Vivo has quietly introduced two new entry-level phones, the G5i and G5z, and their biggest selling point is impossible to miss. Both models come with a 7,200mAh battery, a capacity that immediately places long battery life at the center of the pitch.
That choice says a lot about Vivo’s strategy in the budget segment. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing performance or a complicated camera setup, the company is leaning on practical endurance, steady daily use, and durability features that matter more to many buyers.
Two models, one design direction
The G5i and G5z are listed on Vivo’s official site in China and share the same model number, V2531A. They also appear to have identical external designs, so the different names do not come with any obvious visual split.
| Model | Shared Model Number | Key Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Vivo G5i | V2531A | From 2,199 yuan for 6GB + 128GB |
| Vivo G5z | V2531A | 2,899 yuan for 8GB + 256GB |
Pricing starts at 2,199 yuan for the 6GB + 128GB version and reaches 2,899 yuan for the 8GB + 256GB version. That positions the phones firmly in the affordable range while still giving them a more ambitious battery package than many rivals.
Battery is the headline feature
The 7,200mAh battery is paired with 44W fast charging, giving the phones a clear practical focus for users who want fewer charging interruptions. Vivo also says the battery is built for “6-year long-life battery” use, which reinforces the long-term ownership angle.
Durability is part of the same message. Vivo lists “5-star drop and shock resistance certification” along with IP68 and IP69 protection against dust and water.
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 keeps the hardware modest
Inside, both devices use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. The chip is paired with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, which should cover everyday tasks without pushing the phones into premium territory.
The platform is built on a 4nm process, which fits the battery-first approach. A more efficient chip can help the large battery last longer in routine use, especially for users who spend the day on messaging, social media, streaming, and lighter gaming.
Big screen, basic cameras
On the front, Vivo uses a 6.75-inch LCD panel with HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate should make scrolling and interface movement feel smoother, even if the display remains at a basic resolution class.
The camera setup stays simple. Vivo includes an 8MP front camera and a 50MP rear main camera, with no attempt to present the phones as photography-focused models.
That makes the target audience fairly clear. These phones are aimed at buyers who want usable imaging for daily needs, not a long list of camera tricks or a flagship-style sensor package.
Extra features add practical value
Vivo still includes a useful set of extras for day-to-day convenience. The phones have a side fingerprint sensor, NFC, and an infrared blaster for controlling home appliances.
Those additions help the G5i and G5z feel more complete than a typical bare-bones entry phone. For many users, NFC and infrared support can matter more in daily use than secondary camera hardware that adds little real-world value.
Overall, Vivo is aiming at a segment that values endurance, toughness, and basic reliability over flashy specifications. The G5i and G5z fit that brief closely, and their combination of a 7,200mAh battery, 44W charging, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, and IP68/IP69 protection gives them a distinct identity in China’s crowded budget phone market.
