Vivo kicked off 2025 with two new smartphone launches, the Vivo Y29 5G and Vivo Y200+. These aren’t just another pair of mid-range devices in an already crowded market—they represent Vivo’s steady push to offer solid features at prices that make sense. But with brands like Samsung, Honor, and Xiaomi all battling for the same customers, how does Vivo hold up, especially in South Africa?
Launched in early January 2025, the Vivo Y200+ is part of a lineup that’s already a bit confusing. It’s technically a follow-up to the Y100+, but in some ways, it’s not necessarily an upgrade. The display remains a 6.68-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the resolution is capped at 720p, which is a bit of a letdown in 2025. However, what it lacks in display sharpness, it makes up for with a huge 6,000 mAh battery—bigger than the Y29’s—and the same 44W charging speed.
Under the hood, it runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, keeping things smooth for day-to-day use. The cameras remain standard, featuring a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP secondary lens, and a 5MP front camera. One unexpected highlight? Its speakers are 300% louder—a random but welcome feature for those who love blasting music or taking calls without headphones.
Vivo has been steadily expanding its presence in South Africa, establishing itself as a strong contender in the mid-range market. As of early 2024, the brand held around 1.65% of the market share, reflecting a steady growth trajectory. While Samsung (50.87%) and Apple (16.54%) continue to lead the market, brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Oppo are also gaining ground, creating an exciting and competitive landscape.
Vivo’s strength lies in its ability to offer well-balanced devices that combine affordability with solid hardware. While it may not yet be as established in the premium segment, it is becoming an increasingly compelling option for users who want feature-rich smartphones at accessible price points.
Within the smartphone industry, every brand brings something unique to the table. Samsung offers a broad range of devices from entry-level to ultra-premium, while Vivo’s core focus remains on delivering strong mid-range and budget-friendly alternatives. Honor, with a similar market approach, presents competition in this segment, but Vivo’s emphasis on battery longevity, fast charging, and reliable performance makes it a strong choice for users prioritising all-day usability.
As the smartphone landscape continues to evolve, Vivo’s commitment to innovation and user-focused features ensures it remains a key player in an ever-expanding market.
Vivo has been making steady moves to expand its influence, and South Africa is no exception. If it keeps improving software, refining camera systems, and maintaining aggressive pricing, it could grab a larger market share. The Y29 5G and Y200+ show Vivo’s willingness to experiment and deliver solid features, even if some design choices leave us scratching our heads.
With the smartphone market constantly evolving, Vivo’s challenge is to keep innovating while staying competitive. If they play their cards right, they might just become one of the major contenders in South Africa’s mid-range segment.
