The market for budget smartphones in India is fiercely competitive, and Vivo's T-series has earned a strong reputation for delivering quality features at affordable prices. The latest Vivo T5X takes aim at rivals like the Moto G96 and CMF Phone 2 Pro, promising standout features for under 20,000 INR. Let’s explore whether this device lives up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

Starting with design, the Vivo T5X offers a glossy and unique look, available in two colors: Cyber Green and Star Silver. The back features a matte texture that resists fingerprints, while the phone's weight of 220g is notable but justified thanks to its massive 7200 mAh battery. Despite its size, the phone remains slim for its category.

In a significant upgrade, Vivo has incorporated dynamic lighting into the camera module. This feature glows while charging or when a notification is received, adding a touch of flair. Additionally, the T5X carries an IP68 rating, ensuring improved water and dust resistance compared to last year’s IP54 rating.

Display: LCD vs OLED Debate

The T5X sports a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Titan Glass protection, offering good scratch resistance. While the bezels are slightly larger this year, it delivers more than 900 nits of brightness, outperforming the Moto G96's 600-630 nits.

However, the choice of an LCD screen instead of OLED limits the display’s ability to produce true blacks in darker conditions. The Moto G96's AMOLED panel offers better contrast in videos and darker scenes. On the positive side, the Vivo T5X supports HDR for streaming, something the Moto G96 lacks despite processor compatibility.

Performance and Benchmarking

At the heart of the Vivo T5X lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset. In benchmarks, it outpaces competitors like the CMF Phone 2 Pro and Moto G96:

Phone	AnTuTu Score
Vivo T5X	966,000
CMF Phone 2 Pro	915,000
Moto G96	800,000

In day-to-day usage, all three phones handle multitasking and split-screen operations smoothly. Gaming performance, however, indicates room for improvement. While the Vivo T5X supports 60 FPS for BGMI, the G96 and Phone 2 Pro deliver higher framerates, giving gamers an edge. Still, casual users won’t be disappointed.

Battery and Charging

The standout feature of the Vivo T5X is its massive 7200 mAh battery. Vivo claims improved battery health for up to six years, making long-term use more viable.

Charging this enormous battery isn’t as daunting as expected. The 44W fast charging feature replenishes the battery to 100% in around one hour, beating the Moto G96’s slower charging speeds. For those prioritizing battery life and short charge times, the T5X stands out.

Cameras: Strong in Some Areas

The Vivo T5X is equipped with a 55MP Sony IMX 852 main sensor. While optical image stabilization (OIS) is absent, the camera delivers natural-looking photos with excellent light management, outperforming the Moto G96 in scenarios with tricky lighting. For example, it reproduces accurate flower colors where the G96 tends to overexpose.

Camera Feature	Vivo T5X	Moto G96
Main Sensor	55MP Sony IMX 852	50MP
Ultrawide Lens	No	Yes, 8MP
Portrait Options	61mm focal length	50mm focal length
Selfie Camera	32MP	32MP (sharper images)
Video Recording	Up to 4K 30 fps	Similar

While the Moto G96 has the advantage of an extra ultra-wide lens, the T5X triumphs with its portrait shots, offering accurate edge detection and realistic skin tones. Selfies are natural on the T5X, although the Moto G96 produces slightly sharper front camera photos.

Software and Updates

The Vivo T5X runs on Origin OS 6, built on Android 16. With two years of OS updates and four years of security patches, Vivo is committing to better after-sales software support compared to most competitors. Features like Origin Island, which allows you to save Instagram posts directly to your gallery, add practical functionality. The private space for storing photos and apps is another thoughtful addition.

On the downside, the phone comes pre-installed with some third-party apps that require manual removal.

Practical Takeaways

The Vivo T5X ticks many boxes for consumers in the budget segment:

• Battery: At 7200 mAh and equipped with 44W fast charging, it offers unmatched battery life and quick top-ups.
• Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo ensures top-notch performance in daily tasks and benchmarks.
• Display: Though LCD-based, the 120Hz screen is bright and detailed, with HDR support as a bonus.
• Build: The IP68 rating and attractive design are excellent for its price point.
• Software: Vivo’s timely updates and Origin OS features enhance usability.

Compromises

While the T5X is impressive, a few drawbacks are worth noting:

• The absence of an OLED display may bother fans of deeper contrasts.
• Lacks an ultra-wide camera, unlike rivals.
• Gaming enthusiasts might find better options with higher FPS support.

Final Verdict

With a price starting at 18,999 INR (and offers reducing it to 17,499 INR), the Vivo T5X positions itself as a strong contender in the budget segment. If battery life, smooth performance, and vibrant software are priorities, this phone stands out. For buyers who prefer an ultra-wide camera or OLED displays, alternatives like the Moto G96 may be worth considering.

Should you buy it? If your priority is a solid all-rounder under 20,000 INR, the Vivo T5X deserves a spot at the top of your list.

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