If there’s one thing South Africans can agree on, it’s this: a phone needs battery life that can survive load-shedding, reliable performance for daily hustling, and a price that won’t send us into debt. Vivo seems to understand that with their latest release — the Vivo T4x.
This device doesn’t come to compete with the flashy flagships. It comes to dominate the budget-to-midrange space, and frankly, it’s looking like a solid winner for 2025.
The highlight? That massive 6,500mAh battery. This isn’t just a spec on a box — it’s a lifesaver. Whether you’re binge-watching in your car during load-shedding, hotspotting for work on the go, or just tired of charging your phone twice a day, the T4x’s battery endurance is elite.
Even better, 44W fast charging means when you do get electricity back, you can top up fast and carry on with life.
Phones in Mzansi don’t live easy lives. They get dropped in taxis, splashed in the rain, and stuffed into overloaded bags. Thankfully, the T4x is IP64 dust and water-resistant and MIL-STD-810H certified — military-grade toughness without the rugged looks.
And speaking of looks, the design is clean and modern. With colour options like Marine Blue and Pronto Purple, it stands out without being too loud.
Let’s be honest — this isn’t a camera-first phone. But the 50MP main camera does the job well enough for casual snaps, school events, and weekend outings. There’s also an 8MP front camera tucked in a punch-hole design for your selfies and video calls.
Plus, there’s a neat little dynamic light at the back that doubles as a notification light — a small but clever touch that feels surprisingly premium.
There’s no microSD card slot and no headphone jack, so if you’re still rocking wired earphones or need expandable storage, that might be a letdown. But Vivo seems to be leaning into the wireless, cloud-first future — and at this price point, compromises are expected.
You do get dual SIM support, USB-C charging, and the latest Android 15 with Vivo’s Funtouch OS, which is clean and smooth without being bloated.
In a market where battery life is king and value is everything, the Vivo T4x hits the sweet spot. It’s affordable, durable, and packed with features South Africans actually care about — not gimmicks.
If you’re looking for a phone that won’t let you down when Eskom does, that handles your hustle, and looks good doing it, the T4x is absolutely worth a look. Vivo has nailed the formula, and this device feels tailor-made for the South African way of life.
Please note: The Vivo T4x is not currently available through official South African retailers. However, with its rugged features, reliable battery life and smart pricing, it’s the kind of device we’d love to see make its way to SA soon.
