Realme X2 Pro vs. vivo Y5s: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value

The Realme X2 Pro, released as a performance-focused flagship, now finds itself competing in a market reshaped by more affordable options. We pit it against the vivo Y5s, a budget-oriented device, to determine which offers the best value for today's user. This isn't simply a spec-sheet comparison; it's about understanding where the X2 Pro's older, but potent, hardware still shines and where the Y5s' efficiency makes it a compelling alternative.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Realme X2 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855+ chipset delivers significantly more processing power. However, the vivo Y5s provides a respectable experience for everyday tasks at a much lower price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y5s Realme X2 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - China
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - EMEA
Launch
Announced2019, November. Released 2019, December2019, October 15. Released 2019, October
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)161 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDSuper AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetMediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 eMMC 5.164GB UFS 2.1, 128/256GB UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.5, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens
Triple16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers (2 dedicated amplifiers)
 -24-bit/192kHz audio (incl. speakers)
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired 5W reverse wired50W wired, 100% in 35 min
Type5000 mAh, non-removable4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsMagnetic Black, Spring White, BlueLunar White, Neptune Blue, Red Master Edition, Gray Master Edition
ModelsV1934ARMX1931
PriceAbout 190 EURAbout 440 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -91.3dB / Crosstalk -92.5dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 94h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- Voice 82dB / Noise 75dB / Ring 91dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 396827 (v7), 467653 (v8) GeekBench: 10373 (v4.4) GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo Y5s

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 855+)
  • Ultra-fast 50W charging (0-100% in 35 minutes)
  • Likely superior camera system

  • Older chipset (Snapdragon 855+)
  • Potentially higher price

Realme X2 Pro

  • More affordable price point
  • 5W reverse wired charging
  • Respectable battery life

  • Slower processor (Helio P65)
  • Slower 18W charging

Display Comparison

Both devices share a nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but lack specific details regarding panel technology (LCD vs AMOLED). The Realme X2 Pro, being a flagship, likely features a higher quality panel with better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Y5s, positioned in the budget segment, likely prioritizes cost-effectiveness over display fidelity. Without specific brightness data, it's reasonable to assume the X2 Pro offers a brighter display, improving visibility in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the X2 Pro's flagship status, it likely boasts a more sophisticated camera system with larger sensors, optical image stabilization (OIS), and advanced image processing algorithms. The Y5s, in contrast, likely features a more basic camera setup focused on providing acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions. The absence of sensor size information makes a direct comparison difficult, but the X2 Pro's higher processing power allows for more complex computational photography features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X2 Pro's Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) is a significant leap ahead of the vivo Y5s' Mediatek Helio P65 (12nm). The 855+ features a Kryo 485 architecture with a peak clock speed of 2.96 GHz, designed for sustained performance. The Helio P65, while an octa-core processor, utilizes Cortex-A75 and A55 cores clocked at lower frequencies (2.0 GHz and 1.7 GHz respectively). This translates to a dramatically faster experience on the X2 Pro for demanding applications and gaming. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 855+ also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended use.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the difference in chipset efficiency. However, the charging capabilities are vastly different. The Realme X2 Pro's 50W wired charging can fully charge the battery in just 35 minutes, a significant advantage over the vivo Y5s' 18W charging. The Y5s does offer 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the X2 Pro, allowing it to top up other devices, albeit slowly.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y5s if you need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing, and value affordability above all else. Buy the Realme X2 Pro if you're a power user who demands smooth multitasking, enjoys mobile gaming, and appreciates the convenience of incredibly fast 50W charging. The X2 Pro is also a better choice for those who frequently capture photos and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in the Realme X2 Pro experience significant throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 855+ is a powerful chip, it's known to generate heat under sustained load. The X2 Pro's thermal management system likely mitigates this, but some throttling is possible during extended gaming. However, it will still outperform the Helio P65 in the Y5s even with some throttling.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y5s practical for everyday use?
The 5W reverse charging is quite slow. It's best suited for emergency top-ups of accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, rather than fully charging another phone. It's a convenient feature to have, but not a primary reason to choose the Y5s.
❓ How does the Helio P65 in the vivo Y5s handle multitasking compared to the Snapdragon 855+?
The Helio P65 can handle basic multitasking (switching between apps like messaging, browsing, and music) adequately. However, the Snapdragon 855+ in the X2 Pro excels at heavier multitasking, such as running multiple demanding apps simultaneously or editing videos, without significant slowdown.