Released in late 2019, both the vivo NEX 3 and Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G represented the pinnacle of Android flagship performance, powered by the Snapdragon 855+. However, despite sharing the same core chipset, these devices took different approaches to features like charging, connectivity, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a capable all-rounder, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. Its inclusion of 5G connectivity, faster wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities provide a more versatile experience, offsetting the NEX 3’s marginally cleaner design.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 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 (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame (7000 series) |
| Dimensions | 167.4 x 76.1 x 9.4 mm (6.59 x 3.00 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 | 217.3 g (7.65 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2256 pixels (~363 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.89 inches, 119.3 cm2 (~93.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR10 | Super AMOLED, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 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 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.5, (telephoto), PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), PDAF | 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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 | V1923A, V1923T, 1908_19, 1912 | - |
| Price | About 640 EUR | About 600 EUR |
vivo NEX 3
- Striking waterfall display design
- Fast 44W wired charging
- Potentially more compact form factor
- Lack of 5G connectivity
- No wireless or reverse wireless charging
- Potential for accidental touches on waterfall display
Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- 30W wireless charging for convenience
- 10W reverse wireless charging for accessories
- Potentially less visually striking design
- Slightly slower wired charging (40W vs 44W)
- Larger form factor may be less comfortable for some
Display Comparison
Both devices feature AMOLED panels, but details regarding resolution and refresh rate are missing. However, the vivo NEX 3’s defining feature is its ‘waterfall’ display, minimizing bezels on the sides. This design, while visually striking, could lead to accidental touches. The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G likely offers a more conventional, and potentially more practical, display experience. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to assess which panel offers superior outdoor visibility, but both would have been competitive for their time.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable. However, given the era, both phones likely featured multi-camera setups. The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G, based on Xiaomi’s historical camera focus, likely prioritized larger sensors and more advanced image processing algorithms. The NEX 3 may have focused on unique software features. Without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but Xiaomi’s track record suggests a slight advantage in image quality.
Performance
Both the vivo NEX 3 and Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485). Performance will be virtually identical in CPU-bound tasks. The key difference lies in thermal management, which is unknown. However, the Mi 9 Pro 5G’s larger chassis *potentially* allows for a more effective cooling solution, mitigating potential throttling during sustained gaming. The inclusion of 5G on the Mi 9 Pro 5G also means it has the necessary modem, which could impact power consumption and thermal output.
Battery Life
The vivo NEX 3 offers 44W wired charging, while the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G boasts 40W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4), 30W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. This is a significant advantage for the Mi 9 Pro 5G. While 44W is faster for wired charging, the addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging provides unparalleled convenience. The Mi 9 Pro 5G’s wireless charging capability allows for cable-free top-ups, and the reverse wireless charging can be used to charge accessories like earbuds. The actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the charging versatility of the Mi 9 Pro 5G is a clear win.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo NEX 3 if you prioritize a nearly bezel-less waterfall display and a minimalist aesthetic. It’s a good option for users who value design above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G if you need 5G connectivity, faster and more versatile charging options (including wireless and reverse wireless), and a more feature-rich experience. It’s ideal for power users and those who want future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G's 5G connectivity still offer a significant benefit in 2024?
While 5G coverage has expanded, the benefit depends heavily on your location and carrier. In areas with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the advantage is minimal.
❓ Is the waterfall display on the vivo NEX 3 prone to accidental touches?
Yes, the curved edges of the waterfall display can occasionally register accidental touches, especially during gaming or when navigating the edges of the screen. This is a common trade-off for achieving a nearly bezel-less design.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 855+ perform in demanding games on these phones today?
The Snapdragon 855+ remains a capable chipset for most mobile games, even in 2024. However, you may need to lower graphics settings in the most demanding titles to maintain a smooth frame rate. Thermal throttling could also become a factor during extended gaming sessions.
