The vivo V17 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro represent a fascinating crossroads in the mid-range smartphone market. Both launched aiming to deliver impressive features without breaking the bank, but they take distinctly different approaches to achieving that goal. The V17 leans on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 675, while the Redmi Note 8 Pro champions MediaTek’s Helio G90T. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a smoother overall experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G90T chipset, despite potential thermal concerns, delivers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo V17, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding applications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November 23. Released 2019, December | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, September 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159 x 74.2 x 8.5 mm (6.26 x 2.92 x 0.33 in) | 161.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.35 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 176 g (6.21 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD, HDR, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CC Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 23mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Admiral Blue, Glacier Ice White, Midnight Ocean Black | Black, Red, Blue, White, Deep Sea Blue, Midnight Blue, Electric Blue, Twilight Orange |
| Models | 1919 | 2015105, M1906G7I, M1906G7G |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.25 W/kg (body) | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -91.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 114h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1326:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 82dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 224759 (v7), 279355 (v8)
GeekBench: 6999 (v4.4), 1622 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo V17
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to the Snapdragon 675’s 11nm process.
- Balanced performance suitable for everyday tasks.
- Refined user experience (typical of vivo devices).
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Helio G90T.
- Likely lower gaming performance.
- Limited display information hinders a full assessment.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
- More powerful Helio G90T chipset for gaming and demanding apps.
- Higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Potentially more versatile camera system.
- Helio G90T may experience thermal throttling under sustained load.
- Less efficient chipset potentially impacting battery life during heavy use.
- Image processing may be more aggressive or less refined.
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s measured 640 nits of peak brightness and 1326:1 contrast ratio. This brightness level suggests the Redmi Note 8 Pro will offer better visibility outdoors. The identical contrast ratio indicates similar color reproduction capabilities. Without knowing the panel type used in the V17, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles, but the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s higher brightness gives it a clear advantage in real-world usability.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s market positioning suggests a stronger emphasis on camera performance, often seen in Xiaomi’s Redmi line. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. The presence of a 64MP sensor (common in the Redmi Note 8 Pro) would indicate a potential advantage in detail capture, but image processing algorithms play a crucial role. The V17 likely focuses on a more balanced camera experience, while the Redmi Note 8 Pro aims for higher resolution and potentially more versatile shooting modes.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi Note 8 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores, offering a significant architectural advantage over the Snapdragon 675’s Kryo 460 Gold cores (11nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the A76 cores in the G90T deliver higher single-core performance, crucial for responsiveness. However, the 12nm process of the G90T is less efficient than the 11nm process of the Snapdragon 675, potentially leading to more heat generation and throttling under sustained load. The Snapdragon 675 prioritizes efficiency, making it suitable for prolonged, less demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 114 hours and 18W wired charging. This suggests similar battery life in typical usage scenarios. The Snapdragon 675’s efficiency might translate to slightly longer standby times, but the Helio G90T’s performance could drain the battery faster during gaming. The identical charging wattage means similar 0-100% charge times, likely around 2 hours, assuming similar battery capacities (which are not specified).
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V17 if you prioritize a refined, balanced experience and value Qualcomm’s typically efficient chipset. It’s a solid all-rounder for everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro if you’re a gamer or power user who demands more processing power and doesn’t mind potentially managing thermal throttling during extended, intensive sessions. The Redmi Note 8 Pro offers a more aggressive performance profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Redmi Note 8 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G90T is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 675. While Xiaomi implemented cooling solutions, extended gaming at high settings can lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance to prevent overheating. Managing game settings and using a cooling accessory can mitigate this issue.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 675 and Helio G90T noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference will be minimal. However, when launching apps, multitasking, or playing demanding games, the Helio G90T’s more powerful cores will provide a noticeably smoother and faster experience.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 8 Pro support high refresh rate gaming?
While the Redmi Note 8 Pro's display is 60Hz, the Helio G90T chipset is capable of rendering games at higher frame rates. However, achieving those frame rates will depend on the game's optimization and the user's graphics settings. Some games may support 90fps with reduced settings.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low-light conditions?
Without detailed camera specifications, it's difficult to say definitively. However, a larger sensor (often found in the Redmi Note 8 Pro) and effective night mode algorithms are crucial for low-light photography. The Redmi Note 8 Pro's potential for a higher-resolution sensor could give it an edge in capturing detail in challenging lighting.
