vivo T4R 5G review: Curve appeal meets sub-₹20k powerhouse

The Indian market is flooded with budget 5G smartphones, but the vivo T4R 5G stands out by delivering an impressive experience without compromising on quality. Priced just under ₹20,000, this device boasts a stunning quad-curved AMOLED display and a capable camera, all while promising a premium feel at an affordable price. At a mere 7.39mm thick, the T4R is officially recognized as India's slimmest quad-curved smartphone. Its design is not just for aesthetics; the curves fit comfortably in your hand, making it one of the most ergonomic options in this price range. The Twilight Blue variant features a captivating 3D finish that changes with the light, while the Arctic White option offers a timeless, sleek look. Although the body is made of plastic, the diamond shield glass on the front provides solid scratch resistance. When it comes to the display, the T4R's 6.7-inch quad-curved AMOLED screen surpasses expectations for a budget device. The vibrant colors and deep blacks create an immersive viewing experience, whether you're gaming or streaming your favorite shows. With a peak brightness of 1800 nits, it performs exceptionally well even under direct sunlight. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, a 4nm chip known for its efficiency and performance, the T4R handles multitasking and demanding applications like Lightroom Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile effortlessly. With a score of just under 700,000 on AnTuTu, it sits comfortably in the mid-range flagship category. The device offers up to 12GB of RAM and additional virtual expansion, ensuring smooth multitasking and good thermal management during intensive use. The T4R is equipped with a robust 5700mAh battery that easily lasts a day and a half with mixed usage, including gaming and streaming. When it comes time to recharge, the 44W Flash Charge technology allows you to reach 50% battery in about half an hour, making it both reliable and safe. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the main 50MP Sony sensor with optical image stabilization. It captures sharp and well-balanced photos in daylight and performs surprisingly well in low-light conditions. The ability to shoot 4K video from both the front and rear cameras is a standout feature for casual vloggers. Additionally, the camera app includes creative tools like AI Erase and bokeh adjustments, enhancing the user experience. Notably, the vivo T4R 5G is also designed for durability, featuring IP68 and IP69 ratings for underwater photography. The device can endure brief submersion and even has a unique method for ejecting water from the speaker system post-dive. While it’s claimed to have military-grade shock resistance, it survived a minor drop without any damage. Running on Funtouch OS 15 atop Android 15, the UI is cleaner and less cluttered than previous versions. vivo promises two years of major updates and three years of security patches, alleviating concerns over long-term software support for budget devices. In gaming scenarios, the T4R excels, maintaining frame rates and thermal stability better than many competitors in the same price range. The immersive curved screen enhances the overall gaming experience, and the Game Mode helps optimize performance. With a starting price of ₹17,499, the vivo T4R 5G offers exceptional value. Even the higher-end 12GB + 256GB variant, priced at ₹21,499, delivers premium features typically found in devices costing significantly more. This smartphone not only checks essential boxes but also redefines what consumers can expect from a budget device under ₹20,000. Combining an eye-catching design, impressive display, reliable performance, and rich camera features, the T4R offers a flagship experience without the flagship price tag.