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vivo S9

$0

Overview

vivo S9 is a budget Android smartphone released in 2021 with a 6.44-inch AMOLED, Dimensity 1100 chipset, 64 main camera, and 4000 mAh battery.

The device runs Funtouch OS with features like ZEISS partnership. Priced at $0, it targets users seeking budget performance.

Specifications of vivo S9

The display of vivo S9 measures 6.44 inches with AMOLED technology and 90Hz refresh rate. Peak brightness reaches 1300 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The screen renders at 1080x2400 pixels resolution.

Size
6.44 inches
Type
AMOLED
Resolution
1080x2400 pixels
Refresh Rate
90Hz
Peak Brightness
1300 nits
HDR
HDR10+

The camera system of vivo S9 features 3 rear cameras: 64 main, 8MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto. Optical zoom reaches 2x for detailed distant shots. Video recording supports up to 2160p.

Main Sensor
64
Camera Count
3 cameras
Ultrawide
8MP, FOV: 120°
Telephoto
8MP, 2x optical zoom
Max Video
2160p

The battery of vivo S9 has 4000mAh capacity with 33 wired charging. A full charge takes approximately 65 min minutes.

Capacity
4000mAh
Wired Charging
33
Full Charge Time
65 min minutes

The performance of vivo S9 is powered by the Dimensity 1100 chipset with Mali-G77 MC9 GPU.

Chipset
Dimensity 1100
CPU
Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU
Mali-G77 MC9

The memory of vivo S9 offers 12GB RAM with 128GB storage options. RAM uses LPDDR4X technology. Storage is 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM. Storage is not expandable.

RAM Options
12GB
Storage Options
128GB
RAM Type
LPDDR4X
Storage Type
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Expandable
No

The connectivity of vivo S9 includes 5G support, Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Bluetooth 5.2. NFC is supported for contactless payments.

5G
Yes
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth
5.2
NFC
Yes

The build of vivo S9 weighs 173.0g with Aluminum frame and Glossy back. Dimensions measure 158.4 x 73.9 x 7.4 mm.

Dimensions
158.4 x 73.9 x 7.4 mm
Weight
173.0g
Frame
Aluminum
Back
Glossy

The software of vivo S9 runs Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 with Funtouch OS. Software support extends 2 years through 2028.

OS
Android 11, OriginOS 1.0
Update Policy
2 years

Compare vivo S9

vivo S9 vs Samsung Galaxy A34

vivo S9 offers competitive value at $0 compared to Samsung Galaxy A34.

$0 price point
Dimensity 1100
6.44" display

vivo S9 vs Motorola Moto G Power

vivo S9 offers competitive value at $0 compared to Motorola Moto G Power.

$0 price point
Dimensity 1100
6.44" display

vivo S9 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

vivo S9 offers competitive value at $0 compared to Xiaomi Redmi Note 13.

$0 price point
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6.44" display

Frequently Asked Questions about vivo S9

Yes, vivo S9 is good for photography with its 64 camera. It handles everyday photography well with solid detail and color accuracy.

Related: mobile photography

vivo S9 with Dimensity 1100 can handle casual gaming. For intensive gaming, consider phones with flagship chipsets.

Related: mobile gaming

vivo S9 receives 2 years of updates through 2028. Consider this when planning long-term device usage.

Related: software support

Yes, vivo S9 supports 5G connectivity with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for maximum network compatibility and fastest speeds. It works with major 5G carriers globally.

Related: 5G connectivity

vivo S9 has a 4000mAh battery. This provides full-day battery life with typical usage patterns.

Related: battery life

vivo S9 at $0 is a budget device. It's worth buying if you prioritize affordability over premium features.

Related: buying decision

vivo S9 supports 33 wired charging with full charge in approximately 65 min minutes.

Related: fast charging

vivo S9 is available in 128GB storage options. Storage is not expandable, so choose your capacity based on your needs.

Related: storage capacity

vivo S9 has a 6.44-inch AMOLED with 90Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness. HDR support includes HDR10+.

Related: display quality

See how vivo S9 ranks in these categories:

Verdict

The vivo S9 delivers practical value for users prioritizing affordability over premium features. The phone excels in versatile camera system. Pick this phone for essential smartphone functionality, if you prioritize affordability while still needing core features.

Key Specifications

Display

6.44"

Main Camera

64

Chipset

Dimensity 1100

Full Specifications

Network

TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
2G BandsGSM /
3G BandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G LTE BandsLTE /
5G Sub-6 Bands5G
5G mmWave Bands
SpeedN/A
Carrier Aggregation
SIMNano-SIM
Dual SIM ModeDual SIM
eSIM Support
VoLTE SupportN/A
VoWiFiN/A
NR CA Support2CC

Launch

Announced2021
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 12
AvailabilityN/A
Model VariantsN/A
Launch PriceN/A

Body & Design

Dimensions (mm)158.4 x 73.9 x 7.4 mm
Weight (g)173.0
Build MaterialsAluminum frame, Glass back
FrameAluminum
Back FinishGlossy
Colors["Black", "White", "Gradient Blue"]
IP RatingN/A
Rugged CertificationsN/A
Ingress GasketsN/A
Form FactorBar
Hinge TypeN/A
Folded Dimensions0x0x0
Thermal SolutionGraphite Cooling
Notification/Alert
HapticsLinear Haptics

Display

Panel TypeAMOLED
Size (inches)6.44
Resolution (px)1080x2400 pixels
Aspect Ratio9:20
Pixel Density (ppi)409
Screen-to-body Ratio (%)85.5
Refresh Rate (Hz)90
Adaptive Refresh Rate
Touch Sampling Rate (Hz)180
Peak Brightness (nits)1300
HDR StandardsHDR10+
Color GamutDCI-P3
Color Depth10
PWM Dimming (Hz)360
Glass ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Oleophobic CoatingN/A
CurvatureFlat
Always-on Display
Display Driver ICN/A
Cover Display

Platform (SoC)

OS at LaunchAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0
Update Policy2 years
ChipsetDimensity 1100
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPUMali-G77 MC9
NPU/AI TOPs4.5 TOPS
ISP FeaturesMulti-frame HDR, AI Scene Detection
ModemMediaTek 5G modem
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ChipN/A
Throttling BehaviorN/A
Geekbench Single-CoreN/A
Geekbench Multi-CoreN/A
AnTuTu ScoreN/A
3DMark ScoresN/A

Memory & Storage

RAM12GB
RAM TypeLPDDR4X
Storage128GB
Storage Type128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Storage SpeedUFS 3.1
Expandable Storage
Slot TypeN/A
USB OTG
Filesystem EncryptionFIPS 140-2

Main Camera System

Rear Cameras3
Main Sensor64
Main Sensor Size1/1.72"
Main Sensor ModelSony IMX686
Main Lensf/1.8, 26mm
OIS
AutofocusPDAF
Pixel Binning4-in-1
Ultrawide8MP, FOV: 120°
Telephoto8MP, 2x optical zoom
Macro2
Depth/ToF/LiDAR
Flicker/Color SensorsN/A
FlashDual-LED
Video Resolution2160p
HDR/Dolby Vision Video
Video CodecsH.264, H.265
Slow Motion960
Video Stabilization
Night Mode Features
RAW/Pro ControlsN/A

Selfie Camera

Resolution44
Sensor Size1/2.8"
Aperturef/2.0
AF/OIS
Secondary Front Cam
Front Flash
Video1080p@30fps
HDR/Dolby VisionN/A
Face Unlock3D Face Unlock

Audio

Loudspeakers
3.5mm Jack
Hi-Res Audio
Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos
Microphones2
Bluetooth CodecsaptX, LDAC, AAC
DAC/AmpAK4377A

Connectivity

Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi FeaturesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.2
NFC
IR Blaster
UWBN/A
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Dual-Band GNSS
FM Radio
USBUSB Type-C
Display Out
eSIM Capacity

Sensors

Fingerprint SensorFingerprint (Under Display, Optical)
3D Face IDN/A
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light
Barometer
Thermo/HygrometerN/A
UV SensorN/A
Hall Sensor
Color Temp Sensor
Health SensorsHeart rate, SpO2
Satellite SOS

Battery & Charging

Capacity (mAh)4000
Type4000 mAh
Removable
Endurance RatingN/A
Wired Charging33
Wired StandardSuperDart
0-50% Time (mins)30 min
Full Charge Time65 min
Wireless ChargingN/A
Wireless StandardN/A
Reverse WirelessN/A
Reverse Wired
Charger in Box
Battery Health FeaturesBattery Health Management

Software

OS at LaunchAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0
Update Window2 years
UI Skin / LauncherN/A
Feature DropsN/A
App CloningN/A
Game ModeUltra Game Mode
Privacy FeaturesApp Clone, Private Space
AccessibilityVoice Access, Live Transcribe
Satellite Messaging UI

Miscellaneous

In-Box ContentsPhone, Charger, Cable, Case, SIM Tool
Recycled Materials (%)N/A
Repairability ScoreN/A
WarrantyN/A

Reviews & Ratings

4.6

186 ratings

5 star
120
4 star
45
3 star
11
2 star
5
1 star
5

Showing 3 of 186 reviews

A

Alex R.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely love the camera on this phone! The zoom is incredible and the photos are so crisp. Battery life is also a huge plus.

B

Ben C.

1 month ago

Great performance and beautiful display. My only complaint is that it feels a bit heavy, but you get used to it. Solid phone overall.

C

Chloe D.

3 months ago

The best phone I've ever owned. It's fast, the software is clean, and the build quality is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Review

vivo S9 Review: Solid Performance for the Price

7.2/10
Very Good

Our comprehensive review of the vivo S9 covers display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. A solid choice in its price segment.

(3.6 stars)
Pros
  • + Excellent AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate
Cons
  • - Performance may struggle with demanding tasks
  • - Battery life could be better

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