Vivo has long been a pioneer in smartphone innovation, and the Vivo Flying Drone Camera Smartphone, a concept that surfaced through a 2020 patent, continues to captivate tech enthusiasts in 2025. Despite claims of launches reported by some sources, there’s no official confirmation from Vivo India or global channels about a commercial release as of August 2025. This speculative review explores the potential of this groundbreaking device, blending details from patents, concept renders, and recent reports, tailored for India’s tech-savvy audience.
Futuristic Design and Display
Based on Vivo’s patent and concept renders, the Flying Drone Camera Smartphone would feature a sleek, premium design with a quad-curved glass body and a flat aluminum frame. Expected colors include Stellar Black, Aurora Blue, and Cosmic Silver, aligning with Vivo’s aesthetic trends. The phone would likely measure ~7.9mm thick and weigh around 190 grams, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display would offer a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution (2400×1080), and 1000 nits peak brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7. A wide slit at the top would house the detachable drone camera module, ensuring seamless integration. The 92% screen-to-body ratio would provide an immersive experience for streaming and gaming.
Innovative Drone Camera System
The standout feature is the detachable flying drone camera, a quadcopter module with four propellers and infrared proximity sensors for obstacle avoidance. Based on reports, the drone could include:
- 200MP primary sensor (Zeiss optics, f/1.8) for high-resolution aerial photography
- 32MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) for expansive shots
- 16MP wide sensor and 5MP depth sensor for versatile imaging
The drone would pop out from the phone’s top, controlled via the smartphone’s interface, enabling unique angles for photos and videos, such as aerial landscapes or group selfies. Additional camera features include HDR, Panorama, 20x zoom, and 4K video recording. A 64MP front camera would handle selfies and video calls. However, challenges like limited flight time (~5-7 minutes) due to the drone’s small battery and potential fragility in windy conditions remain concerns.
Robust Performance
The smartphone would likely be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, delivering an AnTuTu score of ~1.2 million. With 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via microSD up to 1TB), it would handle multitasking and gaming effortlessly. A liquid cooling system would ensure thermal efficiency.
Running Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 14, it would offer AI features like AI Photo Enhance and real-time translation, with 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches. The software would integrate drone controls, allowing intuitive operation via the touchscreen.
Long-Lasting Battery
The device is speculated to feature a 6900mAh battery, offering 1.5-2 days of mixed use with 6-8 hours of screen-on time. 65W fast charging could achieve a full charge in ~40 minutes, with a unified battery system charging both the phone and drone simultaneously. However, the drone’s power demands might reduce overall battery life during frequent use.
Connectivity and Features
The smartphone would support 5G (dual SIM, n77/n78 bands), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS. Features like dual stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint sensor, and IR blaster would enhance usability. The drone’s smart navigation system with infrared sensors would ensure safe flight, though regulations in India may restrict drone usage in certain areas.
Pricing and Availability
Speculated pricing for the Vivo Flying Drone Camera Smartphone ranges from ₹69,999 to ₹88,350 (ex-showroom) for a 12GB/256GB variant, based on unverified reports. If launched, it would likely be available at Vivo India stores, Amazon India, Flipkart, and Bajaj Finserv outlets. Anticipated offers include no-cost EMI, ₹5,000 exchange bonuses, and cashback on select bank cards. Maintenance costs would be moderate, with Vivo’s extensive service network ensuring support. However, no official launch date has been confirmed, with some reports suggesting a potential release in late 2025 or early 2026.
Current Status and Challenges
Despite claims from sources like gadgetshigh.com and thedarbhanga.in about a 2024 or 2025 launch, these lack official backing from Vivo. The concept, first detailed in a 2020 WIPO patent, remains a prototype, with challenges like miniaturization, battery life, and drone regulations in India (requiring DGCA approval for devices over 250 grams) delaying commercialization. The technology’s novelty could also make it a niche product, with high costs limiting mass appeal.
Final Thoughts
The Vivo Flying Drone Camera Smartphone is an ambitious concept that could revolutionize mobile photography with its detachable drone module. While it promises stunning aerial shots, a premium display, and robust performance, its commercial availability remains unconfirmed. Competing with flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and OnePlus 13 Pro, it would need to overcome technical and regulatory hurdles to succeed. Ideal for content creators, vloggers, and tech enthusiasts, it represents a bold vision for the future of smartphones—if it becomes reality.
