Vivo Apex 2019 launch set for January 24, crazy bezel-less display and in-display fingerprint tech on the cards

Vivo literally stunned the whole world with its first-generation Apex concept phone – an all-screen phone with a pop-out selfie cam and half-screen fingerprint scanner. The fact that the concept Apex soon transitioned into a commercial product with phones like the Nex took the term crazy to an all-new level. Vivo is gearing to launch the Apex 2 in China on January 24, and by the looks of it, it would take things to an all-new level. 

While the original Apex was a concept – meaning it wasn’t meant for mass market – and was first showcased at MWC 2018, the Apex 2019 seems different. Not only is Vivo launching it ahead of MWC 2019 in China, it is expected that the Apex 2 won’t be a concept like the original, what with Vivo already selling crazy devices like the Nex and Nex 2. There is no clarity on this aspect though.  

There is one more thing to look at. The original Apex became the Nex for select markets, but we already have a Nex 2. So, where does that leave the Apex 2019? More importantly, where can Vivo go after devices like the Apex, Nex and Nex 2 (dual display)? The possibilities seem endless. 

Having said that, the teaser poster doing the rounds of China’s social media website Weibo, shows off a fully bezel-less phone and Vivo has been hyping a new ‘waterdrop’ design hinting at a new ID. The phone, as per the teaser, seems curvier than the original Apex (which was a flat rectangular slab of metal) and even the Nex and Nex 2. Phones like the Nex already come with OLED screens, and OLED screens can be bent at will: so it won’t be surprising if the Apex 2019 comes with a curved OLED display.  

It is yet to be seen if the Apex 2 packs a new mechanism for the selfie cam, something like what sister brand Oppo has done with the Find X. Also, it would be interesting to see if Vivo has been able to build upon the in-display fingerprint scanning tech to make it faster and also cover a larger area.  

Also Read: OnePlus 7 Could Be A Slider Phone Like The Oppo Find X, Xiaomi Mi Mix 3