Vivo has launched the V23 5G and V23 Pro 5G in India at a virtual event streamed on YouTube. The headline feature is a colour-changing rear panel made of Fluorite AG glass — a first for any smartphone sold in the country. Actors Rohit Saraf and Sanjana Sanghi appeared at the event, and a 25-minute film detailed the phones' features.
Both phones run FunTouch OS 12 over Android 12, support 44W fast charging, and pack a 50-megapixel dual front camera aimed at the selfie crowd. Pricing has appeared on retailer listings ahead of an official announcement.
Key facts
- Two models launched: Vivo V23 5G and Vivo V23 Pro 5G, both in India.
- Both run Android 12 with Vivo's FunTouch OS 12 on top.
- The V23 Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chip; the V23 uses a Dimensity 920.
- Battery capacity is 4,300mAh on the Pro and 4,200mAh on the standard V23.
- Colour options: Sunshine Gold and Stardust Black.
Specs comparison
| Feature | Vivo V23 5G | Vivo V23 Pro 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.44-inch, 90Hz | 6.56-inch AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Processor | Dimensity 920 | Dimensity 1200 |
| Rear camera | Triple, 50MP main | Triple, 108MP main |
| Battery | 4,200mAh | 4,300mAh |
| Base price (leaked) | Rs 31,990 | Rs 41,990 |
What the specs actually deliver
The V23 Pro is the more powerful of the two. It pairs the Dimensity 1200 with a 6.56-inch AMOLED display running at 90Hz and a 108-megapixel main rear camera, joined by a 2MP depth sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The standard V23 drops to a Dimensity 920 and a 6.44-inch 90Hz display, with a slightly smaller battery.
The colour-shifting rear panel is the marketing hook. Under sunlight or certain UV sources, the Sunshine Gold finish shifts hue. It is a cosmetic feature, but it has helped the launch stand out in a mid-range market crowded with similar-looking slabs of glass.
Our analysis
For security-minded readers, the more interesting questions sit beneath the surface. Android 12 is current, but Vivo's update track record is uneven. Many mid-range Android phones receive one or two platform updates at best, and FunTouch OS is a heavy skin that affects both performance and how aggressively the system warns you about suspicious apps, links, and SMS messages.
There is also the question of pre-installed apps. Vivo devices have historically shipped with a fair amount of bloatware, and bloatware is a known vector for spam and ad push notifications. New owners should audit the app list on day one and disable anything they do not recognise.
The trade-off is clear: you are buying the design and the selfie camera, not the software experience. Whether that works depends on how seriously Vivo takes patches over the next two years.
Who should care
- Selfie enthusiasts**: The 50MP front camera is the standout hardware feature.
- Design buyers**: The colour-changing panel is genuinely novel for this price segment.
- Security-conscious users**: Budget time on day one to harden the device; do not assume out-of-the-box settings are optimal.
- Update-focused buyers**: Look elsewhere unless Vivo publishes a concrete multi-year update commitment.
What to watch next
Watch for the official India price reveal, real-world reviews of the colour-shifting panel's durability, and any word on how many Android version updates the V23 series will receive. Also worth tracking: how quickly Vivo ships security patches after launch.
Bottom line
The V23 launch is a solid mid-range offering with a genuinely novel cosmetic twist. From a security standpoint, the device is only as good as the patches Vivo ships over the next two to three years. Buy it for the design and the selfie camera if those matter to you, but plan to spend a few minutes hardening it on day one.
Key takeaways
- Vivo V23 5G and V23 Pro 5G launched in India with Android 12 and a colour-changing rear panel.
- Specs are competitive for the mid-range, with the Pro using a Dimensity 1200 chip and a 108MP rear camera.
- Vivo's update history for older mid-range devices has been inconsistent.
- Audit pre-installed apps and tighten notification settings on day one.
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Vivo V23's design?
The rear panel uses Fluorite AG glass that changes colour under sunlight or UV light, a first for any smartphone sold in India.
Which Android version does the V23 run?
Both V23 models ship with Android 12 underneath Vivo's FunTouch OS 12.
How much will the Vivo V23 cost in India?
Retailer listings have suggested Rs 31,990 for the V23 5G and Rs 41,990 for the V23 Pro 5G at the base storage tier, with higher tiers priced higher.
Is the V23 good for security and privacy?
It launches with the latest Android security patches, but like many mid-range Android phones, its long-term patch record depends on Vivo's update commitment. Treat it as a device that needs tightening on day one.
Which processor does each model use?
The V23 5G uses a MediaTek Dimensity 920, while the V23 Pro 5G uses the more powerful Dimensity 1200.