Asus ROG Phone 5s vs. vivo X51 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Asus ROG Phone 5s and the vivo X51 5G represent distinct approaches to the 5G smartphone experience. The ROG Phone 5s is a dedicated gaming powerhouse, while the X51 5G aims for a more balanced blend of performance, camera capabilities, and everyday usability. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best fits your priorities.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For dedicated mobile gamers, the Asus ROG Phone 5s is the clear winner, offering significantly superior processing power and optimized gaming features. However, for users prioritizing a more versatile experience with a lower price point, the vivo X51 5G provides a compelling alternative, delivering solid performance and a capable camera system.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X51 5G Asus ROG Phone 5s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Version 1
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - Version 1
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 1
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 1400/150 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 4
Launch
Announced2020, October 21. Released 2020, October 232021, August 16
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.5 x 72.8 x 8 mm (6.24 x 2.87 x 0.31 in)172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)
KeyboardQWERTY-
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight181.5 g (6.42 oz)238 g (8.40 oz)
 -RGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 660
OSAndroid 10, Funtouch 10.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
 UFS 2.1 UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF, gimbal OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 135mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.0", PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
Single3.15 MP-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
BrowserHTML-
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, 57% in 30 min65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired
Music playUp to 5 h-
Stand-byUp to 312 h-
Talk timeUp to 3 h-
Type4315 mAhLi-Po 6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGrayPhantom Black, Storm White
ModelsXE710ZS676KS
PriceAbout 760 EURAbout 1030 EUR
SAR0.35 W/kg (head)     0.95 W/kg (body)     -
SAR EU0.20 W/kg (head)     -
Pricing
256GB 8GB RAM$ 885.00-

vivo X51 5G

  • More affordable price point
  • Balanced performance for everyday tasks
  • Potentially better camera image quality (depending on sensor)
  • Sleeker, more conventional design

  • Significantly weaker gaming performance
  • Slower charging speed
  • Less future-proof chipset

Asus ROG Phone 5s

  • Exceptional gaming performance with Snapdragon 888+
  • Faster 65W charging
  • Likely higher refresh rate display
  • Optimized thermal management for sustained gaming

  • Higher price tag
  • Bulky design geared towards gaming
  • Potentially less balanced camera performance

Display Comparison

While both phones feature capable displays, the specifics aren't provided. However, given the ROG Phone 5s's gaming focus, it likely boasts a higher refresh rate (120Hz or 144Hz) and potentially a higher peak brightness compared to the X51 5G. The ROG Phone 5s likely utilizes AMOLED technology for vibrant colors, while the X51 5G may employ a Super AMOLED panel. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, but the ROG Phone 5s may prioritize screen real estate over a compact form factor.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the ROG Phone 5s, despite its gaming focus, often includes a capable camera system. The X51 5G, positioned as a more balanced device, likely prioritizes camera quality. The X51 5G may feature a larger main sensor and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The ROG Phone 5s may lean towards a more saturated, vibrant image profile, while the X51 5G could aim for more natural color reproduction. The absence of details on OIS and lens apertures makes a definitive assessment impossible.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Asus ROG Phone 5s, powered by the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm), offers a significant leap in processing power over the vivo X51 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7 nm). The 888+ features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.99 GHz, compared to the X51’s Kryo 475 Prime at 2.4 GHz. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance. The 5nm process node of the 888+ also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The ROG Phone 5s’s likely inclusion of LPDDR5 RAM further enhances performance compared to the X51’s 8GB of RAM.

Battery Life

The Asus ROG Phone 5s boasts a 65W wired charging capability, achieving 70% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 52 minutes, a significant advantage over the vivo X51 5G’s 33W charging, which reaches 57% in 30 minutes. While battery capacity isn't specified, the ROG Phone 5s typically features a larger battery to support its power-hungry processor and gaming demands. The ROG Phone 5s also includes 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the X51 5G. The faster charging speed of the ROG Phone 5s mitigates the potential impact of a larger battery, offering quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X51 5G if you need a well-rounded 5G smartphone with a good camera, reliable performance for everyday tasks, and a more manageable price. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 5s if you prioritize uncompromising gaming performance, fast charging, and are willing to invest in a device specifically engineered for mobile gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the vivo X51 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's not designed for the highest settings or prolonged gaming sessions like the Snapdragon 888+ in the ROG Phone 5s.
❓ How much does the ROG Phone 5s's gaming-focused design impact its everyday usability?
The ROG Phone 5s is larger and heavier than the vivo X51 5G, making it less comfortable for one-handed use. Its aggressive styling may not appeal to all users, and the gaming-centric features might be unnecessary for those who don't prioritize mobile gaming.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the vivo X51 5G slow compared to other phones in its price range?
33W charging is relatively standard for phones in the X51 5G's price bracket. While it's slower than the ROG Phone 5s's 65W charging, it's still sufficient to top up the battery overnight or during downtime.
❓ Does the Asus ROG Phone 5s overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The ROG Phone 5s incorporates advanced thermal management features, including a vapor chamber and heat dissipation system, to mitigate overheating. While it can get warm during prolonged gaming, it's designed to prevent significant throttling and maintain consistent performance.