Both the vivo iQOO Pro and the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G represent a fascinating point in smartphone history – the peak of Snapdragon 855+ performance before the shift to 7nm+ and 5nm processes. Released within months of each other, they targeted similar audiences seeking high-end specs without the absolute top-tier price tag. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on where each phone excels.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around functionality and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. Its inclusion of 30W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging adds significant convenience, offsetting the minor CPU clock speed difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 41 - China |
| 5G bands | - | 41, 78, 79 NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame (7000 series) |
| Dimensions | 158.8 x 75.7 x 9.3 mm (6.25 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 157.2 x 74.6 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.41 inches, 100.9 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.0 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 54mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@1920fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.28µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 32-bit/192kHz audio
| - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 40W wired, QC4
30W wireless
10W reverse wireless |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Dream White, Titanium Black |
| Models | V1922A, V1922A | - |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 600 EUR |
vivo iQOO Pro
- Potentially better thermal management for gaming
- Faster 44W wired charging
- Streamlined gaming-focused software
- Lacks wireless charging capabilities
- Slightly lower CPU clock speed
Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
- 30W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed
- QC4 support for wider charger compatibility
- Potentially more susceptible to thermal throttling
- Wired charging is marginally slower
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature AMOLED panels, common for flagships of this era. However, specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are missing. The iQOO Pro’s marketing often emphasized gaming, suggesting a potentially higher refresh rate (though not specified in the data) for smoother visuals. The Mi 9 Pro 5G’s display benefits from the broader Xiaomi ecosystem’s color calibration expertise, potentially offering more accurate color reproduction. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar design philosophies of maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are absent, making a direct comparison challenging. However, both phones likely feature multi-camera setups. The Mi 9 Pro 5G, benefiting from Xiaomi’s image processing advancements, likely prioritizes computational photography and scene optimization. The iQOO Pro, while capable, may lean towards a more natural image processing style. The absence of sensor size information is a significant gap; larger sensors generally capture more light and detail. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor would be a critical differentiator, but is unconfirmed for either device.
Performance
Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) chipset, but the Mi 9 Pro 5G boasts a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed of 2.96 GHz compared to the iQOO Pro’s 2.84 GHz. While this 0.12 GHz difference is unlikely to be noticeable in most everyday tasks, it *could* translate to marginally faster single-core performance in benchmarks. Both utilize an octa-core configuration with the same Kryo 485 architecture. Thermal management is crucial with the 855+, and the iQOO Pro’s gaming focus suggests a more robust cooling solution, potentially mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions. RAM speed (likely LPDDR4X in both) isn't specified, but is a key factor in sustained performance.
Battery Life
The iQOO Pro supports 44W wired charging, while the Mi 9 Pro 5G offers 40W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) compatibility. The 4W difference is noticeable, potentially shaving off minutes during charging. However, the Mi 9 Pro 5G significantly expands charging options with 30W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging – features absent on the iQOO Pro. This versatility is a major advantage for users who frequently utilize wireless charging or need to top up accessories. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the charging speeds suggest both likely house batteries in the 4000-4500 mAh range.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Pro if you prioritize a streamlined gaming experience and are less concerned with wireless charging capabilities. Its focus on raw performance and efficient cooling makes it ideal for demanding mobile gamers. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G if you value versatility, convenience, and a broader feature set, including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, making it a better daily driver for a wider range of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in either phone struggle with sustained performance during long gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855+ is known to generate heat under sustained load. While both phones likely implement thermal management solutions, the iQOO Pro’s gaming focus suggests a potentially more effective cooling system, potentially leading to less throttling during extended gaming. However, the difference may be minimal.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G using its 30W wireless charging?
While 30W wireless charging is fast, it's still slower than wired charging. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 90-120 minutes, depending on ambient temperature and charging conditions. It's significantly slower than the iQOO Pro's 44W wired charging.
❓ Is the 10W reverse wireless charging on the Mi 9 Pro 5G useful for anything beyond earbuds?
While 10W is relatively slow, it can provide a trickle charge to other devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, or even another phone in an emergency. It's not a replacement for a dedicated charger, but it's a convenient feature to have.
