Rumors of a new vivo NEX device have been fairly sporadic, but have picked up recently, with some rumors about the NEX 5 starting last month. Last time we heard, the NEX 5 should have an under-display camera, like the APEX 2020 concept, a large 7-inch or 6.78-inch quad-curved display and 40W or 50W wireless charging. New leaked renders of what is purportedly the vivo NEX 5 have now surfaced online. To quote the leaker, this is the “first official look”.
vivo NEX 5 banner
Adding to the leak, the image also mentions February 2022, presumably the launch window for the device. While we should note that the NEX 5 should launch in the second half of 2021, we’re willing to give the leaks the benefit of the doubt. So, take it with a grain of salt.
In any case, the rendering itself is clearly not a quad-curved design, but a more traditional curved display on either side. The device pictured clearly has a conventional rather than an under-display selfie camera.
On the back, we can clearly see “50MP GN1” text, which is a reference to Samsung’s 1.2μm 50Mp ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor. We can also see a periscope-style telephoto in the lower right corner. Previous leaks have suggested that this will offer 5x optical zoom through a technology that vivo and Zeiss have worked together. Partnerships were formed as early as 2020.
vivo APEX 2020 concept phone
At present, there is no official mention of vivo’s NEX 5, and we also know a little about other hardware details.
