Notchless Nirvana: The Vivo NEX Dual Display Redefines Phone Design

VIVO NEX Dual Display

The Vivo NEX Dual Display: A Look Back at a Revolutionary (But Flawed) Phone

The year was 2018. Bezels were shrinking, notches were on the rise, and smartphone makers were scrambling to deliver a truly edge-to-edge display experience. Then came the Vivo NEX Dual Display Edition, a phone that dared to be different. With a screen on both sides, it looked like something straight out of science fiction. But was the NEX Dual Display all flash and no substance? Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit this innovative, yet ultimately niche, phone.

Double the Screens, Double the Fun (Maybe)

The NEX Dual Display's main attraction was its dual display setup. The front offered a generous 6.39-inch AMOLED display, free from any notches or interruptions. But flip the phone over, and you'd be greeted by a second, smaller AMOLED display on the back. This removed the need for a front-facing camera, allowing the phone to maintain its bezel-less glory. The idea was intriguing. You could use the rear display for a variety of functions, like checking notifications, taking selfies with the powerful rear cameras (without needing to flip the phone), or even playing games in landscape mode with a virtual controller on the back.

Ahead of Its Time, But Not Quite There

The NEX Dual Display was undeniably a head-turner. It boasted top-of-the-line specs for 2018, with a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor, ample RAM options, and a capable triple-camera system. But the phone also had its fair share of shortcomings. Software support for the rear display felt limited. Many apps weren't optimized for the dual-screen experience, and the novelty quickly wore off for some users. Additionally, the phone's thickness and weight were a bit on the hefty side due to the extra display.

A Glimpse into the Future, But Not the Future Itself

The Vivo NEX Dual Display wasn't a mainstream success. However, it represented a bold experiment in smartphone design. It showed that phone makers were willing to push boundaries and explore innovative solutions for the ever-present problem of bezels. While the dual-display concept hasn't become the norm, we've seen foldable phones emerge as the leading contender for a truly bezel-less experience. The NEX Dual Display might be a relic of the past, but it serves as a reminder of the constant evolution and experimentation within the smartphone industry.

Launch Price: The Vivo NEX Dual Display Edition was released with a price tag of 4,998 yuan, which roughly translated to $725 (USD) at the time (December 2018).