Post-Update Steps
Known Issues and Fixes
Conclusion
Updating your Vivo V5 to Android 7.0 (Nougat) is a relatively straightforward process. Make sure to backup your data, check your current Android version, and follow the update instructions carefully. If you encounter any issues during the update process, refer to Vivo's support resources or contact their customer support team for assistance.
The vivo V5 officially runs on Funtouch OS 3.0, which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. While there have been numerous system stability updates since its 2016 release, vivo did not provide an official OTA (over-the-air) upgrade to Android 7.0 Nougat for this specific model. Official Software Status Base OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Latest System Version: The most recent official firmware package for the vivo V5 is PD1612F_EX_A_3.14.9, released in August 2020. This update focused on system maintenance rather than an Android version jump.
Checking for Updates: You can verify your current version by navigating to Settings > System update on your device. Upgrade Limitations
V5 vs. V5s/V7: While the similar vivo V5s received guides for Android 7.0 and the later vivo V7 launched with Android 7.1, the standard V5 hardware remained on Android 6.0.
Official Downloads: You can find official firmware files for manual installation (Recovery Mode) on the vivo India Support page or vivo Philippines Support page, but these will remain based on Android 6.0. Alternative Options (Advanced Users) vivo v5 android version 7.0 update
Since there is no official 7.0 update, some users explore Custom ROMs to reach newer Android versions. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and potentially rooting the device, which carries risks such as: Voiding the warranty. Potential "bricking" (making the device unusable).
Loss of specialized features like specific camera optimizations or the Hi-Fi audio chip functionality. vivo V7 - New Selfie Smartphone | vivo Global
received an official update to Android 7.0 Nougat (Funtouch OS 3.1) in late 2017, roughly a year after its initial release. While the device originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, this update was a major milestone for its software lifecycle. Key Improvements & Performance
System Stability & Speed: Users reported that the update felt stable and maintained the phone's snappy performance, particularly in multitasking.
Battery Life: The update generally improved power efficiency for many users. Some reported up to 7 hours of screen-on time after the transition. New Features:
Nearby Share: Added to the Control Center for easier file sharing.
App Updates: Integrated newer versions of Vivo's default apps, including the Music Player, Video Player, and Browser.
Enhanced Security: Included updated security patches available at the time. User Experience Notes Post-Update Steps
Selfie Quality: The update maintained the quality of the V5's standout 20MP "Moonlight" selfie camera.
Minor Clunkiness: Some users noted that certain transitions, such as camera lens switching, felt slightly less smooth compared to the original Marshmallow build.
Gaming: Performance remained consistent for casual gaming, though the hardware's 720p display remained a bottleneck for higher-end visual quality. How to Update
vivo V5 - User opinions and reviews - page 38 - GSMArena.com
The Vivo V5, released in November 2016, was marketed predominantly as a "Selfie Softlight" smartphone, targeting a demographic focused on photography and social media. While the hardware—specifically the MediaTek MT6750 chipset and 4GB of RAM—was competent for the mid-range segment, the device initially shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow. In the rapidly evolving Android ecosystem, staying current with security patches and feature sets is crucial.
The subsequent rollout of the Android 7.0 Nougat update, packaged under Vivo’s custom skin Funtouch OS 3.0, represented a major software overhaul. This paper aims to dissect this update, analyzing how it bridged the gap between the V5's hardware limitations and the software expectations of the era.
Q: How do I check my current Android version on Vivo V5?
A: Go to Settings → More Settings → About Phone → Android Version. It should show 7.0 if updated.
Q: My Vivo V5 is carrier-locked (e.g., to Airtel or Smart). Did I get the update?
A: Carrier variants sometimes took longer. Contact your carrier’s support. If they abandoned updates, unlock the bootloader (if possible) and flash the global firmware. Known Issues and Fixes
Q: Will updating erase my data?
A: An official OTA update preserves your apps, photos, and settings. However, always backup before any major update.
Q: The update failed at 50%. Now my phone bootloops. Help!
A: Boot into recovery (Power + Volume Up), select "Wipe data/factory reset" and "Wipe cache partition." Then select "Reboot." You will lose data but the phone will boot into Marshmallow. Then try the OTA again after a fresh setup.
Q: Can I downgrade back to Android 6.0?
A: Technically yes, using SP Flash Tool and a stock Marshmallow ROM. But it voids warranty (expired anyway) and may brick the device. Not recommended.
Importantly, the Android 7.0 update on the Vivo V5 arrived wrapped in Funtouch OS 3.0. Vivo’s custom skin brought its own changes:
Based on vivo community forums and user feedback (2017–2018):
The entire interface got a facelift. Icons became flatter and more colorful. The notification shade and quick settings panel were redesigned for one-handed use. Settings menus were reorganized, making it easier to find options like "Dual SIM management" and "Battery optimization."
Android 7.0 introduced inline replies. When you received a message on WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram, a "Reply" button appeared directly in the notification shade. You could type your response without opening the app—a huge time-saver.