vivo's V-series offers a compelling blend of style and features, but choosing between the recently released V30 Lite (ME) and the slightly older V29 Pro requires careful consideration. The V30 Lite aims for affordability with a newer chipset, while the V29 Pro targets a more premium experience with a more powerful processor and proven endurance. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and a smoother overall experience, the vivo V29 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Dimensity 8200 chipset and 12:07h active use battery score significantly outperform the V30 Lite (ME)'s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, justifying the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 26 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic or silicone polymer (eco leather) back | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 74.9 x 7.8 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm (6.46 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g or 191 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 106° (ultrawide) | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 80% in 30 min
Reverse wired | 80W wired, 50% in 18 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Leather Purple, Leather Orange, Crystal Black | Himalayan Blue, Space Black, Pink |
| Models | - | V2251 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 460 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
vivo V30 Lite (ME)
- More affordable price point
- Fast 80W charging
- Modern Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Less powerful processor than V29 Pro
- Likely shorter battery life
- Display likely less bright
vivo V29 Pro
- Significantly more powerful Dimensity 8200 chipset
- Longer battery life (12:07h active use)
- Brighter display (1029 nits)
- Potentially higher price
- 80W charging takes longer to reach 50%
- May be slightly heavier
Display Comparison
The vivo V29 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1029 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the V30 Lite’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be dimmer. The V29 Pro’s brightness advantage is crucial for outdoor use and HDR content consumption. We expect both phones to utilize AMOLED panels, common in this price bracket, but the V29 Pro’s higher peak brightness is a clear differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications for both devices are limited. However, the V29 Pro is marketed with a focus on photo and video capabilities, suggesting a more sophisticated camera system. The V30 Lite (ME) likely features a standard camera setup for its price point. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the V29 Pro’s positioning suggests a larger main sensor and potentially better image stabilization (OIS). We advise users to disregard the inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on either device, as their image quality is typically subpar.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo V30 Lite (ME) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm), while the V29 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 (4nm). The Dimensity 8200’s CPU configuration – a 1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is substantially more powerful than the V30 Lite’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the V29 Pro. While both are built on a 4nm process, the Dimensity 8200’s superior architecture provides a significant performance edge. The V29 Pro will handle graphically intensive games with higher frame rates and fewer stutters.
Battery Life
The vivo V29 Pro demonstrates superior battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 12:07h and an endurance rating of 113h. While the V30 Lite’s battery capacity is unknown, the V29 Pro’s longer runtime is a significant advantage. Both phones support 80W wired charging, but the V29 Pro reaches 50% charge in 18 minutes, while the V30 Lite takes 30 minutes to reach 80%. This suggests the V29 Pro may have a slightly larger battery capacity, contributing to its longer overall endurance. The faster partial charge time on the V29 Pro is also beneficial for quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V30 Lite (ME) if you need a budget-friendly 5G smartphone with fast 80W charging and are willing to compromise on raw processing power. Buy the vivo V29 Pro if you prioritize sustained performance for gaming and demanding apps, a brighter and more vibrant display, and longer battery life, even if it means a potentially higher upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Dimensity 8200 in the V29 Pro prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8200 is generally well-regarded for its thermal efficiency. While some throttling is inevitable under sustained load, the 4nm process and vivo’s cooling solutions should mitigate excessive heat buildup, providing a consistently smooth gaming experience. Reviews suggest it handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile without significant performance drops.
❓ How does the 80W charging compare in real-world usage between the V30 Lite (ME) and V29 Pro?
Both phones support 80W charging, but the V29 Pro charges faster to 50% (18 minutes) compared to the V30 Lite (ME) which reaches 80% in 30 minutes. This means the V29 Pro offers quicker top-ups for users who need a fast boost, while the V30 Lite prioritizes reaching a higher percentage in a slightly longer timeframe.
❓ Does the V30 Lite (ME) support 5G connectivity, and what bands are compatible?
Yes, the vivo V30 Lite (ME) supports 5G connectivity thanks to the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. Specific 5G band compatibility will vary by region, so it's crucial to check with your carrier to ensure it supports the bands used in your area. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 offers broad 5G support, making it suitable for most 5G networks.
