Let’s be real for a second. In the fast-moving world of Indian tech, a phone launched in 2023 usually belongs in a museum by 2025. But the Vivo T2 5G is a strange case. Even today, you see people searching for it, and shopkeepers in Tier-2 cities pushing it as a “best value” device.
Why? Because when it launched, it offered something rare: OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and a stunning AMOLED display for under ₹20,000.
But we are in late 2025 now. We have phones with 6000mAh batteries and curved displays for the same price. So, is the Vivo T2 5G still a smart buy (perhaps on clearance or refurbished), or are you throwing your hard-earned money down the drain?
I pulled the Vivo T2 out of the drawer and used it as my primary device for a week. Here is the unfiltered truth.

Quick Specs: The Numbers Game
How do these 2023 specs hold up against 2025 standards? Let’s look.
| Feature | Specification | 2025 Status |
| Display | 6.38-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 90Hz, 1300 nits | Good (Compact & Bright) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Outdated (Basic tasks only) |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/8GB RAM | 128GB Storage | Average (UFS 2.2 is slow now) |
| Main Camera | 64MP (OIS) + 2MP Bokeh | Still Competent |
| Front Camera | 16MP | Decent |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | Below Average (Standard is 5000+) |
| Charging | 44W FlashCharge | Acceptable |
| Weight | 172 grams | Excellent (Very lightweight) |
Design & Build: Plastic Fantastic?
In 2025, we are seeing budget phones with “Vegan Leather” backs and glass finishes. In comparison, the Vivo T2 feels… unapologetically plastic.
- The Look: The “Nitro Blaze” and “Velocity Wave” patterns still look flashy. It has that classic Vivo gradient that shines rainbow colors under the sun. It screams “I am a youth phone.”
- In-Hand Feel: This is where the T2 wins. It weighs just 172 grams. Compared to the 200g+ bricks we get today (looking at you, Samsung M35), the T2 feels featherlight. You can use it with one hand for hours without your pinky finger hurting.
- The Notch: Yes, it has a “Waterdrop Notch” (U-shape). In 2025, where even ₹10,000 phones have modern punch-holes, this notch makes the phone look dated instantly.

Display & Visuals: Small but Mighty
The screen is a mixed bag for a 2025 user.
- Quality: It’s a 6.38-inch AMOLED panel. The colors are punchy, deep blacks are great for Netflix, and the 1300 nits brightness means it is still readable outdoors.
- The Downgrade: It is only 90Hz. Most competitors now offer 120Hz as standard. When you scroll through your Instagram feed, you will feel that slight lack of smoothness compared to a modern Realme or Poco device.
- Bezels: The chin (bottom bezel) is thick. It was fine in 2023, but today it stares back at you aggressively.

Performance: The Snapdragon 695 Bottleneck
Here is the harsh reality: The Snapdragon 695 processor was a legend, but it is now tired.
- Daily Tasks: For WhatsApp, YouTube, and light browsing, it works perfectly fine. No complaints.
- Gaming (BGMI/CoD):
- 2023 Performance: It could run BGMI at Smooth+Ultra.
- 2025 Performance: With all the game updates and heavier graphics, the T2 struggles. It heats up quickly, and you will face frame drops in TDM matches.
- 5G Connectivity: This is still a strong point. It supports arguably the most stable 5G bands in India (N77, N78). I got consistent 5G speeds on Jio in Mumbai.
Camera: The One Reason to Still Buy It
If there is one reason the Vivo T2 5G hasn’t completely disappeared, it is the 64MP OIS Camera.
- Main Sensor: OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is rare in the budget segment even today. It helps take shake-free videos and decent night shots. The photos are sharp, with that signature Vivo color boost (greens are greener, faces are brighter).
- Portraits: Vivo’s software algorithm for edge detection is still better than many 2025 budget phones. The background blur looks somewhat natural.
- The Useless 2MP Lens: The secondary camera is a 2MP depth sensor. It is useless. It is there just to make the phone look like it has dual cameras.
- Video: It caps at 1080p 60fps. No 4K recording, which is a bummer for content creators.

Battery & Endurance: Showing its Age
- Capacity: 4500 mAh.
- The Reality: In 2025, apps are hungrier. A 4500 mAh battery simply doesn’t cut it for power users.
- My Test: Start at 8 AM. Heavy social media, 5G on, 1 hour of gaming.
- Result: Dead by 6 PM. You will need to carry a charger or power bank.
- Charging: The 44W charging is decent. It takes about 25 minutes to charge 50%, which is acceptable, but not “fast” anymore compared to the 67W and 100W chargers from Realme and Xiaomi.
The Competition: Vivo T2 vs The 2025 Rivals
If you have ₹15,000 to ₹17,000 today, should you buy an old T2 or a new rival?
| Feature | Vivo T2 5G (2023) | Vivo T3 5G (Successor) | Moto G85 5G (Trendsetter) |
| Price | ~₹12,999 (Refurb/Offer) | ~₹18,999 | ~₹17,999 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 | Dimensity 7200 (Beast) | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 |
| Screen | Flat AMOLED, U-Notch | Flat AMOLED, Punch-hole | Curved pOLED |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Speakers | Single Speaker | Dual Stereo | Dual Stereo |
| Winner | Value Pick | Performance King | Style King |
The Analysis:
- The Vivo T3 destroys the T2 in gaming and battery. It’s not even a contest.
- The Moto G85 looks 10x better with its curved screen and leather back.
- The T2 only makes sense if you find it strictly under ₹12,000.
Final Verdict
The Vivo T2 5G was a champion of its time. In 2025, it is a tired warrior. It feels light in the hand and takes great photos thanks to OIS, but the old processor, average battery life, and outdated waterdrop notch make it hard to recommend as a new purchase.
Read More : Moto G7 2025
Buy it if:
- You find it for ₹11,000 – ₹12,000: At this clearance price, the OIS camera is a steal.
- You hate heavy phones: The 172g weight is a relief for your wrists.
- You are buying for parents: It’s simple, bright, and loud enough for basic use.
Skip it if:
- You are a Gamer: The SD695 is dead for modern gaming.
- You hate charging: The 4500mAh battery won’t last a full day of heavy use.
- You consume lots of media: The single speaker and notch ruin the immersive experience.
Rating: 3/5 Stars (Great camera, but outdated hardware).
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is Vivo T2 5G good for gaming in 2025?
Honestly, no. The Snapdragon 695 chipset struggles with the latest updates of BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile. It heats up and frames drop. If you want gaming, look at the Vivo T3 or iQOO Z9.
Does the Vivo T2 5G get Android 15 update?
Vivo typically promises 2 major Android updates for the T-series. Since it launched with Android 13, it should have received Android 15, but that is likely its last major update. Don’t expect future support.
Is the camera of Vivo T2 better than Moto G85?
Surprisingly, yes—in some scenarios. The OIS on the Vivo T2 is very well tuned for stability and night shots, often producing sharper images than the Moto G85, which focuses more on aesthetics than raw camera performance.
Can I record 4K video on Vivo T2?
No. The Snapdragon 695 processor does not support 4K video recording. You are limited to 1080p at 60fps.
Is the Vivo T2 waterproof?
No, it does not have an official IP rating. It can handle a few splashes of rain, but do not dunk it in water.



