Design: Premium, Curved, and Surprisingly Light
The Vivo X90 Pro feels like a high-end device right out of the box. At 215 grams and 164.07 x 74.53 x 9.34 mm, it’s slightly heavier than the Vivo V27 Pro (182 grams, 6.78-inch display) but lighter than the Galaxy S23 Ultra (234 grams). The eco-fiber leather back in Legendary Black (the only color in India) feels luxurious and grippy, unlike the glass backs of the iPhone 16 Pro (199 grams, 6.3-inch display) or V27 Pro’s color-changing Magic Blue. The IP68 rating kept it safe during a rainy day, and it’s held up against minor drops, though I use a case for extra peace of mind.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1260 x 2800 resolution (453 PPI) and 120Hz refresh rate is stunning, matching the iPhone 16 Pro’s 120Hz ProMotion and outshining the V27 Pro’s 388 PPI. With 1300 nits peak brightness and HDR10+ support, it’s great for movies, though it’s not as bright as the iPhone’s 2000 nits outdoors. The curved edges make it feel premium, but they can catch reflections compared to the iPhone’s flat screen. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast, though I sometimes miss the iPhone’s Face ID in low light. Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro’s Camera Control or Action Button, the X90 Pro has standard buttons, which are fine but less innovative.
| Additional details |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Processor Type | Dimensity 9200 Processor • |
| Battery Capacity | 4870 mAh |
| Display Size | 17.22 cm (6.78 inch) |
| Ram | 8 GB , 12 GB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 128 GB , 256 GB , 512 GB |
| Colour | Blue , Black , Red |
| Camera | 50MP + 50MP + 12MP | 32MP Front Camera |
| Form Fator | Smartphone |
| Sim Type | Dual SIM |
| Sim Card Size | Nano SIM |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
Performance: Flagship Power with a MediaTek Twist
The X90 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 (4nm), paired with a Vivo V2 chip for enhanced imaging and performance. With 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 4.0 storage (no 128GB option like the V27 Pro), it’s a beast for multitasking. I’ve run apps like Lightroom, Genshin Impact, and WhatsApp simultaneously without lag, scoring ~1.26 million on AnTuTu, per Vivo’s tests. It’s not quite as fast as the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro for AI tasks or the S23 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for heavy video editing, but it’s smoother than the V27 Pro’s Dimensity 8200 for gaming. Some X users note it stays cool under load, and I’ve only felt slight warmth during long sessions.
Running Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 (upgradable to Android 15), it’s customizable with features like kinetic wallpapers, but it’s bloated with pre-installed apps compared to iOS 18.4 or the V27 Pro’s Funtouch OS. Vivo promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches (until 2027), shorter than Apple’s five years but better than the V27 Pro’s two years. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, but it lacks Wi-Fi 7 (iPhone 16 Pro) and UWB (S23 Ultra). It supports dual-SIM and eSIM, with sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, and proximity sensor.
Cameras: A Photography Powerhouse
The X90 Pro’s triple camera system, co-engineered with ZEISS, is a standout: a 50MP Sony IMX989 main sensor (1-inch, f/1.75, OIS), a 50MP portrait lens (IMX758, f/1.6, 2x zoom, OIS), and a 12MP ultra-wide (IMX663, f/2.0). The 1-inch sensor captures incredible detail and light, making low-light shots from a night market look DSLR-like, with less noise than the V27 Pro’s 50MP main or even the iPhone 16 Pro’s 48MP sensor in some cases. The portrait lens with ZEISS Cine-flare and Biotar styles is fantastic for bokeh-heavy shots, though the iPhone’s 5x telephoto and S23 Ultra’s 10x zoom offer better reach. Some X posts praise the X90 Pro’s dynamic range over the S23 Ultra, and I agree—my sunset photos have vibrant, natural colors.
The 32MP front camera (f/2.45) takes sharp selfies, better than the V27 Pro’s 50MP but slightly behind the iPhone 16 Pro’s autofocus selfies in low light. Video recording hits 4K at 60fps with Xtreme Night Video for bright, clear night clips, but it lags behind the iPhone’s 4K 120fps Dolby Vision and S23 Ultra’s 8K 30fps. Features like ZEISS Natural Color and Astro Mode are fun, and the V2 chip boosts image processing, though some X users note the ultra-wide lacks the main sensor’s punch. Overall, it’s a photographer’s dream for the price.
Software and Battery
Funtouch OS 13 is packed with customization—think Smart Sidebar and AI Group Portrait—but it’s less polished than iOS 18.4 and has more bloatware than One UI 7. Some X users report notification delays, but I’ve had a smooth experience. The Vivo V2 chip enhances gaming and camera performance, but Apple Intelligence on the iPhone feels more seamless for AI tasks.
The 4870 mAh battery lasts 22-24 hours of mixed use, with 7-8 hours of screen-on time, beating the V27 Pro’s 4600 mAh (20-22 hours) but slightly behind the S23 Ultra’s 5000 mAh. The 120W FlashCharge hits 50% in ~10 minutes and 100% in ~30 minutes—way faster than the iPhone’s 25W MagSafe or V27 Pro’s 66W. The 50W wireless charging (charger sold separately) is a bonus the V27 Pro lacks, and it’s on par with the S23 Ultra’s 15W. No charger is included, which is a letdown.
Price and Final Thoughts
I got my X90 Pro (12GB/256GB) for ₹84,999 at launch, but as of May 2025, it’s ~₹59,980 on Flipkart, a steal compared to the iPhone 16 Pro ($999) and S23 Ultra (₹78,899-₹85,999). It outshines the V27 Pro with its 1-inch sensor, faster charging, and wireless charging, but it’s pricier and heavier. The iPhone’s AI and 5x zoom, and the S23 Ultra’s S Pen and 10x zoom, are advantages, but the X90 Pro’s camera and performance rival both for less.
Overall, the Vivo X90 Pro is a fantastic flagship in 2025. Its stunning display, top-tier cameras, and blazing-fast charging make it a great pick for photography buffs and power users on a budget. If you’re upgrading from an older phone or want a camera-focused alternative to the iPhone 16 Pro or S23 Ultra, it’s a no-brainer.