Vivo has expanded its S-series portfolio in China with the launch of the vivo S60 and vivo S60e (Vitality Edition). The new smartphones arrive with a clear focus on three areas: design, cameras, and battery life. The new Vivo S60 series packs a massive 7,200mAh battery while maintaining a slim 7.92mm profile and a weight of 199g. Here’s all you need to know about Vivo’s latest premium mid-range phones.
Vivo S60 series design: premium with special ‘Starry Sea’ variant
The Vivo S60 series adopts a refined design language featuring a metal frame and a seamless glass rear panel that integrates the camera module directly into the back. The devices are available in Starry Sea, Early Summer Green, and Midsummer Night colour options.
Among these, the Starry Sea variant stands out with a new starburst lithography process that creates a diamond-like frosted texture beneath the glass. The result is a finish that shifts and reflects light differently depending on viewing angles. On the front, both models feature a 6.59-inch 1.5K flat display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This display offers a compact feel, which isn’t too small or too large at the same time. The high refresh rate should also aid in smoother animations and gaming.
Vivo S60 series cameras: 3x periscope telephoto
Photography continues to be a major focus for the S-series. Both the Vivo S60 and S60e feature a 50MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The standard Vivo S60 receives the more advanced rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
The Vivo S60e retains the 50MP primary and 8MP ultra-wide cameras but misses out on the dedicated telephoto lens. The inclusion of a periscope camera is particularly notable. giving the S60 an advantage for portrait photography and long-range shots compared to many rivals that rely solely on digital zoom.
Vivo S60 series performance: different chipset, same battery
The two models are differentiated primarily by their processors. The Vivo S60 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, positioning it as the performance-oriented option in the lineup. Meanwhile, the Vivo S60e features the MediaTek Dimensity 7500, targeting users who prioritise everyday efficiency over flagship-level performance.
Despite the chipset differences, both phones share the same 7,200mAh “Blue Ocean” battery and support 90W wired fast charging. The battery capacity should deliver more than a day’s usage. The Vivo S60 series also comes with a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, and stereo dual speakers.
The series also introduces Vivo’s new “Gu Mei Component” feature, which displays interactive character elements on the lock screen and home screen. In China, the company is further leaning into customisation with an exclusive visual theme for Tian Xiwei, the lead actress in the globally famed series, Pursuit of Jade.
The Vivo S60 series is now available in China, with the Vivo S60e starting at CNY 2,899 (Rs 40,600 approx) for the 8GB + 256GB variant, and CNY 3,599 (RS 50,400 approx) for the 12GB + 256GB variant.
The Vivo S60 series appears to be aimed at users who want a premium-looking smartphone without stepping into flagship territory. The Vivo S60 is likely the more compelling option for most buyers thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and dedicated periscope telephoto camera, which add meaningful advantages in both performance and photography. Meanwhile, the vivo S60e could appeal to users who value battery life, display quality, and design but do not necessarily need advanced zoom capabilities.
If you’re coming from an older mid-range phone, the S60 series offers significant upgrades in terms of cameras and battery capacity.
