iQOO Neo5 vs Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon Performance and Value

The iQOO Neo5 and Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro represent compelling options in the mid-to-high range smartphone market. While both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, they target slightly different priorities. The Neo5 emphasizes rapid charging and sustained performance with the Snapdragon 870, while the Mi 11X Pro aims for peak power with the flagship Snapdragon 888. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and incredibly fast charging, the iQOO Neo5 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 870 offers excellent gaming capabilities without the potential for thermal throttling seen in the Mi 11X Pro, and its 66W charging is significantly faster than the Mi 11X Pro’s 33W.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Neo5 Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA77, 78 Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2021, March 162021, April 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 22Available. Released 2021, May 05
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
Dimensions163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOOAndroid 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging66W wired, 100% in 30 min33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min
Type4400 mAhLi-Po 4520 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, OrangeCelestial Silver, Lunar White, Cosmic Black
ModelsV2055AM2012K11I
PriceAbout 320 EURAbout 440 EUR
SAR-0.85 W/kg (head)     0.60 W/kg (body)

vivo iQOO Neo5

  • Significantly faster 66W charging
  • Potentially better thermal management with Snapdragon 870
  • Excellent performance for the price

  • Snapdragon 870 is not as powerful as the 888
  • May lack some premium features found in the Mi 11X Pro

Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro

  • More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Likely superior camera system
  • Potentially brighter and more color-accurate display

  • Slower 33W charging
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the market positioning, both likely feature AMOLED panels with high refresh rates (120Hz is probable). However, the Mi 11X Pro, being positioned as a more premium device, may have a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration. The absence of LTPO technology in either suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rate switching rather than variable refresh rates for power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Mi 11X Pro, as the more expensive device, likely features a larger main sensor and potentially more advanced image processing algorithms. Both phones likely include a standard wide, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Mi 11X Pro is probable, enhancing low-light photography and video stabilization. Image processing style will likely differ – Xiaomi often leans towards more saturated colors, while vivo tends towards a more natural look.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) boasts a more powerful Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, promising higher peak performance compared to the iQOO Neo5’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm) with its 3.2 GHz Kryo 585. However, the 5nm process of the 888 also aims for better efficiency, though in practice, the 888 is known to run hotter under sustained load. The iQOO Neo5’s 870, while not as powerful on paper, benefits from a larger process node, potentially leading to better thermal headroom and sustained performance during prolonged gaming. Both phones utilize an octa-core configuration, but the architectural differences in the CPU cores impact real-world performance. The Mi 11X Pro's CPU architecture (Cortex-X1, A78, A55) is newer, but the 870's thermal management could be a deciding factor for gamers.

Battery Life

The iQOO Neo5’s 66W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in just 30 minutes. The Mi 11X Pro’s 33W charging, while supporting PD3.0 and QC3, takes considerably longer at 52 minutes. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the iQOO Neo5 effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Snapdragon 870’s potentially better efficiency also contributes to longer real-world battery life, especially during gaming.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 if you need a phone that can handle extended gaming sessions without overheating and you value incredibly fast charging. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their battery throughout the day. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro if you prioritize absolute peak performance in short bursts and are willing to trade some charging speed and potentially deal with more aggressive thermal management for the latest Snapdragon chipset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the Mi 11X Pro experience noticeable thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While the Mi 11X Pro likely has cooling mechanisms, users may experience performance throttling after prolonged gaming, impacting frame rates and overall smoothness. The iQOO Neo5’s Snapdragon 870 is less prone to this issue.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the iQOO Neo5 compared to the 33W charging on the Mi 11X Pro in real-world usage?
The iQOO Neo5 can charge from 0-100% in approximately 30 minutes, while the Mi 11X Pro takes around 52 minutes. This translates to roughly 22 minutes saved per full charge, making the iQOO Neo5 significantly more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 870 and 888 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For typical daily usage, the difference in CPU performance between the two chipsets is unlikely to be noticeable. Both processors are more than capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly. The performance gap becomes more apparent in demanding applications like gaming and video editing.