The vivo S5 and Huawei nova 6 represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, but cater to slightly different priorities. The S5 focuses on a balance of features and affordability, while the nova 6 aims for a more premium experience with a focus on performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Huawei nova 6 is the clear winner. Its Kirin 990 chipset offers a significant performance leap over the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo S5, and the 40W charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the S5 remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2019, December. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) | 162.6 x 75.7 x 8.6 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x2.09 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.86 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Kirin 990 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Mali-G76 MP16 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Panorama, HDR, LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 40 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 16mm (ultrawide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@960fps, (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 40W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 4100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Icelandic Blue, Phantom Blue, Star Black | Black, Blue, Red, Provence |
| Models | V1932A | WLZ-AL10, WLZ-TL10 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | - |
vivo S5
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable Qualcomm chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful processor compared to the Kirin 990
- Potentially less advanced camera processing
Huawei nova 6
- Significantly faster 40W charging
- More powerful Kirin 990 processor
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely higher price tag
- May experience more heat under sustained load
- Potential software restrictions depending on region
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature similar LCD panels given their market segment, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. Display specs are not provided, but we can infer that the nova 6's more powerful chipset will contribute to smoother animations and faster app loading times, enhancing the overall visual experience. The lack of information on refresh rates or HDR support prevents a deeper analysis.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Kirin 990’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the nova 6 is likely more advanced than the Snapdragon 712’s, potentially leading to better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes it difficult to assess low-light performance, but Huawei historically prioritizes camera capabilities in its nova series.
Performance
The Kirin 990 in the Huawei nova 6 represents a substantial upgrade over the Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 found in the vivo S5. Built on a 7nm process versus the Snapdragon’s 10nm, the Kirin 990 boasts a more efficient architecture and higher clock speeds (2.86 GHz Cortex-A76 vs 2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold). This translates to significantly faster CPU performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The nova 6’s CPU configuration – 2x Cortex-A76, 2x Cortex-A76, and 4x Cortex-A55 – also offers a more balanced approach to performance compared to the S5’s 2x Kryo 360 Gold and 6x Kryo 360 Silver. Gamers and power users will immediately notice the difference.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 6’s 40W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the vivo S5’s 22.5W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed of the nova 6 mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery size. Users who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost will greatly benefit from the nova 6’s charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S5 if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for everyday tasks and prioritize value for money. It's ideal for users who don't heavily game or require the fastest possible charging. Buy the Huawei nova 6 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or playing demanding games, and value the convenience of incredibly fast 40W charging. This phone is geared towards users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 990 in the Huawei nova 6 get noticeably warmer than the Snapdragon 712 during extended gaming sessions?
The Kirin 990, being a more powerful chip, is likely to generate more heat under sustained load. While Huawei incorporates cooling solutions, users may experience some throttling during prolonged gaming. The Snapdragon 712 in the vivo S5 will likely remain cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the 40W charging on the Huawei nova 6 compatible with standard USB-PD chargers?
Huawei typically uses its own proprietary charging standard for 40W charging. While it may charge at a slower rate with a USB-PD charger, it won't achieve the full 40W speed unless you use the included charger. It's best to use the provided charger for optimal charging performance.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between the two phones?
Yes, you will likely notice a significant difference. The Kirin 990’s faster CPU and potentially faster storage (though not specified) will result in noticeably quicker app loading times compared to the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo S5.
