The vivo X30 and Realme X50 5G represent a pivotal moment in mid-range 5G adoption. Both devices aimed to deliver next-generation connectivity without the flagship price tag, but they took different approaches to achieving this. The X30 leverages Samsung’s Exynos 980, while the X50 5G opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which phone offers the best value and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Realme X50 5G emerges as the stronger contender. While the vivo X30’s 33W charging is slightly faster, the Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process and optimized architecture provide a noticeable advantage in thermal management and long-term stability, making it better for gaming and demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (3.6+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, July 08. Released 2020, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 74.1 x 8.8 mm (6.24 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) | 163.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR, 800 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 980 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 10.0 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
32 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 4350 mAh, non-removable | 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Peach, Light Blue, Rainbow Shadow | Jungle Green, Ice Silver |
| Models | V1938CT | RMX2144 |
| Price | About 420 EUR | About 500 EUR |
vivo X30
- Slightly faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially more natural color processing in photos
- Brand recognition within the vivo ecosystem
- Exynos 980 prone to thermal throttling
- 8nm process less efficient than Snapdragon’s 7nm
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
Realme X50 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Better sustained performance for gaming
- 7nm process for improved thermal management
- Larger screen size (typically)
- Slightly slower charging speed (30W)
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
- Image processing can be overly saturated
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on cutting-edge display tech, but rather on delivering a functional viewing experience. While specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, the Realme X50 5G’s larger screen size (typically 6.6 inches vs the X30’s 6.44 inches) may appeal to users who consume more media. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the mid-range positioning of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. The Realme X50 5G’s image processing tends to favor vibrant, social media-ready images, while vivo often aims for more natural color reproduction. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would be a significant advantage, but is not confirmed for either device. The often-included 2MP macro cameras on both phones are largely marketing features and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Realme X50 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, holds a significant advantage over the vivo X30’s Exynos 980 (8nm). The 7nm node inherently offers better transistor density and thermal efficiency. While both CPUs utilize an octa-core configuration with similar Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime core (2.4 GHz) offers a performance edge over the Exynos 980’s Cortex-A77 (2.2 GHz). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Exynos 980 is known to exhibit more thermal throttling under sustained load, potentially impacting gaming performance. The Realme X50 5G is the clear winner for users prioritizing consistent performance.
Battery Life
The Realme X50 5G’s 30W charging, capable of reaching 70% in 30 minutes, is competitive with the vivo X30’s 33W charging. While the X30 charges slightly faster on paper, the Snapdragon 765G’s superior power efficiency means the X50 5G will likely offer longer real-world battery life. The actual battery capacity (mAh) is crucial, but even with a similar capacity, the Snapdragon’s efficiency will result in more screen-on time. The X30’s faster charging is a convenience, but the X50 5G’s efficiency is a more impactful benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo X30 if you prioritize slightly faster charging speeds and are heavily invested in the vivo ecosystem. Its 33W charging offers a quicker top-up, and the brand’s software features may appeal to existing users. Buy the Realme X50 5G if you value sustained performance, efficient power consumption, and a more balanced overall experience. The Snapdragon 765G delivers a smoother experience during extended gaming sessions and multitasking, and Realme’s UI offers a clean and customizable interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 980 in the vivo X30 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
Yes, the Exynos 980 is known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles may experience frame drops and reduced performance after extended play. The 8nm process isn't as efficient as the Snapdragon 765G's 7nm node.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range often lack the resolution and optics to produce truly detailed close-up shots. They are primarily a marketing feature and the results are often soft and lacking in clarity. You're better off using the main camera and cropping.
❓ Can the Realme X50 5G reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 765G in the Realme X50 5G is capable of maintaining 60fps in PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance will depend on the specific game settings and the phone's thermal conditions. The 7nm process helps mitigate throttling, offering a more stable experience than the vivo X30.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
Both phones offer a suitable viewing experience, but the Realme X50 5G’s typically larger screen size provides a more immersive experience for video consumption. The display technology is likely similar on both, so the size difference is the key factor.
