The Vivo V60 Lite 4G, which was introduced in some markets back in September, is now expanding its reach with a notable change under the hood. While a regional relaunch might not typically be major news, this version is the first to hit the market with the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 SoC, a platform announced in December. The original model relied on the 2023 Snapdragon 685. However, the update comes with an interesting twist: the new Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 appears to be, for all intents and purposes, a rebranded Snapdragon 685.
The ‘New’ Chipset Conundrum
Although Qualcomm’s official website has yet to list the new SoC, analysis from various sources reveals that the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 is built on the same foundation as its predecessor. It retains the older Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A55 cores, the 6nm manufacturing process, and support for Wi-Fi 5. The key difference seems to be a minor increase in the maximum clock speed of the performance cores, from 2.8 GHz in the Snapdragon 685 to 2.9 GHz in the new chip. This suggests that the ‘new’ platform is more of a marketing refresh than a true generational leap, a strategy aimed at revitalizing a product without significant hardware changes.
Beyond the Processor: What the V60 Lite Offers
Returning to the smartphone itself, the other specifications remain unchanged from the impressive original. The device is equipped with a large 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display featuring a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. A significant highlight is its durability; the smartphone complies with the MIL-STD-810H military standard for toughness and has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. This certification ensures the device can withstand harsh conditions such as drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures, setting it apart from many competitors in its price range.
Other key features include:
- Memory and Storage: A generous 8/256 GB configuration.
- Camera: A dual-camera setup on the back with a 50 MP main sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide lens, complemented by a 32 MP front camera.
- Battery and Charging: A massive 6500 mAh battery, which is a standout feature. The updated model also boasts incredibly fast 90W wired charging and 6W reverse wired charging, allowing it to power other devices.
Market Positioning and Competition
While pricing for the new model has not yet been announced, the previous version was priced at 34,999 Bangladeshi Taka ($297) in some regions, placing it firmly in the competitive mid-range segment. Here, it goes up against popular devices from series like the Xiaomi Redmi Note and Samsung Galaxy A. The Vivo V60 Lite 4G’s main advantages are not in raw processing power but in its holistic package: a huge battery, exceptionally fast charging, and a rugged build that is rare in this category. These features target consumers who prioritize reliability and longevity over cutting-edge performance.
A Look to the Future
Qualcomm’s strategy of rebranding existing chipsets with minor tweaks could be a sign of a maturing 4G market, where dramatic performance gains are becoming less frequent. For consumers, this highlights the importance of looking beyond marketing names and examining the actual specifications. For Vivo, this refresh allows the company to generate new interest in a proven device, emphasizing its strengths in battery life and durability. This approach suggests a focus on practical, real-world user needs rather than a simple chase for higher benchmark scores, a trend that may become more common in the mid-range market.
