is gaining significant traction.
With an increasing number of buyers opting for 5G-enabled devices, the Y27 may face difficulty in garnering serious consideration from potential buyers for its asking price.
A noteworthy competitor in the market is the recently launched Galaxy M34, priced at Rs. 16,999, which is a 5G-enabled device. Retailers are likely to see merit in pushing the Galaxy M34, as it aligns with buyers’ preferences for 5G connectivity and offers them access to the latest technology.
Vivo Y27 Specifications
Moving on to the Y27’s hardware, the smartphone boasts a 6.64-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 1080×2388 pixels. It’s essential to note that the panel used is LCD and not AMOLED, unlike some other OEMs offering Super AMOLED panels in the sub-15K price segment. However, the Y27 compensates with a 90Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 600 nits which should ensure a vibrant and smooth visual experience.
The device is powered by a substantial 5,000mAh battery, promising at least two days of backup on a single charge. Adding to its appeal, the smartphone supports 44W FlashCharge technology, providing a potent combination of a long-lasting battery and fast charging capabilities.
Under the hood, the Y27 is equipped with MediaTek’s Helio G85 processor, which is the culprit. First arrived in 2020, the Helio G85 is a 4G-only SoC and is now mostly available in sub-10K smartphones such as the recently unveiled Poco C55. The processor doesn’t make any sense on a handset costing Rs. 15,000 in 2023.
The battery and fast-charging setup seems to justify the pricing though. The Vivo Y27 is fuelled by a substantial 5,000mAh battery and 44W FlashCharge technology.
For photography enthusiasts, the smartphone’s dual-camera setup, includes a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP bokeh camera with features such as Super Night Mode, Super Night Selfie mode, and Bokeh Flare Portrait feature. The 8 MP front camera with Aura Screen Light feature caters to selfie needs in various lighting conditions.
Manufactured at vivo’s Greater Noida facility, the Y27 is available in two color options: Burgundy Black and Garden Green.
