A new set of images depicting what’s said to be the Vivo V9 emerged online over the weekend, having been circulated via Chinese social media service Weibo. The latest leaks are a combination of real-life images and renders, with one of them suggesting the Vivo V9 will launch before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia that the Chinese tech giant is officially sponsoring. The world’s most prestigious soccer tournament is taking place from June 14 through July 15 and Vivo already launched a limited edition of the X20 mid-ranger to commemorate its involvement in the cup late last year.
The Vivo V9 will feature a 24-megapixel front camera and be offered in black, blue, and soft pink color options, according to the new leak. The metal unibody design of the handset also appears to include a dual-camera setup entailing two vertically arranged sensors in the top left corner of its rear plate. Coupled with the existence of a display notch, the end result appears to be somewhat similar to Apple’s iPhone X, although the Vivo V9’s notch seems to be much smaller and less restrictive compared to the one found on the latest iOS flagship. The main imaging system of the handset is supported by a dual-LED (dual-tone) flash unit, whereas the rear plate of the device also features a circular fingerprint reader and the company’s branding. The smartphone appears to have a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 90-percent, with only its chin being noticeably thicker than other bezels.
Vivo has been committing significant resources to delivering bezel-less Android devices in recent times, having managed to become the world’s first original equipment manufacturer to commercialize an in-display fingerprint reader with the Vivo X20 Plus UD. The recently concluded Mobile World Congress also saw the company unveil the Vivo APEX FullView concept which it’s planning to turn into a commercial product in the second half of the year. The innovative handset has a 98-percent screen-to-body ratio and features a front camera that retracts into the top of its case when not in use, with both features having the potential to become industry firsts should Vivo manage to release the APEX FullView in 2018.
