vivo was established in 2009 with the objective of creating premium smartphones that combine advanced technology with elegant design. During its early years, the company focused on audio quality and multimedia capabilities, releasing devices that attracted attention for their Hi-Fi sound systems.

Over the following decade, vivo expanded rapidly throughout Asia before entering markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The brand invested heavily in research and development whilst introducing innovations in smartphone cameras, charging technology, biometric security, and display design.

According to vivo, its mission comprises four key pillars:1

• Creating great products for users.
• Building a joyful and progressive workplace.
• Developing trusted partnerships with business partners.
• Delivering sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

The stated vision of vivo is to become a healthier, more sustainable, world-class technology company.1

The company’s core values include:1

• User orientation
• Design-driven innovation
• Integrity (“Benfen”)
• Continuous learning
• Teamwork

vivo offers a wide range of consumer electronics across several categories.

Smartphones

The smartphone lineup is divided into distinct series targeting different market segments:

• X Series: Premium flagship smartphones focused on photography and performance.
• V Series: Upper mid-range devices emphasising portrait photography and stylish design.
• Y Series: Affordable smartphones designed for everyday users.
• T Series: Performance-oriented devices available in selected markets.

Tablets

The vivo Pad series features Android tablets designed for productivity, entertainment, and education.

Wearables

The company also manufactures smartwatches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds (TWS), and various mobile accessories.

vivo develops proprietary Android-based operating systems tailored for different regions.

Funtouch OS

Deployed in international markets, including Singapore, Funtouch OS includes features such as custom themes, privacy tools, gaming enhancements, AI-powered functions, and battery optimisation.

OriginOS

Available primarily in China, OriginOS introduces a redesigned interface, advanced customisation options, and deeper AI integration.1

vivo maintains a global R&D network with research centres located in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Xi’an. Key areas of research focus include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• 5G communications
• Mobile imaging
• Semiconductor technologies
• Industrial design
• Operating systems
• Human-computer interaction

Smartphone photography remains one of vivo’s primary areas of expertise. Key innovations implemented across its device portfolio include:

• ZEISS co-engineered camera systems (on flagship models)
• Large image sensors
• Gimbal stabilisation
• Periscope telephoto lenses
• Computational photography
• AI image processing
• Professional portrait modes

These features have contributed to the X Series gaining recognition among mobile photography enthusiasts.

Over the years, vivo has introduced several notable smartphone technologies, including in-display fingerprint scanners, ultra-fast FlashCharge technology, gimbal camera stabilisation, high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, AI-powered imaging, foldable smartphones, and advanced portrait photography systems.

Headquartered in Dongguan, China, vivo operates an intelligent manufacturing network with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones, inclusive of authorised manufacturing facilities.

vivo products are currently available in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The company reports serving hundreds of millions of users worldwide through a broad network of retail stores and after-sales service centres.

vivo has established strategic partnerships across various sectors, including:

• ZEISS for mobile imaging technology collaboration.
• Sports sponsorships, notably involving UEFA EURO tournaments.
• Educational and sustainability initiatives, including collaborations with UNESCO programmes.

vivo is consistently ranked among the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers by shipment volume. It competes directly with brands such as Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, OPPO, HONOR, and realme. Its competitive strengths include strong camera performance, fast charging technologies, attractive industrial design, competitive pricing, and an extensive presence in Asian markets.

vivo describes itself as a technology company focused on creating products centred around user needs. Its design philosophy emphasises balancing technological innovation with aesthetics and everyday usability.

vivo has evolved from a regional smartphone maker into a major global consumer electronics brand. Through continued investment in research and development, camera technology, software, and industrial design, it has established itself as a significant competitor in the global smartphone industry. Its flagship X Series, mid-range V Series, and affordable Y Series address a broad range of consumers, whilst ongoing work in AI, imaging, and connected devices supports its long-term strategy of delivering integrated smart technologies.1

1. vivo Global