• vivo has launched the V50 Lite in South Africa at a price of R13 000.
• For the R8 000 price drop, we see less RAM, but also a drop of the Zeiss tech and one 50MP camera.
• The Lite version of the device seems like better value for money than the base version.

In our review for the vivo V50, we remarked that while the smartphone was packed with features, it was generally not too exciting, especially at its R21 000 price point. Now vivo South Africa has launched the more affordable version of the V50 in South Africa, the vivo V50 Lite.

We’re quite surprised to see the cuts that were made in order to lower the price, essentially cutting it by half. In fact, making the battery larger, moving down to 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage space, dropping Zeiss for Sony technology in the camera and losing the 50MP selfie camera, are changes we are happy to see and actually make a bit more excited.

In terms of memory, we note that the phone comes with the Memory Booster function. This is used by other smartphone manufacturers so allege that the RAM can be boosted by another amount. For the Lite version, the claim is that the 8GB can be boosted by a further 8GB.

We were never quite sure how this works because RAM is a physical piece of hardware, how could it materialise without being built into the device? In previous benchmarks we noted that using Memory Booster makes no difference to performance power so just ignore this if you ever see it.

vivo V50 Lite specifications

This Lite configuration sees the price drop by R8 000, and we think now we’re getting somewhere a bit more reasonable for what is being offered. It promises huge battery life and strong hardware for a high-to-mid ranger, similar to an A50-series Galaxy phone or a Redmi Note.

However, things like the AMOLED display are kept the same, and like the base V50, it is also a borderless screen. vivo South Africa says that the Lite version also comes with IP65 Dust and Water resistance, meaning that it is “protected against rain, coffee spills, and dust exposure, making it a reliable companion for any environment.”

We also have the inclusion of Android AI features like Circle to Search, Live Text, AI Screen Translation, Album Memories and AI superlink.

vivo V50 Lite price and availability in South Africa

The Lite version retails for R12 999, which we believe is better value for money than its slightly beefier cousin. You can pick up the phone right now “all major network providers.”

vivo is also sweetening the deal, adding that purchasing the vivo V50 Lite on or before 6th June 2025 will see you receive “one free accidental damage repair within 180 days of purchase, plus an additional one-year warranty – no activation required. This added peace of mind reflects vivo’s commitment to reliable, long-term support.”