Sony Xperia 1 VII vs. vivo X90 Pro+: A Flagship Showdown of Power and Endurance

The Sony Xperia 1 VII represents a continuation of Sony’s unique approach to flagships – prioritizing creative control and a refined experience. Conversely, the vivo X90 Pro+ aims for outright performance and cutting-edge camera technology. This comparison dissects these philosophies, examining how the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Xperia 1 VII stacks up against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 powering the X90 Pro+, and which phone delivers the best overall package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term battery health and a brighter, more vibrant display, the Sony Xperia 1 VII emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite offers a performance edge, coupled with exceptional battery endurance and a peak brightness of 1475 nits. However, the vivo X90 Pro+ remains a compelling choice for those demanding the fastest possible charging speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X90 Pro+ Sony Xperia 1 VII
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, November 222025, May 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 06Available. Released 2025, June 04
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, eco leather backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.4 x 75.3 x 9.7 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.38 in)162 x 74 x 8.2 mm (6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight221 g (7.80 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Mohs level 5
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~517 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO4 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR BT.2020
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 830
OSAndroid 13, Funtouch (Global), OriginOS 3 (China)Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Pixel Shift, dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, panorama, HDR, eye tracking
Quad50.3 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.5, 90mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/1.6, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.4", 0.7µm, AF, 2x optical zoom, OIS 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF-
Triple-48 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.35", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.3, 85mm (telephoto), f/3.5, 170mm (telephoto), 1/3.5", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3.5x-7.1x continuous optical zoom, OIS, 4cm macro @ 120mm, no AF 48 MP, f/2.0, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, 14-bit RAW video4K@24/30/60/120fps HDR, 1080p@30/60/120fps; 5-axis gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/2.9", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 5-axis gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless6.0, A2DP, LE Audio, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, video output
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 100% in 33 min 50W wireless Reverse wired30W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
Type4700 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, RedMoss Green, Orchid Purple, Slate Black
ModelsV2227AXQ-FS54, XQFS54EUKCG.GC, XQFS54EUKCV.GC, XQFS54EUKCB.GC, PDX256
PriceAbout 1030 EUR€ 1,338.99 / $ 1,394.99 / £ 1,149.94
EU LABEL
Battery-43:30h endurance, 1400 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class B (181 falls)
Repairability-Class D

vivo X90 Pro+

  • Blazing-fast 80W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Likely excellent camera performance (based on vivo’s reputation)
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor

  • Battery life likely shorter than Xperia 1 VII
  • Long-term battery health potentially compromised by fast charging

Sony Xperia 1 VII

  • Exceptional battery endurance (43:30h)
  • Remarkable 1400 charge cycles for long-term battery health
  • Brighter display (1475 nits)
  • More powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor

  • Slower charging speeds (30W wired, 15W wireless)
  • May lack the camera-centric features of the X90 Pro+

Display Comparison

The Sony Xperia 1 VII boasts a significant advantage in display brightness, reaching a measured 1475 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the X90 Pro+’s display specs are not provided, Sony’s focus on color accuracy and professional-grade video playback suggests a high-quality panel. The Xperia 1 VII’s endurance is also bolstered by efficient power management, contributing to its impressive battery life. The absence of LTPO information for the X90 Pro+ means it may not dynamically adjust refresh rates as efficiently as the Xperia 1 VII, potentially impacting battery consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the X90 Pro+, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, vivo’s flagship phones are known for their camera prowess, and the X90 Pro+ likely features a high-resolution main sensor and advanced image processing algorithms. The Xperia 1 VII’s camera system, while not detailed in the provided data, benefits from Sony’s expertise in image sensor technology. The focus here is likely on natural color reproduction and creative control, aligning with Sony’s broader philosophy. The absence of information regarding OIS and lens apertures on both devices makes a definitive camera assessment impossible.

Performance

The Xperia 1 VII’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) represents a generational leap over the X90 Pro+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm). The 8 Elite’s Oryon V2 Phoenix cores, clocked at up to 4.32 GHz, promise a substantial performance uplift, particularly in sustained workloads. The 3nm process node translates to improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the X90 Pro+’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is no slouch, the Xperia 1 VII’s chipset architecture and process node give it a clear edge in raw processing power and sustained performance. The Xperia 1 VII’s CPU configuration (2x4.32 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) is optimized for both peak performance and efficiency.

Battery Life

The Sony Xperia 1 VII’s battery life is a standout feature, offering an impressive 43:30h endurance and a remarkable 1400 charge cycles, suggesting exceptional long-term battery health. While the X90 Pro+ offers faster charging (80W wired, 50W wireless), the Xperia 1 VII’s 30W wired charging (with PD3.0 and PPS) is sufficient for most users, and the extended battery lifespan provides peace of mind. The X90 Pro+ can reach 100% charge in 33 minutes, while the Xperia 1 VII takes 30 minutes to reach 50%. The Xperia 1 VII’s superior endurance mitigates the slower charging speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X90 Pro+ if you need the absolute fastest charging available (80W wired, 50W wireless) and prioritize a camera-centric experience. Buy the Sony Xperia 1 VII if you prefer exceptional battery longevity (43:30h endurance, 1400 cycles), a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a more refined, long-lasting performance profile thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Xperia 1 VII get noticeably warmer than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 during prolonged gaming?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s 3nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While both chips are powerful, the 8 Elite is expected to generate less heat under sustained load, reducing the risk of throttling and maintaining consistent performance during extended gaming sessions. This is a key advantage for gamers.
❓ How does the 30W charging on the Xperia 1 VII compare to the 80W charging on the X90 Pro+ in real-world usage?
While 80W charging is faster on paper, the Xperia 1 VII’s 30W charging is still reasonably quick, reaching 50% in 30 minutes. The Xperia 1 VII’s superior battery endurance means you’ll likely need to charge less frequently, mitigating the slower charging speed. Furthermore, the 1400 charge cycles suggest the battery will maintain its capacity for a longer period.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on the X90 Pro+ a significant drawback for potential buyers?
Vivo flagships typically excel in camera performance, often featuring large sensors and advanced image processing. However, without specific details like sensor size, aperture, and OIS, it’s difficult to assess its capabilities relative to the Xperia 1 VII. Potential buyers should seek out detailed camera reviews before making a decision.