The vivo iQOO U5 and Realme Q5 Pro represent distinct approaches to the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The iQOO U5 focuses on providing 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, while the Realme Q5 Pro aims to deliver near-flagship performance with a powerful chipset and blazing-fast charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and convenience, the Realme Q5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a substantial performance leap over the iQOO U5’s Snapdragon 695, and the 80W charging dramatically reduces downtime. The iQOO U5 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize 5G access over raw power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 24 | 2022, April 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 01 | Available. Released 2022, April 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 162.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 194.5 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 80W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray, Aurora | Black, White, Yellow |
| Models | V2165A | RMX3372 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 330 EUR |
vivo iQOO U5
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 18W charging
- Less capable camera system
Realme Q5 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 870
- Ultra-fast 80W charging
- Likely better camera quality
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life (depending on capacity)
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Q5 Pro's positioning, it likely features a higher quality panel with potentially a higher refresh rate. The iQOO U5, targeting a lower price bracket, likely utilizes a more cost-effective LCD or lower-spec AMOLED. Bezels are expected to be similar, but the Q5 Pro may benefit from slightly thinner bezels due to its higher market segment. Color accuracy will depend on panel calibration, but the Q5 Pro is more likely to offer wider color gamut support.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, analysis is limited. However, the Q5 Pro, being a higher-tier device, likely incorporates a more capable main sensor with a larger aperture for improved low-light performance. The Snapdragon 870’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more advanced than the 695’s, resulting in better image processing and dynamic range. It’s reasonable to assume the Q5 Pro offers superior video recording capabilities as well. The iQOO U5 likely relies on software optimizations to compensate for its less powerful hardware, but it won’t match the Q5 Pro’s inherent capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme Q5 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the iQOO U5’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 core configuration with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 695’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores. This translates to a noticeable difference in application launch times, multitasking responsiveness, and gaming performance. The 7nm process node of the 870 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads. While both support 5G, the 870’s superior processing power will enhance the overall 5G experience, particularly with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The iQOO U5’s 18W wired charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Realme Q5 Pro’s 80W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Q5 Pro’s charging speed will dramatically reduce charging times – potentially going from 0-100% in under 40 minutes, while the iQOO U5 will likely take well over an hour. This difference is crucial for users who prioritize convenience and minimal downtime. A larger battery on the iQOO U5 could partially offset the slower charging, but the Q5 Pro’s efficiency gains from the Snapdragon 870 may negate that advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5 if you need a reliable, affordable 5G smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and are willing to compromise on processing speed and charging speed. Buy the Realme Q5 Pro if you prioritize smooth multitasking, demanding mobile games, and incredibly fast charging, and are willing to spend a bit more for a significantly enhanced user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the iQOO U5 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 is a mid-range chipset and will likely struggle to deliver a smooth experience in demanding games like Genshin Impact, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering. The Realme Q5 Pro’s Snapdragon 870 is far better equipped to handle such titles.
❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the Realme Q5 Pro compared to the 18W charging on the iQOO U5 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme Q5 Pro can likely charge from 0-100% in under 40 minutes, while the iQOO U5 will likely take over 1.5 to 2 hours. This means you can quickly top up your Q5 Pro during a short break, whereas the iQOO U5 requires a much longer charging period.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 in the Realme Q5 Pro still a relevant chipset in 2024?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 870 remains a very capable chipset, offering performance comparable to many newer mid-range chips. It provides a smooth and responsive experience for most tasks, including gaming and multitasking, and is a significant step up from the Snapdragon 695.
