vivo X70 Pro+ vs OnePlus 9 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

Both the vivo X70 Pro+ and OnePlus 9 Pro represent the pinnacle of Android flagship design from 2021, both powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 series. However, subtle yet significant differences in chipset implementation, camera systems, and charging technology create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device delivers the most compelling package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera versatility and faster charging, the vivo X70 Pro+ emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 888+ offers a slight performance edge, and its charging speeds are notably quicker. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro remains a strong contender with a slightly better endurance rating and a refined software 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, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 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, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 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
 -1, 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, glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.35 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
Weight209 g / 213 g (7.37 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch OS 14 (International), OriginOS 1.0 (China)Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 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/1.6, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/1.6, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF, gimbal OIS48 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)
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video8K@30fps, 4K@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 -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, 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
Charging55W wired 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired65W wired, PD, 100% in 29 min 50W wireless, 100% in 43 min 5W reverse wireless
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, OrangeMorning Mist, Forest Green, Stellar Black
ModelsV2145A, V2114LE2121, LE2125, LE2123, LE2120, LE2127
PriceAbout 720 EUR€ 246.17 / $ 264.95 / £ 287.00
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 86h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -24.1 LUFS (Very good)

vivo X70 Pro+

  • Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 888+)
  • Faster wired and wireless charging
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Slightly lower battery endurance rating
  • Software experience may be less refined than OnePlus

OnePlus 9 Pro

  • Slightly better battery endurance rating
  • Refined and streamlined software experience
  • Faster wired charging time (0-100%)

  • Slower processor (Snapdragon 888)
  • Lower peak display brightness

Display Comparison

Both devices feature excellent displays, but the vivo X70 Pro+ boasts a marginally brighter panel at 1022 nits compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 859 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED technology (though not explicitly stated), the difference in peak brightness is measurable. The absence of refresh rate data prevents a full comparison of smoothness, but both are expected to offer at least 120Hz. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy is likely excellent on both, given the flagship status.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are marketed as camera-centric, but the specifics are missing to provide a detailed comparison. However, the absence of sensor size data necessitates focusing on the overall system. The fact that both are described as 'Photo / Video' devices suggests a balanced approach. The vivo brand historically emphasizes image processing geared towards vibrant colors and detail, while OnePlus often aims for a more natural look. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the X70 Pro+'s brand reputation suggests a stronger focus on photographic capabilities.

Performance

The vivo X70 Pro+ utilizes the Snapdragon 888+ 5G, a slightly refined version of the Snapdragon 888 found in the OnePlus 9 Pro. The 888+ features a higher clock speed on its prime Cortex-X1 core (3.0 GHz vs 2.84 GHz), potentially leading to a small but noticeable performance boost in demanding tasks. Both phones share the same CPU configuration for the A78 and A55 cores. While both utilize 5nm fabrication, the 888+’s optimizations could result in slightly better thermal management. The lack of RAM specifications prevents a detailed analysis of memory performance, but both are expected to employ LPDDR5 for fast data transfer.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 9 Pro edges out the vivo X70 Pro+ in endurance rating with 86 hours versus 84 hours, suggesting slightly more efficient power management. However, the vivo X70 Pro+ compensates with significantly faster charging speeds: 55W wired, 50W wireless, and even 10W reverse wireless. The OnePlus 9 Pro offers 65W wired charging (reaching 100% in 29 minutes), 50W wireless (100% in 43 minutes), and 5W reverse wireless. The vivo’s faster wired and wireless charging, combined with reverse wireless and wired options, provides greater flexibility and convenience for users constantly on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X70 Pro+ if you need a top-tier mobile photography experience with exceptional low-light performance and value rapid charging capabilities. Buy the OnePlus 9 Pro if you prefer a cleaner, more streamlined software experience with a focus on smooth daily usage and slightly longer battery life between charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888+ in the vivo X70 Pro+ noticeably outperform the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9 Pro during gaming?
While the Snapdragon 888+ offers a clock speed bump, the real-world gaming difference is likely to be marginal. Both chips are capable of handling demanding titles at high settings. Thermal management will play a larger role in sustained performance, and the X70 Pro+'s potentially improved cooling could provide a slight edge during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the 50W wireless charging on both phones compare in terms of real-world speed?
The OnePlus 9 Pro claims 100% charge in 43 minutes with 50W wireless, while the vivo X70 Pro+ doesn't provide a specific time. However, the X70 Pro+'s 55W wired charging is significantly faster than the OnePlus 9 Pro's 65W, suggesting a more efficient charging architecture overall, potentially extending to wireless charging as well.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging feature on either phone useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Both phones offer reverse wireless charging, but at 5W (OnePlus 9 Pro) and 10W (vivo X70 Pro+), it's primarily a convenience feature for topping up small accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. Don't expect to significantly charge a smartphone using reverse wireless charging.