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Last year, we named the Vivo X80 Pro as the third best flagship device in 2022. Even on Hari Raya last year, this device was the main device I used to take family photos. The Vivo X90 Pro was launched in Malaysia today but I have already used it two weeks earlier to do a thorough review.
Is the X90 Pro capable of being the best flagship device of the year? Will Vivo repeat the same thing, where each of their X series devices alternate between good and bad? In this review article I will share my experience and opinion using this device. And I will also answer the question, is an Android device with the price of an iPhone which is almost RM5000 for the Vivo X90 Pro worth having?
Read: Vivo X80 Pro Review – Fast Fingerprint, Good Camera But Love FunTouch OS
Specifications
Vivo X90 Pro
Screen 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED 2800×1260, 120Hz
HDR10+, ~453 ppi
Dimensity 9200 processor (4nm)
Vivo Imaging Chip V2
1×3.05 GHz Cortex-X3 chip
3×2.85 GHz Cortex-A715
4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Arm Immortalis-G715 Graphics Chip
RAM 12 GB LPDDR5
8GB virtual Memory
256 UFS 4.0 Internal Load
Primary Camera 50 MP, 1″, f/1.75, OIS (Wide Angle)
50 MP, f/1.6, OIS (Telephoto, 2x Optical Zoom)
12 MP, f/2.0 (Ultra-Wide Angle)
4K 60p, Zeiss T*, Dual-Gimbal
Selfie Camera 32 Megapixel f/2.5
4870 mAh battery
120W wired charging
50W wireless charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Waterproof IP68
Scan System Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Sale Price RM 4999 (12/256 GB)
Screen
The Vivo X90 Pro screen specifications look more or less the same as the Vivo X80 Pro. But actually the screen quality has been lowered from QHD+ 3200×1440 pixels to 2.5K 2800×1260 pixels. Other support such as HDR10+, LTPO panel for adaptive 120Hz, and other additional features are maintained. The screen design is also still curved, where the curve on the device looks strange because it interferes with the displayed content, whether it is a video, a website or a social media application.
Despite this, the screen quality on this device is still beautiful and solid and the change from QHD+ to 2.5K is not noticeable. Not only that, the color of the screen is also satisfactory because it is sharp enough and the brightness level is also very bright no matter where the device is. Watching Netflix and YouTube on HDR settings is no problem and provides a satisfying usage experience.
The 120Hz refresh rate is also fast, and there are no lag issues during use. Another problem on the device's screen is the ambient sensor for automatic brightness doesn't work well. But I have to accept because I believe, the device used is a review version and expect that there will be an update distributed after the launch later.
Design
Vivo X90 Pro is undeniably beautiful and luxurious. But sorry Vivo, I prefer the design of the Vivo X80 Pro because it's easier to lay flat on the table and the dull sandpaper finish of the previous model is nicer to hold. The X90 Pro uses a faux leather finish and a giant camera bump that makes this device difficult to place on a table and difficult to remove from a pocket because it often gets stuck.
Although there is a protective frame in the box, it still does not protect this camera well. Not only that, this giant camera bump also makes the device heavy at the top, making my hands tired and tired to handle this device. The glossy "Xtreme Imagination" stripe also takes away the premium value of this device, because if this is a photography device isn't it enough to have a giant camera bump that houses a 1-inch sensor?
All the volume and power buttons are on the right side of the device with nothing on the left side. On top there is a microphone hole and an infrared sensor, while below there is a stereo speaker grill, a USB-C port, another microphone hole and a SIM card slot. On the back, apart from the camera bump and shiny strip, you can see the Zeiss logo under the LED flash and at the bottom of the device there is the Vivo logo.
There's no denying that the leather finish is comfortable and grippy, but it doesn't give premium value because you already know it's fake leather even though the device feels quite sturdy, heavy and solid. On the front, the screen uses a curved design and there is a hole for the selfie camera. An under-screen fingerprint scanner is also included on this device. It's really fast, but its low location makes it difficult to use – especially with the heavy top. Overall, the Vivo X90 Pro uses a design that looks premium like the body of a classic SLR camera.
Software
I am sure, if you just hear MediaTek on an Android smartphone you will curse and say a lot of problems. Don't get me wrong, because the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 on the X90 Pro is very powerful and comes close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Even last year, the Asus ROG Phone 6D also used Dimensity 9000 for their gaming devices – if Dimensity is not powerful why is it the manufacturer's choice device?
On the X90 Pro, the device is paired with 12GB RAM LPDDR5 memory instead of the latest LPDDR5X with 8GB RAM virtual memory support and 256GB UFS 4.0 internal storage. The graphics chip which is Arm Immortalis-G715 is also powerful and allows various high graphics games to be played well.
The device runs Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13. From version 12 onwards, many native Android elements are included making Vivo devices more interesting to use. For example color theme feature by background image, security feature, Material You icon customization support and many more. Even so, distinctive Vivo elements are still not forgotten such as widget support borrowed from the Chinese version – Origin OS. Funtouch OS also lacks interesting grid layouts and customizations as Vivo wants users to try to use their globally unfriendly widgets.
Nevertheless, Funtouch OS still includes many interesting features and functions such as iManager to manage devices, a more Pro camera application with the ability to scroll to the side or up for color and brightness control, a gallery application that can edit videos, active application control directly from the tray notifications, device temperature widgets, and more.
Jovi Home is also maintained as an alternative to Google Discover, but more compact with information such as real-time air quality, latest news and additional widgets. What is inexcusable is the security feature that takes advantage of displaying ads for their app store. Already the price is almost RM5000 but installing the application from the Play Store also displays ads, if the APK may be forgivable because the ads suggest installing the application from an authentic source.
Vivo is also still stubborn in using its own phone and SMS application, compared to competitors who already use Google Phone and Google Message. All Android devices in my hands now default to these two apps, even the Samsung is the same. This is because the Google version is better with guaranteed updates, security features and for the SMS app that now includes RCS makes Vivo look like Apple for not wanting to use an existing platform.
Funtouch OS 13 is already in the direction of native Android, has solid performance, a more enjoyable user experience, but is stubborn because it uses a lot of its own applications that are heavy and filled with annoying ads.
Performance And Benchmarks
MediaTek once again proves they have changed. The X90 Pro which uses Dimensity 9200 with 20GB RAM (12GB + 8GB virtual memory) LPDDR5 and UFS 4.0 storage is really fast. Real world use does not present any problems. High graphics games such as Battlefield Mobile and COD Mobile have no problem playing smoothly and providing a satisfying experience. When playing for almost an hour, the device also did not heat up.
But, the heating only happens after using the camera. The 1-inch sensor obviously uses a lot of power because after less than five minutes of using the camera, the device heats up to the point of being uncomfortable to hold. In addition to the Vivo, the haptic engine and vibration motor have been improved compared to the old models because they feel more realistic
The benchmark score also looks promising, although it still can't match the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but as usual the score is just a number and actual usage is more important. The main benchmark test scores are as below.
Geekbench 5
Vivo X90 Pro – 1376/4262
iQOO 11 5G – 1457/4702
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 1875/5469
Antutu 3D
Vivo X90 Pro – 1,195,548
iQOO 11 5G – 1,248,937
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 974,941
3D Mark Wildlife Extreme
Vivo X90 Pro – 3732
iQOO 11 5G – 3763
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – 3373
Camera
The device's camera configuration includes a combination of 50MP 1″ f/1.75 Zeiss T* OIS sensor, 50MP f/1.6 lens aperture 50mm 2x optical zoom, 12MP ultra-wide angle f/2.0 and 32MP f/2.45 selfie camera. The device also uses its own Vivo chip, the Imaging Chip V2 for more solid camera support. There are many camera modes included in the camera app which is easy to use and user-friendly.
I'm not sure if it's just me or someone else has also noticed, the quality of Vivo's cameras every year rotates with a pattern starting with the X60 being good, the X70 being less, the X80 being good and I feel that the X90 is lacking. Maybe it's because I'm testing the OnePlus 11 with a Hasselblad that I can't tell you more about the experience – but the X90 Pro's portrait mode isn't that neat.
A device that already has this great OIS needs to make sure it's really stable to take good portrait shots. The good thing I can praise is the many included Zeiss modes that make every picture taken have its own uniqueness, if the way of use is correct.
The Vivo X90 Pro looks good overall, with sharp colors, bright results and night mode capabilities among the best so far again. However, the camera does not preserve details well and there is still the problem of images having a soft filter effect as if the beauty mode is activated even though it is actually turned off.
But most of the other modes are very good with beautiful street portraits and pleasing to the eye. Normal mode conversion to ultra-wide angle with consistent color, fast focus and can act like a Pro cameraman. It's just that on macro, it doesn't have an interesting focus ability.
The device also has the best Pro mode capabilities I've seen on an Android device. The Super RAW support is the most satisfying because the raw images are directly taken from the 1-inch sensor and preserve the details very well. This mode gives freedom to users to edit images with color profiles according to taste because it does not go through the post-processing of Vivo devices.
What's in the box?
Here is what was included in the box we received.
1x Vivo X90 Pro
1x Translucent silicone frame.
1x 120W three-pin charger.
1x USB-C to USB-C charging cable.
1x SIM Pin.
Conclusion
As I said at first glance, the Vivo X90 Pro does have the potential to be the photography device of the year. But this year, there is OnePlus 11 with Hasselblad and maybe Xiaomi 13 Pro with Leica entering the Malaysian market. This is a new contender because last year, the only Android device with a camera brand collaboration that we tested was the Vivo X80 Pro. The camera is solid, the performance is great, but the software alone is a bit dull.
The selling price in Malaysia is RM4,999 which is quite high. If you want an Android phone with professional photography capabilities like Super RAW capabilities, Zeiss portraits and good bokeh video this is the device for you. But if you just want a device with a good camera, the same performance – Vivo X90 is also quite good with a cheap selling price of RM1300 which is RM3699.
Pro
A beautiful screen comparable to a flagship device.
The Dimensity 9200 chip proves powerful.
Support 120W fast charging.
Zeiss camera with robust portrait mode.
IP68 waterproof.
Cons
The curved screen is still annoying.
The fingerprint scanner is quite low.
The camera hump is too big and top heavy.
Funtouch OS is filled with ads.
Video capabilities are also beyond expectations with a beautiful, balanced, iPhone-like video portrait mode and night mode. The Vivo X90 Pro will probably put to rest my claim that every year the camera capabilities alternate between good and bad.
Telephony & GPS
Vivo X90 Pro has excellent WiFi and mobile data connection quality. 4G connectivity is no problem with VoLTE support as well as VoWiFi. The device also supports 5G, but during the review period it was not accessible. At the time the article was written it was not yet in the list of devices supported by DNB's 5GF network.
The quality of phone calls is also very good with clear, loud voice and no noise interference. The use of GPS is also satisfactory, with the device able to lock in a location quickly and provide good turn-by-turn directions.
Audio
Ever since the X80 Pro, Vivo has been trying to offer the best audio they can. For those who don't know, Vivo has previously dabbled in the world of audio by offering many professional audio products. On the X90 Pro, the device does not support Harman/Kardon or Dolby Atmos, but uses its own Super Audio and HiFi. The audio quality on the device is good, balanced, loud enough and provides an ultimately satisfying listening experience for a Vivo flagship device.
Battery
The X90 Pro is loaded with a 4870mAh battery as well as 120W fast charging support, an increase to the 80W used on the X80 Pro. The charging rate is around 25 minutes for 1% to 100% with battery life in light use can reach up to 6 hours 30 minutes SOT, while heavy use can reach only around 4-5 hours SOT.
There are no interesting features for the device's battery consumption. But, there is a reverse wireless charging feature to charge TWS as well as 50W wireless charging which cannot be used because it requires a special charger which I have never seen Vivo sell in Malaysia.