vivo S5 vs Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro: Which Snapdragon 7-Series Phone Wins?

The vivo S5 and Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro represent a fascinating point in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7-series, but target slightly different priorities. The S5 focuses on a sleek design and efficient performance, while the CC9 Pro aims for a more comprehensive feature set, particularly in camera capabilities and charging speed. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a more versatile camera system, the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 730G offers a noticeable performance uplift over the S5’s 712, and the 30W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the vivo S5 remains a compelling option for those seeking a more streamlined experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S5 Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 800/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMACDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2019, November. Released 2019, November2019, November. Released 2019, November
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions157.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.22 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)157.8 x 74.2 x 9.7 mm (6.21 x 2.92 x 0.38 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)208 g (7.34 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLEDAMOLED, HDR10, 600 nits (typ)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm)Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 616Adreno 618
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Five-108 MP (8P lens - 256GB GB model), f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom 5 MP (upscaled to 8MP), f/2.0, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 20 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)
Quad48 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-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging22.5W wired30W wired, PD, 58% in 30 min, 100% in 65 min
Type4100 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5260 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsIcelandic Blue, Phantom Blue, Star BlackAurora Green, Glacier White, Midnight Black
ModelsV1932AM1910F4E
PriceAbout 350 EURAbout 400 EUR
Tests
Performance- AnTuTu: 236051 (v8)

vivo S5

  • Sleek and lightweight design
  • Efficient Snapdragon 712 processor for everyday tasks
  • Competitive price point

  • Slower charging speed (22.5W)
  • Less powerful processor compared to the CC9 Pro

Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro

  • Faster Snapdragon 730G processor for improved performance
  • Significantly faster 30W charging with PD support
  • Likely superior camera system

  • Potentially slightly larger and heavier design
  • May be marginally more expensive

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display, but differences exist. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on brand history), specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The focus here is on the processors impacting UI smoothness. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of the era. The absence of high refresh rates on either device means the display experience is primarily defined by panel quality, which is difficult to assess without direct testing.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro is expected to have a more sophisticated system. The context data doesn't provide specifics, but Xiaomi’s CC series historically emphasizes camera capabilities. The 730G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 712’s, enabling better noise reduction and dynamic range. The CC9 Pro likely includes features like dedicated night mode algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The vivo S5, while capable, will likely focus on a more balanced camera experience rather than pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. Ignoring the likely inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices, the main sensor and processing power are where the CC9 Pro will shine.

Performance

The Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro’s Snapdragon 730G represents a clear step up from the vivo S5’s Snapdragon 712. The 730G, built on an 8nm process versus the 712’s 10nm, offers improved power efficiency and thermal headroom. The CPU configuration is similar – both are octa-core with 2x performance cores and 6x efficiency cores – but the 730G’s Kryo 470 cores (2.2 GHz) are slightly faster than the 712’s Kryo 360 cores (2.3 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the CC9 Pro. The GPU within the 730G also provides a more substantial gaming experience, capable of handling higher graphical settings in popular titles. The 8nm process also means less throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro’s 30W wired charging is a significant advantage. It can reach 58% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, drastically reducing downtime compared to the vivo S5’s 22.5W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Snapdragon 730G in the CC9 Pro, coupled with its faster charging, mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phones throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S5 if you need a phone that prioritizes a slim profile and efficient all-day battery life with moderate usage. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro if you prefer a more feature-rich experience, including faster charging, a more capable camera system, and slightly better performance for gaming and demanding applications. It’s geared towards users who actively capture photos and videos and appreciate quicker power-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 730G in the Mi CC9 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 730G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. The Adreno 618 GPU provides sufficient graphical power for a comfortable gaming experience, and the 8nm process helps prevent excessive throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the Mi CC9 Pro compared to the 22.5W charging on the vivo S5 in real-world use?
The 30W charging on the Mi CC9 Pro is significantly faster. Xiaomi claims 58% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The vivo S5’s 22.5W charging will likely take considerably longer – potentially over 90 minutes to reach a full charge. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who need to quickly top up their phone before leaving the house.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 712 and 730G noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both processors are capable for everyday tasks, the Snapdragon 730G offers a smoother and more responsive experience. App launches will be quicker, multitasking will be more fluid, and animations will feel less laggy. The difference isn't massive, but it's perceptible, especially when switching between multiple apps.