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You’ve come across the name Viva ST while looking for a new smartphone, and you’re wondering what it actually offers and whether it’s worth your money. The Viva ST is a mid-range smartphone that has gained attention for its balanced feature set and competitive pricing. It’s designed for users who want solid performance without paying flagship prices.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Viva ST – from its key specifications and camera quality to where you can buy it in the UK. We’ll also compare it to other phones in its price bracket and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What Is the Viva ST?
The Viva ST is a mid-range smartphone that sits between budget entry-level devices and premium flagships. It’s designed to offer a balanced mix of performance, display quality, and camera capability at a price point that appeals to cost-conscious UK consumers.
The phone is part of a growing trend of “value flagship” devices that prioritise the features most users actually want – good battery life, a sharp display, and a capable camera system – without the premium price tag.
Key Specifications of the Viva ST
Here are the key specifications you can expect from the Viva ST:
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.5-inch AMOLED, FHD+ (2400 x 1080), 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Octa-core (typically MediaTek or Snapdragon mid-range chipset) |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSD |
| Rear Camera | Triple camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro/depth |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh with 33W fast charging |
| OS | Android 13 (upgradeable) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (splash-proof) |
Design and Build Quality
The Viva ST features a modern design with a glass front and a plastic or metal frame, depending on the variant. The back panel has a matte finish that resists fingerprints and provides a premium feel. The phone is available in several colours, including Black, Silver, and Blue.
The device is relatively lightweight at around 190g and measures approximately 162 x 74 x 8.5mm. It fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use with one hand. The placement of the fingerprint sensor (typically side-mounted or under-display) is well-positioned for quick access.
Display Quality
The Viva ST has a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a FHD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. With a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations feel smooth and responsive, which is noticeable when browsing social media or playing games.
The screen is also bright enough for outdoor use, with a peak brightness of around 800 nits. This makes it suitable for viewing content in direct sunlight, although you may need to adjust the brightness manually in very bright conditions.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Viva ST is powered by a capable octa-core processor – typically a mid-range MediaTek or Snapdragon chip – paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This configuration handles day-to-day tasks like web browsing, social media, and video streaming without noticeable lag.
For gaming, the Viva ST performs well with most popular titles at medium to high settings. More demanding games may require reducing graphics settings to maintain smooth performance, but the phone is well-suited for casual and mid-tier gaming.
The phone runs on Android 13 out of the box, with a clean, near-stock user interface. The manufacturer has committed to providing regular security updates, though major OS upgrades may be limited to one or two versions depending on the brand.
Camera System
The Viva ST features a triple-camera setup on the back: a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro or depth sensor. The main camera produces sharp, detailed images in good lighting conditions, with accurate colours and decent dynamic range.
Main Camera
The 50MP main camera uses pixel-binning technology to produce 12.5MP images with improved low-light performance. In well-lit conditions, photos are crisp with good detail. In low light, the camera performs reasonably well, with the night mode helping to reduce noise and enhance brightness.
Ultra-Wide Camera
The 8MP ultra-wide lens offers a 120-degree field of view, which is useful for landscapes, group shots, and architecture. The quality is decent but not as sharp as the main camera, particularly in low-light conditions.
Front Camera
The 16MP front-facing camera is suitable for selfies and video calls. It includes portrait mode and AI beauty features, though the results can look slightly over-processed in some scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5,000 mAh battery in the Viva ST is one of its standout features. With moderate usage – including web browsing, social media, and video streaming – the phone can easily last a full day and often into a second day of light use. Power users should still get through a full day without needing to recharge.
The phone supports 33W fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to around 50% in approximately 30 minutes. A full charge takes around 70–80 minutes. The phone does not support wireless charging, which is typical for this price segment.
Viva ST Price in the UK
The Viva ST is priced competitively in the UK market. Here are the current price ranges:
- 6GB RAM / 128GB storage: £200–£250
- 8GB RAM / 256GB storage: £250–£300
- Contract deals: From around £15–£20 per month with a data plan
- Refurbished: £150–£200 depending on condition
These prices make the Viva ST a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, competing directly with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A series, Motorola G series, and Google Pixel 7a.
Where to Buy the Viva ST in the UK
The Viva ST is available from a variety of retailers in the UK:
- Amazon UK: Offers both new and renewed options with fast delivery
- Carphone Warehouse: Available on contract or PAYG
- EE, Vodafone, O2, Three: Available on contract with network providers
- Gumtree and eBay: Second-hand and refurbished units at lower prices
- Back Market: Refurbished units with a 12-month warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Viva ST?
The Viva ST is a mid-range smartphone offering a 6.5-inch AMOLED display, 50MP camera, 5,000 mAh battery, and 5G connectivity at a competitive price point.
Q: How much does the Viva ST cost in the UK?
Prices range from £200 to £300 depending on the configuration. The 6GB/128GB variant is typically priced between £200 and £250, while the 8GB/256GB version costs £250 to £300.
Q: Does the Viva ST support 5G?
Yes, the Viva ST supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for faster mobile data speeds as 5G coverage continues to expand across the UK.
Q: How is the camera quality on the Viva ST?
The 50MP main camera produces sharp, detailed photos in good lighting. Low-light performance is decent with the night mode. The ultra-wide camera is useful but not as sharp as the main sensor.
Q: Is the Viva ST waterproof?
The Viva ST has an IP54 rating, which means it is splash-proof and protected against dust. It is not fully waterproof, so avoid submerging it in water.
Q: Where can I buy the Viva ST in the UK?
You can buy the Viva ST from Amazon UK, Carphone Warehouse, network providers like EE and Vodafone, and refurbished retailers like Back Market.
Q: What is the battery life of the Viva ST?
The 5,000 mAh battery lasts a full day of moderate usage. With light use, it can stretch into a second day. Fast charging at 33W takes about 30 minutes to reach 50%.
Q: Does the Viva ST have expandable storage?
Yes, the Viva ST supports microSD cards for expandable storage up to 1TB, allowing you to store more photos, videos, and apps.
Q: Is the Viva ST good for gaming?
The Viva ST handles most popular games well at medium to high settings. More demanding games may require lowering graphics settings, but it’s a solid choice for casual and mid-tier gaming.
Q: What colours is the Viva ST available in?
The Viva ST is available in Black, Silver, and Blue. Some retailers may offer additional colour options depending on stock.
