vivo X80 Pro vs vivo X90: A Detailed Flagship Showdown

vivo continues to push boundaries in the smartphone market, and the X80 Pro and X90 are prime examples. Both offer premium features and impressive specs, but cater to slightly different user needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which device deserves your investment.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo X90 emerges as the overall winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, newer and more powerful Dimensity 9200 chipset, and improved CPU architecture. While the X80 Pro boasts a strong camera and excellent battery life, the X90's advancements make it the more compelling choice for performance-focused users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X80 Pro vivo X90
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2022, April 252022, November 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 29Available. Released 2022, November 30
Body
BuildGlass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back or ceramic back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front, glass back or eco leather back
Dimensions164.6 x 75.3 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)164.1 x 74.4 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight215 g / 219 g (7.58 oz)196 g / 200 g (6.91 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP64 dust/water resistant
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation Up-
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~452 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~91.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO3 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X3 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9200 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G710 MC10Immortalis-G715 MC11
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 (Global), OriginOS Ocean (China)Android 13, Funtouch 13 (Global), OriginOS 3 (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 4.0 - 256/512GB UFS 3.1 - 128GB
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, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.3", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, (periscope telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom, gimbal OIS 48 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", AF-
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.49", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, AF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2 (Snapdragon)/ 5.3 (Dimensity), A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1 (Global)/ 3.2 (China), OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, 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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 100% in 38 min 50W wireless, 100% in 50 min Reverse wired120W wired, 50% in 8 min Reverse wired
Type4700 mAh4810 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Blue, OrangeAsteroid Black, Breeze Blue, Red
ModelsV2185A, V2145V2241A
PriceAbout 850 EURAbout 300 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 79h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -25.1 LUFS (Very good) -

vivo X80 Pro

  • Excellent camera system
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Premium design
  • Bright display

  • Older chipset
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Can get warm under heavy load

vivo X90

  • Latest Dimensity 9200 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Improved CPU architecture
  • Refined design

  • Potentially slightly shorter battery life
  • Price may be higher

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays, but the X90 likely has a slightly more refined panel due to its newer generation. The X80 Pro's 1014 nits peak brightness is impressive, and the X90 is expected to be similar or higher. Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, making them great for media consumption. The X90 may have a higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz) for smoother scrolling.

Camera Comparison

The X80 Pro is renowned for its exceptional camera system, often praised for its color science and image processing. The X90 builds upon this foundation, likely featuring improvements to the main sensor and image processing algorithms. Both phones are expected to offer excellent photo and video capabilities, with strong low-light performance. The X90 may have a slightly improved telephoto lens.

Performance

The X90's Dimensity 9200 chipset is a clear upgrade over the X80 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Dimensity 9000. The Cortex-X3 core in the 9200 provides a noticeable performance boost, especially in demanding games and multitasking scenarios. The X90's A715 cores are also more efficient than the A710 cores in the X80 Pro, contributing to better overall performance and potentially improved thermal management.

Battery Life

The X80 Pro's endurance rating of 79h is remarkable, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the X90's 120W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times (50% in just 8 minutes). While the X90's battery capacity might be slightly smaller, the charging speed more than compensates.

Buying Guide

The vivo X80 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional camera capabilities, long battery life, and a slightly more mature design. The vivo X90 is best suited for those who demand top-tier performance, lightning-fast charging, and the latest processor technology, even if it means a slight trade-off in battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo X90 worth the upgrade from the X80 Pro?
If performance and charging speed are your top priorities, then yes. The X90's Dimensity 9200 and 120W charging offer a significant upgrade. However, if you're happy with the X80 Pro's camera and battery life, the upgrade might not be essential.
❓ Which phone has better low-light camera performance?
Both phones are expected to excel in low-light conditions. The X80 Pro has a proven track record, but the X90's improved sensor and image processing algorithms could potentially offer slightly better results.