Realme and Vivo have been longtime contenders in the mid-range smartphone segment, delivering feature-packed devices with solid camera performance. Both brands, while once sister companies, have taken separate paths to bring out unique phones tailored to different audiences. Their latest models—the Realme 14 Pro Plus 5G and the Vivo V50 5G—are priced similarly at $499, but each brings distinct strengths and weaknesses.
Realme’s offering highlights camera versatility and flagship-level specs, while Vivo focuses on refined design and co-engineered Zeiss optics. On paper, one phone clearly has more to offer, but the real-world performance tells a more nuanced story.
We put both phones through real-life testing—from display brightness to battery endurance, gaming stress, and camera flexibility. The question is: which one delivers the better value for money in 2024’s competitive mid-range landscape?
If you’re torn between these two powerhouses, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive deep into every feature and find out which phone truly deserves your money.
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Design and Build Quality
The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and the Vivo V50 5G both bring a refined look to the mid-range segment, but they take very different stylistic approaches. Starting with the Realme 14 Pro+, the design retains a centered circular camera island with a polished gold trim and symmetrical lens layout.
It gives off a premium, almost flagship-inspired appearance, and its Pearl White colorway with wave patterns looks unique—especially when exposed to cold temperatures. The back subtly shifts to a blue tint below 16°C, a fun touch that adds a bit of personality.
The Vivo V50 5G, on the other hand, opts for a classier, more understated approach. Our unit in Mystic Purple offered an elegant matte finish with a soft iridescent glow. The camera bump remains oval-shaped and located in the upper left corner, similar to its predecessor, but the diamond-cut camera ring detailing adds a nice texture and touch of sophistication.
Both phones boast quad-curved glass panels, making them feel sleek and comfortable in hand. More importantly, they each come with an IP69 rating, the highest possible for dust and water protection—something usually reserved for flagship-tier devices. Whether you’re caught in the rain or accidentally drop your phone in water, both are built to survive.
Realme uses Gorilla Glass 7i for better front protection, while Vivo employs its own Shield Glass. Both are scratch-resistant, and both phones have durable plastic frames rather than aluminum or metal. The Realme model is slightly lighter, while the Vivo feels a bit more solid due to its weight distribution.
As for usability, both devices are comfortable to hold and fingerprint-resistant to an extent. However, Realme’s color-shifting back and symmetrical design feel a little more modern and premium, giving it a slight edge in this category.
Display Specs and Biometrics
Both the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and Vivo V50 5G pack quad-curved AMOLED displays, delivering immersive edge-to-edge visuals—but the Realme takes a slight lead in refinement and screen quality.
The Realme 14 Pro+ features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 1.5K resolution (2772 x 1240), offering a higher pixel density compared to Vivo’s 6.77-inch Full HD+ panel (2400 x 1080). The result is noticeably sharper visuals when viewing high-res content, reading text, or playing games.
Both phones support a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is great for fluid scrolling and responsive touch feedback. Brightness is strong on both displays, although Realme’s panel appears slightly brighter and offers more vivid contrast outdoors.
Bezels are impressively thin on both devices, but Realme edges out again with even thinner borders—especially around the chin, giving it a sleeker, more modern feel. The symmetry adds polish, making the viewing experience more immersive and premium.
Both phones also support dual stereo speakers and perform well with clear mids and highs. Bass is acceptable, though not particularly strong on either. Vivo uses Aura Light to assist with night shots and face unlock, which works effectively in dim conditions.
Biometrics-wise, both phones offer in-display fingerprint sensors that are quick and responsive. They also support AI-based face unlock, and both work reliably under most lighting conditions.
For display durability, Realme uses Gorilla Glass 7i, and Vivo employs Shield Glass, offering comparable protection against scratches and minor drops.
Overall, Realme’s higher resolution, thinner bezels, and brighter display give it a clear advantage—especially for users who consume a lot of visual content.
Software Updates and Apps
Both the Realme 14 Pro Plus 5G and the Vivo V50 5G ship with Android 15 right out of the box, which is great to see for mid-range phones in 2025. On top of that, each phone has its own unique Android skin — Realme UI 6 for Realme and Funtouch OS 15 for Vivo.
In terms of design and usability, Realme UI 6 feels more modern and fluid. Animations are smoother, and the UI looks more polished with updated iconography, customizable folders, and better gesture support. Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15, while improved from previous iterations, still feels a bit dated in its visual design and some transitions.
Both skins come with a fair share of bloatware, though Realme’s implementation is slightly cleaner. You can uninstall most pre-installed apps, but Vivo has more persistent system-level apps that you can’t fully remove.
Ads and notifications from system apps are still an annoyance on both devices — something that really shouldn’t be present in mid-range phones at this price. However, Realme’s UI does a slightly better job at minimizing pushy notifications by default.
When it comes to feature sets, Realme UI has more customization options — including always-on display tweaks, floating windows, smart sidebar, and dual-mode audio. Vivo does offer some clever tools too, like Ultra Game Mode and extended RAM options, but it doesn’t go as deep.
Realme is promising 2 major Android updates and 3 years of security patches. Vivo hasn’t made its global policy clear, but in India, it’s stated the V50 will receive 3 Android OS updates and 4 years of security support, giving it an edge in long-term software support.
In short, Realme UI 6 is more feature-rich and fluid, while Vivo wins in terms of update longevity — a nice trade-off depending on what matters more to you.
Performance and Chipsets
Under the hood, both the Realme 14 Pro Plus 5G and the Vivo V50 5G are powered by chipsets from the Snapdragon 7 Gen series, making them quite capable for their price points. The Realme device uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, while the Vivo V50 runs the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (without the “s”).
In day-to-day usage, both phones feel snappy and smooth. App launches, switching between apps, and UI interactions are fluid across the board. However, Realme pulls ahead slightly in storage speed, particularly due to its higher AnTuTu storage test scores, which result in faster file handling and loading times in games.
Benchmark scores between the two were quite close overall. Both phones scored over 800,000 on AnTuTu, with the Vivo V50 edging ahead slightly in GPU-heavy tasks like 3DMark Wild Life. On Geekbench, CPU performance was neck and neck, with a negligible difference.
Thermal performance is also stable on both. After extended use or gaming, neither device showed alarming temperatures — just some mild warmth near the top frame.
When it comes to real-world performance, you won’t see a drastic difference between the two. But if you’re after a more responsive UI and faster storage, the Realme 14 Pro Plus gets a slight nod here.
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Gaming
Both the Realme 14 Pro Plus 5G and Vivo V50 5G deliver solid gaming experiences thanks to their capable Snapdragon 7 series chipsets. We tested several popular titles on both phones, including Genshin Impact, Mobile Legends, and Zenless Zone Zero, to see how they handled graphically demanding scenarios.
In Genshin Impact, both devices defaulted to medium settings with 30fps targets. Gameplay was smooth overall, although the Vivo V50 showed slightly better thermal management over longer sessions, staying a couple of degrees cooler.
On Mobile Legends, both phones easily pushed 60fps at high settings, with stable frame rates and no hiccups during intense team fights. Touch response and frame consistency were excellent.
In Zen Zone Zero, which is more demanding, we noticed occasional frame drops on the Realme 14 Pro Plus, especially with effects-heavy scenes. The Vivo V50 had a marginally smoother run on default settings.
Audio during gameplay was solid on both thanks to their dual stereo speakers, which added immersion. However, neither device supports ultra-high refresh rate gaming beyond 120Hz in most cases, which is expected in this segment.
While both perform admirably, Vivo V50 takes a slight edge in gaming due to better thermal control and steadier frame pacing in demanding titles.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Both the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and Vivo V50 5G are equipped with a large 6,000mAh battery, which is a welcome standard in the upper mid-range segment. Despite having the same battery capacity, there’s a noticeable difference in how long they last in real-world use. In benchmark tests, the Vivo V50 5G clearly pulled ahead, delivering over 21 hours of screen time on PCMark’s battery test, compared to the Realme 14 Pro+, which clocked in at just under 11.5 hours.
Charging speeds are also slightly different: the Realme supports 80W fast charging, while Vivo takes a minor lead with 90W. In day-to-day use, both phones comfortably last a full day with moderate use, and they can recharge from 0 to 100% in about an hour. Neither includes wireless charging, which is expected at this price. For power users, Vivo’s superior battery endurance might make a bigger difference. Still, both phones are reliable for users who are always on the go.
Cameras Specs and Performance
The Realme 14 Pro Plus 5G and Vivo V50 5G both bring strong camera setups to the table, but they take different routes when it comes to hardware choices and overall image versatility.
Realme flexes a more versatile triple-camera setup, headlined by a 50MP Sony main sensor with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with OIS, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. This combo is rarely seen in mid-range devices and brings near-flagship flexibility to your pocket.
Vivo, on the other hand, keeps it simple with a dual-camera system: a 50MP main camera with OIS and a 50MP ultrawide shooter. Though co-engineered with ZEISS optics, it lacks a telephoto lens, which limits zoom performance.
In daylight shots, Realme’s main camera produces sharp, well-balanced images with excellent dynamic range. Colors are vibrant but not overly saturated. Vivo also delivers fantastic results, with a slightly more natural tone thanks to ZEISS color tuning, though sometimes the highlights feel a bit too soft.
When zooming, Realme easily takes the crown. The 50MP telephoto sensor allows for clean, detailed shots up to 5x with minimal noise. Vivo’s digital zoom maxes out around 2x, and while the results are decent, fine details are lost beyond that range.
For ultrawide shots, Vivo surprisingly performs better. The 50MP ultrawide lens retains good detail, color accuracy, and contrast across the frame. Realme’s 8MP ultrawide is serviceable but suffers from soft corners and a drop in sharpness.
In low-light conditions, both phones rely on their night modes, and both manage to capture clean, usable shots with balanced exposure. However, Realme’s triple LED flash system (with adjustable tone) gives it the upper hand in super-dark environments, especially for portraits and indoor shots.
Portrait photography is solid on both. Realme gives users three focal length options and performs well with edge detection and natural bokeh. Vivo, meanwhile, benefits from ZEISS tuning, producing a more neutral look with realistic skin tones and a nice soft blur.
Selfies are impressive on both, but the Vivo V50’s 50MP front camera has the edge in detail and dynamic range, particularly in group selfies. Realme’s 32MP selfie cam does a good job overall, but it can be slightly aggressive with skin smoothing.
For video, both phones max out at 4K 30fps on the rear cameras. Stabilization is solid, and the dynamic range is respectable. However, Realme’s inclusion of OIS on both the main and telephoto lenses means it handles handheld shooting and zoom transitions a bit more gracefully.
Front-facing video is capped at 1080p 30fps on both devices. The Vivo V50’s front camera provides better clarity and contrast, making it a great option for vloggers or casual video shooters.
Overall, Realme’s triple camera system offers more versatility, especially with its telephoto lens and advanced night features. Vivo holds its ground with excellent ultrawide and selfie results, but it lacks zoom power and flexibility.
Realme 14 Pro+ 5G vs Vivo V50 5G “Pros And Cons”:
Pros – Realme 14 Pro+ 5G
- Flagship-grade triple camera setup including telephoto lens
- Crisp 1.5K AMOLED display with slim bezels
- Generous 512GB internal storage for the same price
- Smooth Realme UI 6 with better animations
- IP69 rating for top-tier dust and water resistance
- Stylish design with color-changing back and Gorilla Glass 7i
Cons – Realme 14 Pro+ 5G
- Lower battery endurance compared to Vivo V50
- Only 2 years of major software updates
- Audio lacks strong bass presence
Price and Availability
Both the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and Vivo V50 5G are officially priced at $499, making them direct competitors in the upper mid-range category. However, the Realme 14 Pro+ pulls ahead in value by offering 512GB of internal storage, while the Vivo V50 5G comes with only 256GB at the same price point.
This difference alone gives Realme a significant advantage for users who need more space without relying on external drives or cloud storage. Availability-wise, both phones are widely accessible through major online retailers and official brand stores, as well as in physical tech outlets nationwide.
Launch promos or bundle deals may further sweeten the offer, especially during major sales. So far, only one memory configuration is offered for each phone, with no microSD expansion on either. If you’re looking for more bang for your peso in terms of internal storage, Realme clearly takes the lead here.
Conclusion
In this head-to-head comparison between the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and the Vivo V50 5G, both devices proved they are well-equipped for the mid-range battlefield. However, Realme consistently edged out its rival in key categories that matter most to everyday users.
It offers a more complete and flexible camera setup, a sharper and larger AMOLED display, significantly more internal storage, and a polished software experience with Realme UI 6. Meanwhile, the Vivo V50 5G puts up a strong fight in design and battery endurance, while also benefiting from its Zeiss-backed camera tuning and sleek aesthetics.
That said, it slightly lags in camera versatility, software fluidity, and storage capacity. For the same price, the Realme 14 Pro+ simply gives you more for your money. From performance to photos to futureproofing with higher storage, it’s a standout in the category. Vivo still holds its ground as a great alternative, but if you’re after value, versatility, and visual polish—the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G is the better buy.
(FAQ) About Realme 14 Pro+ 5G vs Vivo V50 5G:
Which phone has better cameras – Realme 14 Pro+ or Vivo V50?
- A: The Realme 14 Pro+ has a more versatile camera setup with a 50MP telephoto lens, making it more flexible for zoom photography compared to the dual-camera setup on the Vivo V50.
Which smartphone offers better battery life – Realme 14 Pro+ or Vivo V50?
- A: The Vivo V50 has significantly better battery endurance in PCMark tests, lasting over 21 hours compared to the Realme’s 11.5 hours.
Is the Realme 14 Pro+ 5G worth buying over the Vivo V50 5G?
- A: Yes, if you prioritize camera versatility, higher storage (512GB), and a more refined software experience. Vivo is better if you want longer battery life and a sleeker, understated design.
What chipset does the Realme 14 Pro+ use?
- A: It uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which is powerful enough for daily tasks and casual gaming.
Which has better software support: Realme or Vivo?
- A: Realme promises 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security patches. Vivo offers 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of security—but this can vary by region.
