Buyer's Guide

vivo X80 vs X80 Pro: Buyer’s Guide

Which vivo flagship is your GadgetMatch?

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Published

July 14, 2022

GadgetMatch

We’ve always been impressed by how much value vivo smartphones offer. The X series in particular has had some of the best camera smartphones we’ve tested in recent years. This year’s vivo X80 and X80 Pro are no different.

We partnered with vivo and put together this Buyer’s Guide to figure out which one is your GadgetMatch.

Tale of the Tape

The Vivo X80 is the base model in the X80 series, but it’s no slouch. It’s powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000 processor.

It’s got a 6.78″ HD display, 4500 mAh battery, 80W Flash Charge and 3 rear cameras co-engineered with Zeiss, coupled with OIS and EIS.

It’s going to be available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The price: INR 59,999 or around US$ 760 when converted.

The Vivo X80 Pro has all the bells and whistles and top of the line specs: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, 6.78″ WQHD+ display, 4700 mAh battery, 80W Flash Charge and 50W Wireless Flash Charge, as well as 4 rear cameras co-engineered with Zeiss.

The rear camera system includes a new 50MP Ultra-sensing GNV sensor and Zeiss Gimbal Portrait Camera.

It’s going to be available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, select countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The price: INR 86,999 or US$ 1100 when converted.

Design

Both the vivo X80 and X80 Pro look and feel premium. They also both come in Cosmic Black, which is a rather classy finish. It’s got a nice shimmer to it.

Our X80 unit comes in a fun Urban Blue color — perfect for the summer.

The back is made of glass, but because of the frosted matte finish it’s not a fingerprint magnet the phones. The phones stay pristine-looking.

The camera module is nestled in a bigger rectangular plate. If you take a closer look, the X80 Pro’s is slightly bigger because of an extra 8MP Periscope lens.

The design is very similar to the previous X-series phones. Some people might find the lack of change rather boring, but I’m glad vivo is sticking to this design language.

For a few years now it has set the X-series apart from other smartphones and has left a lasting impression. Not to mention both phones are built great and feel solid.

If you ask me, I’d take something solid and refined over something flashy and gimmicky.

It’s worth noting that both the X80 and X80 Pro come bundled with matching cases. They’re made of plastic but have a leather-like finish.

Props to vivo for bundling a case that doesn’t cheapen the phone the way a jelly case does.

Display

Both the vivo X80 and X80 Pro sport a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

This faster refresh rate makes the phones feel snappier; animations more buttery smooth. When playing games that support it, graphics are more fluid also.

On top of that, faster response rates: 240Hz on the vivo X80 and 300Hz on the vivo X80 Pro.

If you’re looking for an extra crisp viewing experience, the X80 Pro is the one to get. Of the two, it’s got the higher resolution W Quad HD+ display.

While Our Great National Parks is best enjoyed on a bigger screen, the vivo X80 Pro is the next best thing when you’re mobile.

Battery Life

One thing that’s hard to show on video, and certainly not something noticeable from daily use, is that the X80 Pro is slightly thicker and heavier than the X80.

One reason is a bigger battery: 4700 mAh vs 4500 mAh.

Battery consumption is different from person to person but both leave plenty of juice in the tank after a heavy day of use. In fact I was getting more like a day and a half with the X80 Pro.

Both phones also support 80W FlashCharge. With the bundled adapter charging speeds were insanely fast: a full charge in just 35 minutes.

X80
10 mins 42%
30 mins 96%
35 mins 100%

X80 Pro
10 mins 42%
30 mins 95%
35 mins 100%The X80 does not support wireless charging. While the X80 Pro supports up to 50W Wireless Flash Charge with vivo’ proprietary 50W Vertical Wireless Flash Charger.

With the said wireless charger you can get to 50% in under 30 minutes.

Cameras

One department vivo has spent a lot of time on over the last few years is its camera technology.

With every iteration of the X series we’ve seen it get better and smoke the competition.

This year vivo’s introducing the V1+, a custom imaging chip that enables a diverse feature set and optimizes energy consumption.

Another reason the vivo X80 and X80 Pro’s cameras are so good is its partnership with German company Zeiss.

I must admit I usually feel cynical about co-engineering partnerships because in a lot of cases it’s nothing but a license to plaster a prestigious camera company’s logo on phones.

My experience of using the X80, and even more so the X80 Pro has me convinced otherwise.

All the lenses on the X80 and on the X80 Pro have Zeiss patented T Star coating, which helps reduce those reflections when photographing lights at night.

Photos taken with the X80 and X80 Pro have none of those. What you get are clear, crisp images. even in the most challenging of situations.

Given its Pro monicker, the X80 Pro’s camera system is superior compared to the X80, headlined by a new 50MP Ultra Sensing Samsung GNV Sensor. Coupled with OIS and a f/1.57 aperture, it can capture photos that even the eyes can’t see in complete darkness.

With the X80 Pro you’re also getting a 8MP Periscope Camera with 5X optical zoom so you can take photos of landmarks even from far away.

It’s also got a 48MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide Angle Camera which makes taking photos of iconic places like Times Square a lot easier.

The new 12MP Gimbal Portrait camera lets you capture clear action shots. It comes with a new Camera Panning feature, which lets you achieve this linear motion blur effect when taking photos of moving subjects.

A lot of smartphones nowadays take excellent photos during the day; the vivo X80 and X80 Pro are no exception but where the X80 and X80 Pro really excel in is night time photography and videography.

In the X80 Pro vivo also introduces XDR photo technology, which, simply put helps manage highlights, shadows, contrast, and color reproduction in the most difficult of scenarios.

Watch our in-depth Buyer’s Guide video to see all the photos we took with the X80 and X80 Pro, and watch a video montage of New York City shot on the Vivo X80 Pro.

Is the vivo X80 or X80 Pro your GadgetMatch?

You can start by asking yourself these questions: What do I use my phone for? How important are top of the line specs to me?

Do I need wireless charging? How often do I take photos and videos? How much am I willing to pay?

If you want top of the line specs and wireless charging definitely go for the Pro Model. I’m confident that it’s one that you can rely on from day to night.

If differing cameras are a concern for you, my thoughts are while the Pro model has better cameras, the X80 still is a solid camera smartphone. You just lose the ability to zoom in 5x.

Definitely do pick up the X80 Pro if you want the best camera in your pocket. I’d say it’s up there among the best Android phones.

Of course with a great camera and advanced features comes a higher price tag. So that US$ 300 difference between the two should be taken into consideration.

Do the benefits make up for paying this much more? That’s something you have to answer based on what means the most to you.

Watch our in-depth vivo X80 vs X80 Pro Buyer’s Guide for you to find out!

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: TECNO SPARK 50 Pro vs SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

Published

June 18, 2026

Vincenz

Within two months, TECNO separately launched the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G.

Clearly, the uprising brand aims to target consumers who want to buy a shiny new smartphone within their means. This also meant budget buyers might get confused which to get between the two.

Interested yet still confused? Read more to know which SPARK is your GadgetMatch.

Design

While design is (and will always be) subjective, the design of the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are on two different sides of the coin.

The newer SPARK 50 Pro is offered in stronger color choices — from Midnight Blue to the Dynamic Orange I own. Albeit, there are the less flashy Ink Black, Titanium Grey, and Cloud White shades.

On the other hand, the SPARK 50 5G has classier colorways: Champagne Gold, Mint Green and Fantasy Purple. That’s alongside the subdued Ink Black and Titanium Grey options.

Personally, the SPARK 50 5G’s clean-looking horizontal camera bar design was the clear giveaway. While the SPARK 50 Pro is a bit slimmer at 7.8mm, the SPARK 50 5G is still comfortable to hold despite being thicker at 8.18mm.

Furthermore, the Champagne Gold unit I rock looks more premium and doesn’t try to be in with the unnecessary “orange” trend.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Durability

Usually, design and durability coincide with one another. But, that’s not always the case.

Despite the SPARK 50 5G having an aviation-grade body, it only has an IP64 rating. It can withstand dust particles but, only water splashes and light sprays. Good to note though that it is MIL-STD-810H compliant.

Meanwhile, the less premium-looking SPARK 50 Pro actually boasts the sturdier IP68 and IP69 water and resistance ratings. This means it can withstand dust, water immersion, and even stronger, high-pressure sprays.

This makes the SPARK 50 Pro one of the few phones to have an IP rating previously limited to flagships and higher-end midrangers.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Audiovisual

Both the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G share a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display. Both are also 720p in resolution and refresh rate maxes out at 120Hz.

Obviously, these phones don’t have the best in class displays. But, for such segment and price, having such display tech alongside a punch-hole cutout (instead of a raindrop notch) means a lot.

Stereo speakers are also powered by DTS sound. Undoubtedly, these two phones are like identical twins in this segment.

The only thing that the SPARK 50 5G has the upper-hand is none other than its inclusion of 3.5mm audio jack that the SPARK 50 Pro lacks. Still beneficial for people who fully rely on wired audio.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Performance

While the front part is harder to distinguish from one another, each inner core is what separates these phones apart.

The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is powered by the MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 SoC.

Of course, it’s not the most powerful out there. But, for its league, it’s a capable chipset that can multitask and run most game titles. Even 5G support never forgotten.

Meanwhile, the SPARK 50 Pro, despite having that “Pro” superlative, only runs the Dimensity G100 Ultimate. CPU speeds are obviously lower. Worse? It’s only limited to 4G speeds.

On the positive note, it gives better camera support.

Memory sizes are available in 4,6, and 8GB with storage options in either 128 or 256GB. Fortunately, these phones still have a dedicated microSD slot.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Camera

With the camera talk already mentioned, most would think that the 50MP main rear camera of the SPARK 50 Pro and SPARK 50 5G are just the same. Well, they’re not.

Photography duties of the SPARK 50 Pro are mainly handled by Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) image sensor. For reference, that’s the same image sensor found on most modern midrangers.

The SPARK 50 5G uses an older Sony Exmor sensor. Aperture slightly differ at f/1.9 and f/1.8 respectively.

For further context, here’s how the two smartphones produce photos.

To compensate for that, the SPARK 50 5G tends to over-sharpen and color boost its photo output over SPARK 50 Pro’s natural image rendering.

The SPARK 50 Pro also has a better-looking bokeh falloff than its 5G counterpart.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 Pro

Power

Finally, the highlight of both phones: battery capacity.

ICYMI, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro has two versions: a single-cell 5600mAh model and a bigger 6000mAh dual-cell version.

The SPARK 50 5G takes it up a notch with an even bigger 6500mAh capacity.

Although that is only a 500mAh (or 900mAh) discrepancy, that battery boost still means a lot for an every day user.

Charging-wise, the SPARK 50 Pro has a faster 60W speed over the regular 45W charging in the 5G version.

IMHO, I would still choose a bigger battery over faster charging speeds. Still, it’s great to have both in a single package.

Editor’s Choice: SPARK 50 5G

Which afforda-phone SPARKs more joy?

If we are going to tally the scores, the clear afforda-phone choice is none other than the TECNO SPARK 50 5G.

It ticks 4 out of 6 boxes — from that classier design to its beastly battery despite that thin chassis. Even better, a 5G-capable chipset and 3.5mm audio jack inclusion that the “Pro” variant simply lacks.

However, that doesn’t mean the SPARK 50 Pro is lackluster.

If you value the cameras and durability more than anything else, the TECNO SPARK 50 Pro is clearly the one you should get.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to how much of your hard-earned savings you are willing to let go.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

June 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Product	Xiaomi Pad 8	Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)
Surface	Ultra-Glossy Glass	Optional Matte Nano-Texture
Storage/RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB	Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB
Rear Camera	13MP	50MP
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Charging	45W Turbo Charge	67W HyperCharge
Pricing	Starts at PhP 20,999	Starts at PhP 38,999

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.