At Rs 17,499, Can the Vivo T4R 5G Stand Out in an Already Packed Lineup?

Vivo has launched its latest smartphone from the Series T in India. The T4R 5G is clearly designed for people who are always on the move. If you're someone who values a phone that's sleek, easy to carry, and tough enough to handle a bit of everyday chaos, this one might be worth a closer look. Vivo says it's the slimmest phone with a quad-curved display to date, and it comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. That's something we'll be testing during our review, so stay tuned.

The Vivo T4R 5G will be available in two colours: Arctic White and Twilight Blue. It will go on sale starting August 5 through Flipkart, Vivo's India e-store, and select partner retail stores.

Now let’s get to the big reveal: pricing. Vivo is clearly aiming at the sub-Rs 20,000 segment. The base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at Rs 17,499. The 8GB RAM and 256GB storage version is priced at Rs 19,499, while the top-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage comes in at Rs 21,499.

Where Exactly Does the Vivo T4R Fit in its Series T Family?

The Vivo T4R 5G is the fifth device in the family. It joins the ranks of the T4x 5G, T4 5G, T4 Ultra, and T4 Lite 5G. While each of these smartphones caters to a different audience, the T4R steps in to serve a very specific purpose.

Unlike the T3 series from last year, which didn't include an “R” variant, Vivo has decided to shake things up with the T4R. It's positioned to fill a much-needed gap in the sub-Rs 20,000 space.

I did ask Vivo what the ‘R’ stands for. There isn't an official explanation, but if you ask me, it might as well stand for “resistance.” The brand is clearly emphasising the phone's rugged credentials. In simple terms, the T4R 5G offers a more durable and stylish option without stretching your budget, and that alone makes it an interesting pick in the current T-series lineup.

What Does This Smartphone Offer?

The T4R 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, a chipset the brand says can deliver an AnTuTu score of over 750,000. That sounds impressive on paper, but we'll have to see how it actually performs once we put it through our usual round of tests. Backing it all up is a hefty 5,700mAh battery, and thankfully, Vivo includes a 44W fast charger right in the box.

What really sets the T4R apart is its focus on durability. It's certified with MIL-STD-810H military-grade protection, comes with SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance, and uses Diamond Shield Glass on the front. Basically, this phone is built to take a beating. And if you know us at MySmartPrice, you know we love a good challenge; so yes, we'll be testing those toughness claims on our YouTube and Instagram soon.

As for the display, the phone sports a 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, which should offer a buttery smooth experience whether you're scrolling, watching, or gaming. On the camera side, there's a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS on the rear paired with a 2MP depth camera, and a 32MP front camera that even supports 4K video recording.

Of course, like every smartphone brand in 2025, Vivo has added a layer of AI to the mix. The T4R comes with smart productivity tools powered by AI, aiming to make daily usage more intuitive. Vivo is also promising two years of software updates and three years of security support, which is always good to see in this price segment.

Should You Buy the Vivo T4R 5G at Rs 17,499?

Vivo is stepping up its game in the under-Rs 20,000 category with the T4R 5G. With a quad-curved AMOLED display, IP68 and IP69 ratings, and a large battery, the T4R 5G brings a level of polish and practicality in this segment. Plus, it shares its design language with the more premium Vivo T4 Ultra, which makes it feel more expensive than it actually is.

Now, when you place it next to rivals like the POCO X7 Pro, the differences become clear. The X7 Pro is a high-performing device. It offers a faster chipset and is more suited for power users, especially those into gaming or heavy multitasking. On the other hand, the CMF Phone 2 Pro may not match the T4R’s durability, but it makes a statement with its bold design and customisation options. It’s a great pick for someone who wants their phone to reflect their personality.

In that context, the Vivo T4R 5G is carving out a niche of its own. It's not just about specs on paper but about offering a more refined and balanced experience. For users who want good cameras, dependable battery life, a premium design, and peace of mind when it comes to durability, the T4R feels like a well-thought-out option.

Whether it holds up in real-world use is something we'll explore in our full review. Keep an eye on MySmartPrice to find out how it actually performs day to day.