20/04/2026

LYFE MONDAY | APR 20, 2026

23

GADGET REVIEW

Design-first take on mid-range phones

o Vivo V70 FE delivers on style, battery life

default, but switching profiles improves balance. It is a solid display, but not one that stands out against stronger competition. Performance stays consistent Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo, the V70 FE focuses on stability rather than speed. Daily tasks run smoothly, with reliable app switching and no major stutters. Gaming performance is

sharp, vibrant and smooth in most scenarios, especially when apps are forced to run at the higher refresh rate. Peak brightness at around 1,900 nits is sufficient for outdoor use, though no longer leading in its class. Colours lean slightly punchy by

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI

I N the upper mid-range smartphone category, the Vivo V70 FE takes a different route, focusing on design, cameras and battery life over outright power. Design that leans into identity The unit tested in ocean blue takes a more restrained approach compared to the headline purple variant, but still carries enough visual character. The finish shifts subtly under light, moving between deeper and lighter shades of blue without drawing too much attention. At 7.6mm thick and about 200g, the phone remains relatively slim despite packing a 7,000mAh battery. Flat edges and rounded corners make it easy to hold, while the matte texture helps keep fingerprints under control. The plastic build is noticeable, though not cheap-feeling. The pill-shaped camera module is cleanly integrated but does protrude slightly, causing a minor wobble on flat surfaces. Durability stands out with IP68 and IP69 ratings, which adds a layer of reassurance in daily use. Display delivers, with limits A 6.83-inch Amoled panel sits up front, offering 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is

The Ocean Blue finish shifts between deep navy and metallic blue depending on lighting.

acceptable, handling most titles without major issues, but sustained heavy use reveals its limits. Competing devices offer more headroom for users who prioritise performance. This is a device tuned for everyday reliability rather than peak output. experience The 200MP main sensor is the highlight. In good lighting, it produces detailed images with pleasing colours and respectable dynamic range. Digital zoom remains usable up to around 10×, adding some flexibility. Cameras carry

Software adds features, not restraint OriginOS 6 on Android 16 offers a wide range of customisation options and AI tools, particularly in photography and document handling. However, the experience is weighed down by pre-installed apps and persistent notifications from system services. While some can be disabled, the overall interface feels busy. Functionality is not the issue, refinement is. Verdict The Vivo V70 FE positions itself clearly as a design and camera focused device. The Ocean Blue variant keeps things understated while still offering visual depth.

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consistent, occasional highlight issues and aggressive noise reduction. The 8MP ultrawide is adequate but clearly secondary, with reduced detail and weaker dynamic range. Up front, the 50MP autofocus camera stands out. Selfies are sharp, and focus consistency is strong, making it one of the more reliable front cameras in this segment. Overall, the camera setup is uneven but anchored by a strong main and front sensor. Battery sets pace The 7,000mAh battery is one of the defining features. The unit tested consistently lasts a full day under heavy use, with enough headroom to stretch further when needed. 90W fast charging keeps downtime manageable, reaching a full charge in about an hour. For a battery of this size, that remains a strong result. Battery life is easily one of the phone’s biggest advantages. with

Strong battery life and capable cameras support that positioning, while performance and software prevent it from fully competing with the best in its class. For users prioritising style, photography and endurance, it delivers. Google AI blocks bad ads: Gemini flags threats before they reach users The V70 FE offers long-term software support with multiple Android updates and extended security patches.

AS cyberthreats continue to evolve, tech entities seeking to combat, stop or minimise the likelihood of attacks are evolving along with it, such as how Google’s Gemini-powered tools’ improved ability to detect and stop

bad ads allowed them to catch over 99% of policy-violating ads throughout 2025. Though the teams at Google have long used advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and stop

Ads may be blocked, removed or restricted by Google Gemini for multiple reasons. scammers, the use of Gemini saw the company’s models analyse hundreds of billions of signals, including account age, behavioural cues and campaign patterns to stop threats before they reach people. In 2025, Google blocked or removed over 8.3 billion ads and suspended 24.9 million accounts, including 602 million ads and four million accounts associated with scams. Working faster than scammers

created in Google Ads were reviewed instantly and harmful content was blocked at submission. Beyond just image and text pattern detection, it reduced incorrect advertiser suspensions by 80% last year due to being able to distinguish between credible offers and intricate lures. Gemini also helped the company to process user feedback more efficiently, allowing Google’s teams to take action on more than four times as many user reports in 2025 than in the year prior.

According to Google’s safety report, unlike previous keyword-based systems, the latest models are able to better understand intent and help spot malicious content and preemptively block it. This proactive approach helped to defend against bad actors.

With bad actors leveraging generative AI to create deceptive ads, Gemini is helping Google to detect and block these ads in real time. For example, by the end of last year, the majority of Responsive Search Ads

Threats by bad actors come in different shapes and sizes, putting at risk broad swaths of users.