Here we have a side-by-side comparison with the Launch X431 Pro3 ACE (exactly the same as PRO3 APEX) and the Xtool D9S Pro.
Then you can make a decision about which scanner is right for you.
The Launch has a 10.1 inch screen, the Xtool has 9.7 inch screen, and both run Android 10 system. Launch has a two 2gb four core processor while the Xtool has a 1.8gb four core processor.
The resolution on the Launch is 1280 x 800 resolution on the Xtool is 1024×768.
The Launch has 4gb of RAM and 64gb of ROM now the xtool has 4gb of RAM 128gb of ROM. They both have 8-megapixel rear cameras.
The Launch says it will go all the way back to 1984 year. It does come with some adapters. It does come with a wide variety of different connectors for the older OBD1 plugs. The Xtool goes to 1996 and forwards.
On the Launch is 6300 milliamp the battery on the Xtool is 6,400 milliamp. They both have about 41 to 42 special functions or service functions.
They both have Topology. The launch and D9S Pro both are FCA or AutoAutoh compatible. If you have a newer vehicle than 2018, that’s a Dodge, Fiat or Chrysler, you might keep that in mind because the Launch and Xtool will allow you to sign up with the AutoAuth website and you will be able to connect this tool to it and do everything that you normally do.
They both are CAN FD and DoIP compatible. They both have VAG guided function for BMW and VAG. They both have kickstands.
They’ll both activate hidden and high-end functions. So there’s a lot of features on some of these modern cars that you have to have a scan tool to be able to turn them on and off and either of these scan tools will do that.
They both will program keys. Now the Xtool excels at key programming especially pulling the PIN code and passwords. The Launch will do that too. But it’s a little bit limited and you will need to activate extra IMMO software license to the Launch.
Launch will pull pin codes and password on Nissan, but no luck on Chrysler.
With Launch you will get two years free updates, with the Xtool you get three years free updates.
Let’s start with the VCI. Both these VCIs are updated VCIs. They are quite a bit bigger than the old VCIs.
They are upgradeable meaning that you can upgrade the firmware in them.
Xtool D9 Pro VCI you got power lights, input, output voltage, vehicle power lights and that’s on both sides. You can watch these lights to see if there’s some communication going on and see if it is powered up.The Xtool VCI has a little digital display that pops out.
Launch has DBscar 7 VCI. Both the cords on these are about the same length, The Xtool is about 1 inch longer.
Let’s check the tablet again.
You got your power button on the launch. You’ve got a USB C and USB A on top of the Launch for connecting accessories.
The Xtool is physically a little bit bigger as you can see. On the top is a USB C connector.
Then let’s see how fast they will boot.
Push the button and hold for about 3 or 4 seconds, the Launch does not automatically start the diagnostic program, we are going to tap the diagnostic button.
If you’re connected to the internet it automatically establishes that internet internet connection so does the Xtool.
So the Launch is a little bit quicker getting completely booted up and ready to use. But the Xtool is not far behind. If you’re connect to the internet over here on the Launch you can use this intelligent diagnose if you’re not connected use the local diagnose.
We’ll just walk through the service functions real quick. Then we will go to special functions. On the Xtool you can see it’s got a key programming right there.
Launch doesn’t have that but you can go into the module. It is got the key programming right there in the module.
They both got a remote control diagnosis that’s where if you are having an issue with the scan tool itself Xtool or launch can remote in and see if then can figure out what is problem is.
Launch has a TPMS button right here. It also got a ADAS button right here.
On the Launch you also got a shopping mall where you can buy additional software for this and upgrade the software whenever it finnaly expires.
Let’s go over to EV. This is all the EVs you have got Tesla. If you have a Tesla you might take a look at the Launch. It has Tesla support.
If you got motorcycles you can also buy motor software for X431. You can go to vehicle coverage on the Launch to see what this scan tool will cover and what all functions you will have.
Xtool software is a lot more basic than Launch software.
On Launch you have many option modules, multimeter, oscilloscope, battery tester, videoscope, Xtool does not have that much.
That’s hook Xtool to vehicle. Xtool typically doesn’t show the voltage here in the upper right the way the launch does.
Let’s go over to actuation test on both. They’re probably going to be identical. Both these tools have been very good at actually been able to control whatever you’re needing to control.
No complaints.
Xtool has got some nice graphing. What i like about the Xtool (my autel has the same feature) when selecting PIDs for live data, xtool and autel show the data PID and the current live data value, the launch only shows the data PID.
The biggest difference between these two scanners is that Xtool has the XVCI which has built-in BMW and Benz online programming database. The XVCI+ can also be used as passthru J2534 for OEM programming with online subscription. Pro3 ACE/PRO3 APEX DBScar VII does not support online programming. DBScar7 can not be used as J2534 passthru.
Both these tools cannot do 24V heavy duty. For Launch, you need Pro3S+ and more advanced tablet to add truck module. For Xtool, you need a separate D9 HD tablet.
They both support Topology mapping. Launch is faster than Xtool for scanning all modules.
Both of them do nice reports. If you have a WiFi printer, you can print straight from these scan tools.
In sum:
They have similar functions. Launch X431 scans fast, software is better and it supports more add-on modules. Xtool better on IMMO keys functions. Software is simple, less optional functions. But it supports online programming.
Depends on your needs. If need to diagnose EVs, Motorcycles, choose Launch X431. If does regular vehicles and need to do a lot of keys, go for Xtool D9S pro.
