vivo S30 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance, Camera, and Value

The vivo S30 and Google Pixel 8 Pro represent distinct approaches to the smartphone market. The S30 aims for a balance of style and performance at a more accessible price point, leveraging the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4. Conversely, the Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s flagship, showcasing its Tensor G3 chip and renowned computational photography. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality, software experience, and long-term support, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the clear winner. However, the vivo S30 delivers significantly faster 90W charging and respectable performance with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, making it a compelling option for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S30 Google Pixel 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - G1MNW
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G1MNW
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 292023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 29Available. Released 2023, October 12
Body
BuildGlass front (Diamond Shield Glass), plastic frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm (6.31 x 2.93 x 0.30 in)162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)213 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionDiamond Shield GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1344 x 2992 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~489 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 1300 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 2400 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-720 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-720 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-520)Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7750-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4 nm)Google Tensor G3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 722Immortalis-G715s MC10
OSAndroid 15, OriginOS 5Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, up to 7 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRMulti-zone Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Ultra-HDR, panorama, Best Take, Zoom Enhance
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.7, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.95", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 106˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.0, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), AF10.5 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, PDAF
Video4K, 1080p4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC 55.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging90W wired, PD Reverse wired Bypass charging30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless Bypass charging
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6500 mAhLi-Ion 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Yellow, PinkObsidian, Porcelain, Bay, Mint
ModelsV2464AGC3VE, G1MNW
PriceAbout 330 EUR€ 362.00 / $ 289.97 / £ 329.95 / ₹ 54,999

vivo S30

  • 90W SuperFast Charging for incredibly quick top-ups
  • Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 offers a good balance of performance and efficiency
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Camera system likely less advanced than the Pixel 8 Pro
  • Software updates may be less frequent and consistent

Google Pixel 8 Pro

  • Exceptional camera quality with Google’s computational photography
  • Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
  • Bright and vibrant display with likely LTPO technology

  • Slower 30W wired charging compared to the vivo S30
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1600 nits peak brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility. While the S30’s display specs are not provided, it’s likely to be lower. The Pixel 8 Pro’s panel likely utilizes LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, improving battery efficiency. The Pixel 8 Pro’s superior brightness and likely LTPO implementation provide a more premium viewing experience, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera system is a major strength, leveraging Google’s renowned computational photography. While specific sensor details aren’t provided, the Pixel 8 Pro’s image processing excels in dynamic range and low-light performance. The S30’s camera capabilities are less defined, but it likely focuses on providing a versatile experience. The Pixel 8 Pro’s advanced image processing and likely larger sensor size will deliver superior image quality, particularly in challenging conditions. The S30 will likely offer a good camera for social media and casual photography, but won’t match the Pixel’s capabilities.

Performance

The Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3, with its nona-core configuration (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3, 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715, 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), is architecturally more complex and generally more powerful than the vivo S30’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-720, 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-720, 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-520). The Tensor G3’s Cortex-X3 core provides a significant performance boost for demanding tasks. However, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, built on a 4nm process like the Tensor G3, offers a strong balance of performance and efficiency. The Pixel 8 Pro will excel in AI-driven tasks and complex applications, while the S30 will handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming with ease.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro achieves an impressive 11:14h active use score and an endurance rating of 90 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The vivo S30, while lacking specific battery life data, compensates with its 90W wired charging, capable of rapidly replenishing the battery. The Pixel 8 Pro offers 30W wired charging, taking 30 minutes to reach 50%, and 23W wireless charging. The S30’s 90W charging is a significant advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups, while the Pixel 8 Pro excels in overall battery longevity.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S30 if you need blazing-fast charging speeds, a stylish design, and are comfortable with a less refined software experience. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and prioritize convenience. Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if you prefer a best-in-class camera system, a clean and feature-rich Android experience with guaranteed updates, and don’t mind slower charging speeds in exchange for overall polish and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact on the vivo S30?
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you’ll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a consistently smooth experience. The Adreno GPU within the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is a step up from previous generations, but it doesn’t match the graphical prowess of the GPU in the Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3.
❓ Does the Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Tensor G3 chip get noticeably warm during extended use, such as video recording or gaming?
The Tensor G3 is known to run warmer than some competing chips, particularly during sustained intensive tasks like 4K video recording or demanding games. Google has implemented thermal management solutions, but some throttling may occur to prevent overheating. The Pixel 8 Pro’s larger chassis helps dissipate heat, but it’s still a factor to consider.
❓ What type of charging protocol does the vivo S30 use to achieve its 90W charging speed?
The vivo S30 utilizes 90W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) support. This allows for fast charging with compatible chargers and cables. It also supports reverse wired charging, enabling you to use the phone as a power bank for other devices.
❓ How long will the Pixel 8 Pro receive software and security updates?
Google guarantees 7 years of software and security updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, starting from its launch date. This is a significant advantage, ensuring your device remains secure and receives the latest features for an extended period.