Unveiled in October 2019, the vivo NEX 3 5G arrived at a pivotal moment in smartphone evolution. 5G networks were beginning to roll out globally, and manufacturers were experimenting with ways to maximize screen real estate. vivo’s answer was a near-bezel-less design achieved through a mechanical pop-up front camera and a curved “waterfall” display that wrapped around the edges. At its heart lay the powerful Snapdragon 855+ chipset, promising top-tier performance. But beyond the specs, the NEX 3 was a testament to vivo’s willingness to take risks in pursuit of innovation.
Design and Build: A Masterclass in Aesthetics
From the moment you pick up the vivo NEX 3 5G, its premium construction is unmistakable. The front and back are crafted from curved glass, seamlessly meeting an aluminum frame that provides structural integrity often missing in all-glass designs. Weighing in at 219 grams and measuring just over 9.4mm thick, it feels substantial without being unwieldy. The absence of a notch or punch-hole gives the 6.89-inch display an immersive, almost futuristic appeal, though the curved edges can occasionally lead to accidental touches.
The 360-Degree Waterfall Display
vivo’s “waterfall” display isn’t just a marketing term—it’s a design philosophy. The screen curves so dramatically at the sides that it nearly eliminates the traditional bezels, creating a wraparound effect that makes content appear to spill over the edges. This is particularly effective when watching videos or playing games, offering a more engaging visual experience. However, this design comes with trade-offs. The extreme curvature can cause slight color shifting at extreme angles, and the glass is more exposed to potential impacts.
Materials and Durability
The NEX 3’s a glass sandwich design, with Gorilla Glass protecting both the front and back. While this contributes to its premium feel, it also makes the device more fragile than phones with metal or polycarbonate builds. vivo includes a basic protective case in the box, which is almost a necessity given the phone’s slippery nature. It’s worth noting that the NEX 3 lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, a common omission among phones with moving parts like its pop-up camera.
Display, Performance: Power Meets Immersion
Central to the NEX 3 experience is its 6.89-inch Super AMOLED display. With a resolution of 1080 x 2256 pixels and a pixel density of around 363 PPI, it delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The lack of any obstructions means you’re getting a truly edge-to-edge viewing experience, whether you’re browsing social media or streaming high-definition content. While some competitors were pushing higher resolutions, the NEX 3’s panel strikes a balance between sharpness and battery efficiency.
Hardware and Real-World Performance
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 855+ paired with up to 12GB of RAM ensures that the NEX 3 remains snappy even by today’s standards. Everyday tasks like app switching, web browsing, and multimedia consumption are handled with ease. Gaming performance is particularly impressive; titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at high settings, though extended sessions can lead to noticeable warmth due to the powerful chipset. Storage isn’t an issue either, with 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4500mAh battery is more than capable of lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. In our testing, we consistently achieved around 6-7 hours of screen-on time, which includes streaming, gaming, and productivity tasks. Where the NEX 3 truly shines is its 44W fast charging capability. Using the included adapter, the phone can go from 0 to 100% in just over an hour, making it incredibly convenient for users who are always on the go. Wireless charging is notably absent, a concession vivo made to keep the design sleek and the pop-up camera functional.
Software Experience: FuntouchOS and Beyond
The NEX 3 launched with FuntouchOS 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie. vivo’s custom skin is feature-rich, offering extensive customization options for themes, gestures, and system behavior. However, it can feel overwhelming for users accustomed to stock Android or lighter skins like OxygenOS. The interface includes vivo’s Jovi AI assistant, which provides smart recommendations and contextual actions, though its usefulness varies depending on your usage patterns. Over time, vivo has released updates to improve stability and security, but the NEX 3 is unlikely to receive major Android version updates beyond what it currently supports.
Camera System: Innovation and Compromise
The pop-up 16MP front camera is one of the NEX 3’s most talked-about features. It rises quickly and quietly when needed, allowing for a clean display without any notches. While it adds a unique flair, it also introduces potential points of failure and isn’t as dust- or water-resistant as fixed alternatives. On the rear, a triple-camera setup includes a 64MP primary sensor, a 13MP telephoto lens, and a 13MP ultra-wide shooter. Daylight photos are detailed and colorful, though low-light performance can’t match today’s computational photography standards. The telephoto lens offers 2x optical zoom, which is useful for portraits and distant subjects.
5G Connectivity: Early Adoption Pros and Cons
As one of the first phones to support 5G, the NEX 3 was ahead of its time. In areas with 5G coverage, it delivers significantly faster download and upload speeds, reducing buffering and improving online gaming latency. However, 5G networks were still in their infancy in 2019, and coverage was limited to specific regions. Even today, while 5G is more widespread, the NEX 3’s modem isn’t as power-efficient as those in newer devices, which can impact battery life during extended 5G use.
Conclusion: Is the vivo NEX 3 5G Still Relevant Today?
The vivo NEX 3 5G remains a fascinating chapter in smartphone history. Its bold design, innovative pop-up camera, and early 5G support showcased vivo’s willingness to challenge conventions. For users who value aesthetics and a truly immersive display, it still holds appeal. However, its lack of water resistance, aging software support, and average low-light camera performance may give pause to those seeking a more modern experience. If you can find it at a discounted price, the NEX 3 offers a unique blend of style and performance, but it’s no longer the cutting-edge contender it once was.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the vivo NEX 3 5G have a headphone jack?
No, the NEX 3 5G does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. vivo provides a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box for wired audio connectivity.
Is the pop-up camera reliable long-term?
vivo claims the pop-up mechanism is rated for tens of thousands of cycles, but like any moving part, it may be prone to wear over time. It’s generally reliable but not as durable as a fixed camera in extreme conditions.
Can the NEX 3 5G run the latest games?
Yes, thanks to the Snapdragon 855+ and ample RAM, it handles most modern games well. However, it may struggle with the most demanding titles at max settings compared to newer flagships.
Does it support wireless charging?
No, the NEX 3 5G does not support wireless charging. Its fast wired charging helps compensate for this omission.
How does the battery hold up in 2023?
Battery degradation varies with usage, but a well-maintained NEX 3 should still provide a full day of use. Heavy 5G usage will drain it faster than Wi-Fi or 4G.
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