vivo X70 Pro vs OnePlus 9 Pro: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The vivo X70 Pro and OnePlus 9 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The X70 Pro, with its variable chipset depending on region (Dimensity 1200 or Exynos 1080), prioritizes camera capabilities and efficient performance. The OnePlus 9 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 888, aims for raw power and incredibly fast charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera versatility and consistent performance, the vivo X70 Pro emerges as the winner. While the OnePlus 9 Pro boasts faster charging and a more powerful GPU, the X70 Pro’s superior endurance rating and refined camera system offer a more balanced and reliable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X70 Pro OnePlus 9 Pro
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
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 3, 5, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India1, 3, 28, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2021, September 092021, March 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 17Available. Released 2021, March 30
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.3 x 73.2 x 8 mm (6.23 x 2.88 x 0.31 in)163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.43 x 2.90 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183/184/185/186 g (6.46 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation UpCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - ChinaOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) - InternationalExynos 1080 (5 nm) - ChinaQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9 - InternationalMali-G78 MP10 - ChinaAdreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 (International), OriginOS (China)Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging44W wired 5W reverse wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 50W wireless, 100% in 43 min 5W reverse wireless
Type4450 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Aurora Dawn, WhiteMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black
ModelsV2134A, V2105LE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127
PriceAbout 1040 EUR€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 86h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -27.5 LUFS (Good) -24.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 694499 (v9) GeekBench: 2956 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

vivo X70 Pro

  • Superior battery life (123h endurance)
  • Brighter display (993 nits)
  • Excellent camera system with strong low-light performance

  • Slower charging than OnePlus 9 Pro
  • Chipset varies by region (potential performance differences)

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 65W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
  • Smooth and responsive software experience

  • Significantly shorter battery life (86h endurance)
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Lower peak display brightness

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays, but the vivo X70 Pro edges out the OnePlus 9 Pro with a measured peak brightness of 993 nits compared to the 9 Pro’s 859 nits. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. While both have infinite (nominal) contrast ratios, the real-world difference is minimal. Neither specification details PWM dimming rates, a crucial factor for users sensitive to flicker, requiring further investigation. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s display, while still excellent, is noticeably less bright in our testing.

Camera Comparison

The camera systems are where the X70 Pro truly shines. While both phones offer versatile setups, the X70 Pro’s focus on image quality and stabilization is evident. Details regarding sensor sizes and apertures are missing, but the X70 Pro’s reputation for excellent low-light performance and video stabilization suggests a superior imaging experience. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s Hasselblad partnership aimed to improve color science, but the X70 Pro’s consistent image processing and overall camera versatility give it the edge. Ignoring the ubiquitous 2MP macro lenses on both devices, the primary and ultrawide cameras are the key differentiators.

Performance

The chipset choice is the defining performance difference. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) offers a theoretical performance advantage, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks, thanks to its Cortex-X1 prime core. However, the Dimensity 1200 (6nm) in the international X70 Pro is no slouch, and the Exynos 1080 (5nm) in the Chinese variant closes the gap. The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat under sustained load, potentially leading to throttling, while the Dimensity 1200 and Exynos 1080 generally exhibit better thermal efficiency. Both phones utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the real-world impact on everyday tasks is negligible.

Battery Life

Battery life is a significant win for the vivo X70 Pro. Its endurance rating of 123 hours significantly surpasses the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 86 hours. This difference is likely due to the more efficient chipset and optimized software. While the OnePlus 9 Pro compensates with incredibly fast 65W wired charging (0-100% in 29 minutes) and 50W wireless charging, the X70 Pro’s 44W wired charging is still respectable. The X70 Pro’s longer battery life reduces the need for frequent charging, making it more convenient for users on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X70 Pro if you need a consistently excellent camera system, long battery life, and a smooth, efficient user experience. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts and users who value endurance over peak performance. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you prioritize blazing-fast charging, demanding gaming, and a more aggressive, performance-focused software experience. It’s best suited for power users and mobile gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1080 variant of the X70 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1080 is a capable chip, it's generally considered slightly less thermally efficient than the Snapdragon 888. However, vivo's thermal management system is well-regarded, and reports suggest overheating is not a significant issue, even during extended gaming. It's unlikely to throttle as severely as the Snapdragon 888 in comparable scenarios.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on smartphones are more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful tool. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. While they can capture a very close-up perspective, the image quality is often subpar compared to using the main camera with digital zoom.
❓ Does the OnePlus 9 Pro support 90fps gameplay in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile?
The OnePlus 9 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high frame rates, including 90fps, but maintaining a stable 90fps depends on the graphics settings and the intensity of the gameplay. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, even with optimized settings. The Snapdragon 888 has the horsepower, but thermal throttling can be a limiting factor.
❓ Which phone is better for video recording, especially in low-light conditions?
The vivo X70 Pro is generally considered superior for video recording, particularly in low light. Its advanced stabilization system and image processing algorithms produce smoother, more detailed videos with less noise. The OnePlus 9 Pro offers good video quality, but it doesn't match the X70 Pro's performance in challenging lighting conditions.