Honor Magic5 Pro vs vivo X90: A Deep Dive into Android Flagship Performance

The vivo X90 and Honor Magic5 Pro represent distinct approaches to the high-end Android smartphone market. The X90, powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9200, aims for a balance of performance and value. The Magic5 Pro, leveraging the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, prioritizes top-tier performance and a premium experience. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and battery life, the Honor Magic5 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and impressive 12:06h active use score provide a smoother, longer-lasting experience, despite the X90’s faster wired charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X90 Honor Magic5 Pro
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, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
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, November 222023, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, November 30Available. Released 2023, March 31
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back or eco leather backGlass front, glass back or eco leather back
Dimensions164.1 x 74.4 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm162.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight196 g / 200 g (6.91 oz)219 g (7.72 oz)
 IP64 dust/water resistantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~452 ppi density)1312 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~91.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X3 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9200 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G715 MC11Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, Funtouch 13 (Global), OriginOS 3 (China)Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MagicOS 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 UFS 4.0 - 256/512GB UFS 3.1 - 128GBUFS 4.0
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, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
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, AF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, AF50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.12" 1.4µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/3.0, 90mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", AF TOF 3D (depth)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit audio stereo recording
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, 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), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 50% in 8 min Reverse wired66W wired 50W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
Type4810 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5100 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 5450 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsAsteroid Black, Breeze Blue, RedBlack, Meadow Green, Blue, Purple, Orange
ModelsV2241APGT-AN10, PGT-N19
PriceAbout 300 EUR£ 799.99 / € 407.79
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 109h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- GeekBench: 4378 (v5.1), 5096 (v6)

vivo X90

  • Incredibly fast 120W wired charging
  • Potentially more affordable price point
  • MediaTek Dimensity 9200 offers strong performance

  • Battery life likely inferior to the Magic5 Pro
  • Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
  • Display brightness likely lower than the Magic5 Pro

Honor Magic5 Pro

  • Superior battery life and endurance
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides top-tier performance
  • Brighter and potentially more accurate display

  • Slower wired charging compared to the X90
  • Higher price tag
  • Wireless charging is slower than wired

Display Comparison

The Honor Magic5 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1227 nits, compared to an unspecified peak brightness for the vivo X90. While both likely utilize OLED technology, the Magic5 Pro’s infinite contrast ratio suggests a superior viewing experience, particularly in direct sunlight. The absence of PWM frequency data for the X90 raises potential concerns for users sensitive to flicker, while the Magic5 Pro’s display is likely optimized for color accuracy and viewing angles, typical of flagship panels.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are advertised as having strong camera systems, but detailed sensor information is lacking. The focus should be on image processing. Honor typically emphasizes natural color reproduction, while vivo often leans towards more vibrant, saturated images. The absence of specific aperture or sensor size details makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is known for its advanced computational photography capabilities, potentially giving the Magic5 Pro an edge in low-light performance and dynamic range. We can assume both offer capable video recording, but the Magic5 Pro’s ISP likely provides more advanced stabilization and encoding options.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Magic5 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) features a 3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 prime core, slightly faster than the X90’s Dimensity 9200’s 3.05 GHz Cortex-X3. The Snapdragon also employs a more balanced core configuration (1+2+2+3) versus the Dimensity’s (1+3+4), potentially leading to more efficient multi-tasking. The 4nm fabrication process of both chips is comparable, but Qualcomm’s optimizations generally result in better thermal management and sustained performance under heavy load. The Magic5 Pro’s LPDDR5x RAM further contributes to faster data access and overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Honor Magic5 Pro’s endurance rating of 115 hours and 12:06h active use score clearly demonstrate superior battery life compared to the X90’s unspecified figures. While the X90 compensates with a blazing-fast 120W wired charging (50% in 8 minutes), the Magic5 Pro’s 66W wired and 50W wireless charging are still respectable. The inclusion of reverse wireless charging on both devices is a convenient feature, but the Magic5 Pro’s 5W reverse wired charging is a niche addition. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency plays a crucial role in the Magic5 Pro’s extended battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X90 if you prioritize incredibly fast 120W wired charging and are comfortable with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200’s performance profile. This phone is ideal for users who frequently top up their battery and appreciate a more affordable flagship experience. Buy the Honor Magic5 Pro if you demand the absolute best in sustained performance, exceptional battery endurance (115h rating), and a brighter, more vibrant display. This is the phone for power users, mobile gamers, and those who value a premium, all-around experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 9200 in the vivo X90 experience significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 9200 is a powerful chip, it's known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 under sustained load. This could lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance during long gaming sessions. The X90’s cooling system will mitigate this, but the Magic5 Pro is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer.
❓ How does the 66W charging on the Honor Magic5 Pro compare to the 120W charging on the vivo X90 in real-world usage?
Although 120W sounds faster, the difference in practical terms isn't as dramatic as the numbers suggest. The X90 can reach 50% charge in 8 minutes, but the Magic5 Pro’s 66W still provides a substantial top-up in a short amount of time. The X90’s faster charging is most beneficial for users who frequently need a quick boost, while the Magic5 Pro’s overall battery life reduces the need for frequent charging.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging feature on either phone useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, both phones offer reverse wireless charging, allowing you to use the phone as a wireless charging pad for accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. However, the charging speeds are relatively slow (5W for Honor, unspecified for vivo), so it's best suited for topping up small devices rather than fully charging them.