Asus ROG Phone 5s vs. vivo X60: A Deep Dive into Performance and Priorities

The vivo X60 represented a shift towards more refined, compact flagships, while the Asus ROG Phone 5s doubles down on the gaming experience. This comparison isn't about which phone is 'better' overall, but which aligns with *your* priorities. The X60 offers a balanced package, while the ROG Phone 5s is unapologetically geared towards mobile gamers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a sleek design and all-around performance, the vivo X60 is a compelling choice. However, the Asus ROG Phone 5s decisively wins for gamers and power users who demand the highest possible performance and fastest charging, despite its larger size.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X60 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 - International1, 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, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 4
Launch
Announced2021, March 222021, August 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 02Available. Released 2021, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.6 x 75 x 7.4 mm (6.28 x 2.95 x 0.29 in)172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)238 g (8.40 oz)
 -RGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 11.1Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, color spectrum sensor, Pixel Shift, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)-
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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 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, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (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
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Shimmer BluePhantom Black, Storm White
ModelsV2045ZS676KS
PriceAbout 550 EURAbout 1030 EUR
SAR0.35 W/kg (head)     0.63 W/kg (body)-

vivo X60

  • More compact and pocketable design
  • Potentially superior camera image processing
  • Sleek and refined aesthetic

  • Slower charging speed
  • Less powerful chipset for demanding games
  • May experience thermal throttling under sustained load

Asus ROG Phone 5s

  • Significantly faster charging (65W)
  • More powerful Snapdragon 888+ processor
  • Advanced cooling system for sustained performance
  • Gaming-centric features (likely including triggers)

  • Larger and heavier form factor
  • Less emphasis on camera features
  • Potentially less refined software experience

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays (based on market segment), the specifics are crucial. The ROG Phone 5s, being a gaming phone, likely prioritizes refresh rate and response time, potentially exceeding the X60’s capabilities. The X60’s display, while excellent, is likely tuned for color accuracy and viewing angles. The ROG Phone 5s’ larger screen size will offer a more immersive gaming experience, but the X60’s smaller form factor will appeal to those who prefer one-handed use. We expect the ROG Phone 5s to have a higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera specs, we can infer based on brand focus. The vivo X60, stemming from a brand known for camera innovation, likely prioritizes image quality and computational photography. Expect a well-tuned camera system with a focus on detail and dynamic range. The ROG Phone 5s, while including a camera, likely treats it as a secondary feature. Its camera system will likely be competent, but not the primary selling point. The Snapdragon 888+’s ISP offers improved image processing capabilities, but the X60’s software optimization may provide a more refined photographic experience. Sensor size and aperture will be key differentiators, but are unknown without further data.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Asus ROG Phone 5s’ Snapdragon 888+ (5nm) is a significant step up from the vivo X60’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 888+ features the Cortex-X1 prime core, offering a substantial performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. The 5nm process also translates to improved thermal efficiency, allowing for sustained peak performance during extended gaming sessions. While the Snapdragon 870 is no slouch, the 888+ provides a clear advantage in demanding applications. The ROG Phone 5s likely utilizes faster LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance. The X60’s thermal design, while adequate, will likely throttle under prolonged heavy load compared to the ROG Phone 5s’ advanced cooling system.

Battery Life

The Asus ROG Phone 5s’ 65W charging is a game-changer, achieving 70% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 52 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime for gamers. The vivo X60’s 33W charging, while respectable, is significantly slower. The ROG Phone 5s also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the X60. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the ROG Phone 5s likely has a larger battery to accommodate the power-hungry chipset and gaming demands. The 5nm process of the 888+ will help mitigate battery drain, but the X60’s 7nm chip will still be more efficient in less demanding scenarios.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X60 if you need a premium smartphone experience in a more manageable size, with a focus on photography and everyday tasks. It’s ideal for users who want flagship specs without the bulk. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 5s if you prioritize sustained gaming performance, rapid charging, and a feature set tailored to mobile esports. This is the phone for those who live and breathe gaming on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the ROG Phone 5s get noticeably hotter than the vivo X60 during extended gaming sessions?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888+ is a more powerful chip and will generate more heat. However, the ROG Phone 5s is equipped with a more sophisticated cooling system (likely including vapor chamber and/or fan) designed to mitigate this heat and maintain performance. The X60 will likely throttle sooner under sustained load.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 870 in the vivo X60 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 870 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The ROG Phone 5s’ Snapdragon 888+ will provide a smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ Is the 10W reverse charging on the ROG Phone 5s useful for topping up accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 10W reverse charging is a convenient feature for charging small accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. It won't rapidly charge them, but it's a useful emergency option when a power outlet isn't available.
❓ How much does the larger size of the ROG Phone 5s impact one-handed usability?
The ROG Phone 5s is significantly larger and heavier than the vivo X60, making one-handed use challenging for many users. It's designed to be held with two hands, especially during gaming.