Launched in June 2023, the Vivo Y36 caters to users seeking a balance between affordability and everyday functionality. Here’s a comprehensive look at its specifications, strengths, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it aligns with your needs.
Display and Design
The Vivo Y36 flaunts a large 6.64-inch IPS LCD display with a FHD+ resolution (2388 x 1080 pixels). This translates to sharp visuals and ample screen real estate for watching videos, browsing the web, or gaming. The display offers a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring a more fluid user experience compared to standard 60Hz displays.
The phone comes in three color options: Meteor Black, Vibrant Gold, and Glitter Aqua (availability may vary depending on region). With a thickness of around 8mm and a weight of 202 grams, the Y36 feels comfortable to hold in one hand. An important feature to note is the IP54 dust and water resistance rating, offering some protection against the elements.
Camera
The Vivo Y36 sports a dual rear camera system. The primary camera boasts a 50-megapixel sensor, capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. However, the lack of an ultrawide or telephoto lens limits its versatility. The secondary 2-megapixel camera is likely a depth sensor, used for creating bokeh effects in portrait shots.
The front-facing camera for selfies comes in at 16 megapixels, which should be adequate for most casual users. Video recording on both front and rear cameras is capped at 1080p resolution at 30fps.
Performance and Software
The Vivo Y36 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, a mid-range chipset that can handle everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It’s paired with 8GB of RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking.
The phone runs Funtouch OS 13, based on Android 13. Funtouch OS is Vivo’s custom user interface, known for its aesthetics and additional features. However, it may also include some pre-installed apps you might not need.
Storage and Battery
The Vivo Y36 packs 128GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for most users. If you require more space for photos, videos, or games, you can expand it further using a microSD card (up to 1TB).
A highlight of the Vivo Y36 is its massive 5000mAh battery. This, coupled with the power-efficient processor, should translate to excellent battery life. The phone also supports 44W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Vivo Y36 includes all the standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. It lacks NFC, which may be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payments.
The phone features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome addition for audio enthusiasts who prefer wired headphones.
Who Should Consider the Vivo Y36?
The Vivo Y36 is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display, long battery life, and decent performance for everyday tasks. The 50MP main camera can capture good photos in well-lit environments, and the expandable storage allows you to store your essential files.
Things to Consider Before Buying
While the Vivo Y36 offers a good value proposition, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The camera system, while decent, lacks the versatility of some competitors. The phone also doesn’t support NFC or the latest Wi-Fi standards.
