Most smartphones these days are perfectly capable of handling any app or game you throw their way, and their imaging capabilities are just one of the features that make them a convenience to use. However, with the Lenovo Vibe Shot that was recently launched in the Philippines earlier this week, it’s not just a smartphone with a camera that you’re getting. Rather, the Vibe Shot is a true convergent device that can stand alone whether you’re using it exclusively as a smartphone or camera.

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When the Lenovo Vibe Shot was first officially announced, I found it to be one of the more interesting devices, even if not all the hardware was top-tier. At the local launch, I was able to get some extensive hands-on time with it, and here are my impressions after playing around with this camera-centric device.

The Vibe Shot’s Camera Adapts, Whether Newbie or Pro

Camera

Whether you’re a newbie enthusiast or seasoned pro, the Vibe Shot can help you maximize the 16mp camera’s capabilities. It comes with OIS (optical image stabilization) technology, which helps reduce blurring from vibration or shaky hands while the shot is taken, resulting in a clear image every time. It also features a tri-color flash for more accurate skin tones, which is a first on any smartphone.

Auto/Pro Mode Toggle

However, where the Vibe Shot really shines is its ability to adapt to your skill level at the quick flick of a switch. If you choose Auto Mode, you get all the basic options available to you on any camera app, but you also get assistance from the Smart Composition tool, which detects the scene and gives you onscreen tips on how to get a better shot.

Pro Mode

Pro Mode is a different beast altogether, bringing all the camera’s settings front and center for quick access so you can tweak to your heart’s content until you get the best shot. It’s not far off from the kind of controls you can get on a DSLR, although don’t kid yourself into thinking you can achieve nearly the same quality.

The Focus May Be on The Camera, But the Vibe Shot is a Pretty Solid Smartphone as Well

About Phone

The Lenovo Vibe Shot is geared toward budding camera enthusiasts and pro users who want to get more out of their smartphone, but underneath the aluminum and Gorilla Glass-protected frame, there are some solid specs as well. You get a 5 inch Full HD IPS display, 1.7GHz Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. If you aren’t satisfied with the storage you already have, you can expand it even further via microSD up to 128GB!

Lenovo Vibe Shot: Yay or Nay?

Right Side

Point and shoot cameras have been dying a slow death thanks to the smartphones, but if you’re looking for even better imaging capabilities, the Lenovo Vibe Shot has it in spades. If you’re new to smartphone photography, Auto mode holds your hand all the way, even helping you to compose better shots with its Smart Composition feature. On the other hand, if you’re already familiar with the more advanced features cameras can come with, Pro mode gives you full access to everything that’s under the camera’s hood.

Camera with Case

It’s not too shabby as a smartphone either. 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage isn’t anything to scoff at. Sure, the Snapdragon 615 might not be the fastest chipset available, but it’s still more than capable of taking on any app or game you throw at it. At Php17,999 (Php16,999 via Lazada), it’s a beautifully crafted high end smartphone that’s surprisingly more affordable than any flagship from the likes of Samsung, LG or Apple while delivering a camera-centric experience.

Lenovo Vibe Shot Specs

  • 5″ Full HD IPS display (1080 x 1920 resolution, 441ppi)
  • 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor
  • Adreno 405 GPU
  • Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • 3GB RAM
  • 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 128GB
  • 16mp primary camera with infrared autofocus, tri-color LED flash, and OIS
  • 8mp front camera
  • 4G/LTE
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • GPS with A-GPS
  • 3,000mAh battery
  • Price: Php17,999 (Php16,999 via Lazada)

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