The vivo Z5 and Realme X2 Pro represent interesting points in the smartphone landscape. The Z5 aimed to deliver a solid experience at a competitive price, while the X2 Pro pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the mid-range with its flagship-level processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme X2 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855+ chipset provides significantly superior performance, and the 50W SuperVOOC charging is a game-changer. While the Z5 offers a respectable experience, the X2 Pro’s power justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - China |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, August | 2019, October 15. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 161 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | 64GB UFS 2.1, 128/256GB UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers (2 dedicated amplifiers) |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio (incl. speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 50W wired, 100% in 35 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora illusion, Bamboo Forest Night, Holographic illusion | Lunar White, Neptune Blue, Red Master Edition, Gray Master Edition |
| Models | V1921A, V1921T, 1921 | RMX1931 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 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 Z5
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity (implied)
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Inferior performance for gaming and demanding apps
- Less future-proof chipset
Realme X2 Pro
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 855+
- Ultra-fast 50W SuperVOOC charging
- Superior gaming experience
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life (despite similar endurance rating)
- May run hotter under sustained load
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting both utilize AMOLED panels, but specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. The Realme X2 Pro likely benefits from the more powerful chipset to drive a higher refresh rate display, if equipped, though this isn't specified. The Z5's display is likely tuned for power efficiency, while the X2 Pro could prioritize color accuracy and vibrancy.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are absent. However, the X2 Pro’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 855+ will likely result in superior image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both may feature multiple cameras, the X2 Pro’s processing power allows for more advanced features like better HDR and faster autofocus. The absence of sensor size information makes a direct comparison difficult, but the X2 Pro’s chipset provides a clear advantage in computational photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X2 Pro’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Z5’s Snapdragon 712 (10nm). The 855+ features a Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.96 GHz, compared to the Z5’s 2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold core. This translates to a significant performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 7nm process node of the 855+ also offers better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The X2 Pro’s Adreno 640 GPU further solidifies its gaming advantage over the Z5’s Adreno 616.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the Z5 likely having a larger battery capacity to compensate for the less efficient chipset. However, the Realme X2 Pro’s 50W SuperVOOC charging is a massive advantage, achieving 100% charge in just 35 minutes. The Z5’s 22.5W charging is considerably slower, making the X2 Pro far more convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5 if you prioritize affordability and a balanced, everyday experience. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally game. Buy the Realme X2 Pro if you demand high performance for gaming, demanding applications, or future-proofing. It’s the better choice for power users and those who value fast charging and a smoother overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z5 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 712 will likely require lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience in demanding games. The Snapdragon 855+ in the Realme X2 Pro offers a much more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and sustained performance.
❓ How much faster is the 50W charging on the Realme X2 Pro compared to the 22.5W charging on the vivo Z5 in real-world use?
The Realme X2 Pro can charge from 0-100% in approximately 35 minutes, while the vivo Z5 will take considerably longer – likely over 90 minutes. This means you can quickly top up the X2 Pro during short breaks, whereas the Z5 requires a more substantial charging period.
❓ Does the Realme X2 Pro get noticeably hotter than the vivo Z5 during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855+ is a more powerful chip and will generate more heat under load. While the X2 Pro likely has thermal management systems in place, it may become warmer than the Z5 during extended gaming. However, the superior performance often outweighs this minor drawback.
