Vivo X60 Series Exynos 1080 Zeiss Cameras Launched?

Yes, the Vivo X60 series with the Exynos 1080 chipset and Zeiss co-engineered cameras was launched in December 2020 in China, followed by global releases in early 2021. The lineup includes the Vivo X60, X60 Pro, and X60 Pro+, each featuring a 5nm Exynos 1080 processor (except the Pro+ which uses the Snapdragon 888) and a camera system developed in partnership with Zeiss.

Background: Vivo’s Move to Exynos and Zeiss

Vivo had traditionally relied on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets for its flagship X series. The X60 series marked a strategic shift: Vivo partnered with Samsung to use the newly announced Exynos 1080, a 5nm chip with an integrated 5G modem and a Mali-G78 GPU. The Exynos 1080 was positioned as a premium mid-range to flagship-level processor, aiming to compete with the Snapdragon 865 and 888.

Simultaneously, Vivo announced a long-term partnership with Zeiss, the German optics company. The collaboration involved co-developing camera lenses, coatings, and image processing algorithms. The X60 series was the first to feature Zeiss-branded optics, with the tagline “Vivo Zeiss Imaging.” This partnership was a direct response to the growing competition in smartphone photography, particularly from Huawei’s Leica partnership.

Key Specifications Across the X60 Series

The X60 series consists of three models, each with distinct camera and hardware configurations:

• Vivo X60: 6.56-inch AMOLED display, Exynos 1080, 48MP main camera (Sony IMX598), 13MP ultra-wide, 13MP portrait, 2MP macro, 8MP front camera, 4300mAh battery, 33W fast charging.
• Vivo X60 Pro: Same display and chipset, but with a 48MP main camera with gimbal stabilization, 8MP periscope telephoto (5x optical), 13MP ultra-wide, 13MP portrait, 32MP front camera, 4200mAh battery, 33W charging.
• Vivo X60 Pro+: Upgraded to Snapdragon 888, 50MP main camera (GN1), 48MP ultra-wide, 8MP periscope telephoto, 32MP front camera, 4200mAh battery, 55W charging.

All models feature a 120Hz refresh rate display and run on Vivo’s OriginOS (in China) or Funtouch OS (globally), based on Android 11.

The Exynos 1080 Chipset: Performance and Efficiency

The Exynos 1080 is a 5nm chip with an octa-core CPU: one Cortex-A78 core at 2.8GHz, three A78 cores at 2.6GHz, and four A55 cores at 2.0GHz. It uses the Mali-G78 MP10 GPU. In benchmarks, it performed close to the Snapdragon 865, with slightly better multi-core scores. The chip also integrates a 5G modem supporting both mmWave and sub-6GHz bands. Real-world performance is smooth for daily tasks and gaming, though the Pro+ model with the Snapdragon 888 offers higher peak performance. The Exynos 1080 was exclusive to Vivo for a period, later appearing in other devices like the iQOO Z3.

Zeiss Camera System: What It Brings

The Zeiss partnership primarily involves lens design and coating. Zeiss lenses are known for their contrast and color accuracy. The X60 series uses a Zeiss T* coating on the lenses, which reduces lens flare and ghosting, improving image quality in backlit scenes. The camera software includes Zeiss color profiles, such as “Zeiss Natural Color,” which aims for accurate, non-over-saturated tones. The Pro model’s gimbal stabilization is a standout feature, allowing for smooth video and long-exposure handheld shots. The Pro+ model adds a large 50MP sensor for better low-light performance.

How to Choose Between the X60 Models

Choosing among the three models depends on your priorities:

• X60: Best for those who want a compact, lightweight phone with a good camera and 5G at a lower price. It lacks the telephoto lens and gimbal stabilization.
• X60 Pro: The sweet spot for photography enthusiasts. The gimbal stabilization is excellent for video and low-light, and the periscope telephoto adds versatility. It’s heavier than the X60 but still manageable.
• X60 Pro+: For those who want the absolute best camera hardware and performance. The Snapdragon 888 is faster, and the 50MP main sensor captures more detail. It’s also the most expensive.

Consider your budget and whether you need the telephoto or gimbal features. If you don’t take many zoom shots, the X60 is sufficient.

Common Problems and Limitations

Users have reported a few issues with the X60 series:

• Battery life: The X60 and X60 Pro have 4200-4300mAh batteries, which are adequate but not exceptional. Heavy camera use drains them quickly.
• Software updates: Vivo’s update policy has been slower than competitors, with some regions receiving Android updates months later.
• No wireless charging: None of the X60 models support wireless charging, which is a drawback for a flagship.
• Video stabilization: While the gimbal is great, the standard X60 lacks OIS, so videos can be shaky.

These are minor issues for most users, but worth noting.

Comparisons with Competitors

The X60 series competes with the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, OnePlus 9 series, and Xiaomi Mi 11. The Galaxy S21 offers a more polished software experience and wireless charging, but the X60 Pro’s gimbal is unique. The OnePlus 9 has a Hasselblad partnership, but the X60’s Zeiss optics are comparable. The Mi 11 offers a larger battery and faster charging, but the X60 Pro+ has a better telephoto. Overall, the X60 series stands out for its camera stabilization and Zeiss color science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Exynos 1080 good for gaming?

Yes, the Exynos 1080 handles most games at high settings. The Mali-G78 GPU is powerful, but it can throttle under sustained loads. For heavy gaming, the Pro+ model with the Snapdragon 888 is better.

Does the X60 Pro have wireless charging?

No, none of the X60 models support wireless charging. They rely on wired fast charging (33W or 55W).

What is the Zeiss T* coating?

It’s a lens coating that reduces reflections and flare, improving contrast and color accuracy. It’s a hallmark of Zeiss optics, now applied to the X60’s camera lenses.

How does the gimbal stabilization work?

The gimbal uses a micro-stabilizer that moves the camera module to counteract hand shake, allowing for smoother video and longer handheld exposures (up to 2 seconds).

Is the X60 Pro+ worth the extra cost?

If you prioritize camera quality and performance, yes. The 50MP sensor and Snapdragon 888 offer better low-light and faster operation. But the X60 Pro is a great value for most users.

Will the X60 series get Android 13?

Vivo has promised two major Android updates for the X60 series, so it should receive Android 12 and 13. However, the rollout may vary by region and carrier.

Conclusion

The Vivo X60 series successfully brought Exynos 1080 and Zeiss cameras to the mainstream, offering a compelling camera experience at competitive prices. While not perfect, the series demonstrated Vivo’s ambition to compete with the best in smartphone photography. If you’re in the market for a used phone, the X60 Pro remains a solid choice for its gimbal stabilization and Zeiss color science.

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