Vivo X6 hands-on: First encounter

Software overview

The Vivo X6 runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop with Vivo's custom Funtouch OS overlay on top. As with other Chinese manufacturers that means a single-tiered interface with no app drawer. The lockscreen has a couple of shortcuts and notifications, but you won't be seeing much of it, as the fingerprint unlock will get you past it in a flash.

Notifications show up with a downward swipe from the top, but don't expect to see quick toggles there - those come from the bottom in a combined view with the app switcher.

Lockscreen • Homescreen • Notifications • Quick toggles

Camera samples

The X6 comes with a 13MP primary camera with an f/2.2 lens. It shoots images up to 4,160 x 3,120 pixels in resolution. It has phase detection autofocus but lacks OIS.

The interface relies on side swipes for switching between front camera/rear camera/video recording, and do try to guess the origins of that. There's a wide variety of shooting modes, including HDR, panorama, and Professional photo - manual mode with control over exposure parameters, focus and white balance.

Camera interface

We took a few quick shots with the X6 to get a general idea of its camera's capabilities and the results are below. We also grabbed a snap with the front 8MP camera.

Camera samples

First impressions

We did spend only a few brief moments with the Vivo X6, but several things became clear pretty quickly. For one, the inspiration behind its looks is hard to miss. But after all, many have tried to emulate Apple's design, and it's not like Apple hasn't shopped around for clues either. And there are only so many different ways you can style a phone, so similarities are bound to occur. Not that it's a coincidence in this very instance.

Whatever the influence, the execution is splendid, and you can't deny Vivo that. The device is very well made and your fingers will appreciate its premium build. Vivo may not have much of a brand name recognition outside of its home country, and that certainly robs the X6 of some of the points for status it rightfully deserves.

Battery life and camera output, particularly, need to be examined in detail, as does performance. We're looking forward to receiving a proper review unit so we can thoroughly put it to its paces, and we hope the Vivo X6 will live up to its initial promise.