iQOO 5 5G vs Realme X50 Pro 5G: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 865 Flagships

Launched within months of each other, the vivo iQOO 5 5G and Realme X50 Pro 5G represent a fascinating inflection point in the Android market. Both devices aggressively targeted the flagship space with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, but diverged in their approaches to battery technology and overall user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best value in today’s market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience and longevity, the Realme X50 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its 65W SuperDart charging significantly reduces downtime (35 minutes to full) compared to the iQOO 5’s 55W, and the reported 90-hour endurance rating suggests better real-world battery performance despite similar capacities.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 5 5G Realme X50 Pro 5G
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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - Global
5G bands1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2020, August 17. Released 2020, August 242020, February 24. Released 2020, March 05
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 6)Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)159 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.92 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, IQOO UI 1.5Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.5, 54mm (telephoto), 2x optical zoom, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
Video8K, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-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, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging55W wired, 100% in 50 min Reverse wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 35 min
Type4500 mAh4200 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, GrayMoss Green, Rust Red
ModelsV2024ARMX2075, RMX2071, RMX2076
PriceAbout 490 EURAbout 360 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 90h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -23.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 592447 (v8) GeekBench: 3175 (v5.1) GFXBench: 45fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 5 5G

  • Potentially refined vivo software experience
  • 55W fast charging is still respectable
  • Reverse wired charging for accessory power

  • Slower charging compared to Realme X50 Pro 5G
  • Limited battery endurance information

Realme X50 Pro 5G

  • 65W SuperDart charging for incredibly fast top-ups
  • 90-hour endurance rating suggests excellent battery life
  • Aggressive pricing often makes it a better value

  • Software experience may be less polished than vivo
  • Potential for more aggressive thermal throttling

Display Comparison

Both phones utilize high refresh rate displays, though specific refresh rate data is missing. The Realme X50 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 635 nits, suggesting a brighter outdoor viewing experience than the iQOO 5 5G, for which brightness data is unavailable. The Realme’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) indicates a typical AMOLED panel, while the absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rate scaling, potentially impacting power consumption during dynamic content. Bezels are likely comparable given the similar design philosophies of both brands.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. Both are advertised as having Photo/Video capabilities. Without specific details on sensor size, aperture, or OIS, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The absence of information regarding the quality of secondary cameras (ultrawide, telephoto) suggests neither phone prioritizes exceptional versatility. Image processing styles likely differ, with vivo traditionally favoring more saturated and vibrant colors, while Realme often aims for a more natural look. The lack of detail makes a meaningful comparison impossible.

Performance

At the heart of both devices lies the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+). The CPU configuration is identical – an octa-core setup with 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. However, thermal management could differ. While both utilize the same chipset, Realme’s larger user base and focus on gaming may have led to more aggressive thermal throttling profiles to maintain stability during extended gaming sessions. RAM configurations are not specified, but both likely offer LPDDR5 options for fast memory access.

Battery Life

The Realme X50 Pro 5G’s 65W SuperDart charging is a clear advantage, achieving a 100% charge in just 35 minutes, compared to the iQOO 5 5G’s 55W charging which takes 50 minutes. The Realme also boasts an ‘Endurance rating’ of 90 hours, indicating superior battery life. While actual battery capacity isn’t specified, the combination of faster charging and longer endurance makes the Realme the more convenient option for users who demand all-day battery life and minimal downtime. The iQOO 5 5G’s reverse wired charging is a useful addition, but doesn’t offset the charging speed deficit.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO 5 5G if you prioritize a potentially more refined software experience within the vivo ecosystem and are comfortable with slightly slower charging speeds. Buy the Realme X50 Pro 5G if you value rapid charging, excellent battery endurance, and a more aggressive price point, making it ideal for power users and those constantly on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Realme X50 Pro 5G's 65W charging generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
While 65W charging is fast, Realme incorporates heat dissipation technologies to mitigate temperature increases. Users have generally reported manageable warmth during charging, but sustained heavy use alongside charging may result in noticeable heat. The phone's thermal management system is designed to prevent damage or performance throttling.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications on both phones a significant drawback for photography enthusiasts?
Yes, the limited information regarding sensor size, aperture, and OIS makes it difficult to assess the camera's capabilities. Photography enthusiasts may prefer phones with more transparent specifications and a proven track record in image quality. Both phones likely offer acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance remains uncertain.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 865 in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact or PUBG?
The Snapdragon 865 is a powerful chipset capable of handling most Android games. However, sustained gaming at high settings can lead to thermal throttling. The Realme X50 Pro 5G may exhibit more aggressive throttling due to its focus on gaming, potentially resulting in slightly lower sustained frame rates compared to the iQOO 5 5G, though this is speculative without detailed thermal testing.