The vivo Z5x and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Z5x prioritized affordability with the Snapdragon 710, while the Mi 9T Pro aimed for near-flagship performance with the Snapdragon 855. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset provides significantly faster performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the Mi 9T Pro’s 27W fast charging is a substantial advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, June | 2019, August 21. Released 2019, August 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204.1 g (7.20 oz) | 191 g (6.74 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 (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 53mm (telephoto), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, 1080p@960fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | Motorized pop-up 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) |
| Radio | No | Yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 27W wired, QC4 |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Dark Gray, Blue | Carbon black, Red flame, Glacier blue |
| Models | V1911A, V1919A, 1919 | M1903F11G |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.30 W/kg (head) 1.51 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.9dB / Crosstalk -94.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 103h |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.9 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 368846 (v7), 437823 (v8)
GeekBench: 10684 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 36fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Z5x
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Functional and reliable for everyday tasks
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Mi 9T Pro
- Slower charging speed
- Less capable camera system
Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 855
- Faster 27W charging with QC4
- Likely better camera quality
- Higher price tag
- Potentially more heat generation under heavy load (though mitigated by 7nm process)
- May be overkill for basic smartphone users
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting both utilize AMOLED panels, offering excellent blacks and vibrant colors. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given Xiaomi’s typical display quality, the Mi 9T Pro likely offers a slightly more refined visual experience, but without concrete data, this remains speculative. The identical endurance rating suggests similar power draw from the displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Mi 9T Pro, being a higher-tier device, likely incorporates a more sophisticated camera system with a larger sensor and better image processing algorithms. The Snapdragon 855’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more capable than the 710’s, resulting in improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of information on OIS or lens apertures makes a precise assessment impossible, but the Mi 9T Pro is expected to deliver superior photographic results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro’s Snapdragon 855, built on a 7nm process, is a significant leap over the vivo Z5x’s Snapdragon 710 (10nm). The 855 features a Kryo 485 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, compared to the 710’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold. This translates to approximately 25-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a much more substantial improvement in GPU capabilities. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Mi 9T Pro is less likely to throttle under sustained load. This benefits gamers and users running demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 103 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Mi 9T Pro’s 27W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support is a clear advantage. This allows for significantly faster charging times – likely around 60-70 minutes for a full charge – compared to the Z5x’s 18W charging. While both offer all-day battery life, the Mi 9T Pro’s faster charging minimizes downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5x if you need a functional, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks and light gaming on a very tight budget. It’s a sensible option for users prioritizing cost savings above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro if you prioritize performance, faster charging, and a smoother overall experience, especially if you enjoy mobile gaming or frequently use resource-intensive apps. It’s the better investment for users who want a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 710 in the vivo Z5x struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 710 will likely struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings. You'll need to lower the graphics settings and frame rate to achieve a playable experience. The Mi 9T Pro’s Snapdragon 855 is far better equipped to handle these games smoothly at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the 27W charging on the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Z5x?
The 27W charging on the Mi 9T Pro can reduce charging times by approximately 30-40% compared to the Z5x’s 18W charging. Expect a full charge in around 60-70 minutes on the Mi 9T Pro, versus potentially over 90 minutes on the Z5x.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the Mi 9T Pro get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 855 can generate heat under sustained load, the 7nm manufacturing process and Xiaomi’s thermal management solutions help mitigate throttling. You may experience some warmth, but it shouldn’t be severe enough to significantly impact performance.
