vivo X80 vs Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity): A Deep Dive into Mediatek Flagships

Both the vivo X80 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity variant) represent Mediatek’s push into the high-end smartphone space, offering compelling alternatives to Snapdragon-powered rivals. While both leverage the Dimensity 9000 series, subtle yet significant differences in chipset, charging, and overall implementation create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those nuances to determine which device delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) is the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 9000+ chipset provides a slight performance edge, and while charging is slower than the X80’s 80W, the overall package offers a more refined experience. However, the X80’s faster charging is a compelling advantage for those prioritizing speed.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X80 Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International, China1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ChinaCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, April 252022, July 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 29Available. Released 2022, July 13
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back or eco leather back-
Dimensions165 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm or 8.8 mm163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight203 g / 206 g (7.16 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR, 1500 nits (peak)LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.20 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm)
GPUMali-G710 MC10Mali-G710 MC10
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 (Global), OriginOS Ocean (China)Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 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, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.49", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.0, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, AF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
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 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, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 50% in 11 min Reverse wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC4
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 5160 mAh
Misc
ColorsCosmic Black, Urban Blue, OrangeGray, Blue
ModelsV2183A, V21442207122MC
PriceAbout 560 EURAbout 570 EUR

vivo X80

  • Significantly faster 80W wired charging
  • Reverse wired charging capability
  • Potentially more natural image processing

  • Slightly less powerful processor (Dimensity 9000)
  • Charging standard less widely supported than PD/QC

Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)

  • More powerful processor (Dimensity 9000+)
  • PD3.0 and QC4 charging compatibility
  • Potentially brighter and more vibrant display

  • Slower 67W wired charging
  • Image processing may be overly saturated for some

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature high-quality AMOLED panels, specific details like peak brightness and color calibration are missing. However, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s potential for a higher peak brightness, common in Xiaomi flagships, could translate to better visibility in direct sunlight. Both will likely offer 120Hz refresh rates, but the presence of LTPO technology in either device is unconfirmed. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, reflecting their flagship status.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, both brands are known for their camera prowess. The Xiaomi 12 Pro typically emphasizes vibrant, saturated colors, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. The Dimensity 9000+’s ISP capabilities are slightly improved over the Dimensity 9000, potentially leading to faster image processing and better low-light performance on the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The presence of OIS on the main sensor is expected on both, crucial for stable videos and sharp low-light photos. We can assume both will have capable ultrawide and telephoto lenses, but sensor sizes and apertures will dictate their performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo X80 utilizes the Dimensity 9000, while the Xiaomi 12 Pro boasts the Dimensity 9000+. The ‘+’ variant features a slightly higher CPU clock speed (3.20 GHz vs 3.05 GHz on the X2 core), resulting in a measurable, though not massive, performance uplift in benchmarks and sustained workloads. Both utilize the same CPU core configuration (1x Cortex-X2, 3x Cortex-A710, 4x Cortex-A510) and are built on a 4nm process. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s advantage will be most noticeable in graphically intensive games and demanding applications. Both phones will benefit from LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring fast data access.

Battery Life

The vivo X80’s 80W wired charging is a significant advantage, promising a 50% charge in just 11 minutes. The Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 67W charging, while still fast, is noticeably slower. However, battery capacity is not specified for either device. The faster charging of the X80 is ideal for users who frequently need to top up their phone quickly. The Xiaomi 12 Pro supports PD3.0 and QC4, offering broader compatibility with chargers, while the X80 offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X80 if you prioritize the absolute fastest wired charging available and value a slightly more conservative, balanced approach to image processing. Buy the Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity) if you prefer a marginally more powerful processor for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and appreciate a potentially more vibrant display experience. Both phones are excellent, but cater to slightly different priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 9000+ in the Xiaomi 12 Pro get noticeably hotter than the Dimensity 9000 in the vivo X80 during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9000+ offers a performance boost, it also generates slightly more heat. Both phones employ cooling systems, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro may experience more thermal throttling during prolonged, demanding gaming. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic in typical usage scenarios.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Xiaomi 12 Pro sufficient for daily use, or is the 80W on the vivo X80 a must-have?
67W charging is still very fast and will fully charge the phone in under an hour. However, the vivo X80’s 80W charging is significantly faster, offering a substantial time saving for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery. If you prioritize charging speed above all else, the X80 is the better choice.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive longer software support and updates?
Xiaomi generally provides a good level of software support, typically offering 2-3 major Android updates and several years of security patches. Vivo's software support has improved in recent years, but Xiaomi historically has a slight edge in long-term software commitment.