Realme GT2 Explorer Master vs. vivo X80 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master and vivo X80 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The GT2 Explorer Master prioritizes raw performance and charging speed, leveraging the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Conversely, the X80 Pro aims for a more balanced experience, offering a brighter display, versatile camera system, and the option of a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset alongside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing peak performance and incredibly fast charging, the Realme GT2 Explorer Master is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a noticeable edge in sustained performance, and the 100W charging is unmatched. However, the vivo X80 Pro excels in display brightness and offers a more refined camera experience, making it ideal for content creators and multimedia enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT2 Explorer Master vivo X80 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2022, July 122022, April 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 19Available. Released 2022, April 29
Body
BuildGlass front, ceramic back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back or ceramic back or eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions161.3 x 74.3 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.32 in)164.6 x 75.3 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)215 g / 219 g (7.58 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+LTPO3 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730Mali-G710 MC10
OSAndroid 12, Realme UI 3.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 (Global), OriginOS Ocean (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.3", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom, gimbal OIS 48 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", AF
Single-32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 150˚ (ultrawide) 3 MP, f/3.3, 20mm (microscope), AF, 40x magnification-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
BluetoothYes5.2 (Snapdragon)/ 5.3 (Dimensity), A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1 (Global)/ 3.2 (China), OTG
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired80W wired, 100% in 38 min 50W wireless, 100% in 50 min Reverse wired
Type5000 mAh4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, GoldCosmic Black, Blue, Orange
ModelsRMX3551V2185A, V2145
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 850 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 126h Endurance rating 79h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.8 LUFS (Very good) -25.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 1045876 (v9) GeekBench: 4021 (v5.1)-

Realme GT2 Explorer Master

  • Superior CPU performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Industry-leading 100W wired charging
  • Longer battery endurance (126h)

  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Potentially less refined camera image processing

vivo X80 Pro

  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
  • Versatile camera system with advanced image processing
  • Option of MediaTek Dimensity 9000 for potentially better thermals

  • Shorter battery endurance (79h)
  • Slower CPU performance compared to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

Display Comparison

The vivo X80 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1014 nits measured, compared to the Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s 798 nits. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. While both likely employ LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates (not explicitly stated in the data, but standard for this class), the X80 Pro’s higher peak brightness provides a tangible advantage for outdoor use and HDR content consumption. The X80 Pro's brightness is a key differentiator for users who frequently use their phones outdoors.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the provided data lacks specifics beyond 'Photo / Video' capabilities. However, given vivo’s reputation, the X80 Pro likely prioritizes image processing and color science, aiming for pleasing, ready-to-share photos. The X80 Pro’s inclusion of a Dimensity 9000 variant could also benefit image signal processing (ISP) performance. While sensor size and aperture data are missing, the X80 Pro’s brand positioning suggests a more comprehensive camera experience, potentially with better low-light performance and video stabilization. The Realme GT2 Explorer Master likely focuses on delivering a more raw, unedited image, appealing to users who prefer manual control.

Performance

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) represents a generational leap over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) found in the vivo X80 Pro. The ‘+’ variant features a more efficient architecture, resulting in improved thermal performance and sustained clock speeds. The X80 Pro also offers a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 option, which competes closely with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, potentially offering better thermal management in some scenarios. The GT2 Explorer Master’s CPU, with its Cortex-X2 clocked at 3.19 GHz, edges out the X80 Pro’s 3.00 GHz (Snapdragon) or 3.05 GHz (Dimensity) Cortex-X2. This translates to snappier responsiveness in demanding applications and games. The 4nm process node on both chipsets contributes to improved power efficiency, but the architectural improvements in the 8+ Gen 1 give the Realme the edge.

Battery Life

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s endurance rating of 126 hours significantly surpasses the vivo X80 Pro’s 79 hours. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The X80 Pro compensates with significantly faster charging: 80W wired (38 minutes to 100%) and 50W wireless (50 minutes to 100%), plus reverse wired charging. The GT2 Explorer Master offers 100W wired charging, which is even faster, but lacks wireless charging. The X80 Pro’s lower endurance rating suggests a smaller battery capacity, but the faster charging mitigates this, allowing for quick top-ups throughout the day. Users prioritizing all-day battery life with less frequent charging will favor the Realme, while those who prefer quick bursts of power will appreciate the vivo’s charging capabilities.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT2 Explorer Master if you need uncompromising gaming performance, lightning-fast charging, and don't mind a potentially less polished camera experience. Buy the vivo X80 Pro if you prefer a brighter, more color-accurate display, a versatile camera system with excellent image processing, and appreciate the option of a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 variant for potentially better thermal management.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the vivo X80 Pro suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. While vivo likely implemented cooling solutions, prolonged gaming at maximum settings could lead to some throttling, potentially reducing sustained performance. The Dimensity 9000 variant in some X80 Pro models may offer better thermal management.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the Realme GT2 Explorer Master affect long-term battery health?
While 100W charging is incredibly fast, it can generate more heat than slower charging methods. Realme likely incorporates battery health management features to mitigate potential degradation. However, consistently using the fastest charging speeds *may* slightly reduce the battery's lifespan over several years compared to slower charging.
❓ Is the camera on the vivo X80 Pro better for video recording than the Realme GT2 Explorer Master?
Given vivo's strong reputation in mobile videography, the X80 Pro likely offers superior video recording capabilities, particularly in terms of stabilization and dynamic range. However, without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer. The X80 Pro's image processing pipeline is likely optimized for video as well.