The vivo Z5i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro represent a fascinating crossroads in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aimed to deliver impressive features at competitive price points, but they took different approaches to achieve this. The Z5i leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 675, while the Redmi Note 8 Pro opts for MediaTek's Helio G90T. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing gaming and display quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro emerges as the stronger contender. Its Helio G90T chipset provides a noticeable performance edge, and the 640-nit display offers a brighter, more vibrant viewing experience. However, the vivo Z5i remains a viable option for those seeking a balanced device with efficient power consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2019, August 29. Released 2019, September 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.35 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CC Helio G90T (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glazed Black, Jade Blue | Black, Red, Blue, White, Deep Sea Blue, Midnight Blue, Electric Blue, Twilight Orange |
| Models | - | 2015105, M1906G7I, M1906G7G |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -91.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 114h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1326:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 82dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 224759 (v7), 279355 (v8)
GeekBench: 6999 (v4.4), 1622 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Z5i
- Efficient Snapdragon 675 chipset for good battery life.
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Competitive price point.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Helio G90T.
- Likely a less impressive camera system.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
- Powerful Helio G90T chipset for gaming and demanding apps.
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- Potentially superior camera system.
- Helio G90T may consume more power.
- 18W charging is relatively slow.
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 640 nits compared to the vivo Z5i’s unspecified brightness. Both share a contrast ratio of 1326:1, suggesting similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the higher peak brightness of the Redmi Note 8 Pro translates to better visibility in direct sunlight, a significant advantage for outdoor users. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s superior brightness makes it the clear winner for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the context data lacks specifics. Given Xiaomi’s historical emphasis on camera technology in the Redmi Note series, it’s reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 8 Pro likely features a more sophisticated camera system, potentially with a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The vivo Z5i, while capable, likely prioritizes a balanced camera experience rather than pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but Xiaomi’s brand positioning suggests an edge in this area.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm) in the vivo Z5i versus MediaTek’s Helio G90T (12nm) in the Redmi Note 8 Pro. The Helio G90T, with its Cortex-A76 performance cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, offers a performance advantage over the Snapdragon 675’s Kryo 460 Gold cores at 2.0 GHz. The 12nm process node of the Helio G90T, while slightly less efficient than the 11nm Snapdragon, is offset by its architectural advantages, resulting in better sustained performance during gaming. The Redmi Note 8 Pro is therefore better suited for graphically intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 114 hours and 18W wired charging. This suggests comparable battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Helio G90T’s higher power consumption during demanding tasks might slightly reduce the Redmi Note 8 Pro’s overall battery endurance. The 18W charging speed is relatively slow by today’s standards, meaning both phones will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5i if you need a reliable daily driver with good battery efficiency and a focus on general productivity tasks. It's ideal for users who prioritize a smooth, consistent experience over raw power. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro if you prefer a phone geared towards gaming and multimedia consumption. The Helio G90T chipset and brighter display make it a better choice for demanding applications and immersive entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G90T in the Redmi Note 8 Pro suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G90T is a powerful chipset, it is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 675. However, Xiaomi implemented cooling solutions in the Redmi Note 8 Pro to mitigate throttling. Expect some performance reduction after prolonged gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render the experience unplayable.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed on either phone sufficient for quick top-ups throughout the day?
18W charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards (30W, 65W, etc.). Both the vivo Z5i and Redmi Note 8 Pro will take over two hours to fully charge from 0-100%. It's adequate for overnight charging, but not ideal for quick top-ups during short breaks.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance ratings, will I notice a real-world difference in how long each phone lasts on a single charge?
While the endurance ratings are identical, the Redmi Note 8 Pro's more powerful chipset will consume more power during demanding tasks like gaming. Therefore, if your usage primarily involves gaming or video streaming, the vivo Z5i will likely offer slightly longer battery life. For typical daily use, the difference will be minimal.
